Billing itself as Springfield’s “newest retro diner,” The Fountain on 66 has been dishing out classic American favorites for the last year out of the historic former Sonrise Donut space along the original Route 66. The Fountain on 66 embraces the diner vibe and offers visitors a bright, airy space with large windows and 1950s […]
Restaurant review
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Richard’s Family Restaurant
Richard’s Family Restaurant is the latest diner to open in Springfield and is a most welcome addition to the genre. Located on Ninth Street, just south of North Grand Avenue, Richard’s operates in the space formerly occupied by Homestyle Café. Homestyle had gotten a little long in the tooth, but Richard’s started with a deep […]
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Soy Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant
Soy Oaxaca, which translates from Spanish to, “I am Oaxaca,” is also the name of downtown Springfield’s latest restaurant. Soy Oaxaca itself is both a state and a capital city in southern Mexico. Some call it the culinary capital of Mexico (especially with respect to mole) but all agree that its United Nations Educational, Scientific […]
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Jo’s Place
One of my besties has been crowing to me about Jo’s Place in Virden and that I needed to do a review of it. Unfortunately, some timing issues meant that I was unable to do the review with him. Instead, I visited with my wife and mother-in-law – each a critic in their own right. […]
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Vondra Social House
Vondra Social House, just south of Lincoln Home Historic Site on Edwards Street, inhabits a quaint and historic two-story brick structure. The building was brought back from the brink of ruin in 2007 and operated as a restaurant under various owners until closing at the end of 2024. With a front porch that spans the […]
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Gabatoni’s Italian Restaurant
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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]