Food is subjective. There’s no accounting for personal tastes. Everybody’s palette is different.
All of the above are true, but Springfieldians know there are a handful of special eateries locally crafting the perfect bite. The Full Ride at Grad School or a burrito, enchilada style, at Mexican Villa have a Queen City flair all their own. They are the dishes that we tell out-of-town guests about, the dishes that make Yelp lists and the dishes that get us in the door.
But what about those little known treats that keep us coming back for more?
Here are seven under-the-radar favorites to try at your next business lunch or social gathering. Come discover Springfield’s unseen cuisine.
—Emily Letterman, Features Editor
Burnt-end salad at Falstaff’s Local
For downtown lunch regulars, Falstaff’s is known for its $8 daily specials from burgers to chicken, but one stands out from the crowd. On special Thursday – but always available – the burnt-end salad combines pork, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeno corn salsa and the unlikely pairing of barbecue sauce and homemade ranch dressing. It’s a twist on owner Scott Morris’ favorite from long-gone Springfield icon Johnny Loo’s.
$8-9
Grilled meatloaf at Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub
Come for the steaks and salad bar, but stay for the meatloaf says kitchen manager Micki Caetano. Not your mama’s meatloaf, the pub blends the typical ground beef with chorizo sausage for a kicked up version. Then, they wrap the whole thing in bacon.
$16.48
Buck Johnson at Chicago Cheesesteak Co.
Invented and named by a group of regulars, these Missouri State University hockey players were looking for more meat on their sandwich. It’s a traditional Philly cheesesteak topped with a chicken tender, fry seasoning and cheese sauce. The creation kicked off Chicago Cheesesteak’s secret menu.
$10
Waffle mac n cheese at Black Sheep
The burgers at Black Sheep are hot-ticket items, but regulars rave about the waffle macaroni and cheese. This isn’t just any waffle: Be prepared for cheese. Homemade mac-and-cheese gets another layer of cheese and is jammed into a waffle maker until crisp, then – believe it or not – topped with more cheddar cheese sauce. For the adventurous, you also can add chili.
$10.75
Crab Rangoon dip from Simply Delicious Catering
The only thing more ubiquitous than the business lunch is the business party. Chef Patty Wingo’s crab Rangoon dip is an upscale take on a Queen City favorite. Served in mini martini glasses, the cream cheese mixture is topped with Thai chili sauce and crispy wontons. Another perk: Wingo says it travels well.
$2.25 apiece
Breakfast Oscar at Civil Kitchen
Civil took the Oscar style – crab meat, asparagus and hollandaise sauce – and put a brunch spin on it. Say good morning – or good afternoon – to two poached eggs set on a bed of crisp bacon and sauteed asparagus with a white wine cream sauce and toast points.
$9
The burger at Red Room
Below downtown’s Flame Steakhouse sits the Red Room lounge. When Flame cuts steaks, trimmings are left over. The Red Room burger is a blend of those trimmings. Filet mignon, Kansas City strip, rib-eye and more come together with the toppings of your choice. Co-owner Mike Jalili likes his with cheese and jalapenos.
$4 and up during happy hour
