The BEST OF SPRINGFIELD was a fresh idea in 1982 when we first asked our readers to identify the best burger in town. In the 27 editions since then we’ve worked to keep it fresh by shaking up categories, asking different questions. As you’ll see over the next 30 pages, there’s plenty to celebrate about the individuals and businesses that call central Illinois home.
How we do it: The ballot was available online and in print for two full weeks. There were 2,500 voters who participated but fewer than 100 used the paper ballot. The best thing about the online balloting is the votes are tallied automatically – and we’re able to confirm one vote per e-mail address – so no one is able to stack the deck for any nominee.
Who put it together?Contributing writers include staffers Amanda Robert, Patrick Yeagle, Fletcher Farrar and Courtney Enlow who were joined by freelance contributors Tom Irwin, Jolonda Young and Job Conger. Many of these individuals contributed photography along with Dave Hine, who also designed most of the ads. Joe Copley is responsible for editorial design layout. Beth Irwin, Tia Schoen and Tauna King do an amazing job on the ad side and Brenda Matheis manages circulation and the business end. I have no doubt that together we are THE BEST OF SPRINGFIELD.
And now a word for our ‘sponsors.’ We could not do what we do without the 100 advertisers who send marketing messages through the pages of Illinois Times each week. In these challenging times that confidence in IT is more meaningful than ever.
Sharon Whalen, publisher
BEST CHIPS & SALSA
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant
2941 West Iles Ave., 546-3116
3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206
6901 Preston Dr., 438-1006
We sure love our fajita quesadillas and burrito specials, but Mexican wouldn’t be Mexican without the pre-dinner crunch of chips and salsa. Xochimilco once again dominated in this category, but this year, La Fiesta, Café Brio, Los Agaves and Cancun all received 100 votes or more. Our readers really get behind their chips and salsa and often pick their favorite cantina accordingly. Should chips be salty, oily or crispy? And the salsa — should it be chunky or well-blended, mild or hot? You be the judge. Stop by any of Xochimilco’s three locations, or visit its competitors for some variety.
Runner-up: La Fiesta
BEST MARGARITAS
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant
2941 West Iles Ave., 546-3116
3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206
6901 Preston Dr., 438-1006
The perfect compliment to a great Mexican meal is an icy, sweet margarita, and Xochimilco has both. While the drink’s origin is disputed, its ambrosial flavor is not. Xochimilco makes them in original lime, or you can be a little more daring and try the piña colada, peach or strawberry flavors. When one may not be enough, you can order a whole pitcher to accent the awesome free chips and salsa – the perfect way to shake off the weekday drudgery or welcome the weekend. If you’re craving some sweet nectar, head to Xochimilco for a real treat.
Runner-up: La Fiesta
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Xochimilco Mexican Restaurant
2941 West Iles Ave., 546-3116
3210 Northfield Dr., 544-9206
6901 Preston Dr., 438-1006
Xochimilco is to Springfield as shrimp, chicken, tendered steak and chorizo are to its fiesta fajitas. The longstanding institution belongs here, and year after year, our readers agree. Nearly 450 voters handed first place to the Mexican restaurant, which serves everything from burritos and chimichangas to the enchiladas supreme — five different enchiladas filled with beef, chicken, bean, cheese or beef tips, topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. We’re equally intrigued by the huevos con chorizo, two scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage, served with rice, beans and tortillas. Cost-friendly lunch items, as well as vegetarian combinations, are also available.
Runner-up: La Fiesta
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Starbucks
Six locations in Springfield
It’s easy to think of Starbucks as this corporate coffee behemoth, but when you look into all they’ve done for the community, they suddenly seem a little more like Mom ’n Pop. Carol McFarland, manager of the Hilton location, tells us that one of their most important charity ventures is donating funds to families of teenagers who’ve been in car accidents to pay for their medical bills. They also give to churches, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Animal Protective League, in part because of the Hilton’s dog-friendly policy. Other Springfield locations work heavily with Habitat for Humanity and support neighborhood projects with money and volunteers. Of course, the charitable nature doesn’t begin and end with Springfield. Starbucks as a whole funds clean water education, gives Youth Action Grants, and is part of the (Red) movement to save the lives of those living with HIV in Africa. Have some ethics with your morning coffee.
Runner up: Grab-a-Java
BEST ASIAN FOOD
Magic Kitchen
115 N. Lewis St., 525-6975
4112 N. Peoria Rd., 525-2230
The number of Asian restaurants around Springfield is growing at a gratifying pace, but an old favorite — Magic Kitchen – is always a good bet for Thai food. Their peanut sauce alone is enough to make our mouths water. When you’re done with the delicate and crunchy egg rolls, dump the rest of the peanut sauce on the garlic chicken – it’s delicious beyond description. If you’re daring and would like something intensely spicy, go for the “hot” pad thai. It will not disappoint. Just be sure to get there early. It’s a popular place, and it fills up quickly. As an added bonus, you can bring your own cooler of booze to their Peoria Road location. Does it get any better than that? Little Saigon was a close second, with their delicious crab rangoon and pineapple shrimp fried rice.
Runner-up: Little Saigon
BEST CHILI
Joe Rogers’ Original Recipe Chili Parlor
820 S. Ninth St., 522-3722
When Rick and Rose Hamilton purchased Joe Rogers’ Original Chili last December, they were well aware of this Springfield treasure, featured in the magazine, Bon Appetit and the Food Channel’s “Man v. Food.” Purchasing the restaurant meant inheriting the coveted “best chili” title. And just like its former owner, they are issuing you a challenge. Before you agree, you should know that this challenge just might fry your hair, curl your toes, and set your insides on fire. Still not backing down? Pull up to Joe Rogers’ Original Chili, order yourself a bowl of “firebrand,” and keep a pitcher of water real close because when you’re done you’ll want to extinguish the fire that’s sure to be ablaze on your insides. Those who managed to eat the flaming hot bowl are honored with an inscription of their name on the wall.
What makes this chili so special? Perhaps it is the fact that the beans and the meat are cooked separately, giving customers the ability to tailor their chili with just the right amount of beans, meat and grease to their liking. Yes, we did say grease, which is sometimes ordered without the chili. (Yikes!) To give you an idea of just how popular this chili is, Rose Hamilton says they sell an average of 170 pounds per day. But don’t flock to Joe’s for dinner or on Sundays. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Second place goes to Steak ’n Shake, with Joe’s Chili Bowl taking third place.
Runner-up: Steak ’n Shake
BEST BAR FOOD
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Ave., 492-8800
D’Arcy’s Pint bills itself as a “cozy, neighborhood-style tavern serving authentic Irish fare and American classics.” Our voters must dig the best of both worlds — Irish Reubens, McCafferty’s cheese steaks and bookmaker sandwiches on one hand, chipotle burgers, sausage grills and buffalo chicken sandwiches on the other — as nearly 300 of them turned out to tell us that the local pub takes the cake in the Best Bar Food category. Co-owner Glenn Merriman credits D’Arcy’s bartenders, servers and staff for making the bar worth a trip, too. “We get a lot of repeats,” he says. “People come a lot just to see the help.”
Runner-up: Barrelhead
BEST COMFORT FOOD
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Ave., 492-8800
Comfort food (n.) Tasty, uncomplicated food that feeds your soul. Forget mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese — for D’Arcy’s Pint co-owner Glenn Merriman that means “stuff that gets you over the hump to the real meal.” And really, after a long day at the office, who wouldn’t want to kick back with a hefty mug of Guinness and a whole plate of Irish nachos, white cheddar cheese nuggets or battered portabella mushrooms? Oh, and nothing says contentment like D’Arcy’s Irish boxty — traditional Irish potato cakes stuffed with jalapenos or bacon and scallions, drizzled with a homemade cheese sauce.
Runner-up: Cracker Barrel
BEST PLACE TO IMPRESS OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Ave., 492-8800
If D’Arcy’s Pint is good enough for Al Roker from the Food Network’s “Roker on the Road” and Adam Richman from the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” it won’t be beyond the pale for your dear granny from Vermont or your nitpicky in-laws from Arizona. Follow the rainbow…er, Stanford Avenue, to the authentic Irish pub and restaurant, where you’ll find favorites like the Dublin pot roast — slow-roasted pot roast served on oven-baked ciabatta bread with Irish farmhouse cheddar and caramelized onion — and the Celtic Philly cheese — corned beef stacked on a grilled hoagie and smothered with grilled onions, peppers and cheese. For dinner, try the Taste of Ireland — a combo of Irish Rover’s shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage and fish ‘n’ chips.
Runner-up: Ross Isaac
BEST UNIQUE HORSESHOE
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Ave., 492-8800
Is anyone surprised that D’Arcy’s once again snagged the top spot in this category? Along with simple, yet scrumptious, hamburger and buffalo chicken ’shoes — that’s meat served over Texas toast, topped with fries and cheese sauce for you out-of-towners — the Irish eatery features a weekly special. One voter told us they crave the Celtic horseshoe: “I’ve only seen it eaten once, but man, oh, man, I pray it’s the special every time I go.” Caitie Girl’s won second place, and after tasting its signature horseshoe, created with jalapeno cheddar cornbread, pulled pork BBQ and pepper jack cheese sauce, we know why.
Runner-up: Caitie Girl’s
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BEST CHEF
Sean Keeley, Ross Isaac
1710 S. MacArthur Blvd., 744-7677
This time of year, Sean Keeley, Ross Isaac’s head chef and owner, can be found perusing the meat and produce at the Old Capitol Farmers’ Market. He features these local ingredients each week in his restaurant’s ever-changing, globally-inspired, American cuisine. He constantly adds to his list of appetizers, which include a spin on pub food like the Cuban nachos — chorizo, grilled steak, roast pork and pico de gallo over cheese sauce and corn tortilla chips. He also appeals to clientele by offering popular entrees like the pork chop and New York strip alongside new culinary creations. “I provide a familiar feeling for the regulars,” Keeley says, “or if they see something new, they can go in that direction.”
Runner-up: Jimmy Oh, Jimmy Oh’s
BEST RESTAURANT OWNER WHO MEETS AND GREETS
Sean Keeley, Ross Isaac
1710 S. MacArthur Blvd., 744-7677
Meet Sean Keeley, the man behind Ross Isaac — MacArthur’s crown jewel. After working as a chef at Sebastian’s Hideout, the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Indigo, Keeley introduced his very own contemporary eatery to Springfield two years ago. He hoped to infuse fine dining with a comfortable, neighborly feel, and judging by the first-place nod from our voters, he succeeded. “I wanted it to feel like a local place,” Keeley says. “Now the staff knows our regulars by name.” Stop by and say hello to Keeley on $5 Martini Mondays; dine inside by candlelight or outside on the new heated patio.
Runners-up: Chad Reese, Chadito’s Mexican American Grill; Jimmy Oh, Jimmy Oh’s
BEST WAIT STAFF
Ross Isaac
1710 S. Macarthur Blvd., 744-7677
No matter how good a restaurant’s food is, if it takes the wait staff an hour to refill your drink, the enjoyment of eating out can be easily lost. The staff at Ross Isaac makes sure everything is ship-shape – and fast. Chef Sean Keeley says it’s a matter of good communication. “The way we service the food is designed around the server letting us know where they are in the meal,” Keeley says. “I’m just really lucky that everyone here gets along well. It’s kind of become a family camaraderie here.” Keeley says the service is good because his staff cares about the diners. “We’ve definitely made a lot of good friends since we opened … a lot of fantastic regulars.”
Runner-up: Red Lobster
BEST WINE SELECTION
Ross Isaac
1710 S. Macarthur Blvd., 744-7677
With more than 200 different wines, Ross Isaac is a natural choice for best wine selection in Springfield. Owner and head chef Sean Keeley personally picks wines to complement his constantly-evolving menu. From the Australian Woop Woop shiraz to the organic Chilean Cono Sur cabernet sauvignon, you’re sure to find a spirited companion for your meal. Keeley’s favorite is the Maipe Malbec served with a New York strip steak, which he charbroils in a chili chipotle butter and serves with garlic mashed potatoes and crisp onion frites. Vegetarians need not fret; Keeley makes a mean veggie pasta that he pairs with Joel Gott sauvignon blanc – truly a taste to behold.
Runner-up: Maldaner’s
BEST ITALIAN
Saputo’s
801 E. Monroe St., 522-0105
The people have spoken time and again. No Italian restaurant is quite so beloved by Springfield as Saputo’s. For more than 50 years, the Saputo family has used their old-world know-how to create classic dishes that would make mama proud, with a number of dishes using recipes that traveled over from the old country. Their anchovy salad, baked pastas and meatballs are always a perfect recommendation. Another recommendation? When getting the baked pastas, for the love of your tongue, wait until it cools down. If you can’t wait, well, that’s what dessert’s for.
Runner-up: Bella Milano
BEST BAR TO WATCH A SPORTING EVENT
Buffalo Wild Wings
4420 Wabash Ave., 546-9453
Even as you watch your team screw up their chances of making the World Series, ahem, St. Louis Cardinals, all’s not lost if you’re at Buffalo Wild Wings. Our voters seem to agree, picking the far-west side bar over downtown’s Sammy’s for the first time. There’s ample parking and indoor and outdoor seating, several big screens that give sports fans a front-row seat to the action and 14 different sauces like honey barbecue, Asian zing and mango habenero to douse your wings and tenders. If you feel the need to flex your muscles, check out the blazin’ sauce — maybe after a few beers.
Runner-up: Sammy’s Sports Bar
BEST GREEN-FOCUSED BUSINESS
Food Fantasies
1512 Wabash Ave., 793-8009
Other grocery stores have small “organic” sections, but Food Fantasies is basically organic heaven. “Green” may be so hip and in today, but Jerry Caslin and crew did it way before it was trendy, and still does it best. Must be why they’re celebrating 20 years of business this year. Their produce is locally grown, their meat free of chemicals, their brands natural and healthy, and their breads freshly made in-house and only using whole wheat, which they grind in the store. Vegetarians and vegans delight in Food Fantasies (shocker of the week: Springfield’s not exactly the easiest place to renounce meat), but there’s something for all of us, special diet or no, and not just mega-healthy things. Their snack food is wonderful, too, and different from everywhere else (Pirouline Chocolate Wafers. Yum).
Runner-up: Goodwill Industries
BEST GYROS
Gyros Stop
2907 S. MacArthur Blvd., 698-6463
If our readers think it, it must be true. For the second year running, Gyros Stop has the best gyros (yee-ros) in Springfield. In keeping with tradition, the Greek eatery piles thinly sliced, zestily spiced lamb meat, plenty of sour cream and cucumber sauce, onion and tomatoes on homemade pita bread. Feeling adventurous? Try the BBQ, chicken or western gyros or sample other Greek specialties like the souvlaki (shish kebab), spanakopita (spinach pita) or seganaki (flaming cheese). Last year’s Best Greek winner, Yanni’s, placed second, and Fat Moe’s, a new restaurant in Monroe Plaza, placed third.
Runner-up: Yanni’s, Fat Moe’s
BEST CHOICE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
Bella Milano
4525 West Wabash, 547-0011
The billboard at the corner of Wabash and Park reads: “Real chef, real dining, real good time.” And it seems that IT readers agree, choosing Bella Milano as the perfect choice for a special occasion.
Bella Milano combines delicious Italian dishes and a romantic, yet relaxed setting with a feel of fine dining, making it the ideal location for birthdays, anniversaries, or an evening out with that special person in your life. Preparing to celebrate its fourth anniversary, Bella Milano’s exquisite Italian dishes include its ever-popular steaks, pasta, seafood and oven-baked chicken.
Coming in a close second is Ross Isaac, which offers a rustic-style atmosphere to accompany its fabulous American cuisine with a global influence. While walk-ins are accepted, owner and chef Sean Keeley strongly recommends reservations, particularly on the weekends and when legislators are in session. Third place goes to Saputo’s, the family-owned Italian restaurant that has been helping Springfieldians celebrate special occasions for decades.
Runner-up: Ross Isaac
BEST SALADS
Bella Milano
4525 Wabash Ave., 547-0011
If you think salads are boring, Bella Milano is working to change your mind with their exciting and unique creations. Try the strawberry grilled chicken salad with poppy seed dressing for a slightly sweet flavor. You could also go with the safe bet — their popular Milano salad. It combines two kinds of lettuce, green onions, prosciutto ham, a blend of cheeses and their signature dressing. Head chef Lennie Ferrigno says Bella Milano’s salads stand out because of the top-quality, fresh ingredients. “Our salad is our main draw,” he says. “But the whole meal is a good experience.” The Olive Garden, with their endless soup, salad and breadstick deal, was another popular choice.
Runner-up: Pasta House
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BEST VALUE BUFFET
Golden Corral
1038 Le June Dr., 585-6830
Pull into the parking lot of the Golden Corral and you are greeted with an aroma that’ll make your stomach beg to be filled. Once inside, you are met with a spread of more than 100 tasty dishes, and they’re all yours for a mere $10 (dinner). With an average of 1,000 diners per weekday, and 1,500 per day on weekends, it’s safe to say that Golden Corral offers a lot of bang for the buck. Not only is it fit for a king, it’s fit to please the taste buds of your entire family.
But there’s one problem. Where do you start? Some take the traditional route, beginning with the salad and soup bars, which have several different types of soups and lettuce, 16 salad dressings, and enough ingredients to make any type of salad you can think of. Others head straight for the meat station to partake in the sirloin steak (fresh off the grill), carved ham, beef, pork roast, barbecue chicken and ribs. Golden Corral also offers fried chicken and meatloaf (two of the most popular dishes), shrimp, fried okra, pizza, salmon, shrimp linguini, and every vegetable under the sun. But save room for one of their many desserts.
Perhaps you’re craving Asian cuisine. Voters say that International Buffet — the second-place winner — and its traditional oriental dishes, including beef and broccoli, Mongolian beef, crab Rangoon, egg rolls, crab legs, and much more, are also worth the $10 (dinner). El Maya, with its authentic Mexican dishes came in third.
Runner-up: International Buffet
BEST BURGER
Krekel’s Custard and Hamburgers
2120 North Grand Avenue, 525-4952.
What do you get when you take a ball of fresh ground beef, place it on a sizzling hot griddle, smash it until nearly paper thin, and cook it until the edges are crispy? According to IT voters you get a “Krekel burger”—the best burger in town.
Krekel’s began serving up hot, delicious burgers in Decatur in 1949, opening the Springfield establishment in 1993. Most diners describe Krekel’s as a “blast from the past.” To fully understand where they are coming from, you must grab a bite inside. The retro décor will have you looking around for Fonzie, Richie and the rest of the “Happy Days” gang.
Though it’s been quite awhile since we’ve seen the Krekel vehicle — a big 1970s Cadillac, with a rooster head on the roof and a paint-job resembling a chicken — thousands of Springfieldians and out-of-towners continue to flock to Krekel’s for a good old-fashioned burger.
Far from the north side but craving a good burger? Readers say D’arcy’s Pint, our second place winner, is sure to hit the spot. These burgers are grilled to order with a half-pound of black angus beef served on a Kaiser bun.
Runner-up: D’Arcy’s Pint
SUSHI SELECTION & PRESENTATION
Pao
2824 Plaza Dr, 546-4660
It seems that in the past few years, our humble capital city has been gifted with a number of sushi options, the likes of which we’d never dreamed of way back in the long long ago of the early 2000s. With all this recent sushi glory, Pao remains a standout. Big windows looking out at The Gables and candlelit tabletops give a nice calm ambience, while the food and drink menus are voluminous and varied with something for everyone (including non-raw fish sushi for those turned off by that kind of thing – some involving steak). There’s more than 30 kinds of sushi made with the freshest fish and other sushi accoutrements (try the Hollywood Roll), a full list of entrees and appetizers, and a martini list that will leave you wanting all of them (see the delicious and candy-like Raspberry Lemon Drop in our Best Martini section).
Runner-up: Ginger Asian Bistro
BEST BARBECUE
Smokey Bones
2660 S. Dirksen Parkway, 528-6410
The votes are in. And the streak has been broken. Smokey Bones dethrones three-time-winner Hickory River Smokehouse and gains the title of best barbecue in town.
Not usually ones looking for trouble, after scanning the menu we asked for double trouble — a third rack of baby back ribs (with Memphis-dry rub) and smoked St. Louis ribs (with Jamaican rub). Now, we’re no connoisseur, but when we’re sucking meat off of visibly naked bones, we conclude that it’s darn good barbecue. Equally fabulous is the fire-roasted corn. It’s so good that we wolfed ours down and placed a side order to go.
While we indulged (or should we say “overindulged”) in the ribs, most customers, says Manager Stephanie Sprinkle, gravitate towards the pulled pork. With outstanding ribs, hand-pulled pork smoked over hickory logs for 11 hours, and a beef brisket marinated 24 hours and smoked for six hours, the crown of best barbecue has been earned.
In second place, Hickory River Smokehouse has some fabulous barbecue, with ribs that are so tender they fall off the bone, and beef so tasty it will leave you wanting more. Not to be outdone by the larger establishments, the votes indicate that McCormick’s Restaurant and Custom Catering — this year’s third place winner — gives competitors a run for their money.
Runner-up: Hickory River Smokehouse
BEST BAKERY
Incredibly Delicious
925 S 7th St
528-8548
Apparently we don’t need to sell you on Incredibly Delicious, since it’s our perennial winner and this year is no exception. But we will anyway. They may be known for their dessert treats, fresh-baked breads, and express breakfasts of coffee and croissants, but their lunch items are just as good. We generally cross our fingers that the fig and brie sandwich is on the menu, but any of the sandwiches or fresh salads listed will be excellent. For dessert, lately we’ve been addicted to the flourless turtle cake and the mixed berry tarts with apricot glaze, and craving the hazelnut cream puff. Again, we’re preaching to the heavily voting choir, but Incredibly Delicious is amazingly delectable.
BEST BAKERY (runner-up)
Café Moxo
411 E Adams St
788-8084
Your runner-up in this category is Café Moxo, which has one of the friendliest staffs we’ve come across. When they ask how your lunch tastes, they genuinely want to know, then they’ll tell you a story about how it came about, mostly from the staff members themselves. Says owner Mark Forinash, “Mostly people tell us about things they’ve had in the past and we just mess around with it. It’s a lot of trial and error. We never know on any given day what new things we’ll have.” For dessert, grab one of their famous giant cupcakes (or one of the vastly more manageable but equally famous normal-sized cupcakes), silk tarts or cookies. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch or just coffee and a cookie, you’ll leave very happy.
BEST BAKERY (runner-up)
The Bakery
2028 S 15th St.
522-3100
Though it only opened in November of last year, The Bakery, owned by Humphrey’s Market, is another strong contender in this category. Designed to create a perfect slice of a simpler time, at The Bakery you will genuinely believe you’ve Quantum Leaped yourself into the past. Greg Harrison creates delicious pastries while Scott Beard handles breads and hot breakfast and lunch items. Scott credits his small but “wonderful crack crew” for keeping things running as well as they do. Their breakfasts are crazy cheap (a short stack of pancakes for $1.29!), and their newly added salad bar is a perfect lunch by itself, or a nice add-on to a sandwich or horseshoe. Dessert-wise, everything is that special homemade kind of delicious, but the cream puffs are especially heavenly. Fun fact: The Bakery’s donuts are made by Brian Moore, saxophone player for The Groove Daddies. Yes, they are the only place in town, possibly the world, to sell rock star donuts.
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Maldaner’s
222 S. Sixth Street, 522-4313.
Once again, Maldaner’s tops the list of best outdoor dining establishments. On any bright sunny day, you are likely to find lucky Maldaner’s patrons leisurely enjoying a meal, while basking in the sun and watching others soak up the sights of downtown Springfield. On a beautiful day, it’s hard to say which you’ll enjoy better, the scenery of outdoor dining, complete with colorful characters exploring “the land of Lincoln,” or the frequently changing menu, featuring fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies. The Thai noodles with peanut sauce, and stir-fried vegetables will make you want to kiss chef Michael Higgins for creating such a delectable dish. The turkey curry sandwich, with Swiss cheese, red onions, and apple and curry mayo on toasted rye bread, will make you gobble. And the sautéed duck, with sweet potato and sour cherry orange sauce, will make you want to lick your plate clean. Though doing so would create a spectacle on the Sixth Street sidewalk.
Also enjoyable is outdoor dining at Panera Bread. With two Springfield locations, Panera’s “light” menu, consisting of bagels, muffins and other pastries, as well as soup and sandwiches, makes for a relaxing dining experience. The Island Bay Yacht Club’s calming outdoor dining on Lake Springfield wins third-place honors, though dining is only for club members.
Runner-up: Panera Bread
BEST PLACE TO EAT AFTER 10 P.M.
Steak ’n Shake
4 locations in Springfield
Important question time. When you’re driving home after a late evening of responsible drinking and semi-responsible karaoke, what is the one thing you want most in this world? If you answered “a patty melt, and make it greasy” then you are completely correct, because when we posed that question to our voters, they answered Steak ’n Shake in near unison. Garnering four times as many votes as its runner-up, Steak ’n Shake is a classic favorite for late-night dining. And with four locations in town, there simply has to be at least one on your way home from an evening of ill-advised dance moves.
Coming in a distant-but-strong second is La Bamba. This land of “burritos as big as your head” is a haven for late-night partiers, and it’s the perfect stop for a quick meal before turning in. For those who may have imbibed, co-owner Maria Aguas says the food is a “good way to absorb the alcohol.” In third place, Dublin Pub & Grill offers up its full menu until 11 p.m. on weekends, then offering late-night specials, including half-priced appetizers and Vic’s Pizza, or a free bowl of Joe’s Chili with the purchase of a drink.
Runner-up: La Bamba
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BEST MARTINI
Dirty Schoolgirl
JP Kelly’s
300 E. Adams St., 753-7933
• 1 oz pomegranate liqueur
• 1 oz Absolut Raspberry
• 1 oz lemonade
• oz simple syrup
Garnish with a lollipop.
BEST MARTINI (runners-up)
Raspberry Lemon Drop
Pao
2824 Plaza Dr., 546-4660
• cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Mix with simple syrup to taste
• 2 oz Vox Raspberry Vodka
• Shake with ice, pour into
sugar rimmed glass
Pour in a little raspberry liqueur.
Nicotini
Brewhaus
617 E. Washington St., 525-6399
• Requires an infusion jar (airtight
jar with a valve at the bottom)
• 2 oz nicotine
• 1 bottle vodka
(citrus vodka works great)
Place nicotine in a cheesecloth. Pour
vodka in infusion jar and steep the
nicotine for two days. Pour into a frozen glass, and serve garnished with an olive.
Rosstini
Ross Isaac
1710 S. MacArthur Blvd., 744-7677
• Rub glass rim with lemon wedge
– set aside for garnish
• Rim with kosher salt
• 2 oz Hendrick’s Gin
• 4 oz cucumber juice
Shake with ice, and garnish with lemon wedge and a slice of cucumber
Mextini
Maya
131 E. Jefferson St., 541-6292
• Rim glass with salt
• 1 shot top shelf tequila
• shot Grand Marnier
• lime’s worth of fresh-squeezed
lime juice
Shake well with ice, garnish with
lime wedge.
BEST BEER SELECTION
Brewhaus
617 E. Washington St., 525-6399
There are plenty of places in Springfield to grab a beer, but if you want something special, Brewhaus is the bar to visit. With about 300 beers available, it’s easy to see why Brewhaus is a perennial winner for “best beer selection.” When he’s not serving the tasty brews, owner Mike Parkes spends his time researching new ones to make sure the bar always has a unique and evolving drink list. Asked why the bar carries so many beers, Parkes replies simply, “Beer is good. Life without beer would be a terrible life.” Whether it’s a thick stout or a light lager you’re after, Brewhaus has it in spades. Throw in a basket of the free popcorn, and you’ve got a great place to explore the world of beer while you enjoy some good company.
Runner-up: Barrelhead
BEST BARTENDER
Mike Parkes, Brewhaus
617 E Washington St., 525-6399
He does it again. When asked how many times he thinks he’s won, Mike ponders quietly for a moment, then says, “Ten? Maybe more?” Make that 11. Thriving on one of the few recession-proof businesses (“recessions are good for bars”), Parkes can thank his loyal regulars, some of whom have more difficulty being loyal than others. “It’s a destination bar. We have people who come in from Iowa and Minnesota just to drink here.” Being a beer-lover’s Mecca isn’t enough for Parkes and Co. Their mixed drinks and martinis are equally beloved (see their Nicotini in our Best Martini section). “We’re a bartender’s bar. We can make anything. I make new drinks every day.” Why does he still do it after all these years? The answer is simple. “Bartending’s fun.” Slinging beer and mixing drinks is great, but not quite the best part. “That would be the people.” Pause. “Usually the people.”
Runner-up: Lindsay See – Floyd’s Thirst Parlor
BEST WAITPERSON
Kate Catalano, Brewhaus
617 E. Washington St., 525-6399
What do you get when you cross a bubbly personality with an eye for detail? You get Kate Catalano at Brewhaus, the best waitperson in Springfield, according to IT readers. She’s quick to refill your glass, loves recommending new beers and will even take it upon herself to bring you a basket of the bar’s free popcorn. “I feel like people love being greeted with warmth and a smile,” Catalano says cheerfully. “I like to be attentive to my customers.” Catalano has worked at Brewhaus almost four-and-a-half years, and she feels the clientele is great. “They respect all of us,” she says. “I love chatting with the customers. We’re all like family here.”
Runner-up: Jocelyn Praia – Palermo’s Sicilian Cucina
BEST PLACE FOR A FAST, CHEAP LUNCH
Chadito’s
3030 S. Sixth Street, 529-8226
In an economy where companies are laying off workers and reducing salaries, money matters. And, time is valuable. With a few dollars and very little time to spare, head to Chadito’s for a quick meal. Lunch specials include your choice of two hard tacos, a sancho, beef and bean burrito, taco burger, or a cup of chili, and a drink. Upgrade to a dinner special by adding beans and chips, lettuce and tomato salad, and apple strips. Among Chadito’s most popular dishes is its fish taco — breaded tilapia, fried golden brown and placed on a soft shell. While best known for its Mexican dishes, Chadito’s menu also includes hot dogs, burgers, salads and ice cream.
In addition to the small store in Southern View, owner Chad Reese plans to open a new establishment in November inside Chatham’s Shell gas station on Route 4.
A mere eight votes separates Chadito’s from our second place winner, Xochimilco. With three Springfield locations, Xochimilco offers 18 lunch specials. All — with the exception of the fajitas — cost $5.49. Even on a busy day, Xochimilco will deliver your meal piping hot in no time.
Runner-up: Xochimilco
BEST PIZZA
Bernie & Betty’s
1101 S. Spring St., 528-1821
Three words: Pizza Guy Special. It’s what one friendly waitress says Bernie & Betty’s does best. The neighborhood restaurant starts with its famous original thin crust, adds just the right amount of red sauce and spreads a thick layer of sausage, ham, pepperoni, onion, mushrooms, green peppers and mozzarella. Pair the pie with the garlic cheese bread appetizer (you better be hungry, it’s an entire loaf!), and you’ve got a winning combination. Bernie & Betty’s also features the Pizza Guy Favorite, the vegetarian and the ultra cheese specials — on thin crust or San Francisco sourdough — along with sandwiches, pastas and horseshoes.
Runner-up: Gabatoni’s
BEST PLACE TO MEET 10 PEOPLE FOR BREAKFAST
BEST BREAKFAST SPECIALS
Charlie Parker’s
700 North Street, 241-2104
New owner Mike Murphy knew he was purchasing a gem when he bought Charlie Parker’s restaurant last January. And he knew that business as usual — continuing to serve the famous 16-inch pancake and the two-egg, meat, and potato ($5.50) and biscuit and gravy ($5.95) specials — would not only keep Charlie Parker’s regular customers coming back for more, but would continue adding new customers along the way. Whether you are with a party of 10 or dining alone, you are sure to receive your meal in what seems like a matter of minutes. And, that meal will fill you up.
Although drastic changes are not on the menu, Murphy did add a stuffed blueberry French casserole that will knock your socks off and make Charlie Parker’s a frequent breakfast stop. Unfortunately, the fabulous dish is only served on the weekends. If you plan to try the casserole, you’d better get there early because it almost always sells out.
D & J Café, the winner of last year’s best breakfast category, receives second-place honors. Dennis Price, who owns the restaurant along with his brother John, says D & J’s offers the “quickest breakfast you’ll ever find.”
Runner-up: D & J Café
BEST VEGETARIAN MENU
The Feed Store
516 E. Adams, 528-3355
We were pleasantly surprised to see new contenders like The Feed Store, Little Saigon and Café Brio emerge in this category — perhaps that means the capital city’s carnivores and herbivores are finally created equal? Honest Abe would’ve loved to see that. The Feed Store offers seven vegetarian sandwiches, including the Veggie Hero — Swiss and Colby cheeses, cucumbers, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a baguette — and Nuts to Olive You — pecans, olives, pimentos, cream cheese, sprouts and tomato atop pumpernickel. Vegheads can choose from several homemade soups and salads, too. We recommend the minestrone and the zucchini chowder.
Runner-up: Little Saigon
