Although Springfield, Missouri, is nicknamed the “Queen City” of the Ozarks, it’s not really a premier vacation destination in the state. However, it is a town frequently passed through on the way to places like Branson or Tulsa. If you happen to be in the area and hungry, here are a few of my favorite local eateries.
Having lived in China, I can tell you that Lucy’s is not authentic Chinese food. However, the restaurant serves some of the best cashew chicken in town, a Springfield-area specialty. They were even mentioned in this New York Times article! Lucy’s is quite a bargain as far as meals go, and with three locations around town, it’s also quite convenient. And of course, like all Chinese restaurants, they also do take-out.
Another Springfield classic, Mexican Villa also has three locations in town. The restaurant on National Avenue has the best atmosphere, complete with an ancient jukebox and cigarette/candy machine, both of which still work. The tortilla chips at Mexican Villa are thin, crispy and freshly made, and though the salsa isn’t the best, the guacamole is amazing. I would also recommend anything that comes with the white shredded cheese: my pick is an order of three crunchy beef tacos.
This restaurant was my first experience with the art form that is Japanese hibachi or teppanyaki food, and it will probably always be my favorite. The chefs at Nakato know how to put on a good show, tossing eggs into their hats, flashing knives left and right, and making an onion volcano. But, it’s not just fun entertainment; the food cooked in front of you at Nakato is piping hot and mouthwatering, and the sushi is great, too.
From the outside, Aunt Martha’s doesn’t look like anything special. Even on the inside, for that matter, the restaurant is a bit dingy and quite old looking. But, one taste of the blueberry, gingerbread or cornmeal pancakes smothered in butter and syrup will win over even the greatest cynic. And if you’re not into sweets, the restaurant has a good selection of savory breakfast items as well as traditional diner fare.
After a fire in 2006, this restaurant moved from their very unique location into a strip mall on Glenstone, but the change has certainly not affected the quality of their wonderful food. There is no better lunch than their herbed egg salad sandwich on toasted wheat bread, served with a side of chunky tomato soup. Nearly Famous also has a lovely dinner menu, though I am partial to it as a lunch locale.
Author Sydney Stonner is addicted to traveling. After studying journalism and music at the University of Missouri (where she studied abroad twice), she worked for a time as a newspaper reporter. Now, she is living in Hong Kong teaching English to primary school students. So far, she has visited 15 countries and hopes to visit many, many more. Visit her blog to follow Sydney’s adventures.
Although Springfield, Missouri, is nicknamed the “Queen City” of the Ozarks, it’s not really a premier vacation destination in the state. However, it is a town frequently passed through on the way to places like Branson or Tulsa. If you happen to be in the area and hungry, here are a few of my favorite local eateries.
