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 with her mother, Vivian Domingues. Yobal changed the interior and exterior color schemes so that the overall design now embraces a rustic-chic aesthetic, characterized by the use of natural materials and earthy tones. Exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood elements add texture and warmth to the space, while modern lighting fixtures provide a contemporary touch. There's plenty of seating, spaced out far enough that diners can hold private conversations.

Although it initially opened just for breakfast, lunch and brunch, Harvest now offers dinner as well via a separate menu. The restaurant also has a liquor license now, so whether you want a mimosa with brunch or a drink with dinner, there is an expansive drink menu with both alcoholic and mocktail options.

My guests and I arrived early in the lunch window and were quickly seated. Our server immediately appeared and took our orders. By the time she returned, we were ready to dive right in.

I decided to go with the lunch chicken fajitas. They were a delightful rendition of a classic favorite – tender strips of chicken sautéed with bell peppers and onions. In a twist, it was then topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh pico de gallo. Served with warm flour tortillas, a side of sour cream and seasoned rice, this dish offered a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The chicken remained juicy and flavorful, while the vegetables added a crisp freshness that complemented the richness of the cheese. I shared some with one of my guests, and he was pleased as well.

He was looking for a heartier option and decided to try the lunch pork chop. Grilled to a perfect medium, the pork chop was seasoned with rosemary and garlic, which imparted a fragrant and savory profile. Accompanied by baby potatoes and organic mixed greens, finished with a touch of lemon, this dish was both comforting and refined. He was a bit confused that the greens were served without dressing and whether the grilled lemon halves were the dressing or were for the pork. In any event, the lemon brightened the dish, balancing the richness of the meat and the earthiness of the potatoes. The pork chop itself was juicy and tender, with a crispy exterior that added a satisfying crunch.
My third guest opted for the steak and eggs. It was a grilled six-ounce ribeye paired with two eggs cooked to your liking, accompanied by your choice of potatoes and toast. The ribeye was cooked to a nice medium-rare, with a smoky char that enhanced its natural flavors. The eggs were prepared with precision. This guest was on a low-carb diet so he skipped the toast and eggs. From my other guest's plate, we knew that the potatoes were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. And, we imagined that the toast would have provided a hearty base that would have completed the dish.

While we were all pleased with our selections, two other dishes caught our collective eyes as enticing choices for those looking the explore some different flavors.

First was a traditional Spanish dish, the Spanish tortilla. It features roasted onions and potatoes bound together with four eggs, topped with chorizo and a dollop of sour cream. Served with your choice of toast, this dish looked hearty and satisfying, with the chorizo adding a spicy kick that elevates the flavors.

Our second interest was a French classic, the croque madame. It's a decadent sandwich featuring griddled ham and mustard between slices of sourdough bread, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and a three-cheese blend. It's finished with a poached egg and a roasted serrano pepper. We imagined it would result in a rich and indulgent dish that combines savory, creamy and spicy elements in every bite.

Harvest Kitchen + Bar is a welcome addition to Springfield's lunch scene. With a menu that features a variety of dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients, Harvest caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for classic comfort food or an innovative twist on a traditional dish, Harvest Kitchen + Bar delivers flavors that satisfy and delight.