Table Talk: 14–20

Movin’ On Up

Casper’s has been slinging chili since 1909 when it started up in the back of a fruit stand, but in recent decades the diner has been known for its little quonset hut located on West Walnut Street. Well, that funky silver building will no longer be your visual clue that great chili is just an order away. Starting in early September, Casper’s will have a new home at 937 S. Glenstone Ave., the little red and white building that used to house Anton’s Coffee Shop until it closed. Casper’s is trading the hut for a classic diner spot. We’re sad to see the silver building go, but we’re excited to see what Casper’s has in store for us at their new home.

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

PaPPo’s Pizzeria just keeps growing! This spot that’s known for its stellar pies started in downtown Springfield, added a south Springfield location, and just kept on expanding. Two days ago, they announced a Huntsville, Alabama spot—their eighth location to date with a ninth coming soon to Jefferson City. Congrats, PaPPo’s! (Oh, did we just make you super-hungry for pizza? Read our story about the best places to get it in 417-land.)

Gluten-Free Dreams

You probably know Small Batch Foods for their line of Small Batch frozen burritos that are made in 417-land. Now the company is rolling out the sweets with their brand new Double Chocolate Brownies. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free and look oh-so-luscious. The launch date hasn’t been announced yet, but the goodies will soon be available throughout the region. We’ll keep you posted if we hear more. 

Brunch with Dad

Looking for some great food-centric things to do with your dad this weekend? Take him out for some good stuff at Springfield, Missouri restaurants to show him how much you appreciate him.

The Finley in Ozark has a special three-course prix fixe Father’s Day brunch menu that includes some seriously good eats. If we were going to build a meal from the menu, we’d start with the bloody mary shrimp cocktail with Tito’s Vodka-infused cocktail sauce, then we’d order the breakfast BLT topped with fried green tomato and basil aioli, and we’d end with the apple pie bread pudding with bourbon caramel sauce. Yum, right? Be sure to make a reservation.

The Order at Hotel Vandivort is hosting its first annual Father’s Day event this year. It features barbecue by Chef Calvin and some men’s clothing and accessories from Town & County for a little post-meal shopping.

Springfield Brewing Co. has some special weekend features just for Dad, too, and they are super-meaty. For Saturday and Sunday brunch, an indulgent country fried steak is served over potatoes with sausage gravy and eggs. They’re also offering Father’s Day gift boxes filled with two glasses and a bottle of Ty Iechyd Da bourbon distilled here in Springfield.

Other sure-bet brunch locations are open this weekend as well, with menus that always satisfy. Take Dad to the brunch buffet at The Keeter Center for made-to-order waffles and omelets, carved meats, tons of desserts and more. At Top of the Rock, the Sunday brunch at Osage Restaurant offers everything from smoked trout with mini bagels and all the fixin’s (like our fave, capers) to more hearty fare like fried chicken and waffles with sriracha maple syrup. If you prefer to stay in Springfield, Progress has a great brunch menu that lets you start with sugar-dusted donut holes, indulge in the a Brunchwrap Supreme or dig into a stellar burger—with a morning cocktail on the side of course. 

Speaking of morning cocktails, at Early Bird Breakfast Pub, he can get a margarita made with orange marmalade and some great breakfast tacos. You can take indulge in some crepes or Boeuf & Pomme Hash at Aviary Cafe, go classic with a plate of biscuits and gravy and sweet browns with a creative daily drink special from Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe, or put a modern twist on a classic with the barbacoa quesadilla benedict and the Morning Meditation juice at First Watch. For the Nixa dads, plan a trip to Morning Day Cafe, where he can dig into a big plate of Brekky Nachos and order a flight of specialty bloody marys (including one made with habanero tequila).