Springfield Restaurants and Dining

(Springfield, Illinois - IL, USA)

There are quality restaurants, cheap eateries and popular fast-food outlets spread all over the city of Springfield and not just in the downtown district.

Dining options are particularly concentrated around the capital's principal attractions, such as the blocks around the Old State Capitol Plaza and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, along roads such as Adams Street and Monroe Street. On East Monroe Street you will find Saputo's Italian Restaurant, which regularly enjoys favorable reviews and serves up tasty spaghetti dishes, lasagnas and salads.

If you are dining out in Springfield, then you really must look out for the local specialty - the 'horseshoe' sandwich. This hearty sandwich was first served up in the city in the late 1920s at the Leland Hotel and is traditionally made with toasted bread, filled with fried meat or burgers and topped with a rich cheese sauce.

What to Eat

Of all the fast-food restaurants in Springfield, the Cozy Dog Drive-In on South 6th Street is certainly one of the most famous, since it was at this eatery in 1941 where America's very first corn dog (deep-fried hot dog sausage on a stick) was served to great acclaim. This famous drive-in is also known for its assortment of Route 66-related souvenirs and memorabilia.

Another famous fast-food restaurant in Springfield is the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop on North Pasfield Street (historic US Route 66), which is widely regarded as being the very first dining venue to open a drive-thru window. Being of particular local significance, this building has actually been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the mid-1980s.

For something more in the way of fine dining in Springfield, consider a meal at Maldaner's Restaurant on South 6th Street, where beef Wellington and risottos are especially popular. This establishment is the perfect spot for those dining out on a special occasion, although you will certainly need to book a table in advance and be sure to leave room for one of the sumptuous desserts.

Also very much of note is Sebastian's Hideout Restaurant on South 5th Street, which offers American-style dining with a taster of Asian and French cuisine. Amongst the specialties here are crispy duck breast, lobster soup, Maryland crab cakes and succulent fillet mignon, accompanied with Roquefort sauce. Other notable restaurants in Springfield include the American Harvest Eatery on West Iles Avenue, Augie's Front Burner on the West Old State Capitol Plaza and the Indigo Restaurant on the Lindbergh Boulevard.

For dining with a view, Nick and Nino's Steakhouse on the 30th floor of the Springfield Hilton Hotel is hard to beat, while for a bite to eat at breakfast time or lunch, Cafe Moxo on East Adams Street is conveniently close to the Farmer's Market and features a casual atmosphere and lunchtime specials, such as chicken pot pie and noodle soup.

Charlie Parkers Incorporated Restaurant on North Street is also known for its filling breakfast / brunch specials, which include fluffy waffles, generous portions of pancakes and the 'Breakfast Shoe' (egg, toast, sausage patty and hash browns, topped with gravy and cheese).