Best Places To Eat In Springfield, Illinois

places to eat in springfield
Sydney
Sydney 
Updated
| 4 min read

Springfield may not be as big and renowned of a city as its neighboring Chicago, but it does not lack fantastic places to eat. Visitors can expect a variety of family-owned local businesses that serve up some seriously tantalizing dishes, that make guests rethink what exactly is American food. Keep on reading for the list of the best places to eat in Springfield, Illinois.

If you’re planning a vacation in Springfield, you will also need great places to stay. Check out the top hotels with smoking rooms and Airbnb vacation rentals for your accommodation needs.

1. Happy Sushi

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is no April Fool's prank... Just honest to goodness Happy Sushi delight! Happy April everyone!!!

Posted by Happy Sushi on Tuesday, April 1, 2014

If your desire for Japanese cuisine just has to be satisfied, Happy Sushi is the place to go. A “Best of Springfield 2015” award winner, Happy Sushi is a small family owned restaurant with personality. Dishes range from various appetizers, teriyaki variations, types of fried rice, noodles, sashimi, and of course an array of sushi. There are also large trays available for parties or events.

Happy Sushi

Address: 846 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703

Facebook: Happy Sushi

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2. Wm. Van's Coffee House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Located just a block over from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in a repurposed home is the Wm. Van’s Coffee House. A family owned business that serves a variety of coffees and teas, as well as breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads, wraps and more. In the evening, the café offers beers and cocktails along with open microphone nights and other social events. Reviewers state that the restaurant has good options for vegetarian and vegan customers as well. Van’s is open 7 days a week from 7am-7pm, and has free street parking for cars and bicycles.

Wm. Van's Coffee House

Address: 503 S 7th St. Springfield, IL 62704

Facebook: Wm. Van’s Coffee House

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3. Café Moxo

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Fondue for Two Returns Sunday 6/27 for Boozy Brunch!!! Biscuits, sausage, bacon, chicken, french toast & waffles all...

Posted by Cafe Moxo on Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Located across south 5th Street from the Old State Capitol and just a short walk from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Café Moxo is another great option for those needing a coffee pick-me-up, breakfast foods, as wells as pastries, soups, and salads. This hip little café is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30am-3pm. Café Moxo is also available for catering and hosting private events, and customers can also order online and get delivery for a small fee. The café also makes it clear that gluten-free bread is available upon request, for those that need it.

Cafeé Moxo

Address: 411 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701

Website: Café Moxo

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4. Maldaner's

Maldaner's on 6th St
Source: Photo by Flickr user lns1122 used under CC BY 2.0

This classic white tablecloth restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine, with much of its produce coming from its rooftop garden. This Green Business Certified restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants on the famous Route 66, having been established in 1884. Maldaner’s is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays from 11am-2:30pm and dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-9pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5pm-10pm. The restaurant is equipped with accommodations for handicap guests, and has an elevator to the second floor of the restaurant. In addition to its cuisine, Maldaner’s also has a variety of wines and cocktails to accompany your meals. Parking is available behind the restaurant after 5pm on weekdays, and all day on both Saturday and Sunday.

Maldaner's

Address: 222 S 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701

Website: Maldaner’s

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5. Nick and Nino's Penthouse Steakhouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Nick & Nino's - Penthouse Steakhouse on Monday, April 9, 2018

With spectacular views of the entire city of Springfield, Nick and Nino’s had to be put on this list. Located inside the Wyndham Springfield City Centre Hotel, Nick and Nino’s serves up classic American cuisine along with its certified Black Angus aged steaks and extensive wine list. Guests not staying at the hotel are able to enjoy complimentary parking at the nearby 7th & Monroe Municipal Parking Ramp, which is connected to the Wyndham, and by bringing their ramp entry ticket to the restaurant with them. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:30pm-10pm. Guests are also able to make reservations for private parties or special events, should that be desired.

Nick and Nino's Penthouse Steakhouse

Address: Wyndham Springfield City Centre, 700 E Adams St Fl 30, Springfield, IL 62701

Website: Nick and Nino’s Penthouse Steakhouse

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6. Engrained Brewery and Restaurant for beer and comfort food

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Great beer and great food; no one expects anything less from a tavern with its own microbrewery serving farm-to-table American cuisine. Engrained does not disappoint. They serve up an impressive selection of home brewed lager, including their award winning German Lager, a light beer in the tradition of the famed golden Munich Helles, and their light and refreshing Hefeweizen wheat beer. The brewery also produces a few seasonal craft beers but you will have to check if these are available during your visit.

Man does not live on beer alone and it’s a good thing that there is no shortage of tasty comfort food at Engrained. They source out most of their ingredients from local growers so the food is guaranteed to be fresh and delicious. The burger of the week is a certified hit and guaranteed to to make you feel happy about coming here. You can also choose from a wide variety of starters, soups, sandwiches and entrees.

Engrained Brewery and Restaurant

Address: 1120 West Lincolnshire Blvd, Springfield, IL, USA

Website: Engrained Brewery and Restaurant

Opening hours: 11:00-9:00 Sunday- Thursday | 11:00-10:00 Friday- Saturday

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7. Charlie Parker’s Diner is a sandwich heaven!

Charlie Parker's Diner in Springfield, Illinois
Source: Photo by Flickr user Matt Howry used under CC BY 2.0

A great selection of yummy food, and in large portions, make this multi-awarded dining institution a local favorite. The menu is stuffed with all the delicious and delightful selections you expect a diner to offer. The breakfast selection is available all day and features a variety of omelettes, French toasts, waffles and pancakes, including a 4-stack of 16-inch giants! On the menu as well are horseshoes – an open faced sandwich consisting of thick-sliced toasted bread, a hamburger patty (or some other meat of your choice), French fries, and cheese sauce. The horseshoe was invented right here in Springfield, Illinois. Burgers, hot and cold sandwiches and beverages round out the menu.

The food is great and the service is exemplary, but the space is a bit limited especially when the hordes come to dine. Charlie Parker’s Diner is a proud, locally owned, independent restaurant that since 1992 has been in the same location where it now stands – a 1940s quonset hut.

Charlie Parker’s Diner

Address: 700 North Street Springfield, Illinois

Website: Charlie Parker’s Diner

Opening hours: Monday thru Saturday 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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A midwest gathering

Street Scene with Capitol - Springfield - Illinois
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam Jones used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Springfield is made up of an interesting collection of history and modernity, that reflects itself in its variety of restaurants. Travelers will be happy to find that many of these great dining options are in and around the historic districts of Springfield, so after walking through a tour of the Lincoln house or trying out various things to do in the city, it won’t be hard to get something scrumptious to eat!

Don’t forget to check out that best hotels and vacation rentals for the best places to stay in Springfield.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sydney is a dedicated student currently working toward a master's degree in international human rights law. Her boundless curiosity about the world has been a defining trait from early childhood....Read more

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