Springfield may be the Land of Lincoln, but there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve Honest Abe’s legacy. Here are a few unique places to eat in Springfield, IL that you might not have heard of:
Maid Rite Sandwich Shop: This humble diner is also a Route 66 staple, but it’s most famous as the home of the nation’s first drive-thru window. Springfield natives swear by the restaurant’s loose meat sandwiches, and while they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, we recommend stopping by for the novelty at the very least.
Cozy Dog Drive-In: Located right on historic Route 66, the Cozy Dog Drive-In has been in business for close to 80 years and shows no signs of slowing down. According to the locals, the Cozy Dog’s founder, Ed Waldmire, was the first person to invent corn dogs on a stick, making the restaurant a little piece of culinary history. Ed’s son, Bob Waldmire, was an artist famous for his Route 66-themed pieces, many of which are hanging in the Cozy Dog to this day.
Charlie Parker’s Diner: Another local favorite, this restaurant is located in a former US military Quonset hut and serves classic American diner food. Charlie Parker’s is known for its famous horseshoe sandwiches, an Illinois delicacy created in Springfield, and for its appearance in a 2008 episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
D’Arcy’s Pint: If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, check out this popular Irish pub in Springfield. Like Charlie Parker’s, D’Arcy’s is known for horseshoe sandwiches, an open-faced sandwich with a hamburger patty, french fries, and cheese sauce, all on two slices of Texas toast.
To learn more, check out our Springfield Self-Guided Walking Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
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