Top 5 Must-Visit Restaurants in Springfield, MO
The Queen City of the Midwest, resting atop her perch on the famous Ozark plateau, offers no shortage of sights to see. However, whether you’ve just finished up a hike around the historic Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield or you’re still reeling from the roller coasters at Silver Dollar City, you’ll need to seek out some of the local eateries to stay energized. Luckily, Springfield’s got you covered.
Not sure what to order? You should try:
- Gailey’s…………………...The Ozark Benedict
- Grad School………………The Full Ride
- London Calling…………..The Bangers & Mash Pasty
- Skully’s…………………..Pork on Pork, or the KimChi fries
- Pineapple Whip………….If they have it: Mango
Gailey’s Breakfast Café
The only way to get your day off on the right foot is with a great breakfast, and this local spot knows the importance of the most important meal of the day. Originally established as a corner drugstore in the 1940s, the owners found their niche when they started serving burgers and milkshakes.
These days, however, Gailey’s is famous for serving up some of the best American breakfast in town. Whether you’re in the mood for fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, or a savory omelette, they’ve got it all.
If you do, indeed, want it all, they’ve even got platters for that! And if you rolled out of bed a bit late, don’t worry, they’ll have mimosas in time for brunch, too.
Grad School
I know everyone says their city has the best burger joint but trust me — Springfield has the best burger joint. I could go on and on about their wings or their fries, but every Springfielder knows that when you go to Grad School, you get the Full Ride.
Creamy melted cheese and delectable caramelized onions get tenderly drizzled over a charred angus burger and a pair of perfectly crispy bacon slices to create a burger so good you’ll want to move here. After you finish cleaning your plate and thanking the chef for changing your life, don’t forget to stop by the owners’ pub down the street: the J.O.B. Public House. Because once you finish Grad School, it’s time to get a J.O.B.
London Calling Pasty Co.
Have you ever eaten a British meat pie in a classic double-decker bus that’s been converted into a dine-in restaurant?
No?
You won’t be able to say that once you stop by this quirky food truck.
Tucked away on Glenstone Avenue near historic Route 66 lies London Calling, where diners can treat themselves to some authentic British cuisine. A pasty is essentially roasted vegetables and beef swaddled in a flaky pastry crust, and they’re every bit as mouth-watering as they sound. Just head north on Glenstone until you see the giant red double-decker. It’s kinda hard to miss.
Skully’s Ramen
Skully’s is relatively new to the scene, but they’ve already made a name for themselves. The walk-up window and quaint outdoor seating are charming, sure, but let’s be real — you’re here for the food. You won’t be disappointed either, as Skully’s only problem is making enough to go around.
My personal recommendation is the Pork on Pork, which comes with fresh veggies, pickles, and — you guessed it — smoked pork. However, their KimChi fries, wings, and wok bowls are equally to-die-for.
Pineapple Whip
You won’t have to drive far to spot one of Pineapple Whip’s famous soft-serve stands. Their bright, pineapple-colored trucks dot many of Springfield’s street corners, and when you see the iconic, animatronic hula dancer that graces the top of each truck, you’ll recognize them instantly.
Part of the fun of P-whip is that they only offer two flavors: classic pineapple soft-serve and an ever-changing flavor of the day. Such a limited menu should, in theory, make ordering simple, but trust me when I say that choosing between the two when it comes time to order is a stiff dilemma. Luckily, there’s no wrong choice, because they’re both delicious.