Sharon and I recently gave serious consideration to pulling up stakes and moving to the country, as both our roots are firmly planted in farm dirt and the sounds of nature as opposed to the urban drone of traffic, sirens and neighbors close enough to listen to March Madness on your television. We sat down and worked through a detailed analysis of why we should and why we should not return to the country. Not surprisingly, the ability to enjoy a variety of table fare surfaced on our list of needs and wants. Big Time. After over ten years living in Springfield, we have managed to establish a less than inclusive listing of favorite eateries, a difficult task as there are more than 600 places to eat in and around this overgrown cow town. On my big day, when my mortal remains are in a vase, folks would do well to remember that from birth until the end, I enjoyed groceries. (In retrospect, I should have been a chef.) We believe it is time to pay homage to our current favorites in and around Springfield. Here is how we see it.
Like Mexican or Tex Mex? We like Senor Julian’s, where authenticity is stressed. Next up is Cesar’s Old Mexico, which offers ambiance and ample portions of really good table fare. In a sea of Mexican offerings, these guys rise above the pack.
Yearning for Italian? It is hard to beat Bambino’s Cafe on Delmar, where the restaurant is in a house like setting, and the food both delectable and uncomplicated. Following closely is Avanzare, upscale, and a little more complicated.
In terms of the Far East, we prefer Nakato’s for Japanese, hibachi style food, although at my age getting up from the floor after eating can be a spectacle. We travel to Lebanon for sushi and Bento Boxes, from a little eatery, the Sushi House, intimate and simply wonderful. Everyday Thai serves up authentic Thai fare, with little heat or a 4 alarm kick, as Thai should be.
Ozarkians love breakfast, and Springfield delivers a variety of choices. For solid, country style breakfasts at a very reasonable price, Cedars is the go to. For a little more variety, then enjoy the wonderful crepe’s at the Aviary, with the Lemoncello being simply delightful. Note, their coffee is stout here, a small price to pay for delectable choices, but will set you upright in your chair.
Thinking fish? The catfish at B-29 and FD’s is hard to beat as well as the fillets at Republic’s Flat Creek Inn. As long as we’re talking fried, there is an art to good hamburgers and we think the Gathering Place, WF Cody’s and the Black Sheep in Chesterfield have this All American specialty down pat. Black Sheep also offers a french fry that is not a run of the mill, crinkle cut, from the freezer, standard. Good fries are a necessity with a perfectly prepared burger.
Craving the gospel bird? Rosie Jo’s takes the blue ribbon. Pan fried, served up with proper sides, also fresh and lots of iced tea will take you back to grandmother’s table. Flat Creek also does a pretty good job with chicken. As a side note, the clientele at Rosie’s is comprised of folks straight from the countryside, warm and friendly. You may have to wait, but it is certainly worth it.
You cannot swing a cat without hitting a pizza or Chinese place in Springfield. We have tried many of them, and they mostly taste the same. With us, Pappo’s is the best pizza, a little unique and very consistent and their fresh baked cookies are decadent. Corner 21, across from Mercy hospital on Sunshine, is a little, obscure restaurant that serves up wonderful Chinese fare, closer to authentic than anywhere in town. I lived in the orient for many years and have high expectations. They meet them and more. It is easy to drive by this place, so be looking.
Missing from our list is really good BBQ. There is a reason. Like Consumer Reports with their “recommended” list for cars….well, we have a problem here as Sharon’s smoker eclipses the local offerings. We also lived in and around KC. Sorry guys, BBQ is not a strength in this area.
Finally, when we are looking for a quick deli style sandwich, our go to’s are consistently Nearly Famous and the Brown Derby Deli both serving up terrific sandwiches, in an inviting atmosphere.
In the off the beaten path genre, we recommend Cafe Cusco, located downtown. It serves up Peruvian dishes that are absolutely wonderful and a little different.
When you visit our town, this guide will should get you started. We have visited many eateries around here, and have many more to go, but wanted to offer suggestions to our friends who are making a sojourn to Bass Pro or other Springfield attraction. We mostly eschew chains, preferring locally owned and managed establishments, where good service is the norm. Come on down and enjoy our offerings in the Queen City.
Have a great week!
SR
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