Where to Eat in Downtown Springfield

Here’s a hot take: for a city our size, we’re spoiled with ample free parking spaces in downtown Springfield. And if we do have to park a little far from our destination, the jaunt among the old brick buildings will help us work up an appetite for all the pastries, sandwiches, tacos and sushi our heart desires.

Tinga Tacos

308 W. McDaniel St.
These made-from-scratch street tacos hit the spot for lunch or late-night eats alike. They’ve got options for those who crave the classics and others who aren’t afraid to try pickled carrots on their tacos.
Must-Try Dish: Fu Yu Tacos with chips and queso

Flame Steakhouse & Wine Bar

314 W. Walnut St.
Flame is a name synonymous with downtown first dates and celebration dinners. Its interior is luxurious, the wine list is long and the menu is full of surf and turf.
Must-Try Dish: Dry-aged steak with lobster macaroni and cheese

Springfield Brewing Company

305 S. Market Ave.
BrewCo. is one of those places that just seems to get better with age. They recently added a pizza oven to their kitchen setup, and their limited release beers always give us something new to taste.
Must-Try Pairing: Ozark Mountain French Dip with the Greene Dragon

The Coffee Ethic

124 Park Central Square
The Coffee Ethic is the perfect place to work remotely, catch up with a friend or get lost in a good book with a single-origin pour-over and mini quiche. Just don’t leave empty-handed—a bottled spiced vanilla oat latte is a great pick-me-up to keep in your fridge.
Must-Try Pairing: A cappuccino with the apple and an Ava Bread Co. asiago bagel with scallion cream cheese

The European

105 Park Central Square
Sister businesses Rise and European Café recently merged into one sunny spot on the square. At The European, you can enjoy pastries, bonbons, specialty lattes and made-from-scratch brunch all under the same roof.
Must-Try Pairing: Sweet potato breakfast bowl with house-made ginger black pepper soda

Gailey’s Breakfast Cafe

220 E. Walnut St.
Even if it’s your first time visiting, there is just something so nostalgic about enjoying breakfast at Gailey’s. Eating eggs and sweet browns off of Fiestaware plates and sipping your morning coffee a bit slower just feels right here.
Must-Try Dish: The Michelle

Mudhouse Coffee

323 South Ave.
The Mudhouse is another one of those time capsules in Downtown Springfield that looks straight out of a ’90s sitcom like Friends. If the atmosphere alone doesn’t lift your spirits, a cup of rooibos tea or latte will do the trick.
Must-Try Pairing: Honey almond latte with a slice of cheesecake or The Nigel

Greek Belly

320 E. Walnut St.
The ceiling alone (covered in colorful umbrellas) is a mood-booster. And the food is just delish, with a variety of pita sandwiches named for Greek mythology and lots more.
Must-Try Dish: Loukaniko wrap with spicy feta sauce

St. Michael’s Restaurant and Catering

301 South Ave.
This Italian-inspired deli whips up hot and cold subs, pasta, salads and slices of cake that fly off the shelves. Between the good food and friendly owners, many customers become regulars.
Must-Try Dish:  The Italian BLT sub with a slice of banana cake

Druff’s

331 Park Central E., Ste. 101
Druff’s got its start as a specialty grilled cheese shop but has positioned itself as more of an all-day breakfast diner in recent years. But one underrated time to visit is on the weekends after 4, which is when they start serving smash burgers.
Must-Try Dish: The Downward Spiral

The Almighty Sando Shop

208 W. McDaniel St.
This former mobile food truck is now a stationary stand serving not-your-average sandwiches. No matter which one you order, novel condiments like miso mayo, bourbon mustard or sweet ginger tomato chutney will add a burst of flavor.
Must-Try Dish: The Yaya Papaya