25 Essential Springfield Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Springfield.
La Piazza Cucina Italiana
Illinois
Polished locale with a warm, cozy interior serving brick oven-fired Neapolitan pizza & Italian fare.
Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill and Big Timber Bourbon Bar
Illinois
Generous plates of American comfort food served up in an unfussy, hunting lodge-style dining room.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Illinois
Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.
Maldaner's Restaurant
Springfield, Illinois
Wood-swathed, American eatery (since 1884) emphasizing local produce, along the storied Route 66.
Monical's Pizza
Springfield, Illinois
Casual Italian chain known for its thin-crust & deep-dish pizzas & salad dressing for dipping.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex
Springfield, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Live music.
Xochimilco Mexican Food
Springfield, Illinois
Easygoing Mexican restaurant & bar providing staples such as fajitas, enchiladas & margaritas.
Rancho Chico
Springfield, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Nancy's Pizza Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Chicago-style stuffed pizza is the draw at this restaurant also offering thin-crust pies & pastas.
Krekel's Custard & Hamburgers
Springfield, Illinois
Established in 1949, this local burger chain also offers chili, fries & handmade milkshakes.
Boone's
Springfield, Illinois
Western–themed haunt featuring burgers, beers & spirits, plus breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere.
Luminary Kitchen & Provisions
Springfield, Illinois
Identifies as Black-owned, Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
The Lumpia House and Truck
Springfield, Illinois
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Charlie Parker's Diner
Springfield, Illinois
Longtime American diner serving all-day breakfast, lunch specials & hearty sandwiches.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Springfield, Illinois
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Legacy Pointe Eatery
Springfield, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Serves local specialty.
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant
Springfield, Illinois
Easygoing Mexican restaurant & bar providing staples such as fajitas, enchiladas & margaritas.
Brickhouse Grill & Pub
Springfield, Illinois
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Bar games, Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
Springfield, Illinois
Family-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.
La Fiesta
Springfield, Illinois
Laid-back outpost for Mexican staples like tacos, fajitas & margaritas, plus a bar & outdoor dining.
Star 66 Cafe
Springfield, Illinois
Straightforward diner serving breakfast, sandwiches & traditional American fare 24 hours a day.
Antonio's Pizza
Springfield, Illinois
Outpost of a local family-owned outfit serving pizzas & sandwiches in a casual atmosphere.
Sakura Sushi
Springfield, Illinois
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Charro Mexican Restaurant
Springfield, Illinois
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Joe Gallina’s Pizza
Springfield, Illinois
Casual, family-operated Italian restaurant serving a variety of pizza, pasta & sandwiches.