I’ve been going to Gabatoni’s since I arrived in Springfield in 1999 and maybe even in 1992 while I was here for a judicial clerkship. I was saddened when the pandemic led the prior owners to shift to takeout only, which lasted even after the COVID-19 restrictions eased. But, with new ownership and a re-do […]
Restaurant review
Posted inRestaurant review
Palermo Pizza & Subs
It had been a bit since core group of golf guys had gotten together. So, the call went out and, being the food reviewer, I was appointed the location manager. It was a title that was called into jeopardy. Having heard good things about Palermo’s, it seemed liked a good call for the group. But […]
Posted inRestaurant review
JAPAN HOUSE
Located near Sam’s Club in the former Empire Korean Steakhouse space, Japan House is yet another on Springfield’s growing list of all-you-can-eat Asian restaurants. Japan House, however, is not a buffet; instead, diners order from a menu. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant charges $16.99 for lunch and $27.99 for dinner. By my recollection, […]
Posted inArticles
Star 66 Cafe
Springfield drivers have a growing tendency to crash into buildings, which has been well-documented on social media. One of the more recent incidents involved Star 66 Café, where a driver crashed into the seating area, pushing booths into the counter. Thankfully the injuries were only superficial, but the physical damage is still evident. Since it […]
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Aunt Lous Soul Food
With all the hits downtown Springfield has taken over the last few weeks, I figured it would be good to review one of its remaining restaurants. I’m glad that I did. Aunt Lou’s is at the southwest corner of Sixth and Monroe streets. There’s a small bar area zoned off from the main dining room, […]
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Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal is a truly welcome entrant to Springfield’s Mexican food scene, and certainly one that elevates the genre. Although not open for lunch during the week, it is on the weekends. It’s a place you do not want to miss. The physical space is clean and elegant. But for the view out […]
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HARVEST KITCHEN + BAR
Located in Prairie Crossing in the former Sweet Basil Café, Harvest Kitchen + Bar offers a contemporary dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Its lunch menu features a variety of dishes that cater to diverse palates, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Odette Yobal, a fresh-faced 19-year-old, is Harvest’s co-owner along […]
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The Lumpia House
The Lumpia House brings the vibrant flavors of Filipino street food to the heart of the Midwest. It’s quickly made a name for itself in the local dining scene and both novice and seasoned diners will find it delightful. The Lumpia House started out as a food truck. But its growing popularity led to the […]
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Feast Buffet
Located near the intersection of Wabash Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard, Feast Buffet offers an expansive, all-you-can-eat dining experience featuring a mix of Asian and American cuisines. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant appears to be a popular destination for those looking for variety at an affordable price. The entrance fee is $11.99 for lunch […]
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CD’S BBQ
CD’s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant near the intersection of North Grand Avenue and Eighth Street. The “C” is for Cecil Turner, who’s been barbecuing virtually his whole life, while the “D” is for his wife, Doris Turner, who helps prepare the food when she isn’t at the Statehouse performing her duties as a senator. […]
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Cozy Dog Drive In
I’ve never been a big fan of hot dogs. A few times a year when I’m at the ballpark or some other big venue I’ll opt for one, especially if brown mustard is available. Or late at night after a few beers, a Chicago dog might be called for – but not your general boiled […]
Posted inColumns
Fairlane Diner
I grew up in Cleveland, where the phrase rock ‘n’ roll was first coined. And I even went to the epic celebratory party when Cleveland was awarded the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So yes, I’ve got a bit of affinity for it starting all the way back in the 1950s, which is why […]