Location: Springfield
Top Restaurants in Springfield
Top Things to do in Springfield
- 1. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- 2. Dana-Thomas House
- 3. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- 4. Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials
- 5. Illinois State Capitol
- 6. Old State Capitol State Historic Site
- 7. Illinois State Museum
- 8. Edwards Place Historic Home
- 9. Camp Butler National Cemetery
- 10. Lincoln Memorial Garden
Springfield Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Springfield
The spirit of the "Land of Lincoln" is nowhere else so alive as it is in Springfield, one time home to old Honest Abe himself and present home of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site, the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site. The NAACP also holds Springfield at its roots, having formed after a particularly bloody race riot here in 1908.
Things to do in Springfield
1. Mariah's Steakhouse & Pasta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Mariah's is a locally owned and operated steakhouse. Operated by Sam, Mary & Mariah! <br>We serve high quality USDA PRIME & USDA CHOICE steaks & homemade pasta dishes. We also have the top ranked Sunday Brunch in central Illinois (which is open every Sunday from 10am-2pm). We cater, we take large parties, we make special menus, we have private rooms! We have it all here at Mariah's! Come see us & enjoy a great time with your friends, family and co workers.
Reviewed By 64JudyC - Pekin, Illinois
We knew from the moment we walked in and we were greeted with such enthusiastic hospitality that this place was gonna be good. Everything with our brunch experience was positive. The staff was friendly and efficient. The Bloody Mary was nicely garnished. I loved the waffle and omelet card system. It was so nice not to have to stand in line and wait for them to be cooked. The bacon, salads, hash brown casserole, and biscuits and gravy were the best I’ve ever had. Make sure you save room for the warm breading and delicious array of desserts. It was priced fairly, and even though we were visiting from out of town, we won’t hesitate to make another trip to this gem.
2. Cafe Moxo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 475 reviews
Cafe Moxo is a locally owned and operated restaurant passionate about our food, service, employees and our customers.
Reviewed By Beachman2142 - Decatur, Illinois
excellent panini's and sandwiches and delicious soups. Kind of a mom n pops Panera bread. everything is fresh fresh fresh.. quaint little spot. Favorite item is the chicken pot pie, only issue with it is that its kids size. Sandwiches are decent size but I could literally eat three of them.. very small but good. Cookies are fresh baked I would guess and quite tasty. The pot pies are so delicious I have considered getting the take home size which serves 6-8 people and share with the family. I haven't eaten their breakfast yet, but I hope to very soon. I highly recommend this place simply for taste of food alone.
3. Nick & Nino's Penthouse Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Perched 30 stories above Springfield's capital city, Nick & Nino's Penthouse Steakhouse offers unparalleled food, ambiance and service. Our small intimate dining experience is perfect for a romantic dinner, entertaining business client or a night out with a group of friends. We serve only the finest certified Black Angus aged steaks along with a selection of mouth-watering entrees. At Nick & Nino's we treat every occasion like it's a special occasion.
Reviewed By SpringfieldFresser - Springfield, Illinois
Outstanding service, beautiful view of the city (from 30 stories up - panoramic windows). The steaks were among the best I've had in Springfield, grilled exactly the way we ordered them. A number of excellent sauces are offered to accompany the steaks, although I believe a good cut of meat, well cooked, doesn't require any sauce at all!
Richard is a talented, professional server - listen to his advice when offered. The winelist is good - neither outstanding nor overpriced.
4. Charlie Parker's Diner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 520 reviews
1950's themed diner serving American cuisine. Famous for our breakfast Horseshoe and 16" pancake.
Reviewed By MissMem - Memphis
This place is packed....with people. memorabilia, great food and super staff. Be sure to go hungry. Their pancakes really are as big as the plate and you'll want to eat it all. The servers move around constantly with coffee refills. This Quonset hut has morphed, over the years, into this chrome, neon and vintage gathering spot for great food and fun. Don't miss it.
5. Engrained Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
Engrained Brewery & Restaurant is a micro-brewery and farm to table restaurant. Brewed onsite, our beer lineup is crafted to bring friends together with a broad range of styles. Our menu features fresh and affordable food from local family farms!
Reviewed By chocenergy - Waupaca, Wisconsin
Nice atmosphere and above average food. Very crowded and noisy. Good selection of various entrees. Service was fast and friendly. A bit on the pricey side, but portion size was above average. Worth trying if you’re in the area. We didn’t sample any of the brew selections, but they seem to have an extensive variety.
6. Augie's Front Burner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Augie’s Front Burner is a locally owned, owner operated dining establishment that has served the Springfield area since 1997. Owner August Mrozowski is committed to offering all of his guests an exceptional, casual yet elegant, dining experience. A proud supporter of local businesses and local farmers, Augie’s Front Burner also offers catering for parties and special events.August Mrozowski, owner and chef of Augie’s Front Burner, started his culinary career in Springfield at the age of 13. Following in his father’s footsteps, he developed a passion for the culinary arts and worked at the Cafe L'Europe in Sarasota Florida for 19 years. In 1992, August opened his own restaurant, and in 1997 he returned home where he opened Augie’s Front Burner in Springfield. Augie’s overriding desire is to present his guests with the freshest and most interesting products available on the market. A strong supporter of other local businesses, Augie can be spotted weekly in the local farmers’ markets; he makes a point of knowing the best seasonal items that are available and creates his menus around those products. August’s creative flair can clearly be seen when it comes to his food presentation. He believes that fine dining is a multi-sensory experience, and he ensures that each plate is constructed and garnished beautifully so that when it arrives at the table, diner’s are ready to take in a flavorful, texture-filled culinary delight.
Reviewed By TheOCIronMike - OrangeCountyCA
Extensive wine list and sophisticated entrees here in the heartland surprised and pleased us here. Well worth a visitThank you for the review. Augie's Front Burner has been working on it's wine list for years and appricate your comments on it as well as the entrees. Thank you again and we hope you can join us again soon.
7. Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Suedrs - Clear Lake, MN
We’re looking for a respite from the Civil War-attentive service, great microbrews, fabulous pirogies. Tender pasta, smothered with cheese and bacon just a half block from the Lincoln House. Do go, do not hesitate. Good food, good microbrewery-sat outside, nice outdoor dining.
8. D'arcy's Pint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 855 reviews
Reviewed By Douglas T - Springfield, United States
We go frequently. Once a week. Pub food through full dinners. Irish fare. Best is the Horseshoe (big appetite) or Ponyshoe (regular appetite) are the best!!!! Texas Toast, favorite meat, then fries, special cheese sauce on top. Heart slows down just looking at it. Ask about the specials!!!
9. Maldaner's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Established in 1884, Maldaner's Restaurant and Catering is one of Springfield's finest restaurants. If you have visited The Old State Capitol, Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House or the State Capitol, you can imagine the wonderful celebrations Maldaner's likely was a part of at the turn of the last century and to the present day. Today, under the guidance of Chef-Owner Michael Higgins, Maldaner's respects tradition while offering the best of contemporary American fine dining in our historical setting. Chef Higgins features seasonal local and regional ingredients influenced by Mediterranean composition and preparation. Heirloom vegetables, humanely raised meats and Slow Food all artistically prepared and presented. Welcome to Maldaner's in downtown Springfield. We hope you enjoy your visit each time you dine at Maldaner's.
Reviewed By cccarol - Los Angeles, California
We were in town for a cross-country driving trip. It was about 8 pm, we wanted to have a bite to eat. Daughter had been in town a week before and recommended it. We loved it! I wish I were hungrier, because I would have ordered more food. Authentic French dishes, like the French onion soup. Probably one of the top 1-2 I've ever had in France or anywhere. Superb. Our food was great. People complaining about "organic" need to be trained on fraud, because saying something is "organic" and it being truly organic is another matter. Also, "locally sourced" and "organic" are two different things. If you are concerned about the genealogy of your food, find another restaurant. If you are concerned about the cleanliness and freshness of your food, come here. Since this restaurant is located in the heart of farm country, USA, you can be sure many, many of the produce and meats are locally sourced. Another thing: the charm of the place, the friendliness and kindness of the staff, were great. The historic, charming ambiance were all a giant "plus," so close to the capitol, so you'd see various movers and shakers here, too, if that is your thing.The wine by the glass was reasonably priced and very good. The price for the quality was absolutely excellent.
10. Chesapeake Seafood House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 498 reviews
Since 1983 Chesapeake Seafood House has been serving Springfield IL with fresh seafood and hand cut steaks. We take pride in the community and in our dishes. Not much has changed over the years. Serving winning recipes that people have counted on being the same year after year. We don't want to take away anyone's favorites. Consistent quality has been the key to our success. Choosing only the freshest and finest seafood, steaks and vegetables makes us everyone's favorite restaurant in Central Illinois. We serve both locals and large tour buses who are visiting Springfield or just passing through. Once you visit Chesapeake Seafood House, you will be back!
Reviewed By mcconnellboys - Lexington, Kentucky
Picked up my sister and headed back before they closed out their lunch service. While they offer a buffet at lunch, there was not much in the way of seafood on it the day we were there, so we ordered from the menu. Our food was very good. The salads and baked potatoes that accompanied our dishes were hugely generous. It was really too much! We got an appetizer AND tried dessert, but I couldn't finish off all my fish after all that other food....
