Places to Eat in Springfield MO - Looking for the Best Restaurants in Springfield MO? We have a list for you! Here are some faves in Springfield, Missouri.
I would never have imagined that there was so much going on in Springfield, Missouri if I didn't experience it all for myself. Along with great shopping and attractions (see my post on Things to do in Springfield MO), there's also an emerging foodie and cocktail scene with local options to satisfy just about any craving.
I had so much amazing food in Springfield, I almost don't know where to start.
Best Restaurants in Springfield MO
Druff’s
I arrived in Springfield just in time for lunch. After exploring the downtown area a bit, fellow blogger Stephanie and I stumbled upon Druff's — a small dining spot offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, soups and salads.
Though the menu is limited, I had a hard time deciding which sandwich to try because they all looked so yummy. I finally settled on "[Fungroup]" with cheddar, bacon, fried egg and seasoned and cooked apples on sourdough with a cup of House Tomato Soup. It was incredible!
If I had more time I would have definitely gone back to try one of the other eleven options.
Thursday Night Pizza Club at Millsap Farm
Every Thursday night Millsap Farm hosts pizza night for its members and guests. Even if you're not local you can still get in on the fun (see website for details).
The pizza is cooked on-site in handmade New Mexico style Horno wood-fired earthen ovens at 800 degrees! The variety of pizza changes from week to week depending on what's in season.
During my visit, we had four choices of all-you-can-eat pizza: Cherry Pie, The Fennel Escape, Roast Special and Farmhouse Cheese.
The vibe is super casual with live music and BYOB. My recommendation is Blush! Pomegranate Hibiscus Wit from Mother's Brewing Company.
At the end of the night, we were treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
Gailey’s Breakfast Café
Conveniently located across the street from Hotel Vandivort is Gailey's Breakfast Cafe.
A local favorite, Gailey's has a large menu of breakfast and brunch favorites, including omelets, pancakes and waffles (just to name a few!).
I chose a classic breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, hash-browns and toast with coffee...it was the perfect start to my morning!
Ms. Gilmore’s Tea Room
One of the most fascinating and eclectic restaurants that I have been to is Ms. Gilmore's Tea Room on Historic C-Street.
As described on their website, Ms. Gilmore's is "like Alice in Wonderland and Walt Disney all wrapped up into one fabulous package!" —and I couldn't agree more. It was hard to focus on the menu when there so many interesting curios to look at.
Staying within the theme of the tea room I enjoyed the Debonair Chicken Salad Sandwich with a glass of flavored iced tea. Though, the showstopper was my dessert: a tart lemon bar piled high with meringue! Mmmmm...
Leong’s Asian Diner
Prior to visiting Springfield, I watched a documentary on Netflix called "The Search for General Tso" which featured Leong's Asian Diner as one of the pioneers of Chinese food as we know it today.
To make a long, but interesting, story short, David Leong created Springfield-style cashew chicken in 1963 because there wasn't a demand for authentic Cantonese cuisine in his restaurant.
To appeal to the American palate, he came up with a breaded chicken dish topped with a savory brown sauce— and the locals loved it! The dish's popularity spread and Springfield Cashew Chicken is now served all over the world.
Needless to say, I was very excited to try the original Cashew Chicken straight from the source. The quality was outstanding— the chicken was perfectly cooked and everything tasted super fresh. I later learned that almost everything at Leong's is made from scratch.
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Where do you go when you want a frozen treat in Springfield? Andy's Frozen Custard! Now the largest dessert only franchise in the world, Andy's has nearly 30 locations nationwide— the original store is located on E. Sunshine Street.
With so many custard dessert options it was hard to choose which to try first. I was still full from lunch so I went with a Root Beer Float with Andy's signature vanilla custard— it was just enough sweetness to hit the spot.
I love frozen custard because it's thick and creamy with just a few simple ingredients. Andy's is made hourly so you can guarantee it will be fresh.
The Golden Girl Rum Club
My stay in Springfield, MO ended with an evening of cocktails and small plates at The Golden Girl Rum Club. This hip tiki bar + kitchen is co-owned by the talented Emma Chapman from abeautifulmess.com.
My favorite bites of the night were the Kale Caesar Salad and Beef Bone Marrow. Nom.
The cocktail menu features tried and true favorites as well as some tropical classics with a twist. My first drink was the "Yours and Mai Tai" with El Dorado Dark, Appleton Signature, lime, pistachio orgeat and caramelized pineapple shrub.
It was so delightful that I ordered the same for the second round. And how cute is the lucky cat tiki glass!? The Golden Girl has a fun variety of tiki mugs for their drinks...you can even have your cocktail served in a pineapple!
- Recommended: Mai Tai Cocktail
Elle’s Patisserie
Update: Elle's Patisserie has been sold and is no longer in business.
When I heard Elle's Patisserie had Lavender Iced Coffee, I was all in! I wasn't even hungry for breakfast (2 full days of eating non-stop will do that to you!) and I still found room for this unique beverage. It did not disappoint!
In addition to flavored ice coffee, Elle's has a tasty selection of homemade pastries, croissants, macaroons, truffles and ice cream.
Tip: The Peanut Butter truffles with gold dust are to die for!
For more places to eat in Springfield MO visit www.springfieldmo.org/dining
What's your favorite restaurant in Springfield?
Special thanks to the Springfield Missouri CVB for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own.
Melissa Mitchell says
I've never been to Springfield and I'm only a few hours away! We need to visit there for a weekend. We have an Andy's here and it's my favorite!
Monica says
Everything in here looks amazing! I can't wait to visit someday and experience the food!
Pam Wattenbarger says
I had no idea that there were so many great places to eat in Springfield. I would love to visit Leong's.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
AHHH! I want to go there and eat at ALL THE PLACES! I love everything you listed here. That grilled cheese is the UBER grilled cheese.
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
Looks like Springfield is a great place to visit! Love that you have a lot of choices to choose from!
Rach Ferrucci says
I want to fly there just to go eat for a couple days!!! These will be the places I go should I make it ther
Co says
Looks like there are lots of fun places to eat in Springfield. Will need to keep these in mind if and when I get to visit!
Catherine Sargent says
All of the food looks fantastic. I would love to try the Cherry Pie pizza.
Liz Mays says
Oh man! There are so many awesome options. I'd have so much fun trying out new places.
Jeanine says
Great to know if I ever get to Springfield! looks like some great options. This post made me super hungry!
Marcie W. says
I love all of the various places you tried. Ms. Gilmore's Tea Room would be an absolute must for me!
Lisa Favre says
I would totally be up for pizza night at Millsap Farm. My husband and I have recently been making our own, homemade pizza so we've been in the mood for a good pie lately!
Brandy says
I would love to check out Millsap Farm! I love that they use a wood-fire oven to make the pizza!
MJ.L says
Oh yum! The food looks amazing, If I am every in the area I will check it out!
Felicia says
We have never been, but it definitely is on the places to visit list! What a great little place!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
I had no idea there were so many great places to eat in Springfield Missouri! I'll definitely have to stop in Springfield on my next road trip through the area.
Amanda Love says
There's so many restaurants to try in Springfield it's tough to pick one! Most of what you featured are what my family likes too, which means it will be a sure hit for them should we find ourselves in Springfield. Thanks for this list, it's a good reference!
Robin Rue says
All of this food looks so good! If I am ever in the Springfield area I know where I will be heading.
Mellissa Williams says
I am a huge dessert fan so the fact that you shared some amazing looking sweets is awesome. Those peanut butter truffles sound good!
Rachelle says
I have never visited there before but man they have some good eating spots it looks like! I will have to keep this list in mind if I ever visit!
Ann Bacciaglia says
These all look like great places to eat. The food looks so delicious, I will have to check a few of these places out the next time I am in the area.
Rosey says
I do love suggestions for where to eat. I've got my list now, mmhmm!! Thanks to you. 🙂
Tracey says
There are so many awesome places to eat! I would love to try the Thursday Night Pizza Club!
mary says
Well I was going to say the pizza at the top was my fave, but then I scrolled through the rest and WOW it all looks amazing.
Kita Bryant says
I live here and you totally missed some of the best spots!! The next time you're in town, hit up Bambino's, Grad School, Hurt's Donuts, and Hinode!!
Liz Rippee says
I live here also and agree with you Kita! I would also add Nonna's & McSalty's to your list as well as the food trucks on Glenstone!
Nicole Escat says
My friend lives in Missouri. I will share this post with her and hoping that she will have a good time there.
Nikki Wayne says
Wow, there are many wonderful places to eat there. Just like what we have here!
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
Oh wow, at first I was like "I'm a pizza person so this is a no-brainer". But you got my mouth watering for the others too! That tea place looks pretty and good for a classy hangout, a bit different than my usual but I'd go for that one first.
BirthdayParty.nyc says
Nothing beats the local foods. Just looking at them makes me really hungry and excited! Yummy share!