10 minute read
HIDDEN GEMS OF THE GREATER SPRINGFIELD FOOD SCENE
6 OF OUR FAVORITE, MUST HIT SPOTS WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN
As Greater Springfield continues to gain momentum in many areas, one that is starting to draw regional attention is the food scene.
From established local favorites to a few new best kept secrets, there has never been a better time to be a foodie in Greater Springfield. There is a long list in our local dining section but we wanted to pull a handful of some of the spots that we consider hidden gems & memorable dining options that you should hit up while you’re in town to help fill out your weekend trip.
571 GRILL AND DRAFT HOUSE HAS A GREAT CRAFT BEER SELECTION
TOP NOTCH ASIAN CUISINE OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Opened in 2019 in an old dive bar, Speakeasy has become a quick local favorite.
365 LUDLOW AVE. 937.32.3722 SPEAKEASYRAMEN.COM
SPEAKEASY RAMEN
The following is an excerpt from an article in the Dayton Daily News
DAYTON EATS Jan 14, 2020 By Alexis Larsen The menu — drawing on the best flavors and preparations from Japan, Vietnam, China, Korea and more — changes almost daily, according to the ingredients the restaurant can source. The goal is to keep everything as fresh as possible, so the dishes usually sell out. One customer recently called them a “five-star dive bar” — fitting, indeed. Their signature dish — and also one of their most popular — is Tonkotsu ramen ($16) made with a three-day bone marrow broth that they make from ham bones and pork trotters from Fink’s meats, which provides locally sourced pork. They finish the broth with al dente ramen noodles and a variety of toppings that can include house-made tea-brined eggs, narutomaki, nori, bok choy and pork belly. The Thai curry ramen ($16) is a vegan, gluten-free broth with curry spices of southern Asia, coconut milk, coconut cream, mirepoix, and gluten-free tamari soy sauce. While it’s served with ramen noodles, rice noodles are a gluten-free option. That ramen can also be dressed up with a variety of toppings. A three-day bone broth takes dedication and commitment to the art and craft of authentic ramen, and this is the real deal. One of those specials is the Dragon egg ($15), a dish that I dream of having again very soon. This very special special is a core of spicy tuna with sushi rice and fried onions wrapped in a beautiful fanned-out avocado, making it look like an egg the size of a softball. It is then dressed with a housemade sauce with tempura flakes for crunch. It’s a showy dish that is heavy on preparation and no matter how many the kitchen makes they often sell out before the dinner shift. The technique was taught to Speakeasy Ramen’s Executive Chef Clayton Horrighs by his teacher Hayato Minami, and is a wonderful example of just how beautiful, delicious and satisfying food can be. “We are just going to keep changing and experimenting, so we hope to always have a new experience, even for people who eat here frequently,” said Horrighs. “We are pushing boundaries that Springfield hasn’t seen before, and with great results. When we first opened, some people thought this concept wouldn’t work in Springfield, but people were excited about it. This opens the door for more exotic and experimental cuisine, and we love that.” Horrighs was trained in French and Italian cooking, but specializes in Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. His mastery over many different cuisine styles and flavors
is evident in the pan-Asian food coming out of the kitchen. He is an exciting chef who is as dedicated to traditional dishes as he is getting creative and mixing up styles and cuisine types.more bonded to this city than we expected, and we are grateful for their investment in us.”
TWO GREAT OPTIONS FOR TACO TUESDAYS
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GUERRA’S KRAZY TACOS
UNIQUE TACOS + CRAFT BEER
With a large menu of quirky taco recipes and a great selection of craft beer it’s time to believe the hype about Guerra’s.
229 N BELMONT AVE. 937.325.0799 KRAZYTACOGUERRA.COM
The following is an excerpt from an article in the Springfield News-Sun
April 12, 2019 By Amelia Robinson Guerra’s sets itself apart with creative Tex-Mex-style tacos packed with bold flavors. The menu features a list of appetizers that includes Kreeper Cheese (hot peppers in a melted cheese served with chips); Krazy Bean Dip and beer queso. The restaurant has an assortment of tacos with ingredients ranging from candied ginger on the Asian Ginger chicken taco to the fresh pineapple on the Sweet Avocado vegetarian taco to Sriracha on Flex’s Favorite, a seasoned ground beef taco. Tacos generally range from $2.95 to $3.95. A “street-style” plate of five tacos with different meats is $9.95. WE ORDERED THREE TACOS The star of our plate, the Hot Mess ground beef taco: cheese, ground beef, refried beans and hot sauce (tasted like an open-faced burrito). The fun-to-eat, savory and spicy Krunch-a-licious: ground beef, hot sauce, creamy cilantro and crunches. The Notorious P.I.G.: an ample serving of roasted pork, creamy cilantro sauce, lettuce, cucumber, radish and candied jalapenos on two corn tortillas to support all the weight. An American-style taco, called Traditional on the menu) comes with seasoned beef or chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Come and get an authentic Tex-Mex bar restaurant experience here at Guerra’s Krazy Tacos in the heart of Springfield, Ohio. According to Business Insider out of all the taco restaurants in Ohio, Guerra’s sits at the top. The owner himself, Felix Guerra, prepares the incredible tacos, continuously changing his vast and unique menu, giving everyone plenty of options and variety. Shelly serves up the local craft beers and homemade margaritas. Only here at Ohio’s best taco joint can you enjoy a mouthwatering taco, inspired by the owner, for under $4! “Absolutely love this place. Food is amazing and so very creative. Excellent flavor combinations that are truly Amazing. Something for everyone. Felix sure knows what he’s doing!”
GUERRA’S KRAZY TACOS
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TAQUERIA SENOR PIQUIN
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CANTINA
Traditional Mexican cuisine in a diner-like setting. Be sure to try the Huarache!
337 W COLUMBIA ST. 937.323.8480
A definite best kept secret, Taqueria Senor Pequin is unassuming to drive by. Set in a motel parking lot in an old classic diner building, it’s not a place that most would try without a heads up. But take it from us, it’s a great place to crush some tacos and Jarritos and one visit will convert you into a regular customer. We’ll let these Yelp reviews make our case. “I found this place by chance. It’s an old highway dinner now a GREAT quaint restaurant. Not a lot of seating but tons of character. The gentleman that took my order was
TAQUERIA SENOR PIQUIN
so nice, helpful and offered their 3 taco lunch special. The meal took a bit to prepare, but came out HOT. He ran out of beans so he offered grille potatoes instead. Wow they were fabulous. The food plate came out and was so presentable. 3 carne asada cilantro, grilled potatoes and rice. The salsa was hot, so I used it sparingly but still was good. Don’t drive by this place just cause it looks divey, it’s fun!” “This is the best Mexican food I’ve ever had! The restaurant is extremely clean with super friendly staff. I got the carne asada tacos with flour tortillas & was absolutely blown away by amazing flavors!” In 1947 Hickory Drive-In opened by Elmo McBeth and Fred Stegemoeller. Later, in the 1950s, Huck and Anna Lehman bought the business and managed it for decades. It was recently purchased The Hickory Inn celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018, making it, “One of Springfield’s Oldest Restaurants,” according to the former owners Ed and Kim Although pizza is the backbone of the business, The Hickory Inn offers a variety of other cuisines including chicken, pork, ribs, steak, seafood, sandwiches, pasta and more. The Hickory Inn was first opened in 1947 as a family eatery. The unique log cabin style has become a recognized icon to many over the years. In 1978, Ed and Kim Williamson became the owners. They have since passed ownership to Brandon Tagg in 2019. Brandon has been with The Hickory Inn since 2000 learning the business but more importantly, getting to know the customers that have come in over the years and proudly serving them. In keeping with the family “theme”, the menu offers children’s selections, as well as sandwiches, soups and a variety of dinners and pizzas. At the cozy bar, patrons can enjoy a meal and watch a sporting event on the flat screen TV. Reservations for lunch and dinner aren’t accepted; it’s worth the wait. Fresh, local produce and meats certainly tempt your taste buds. If it’s your first visit or your 51st visit, we know you’re dining experience will be enjoyable!
HICKORY INN
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HICKORY INN
THROWBACK AMERICAN RESTAURANT KNOWN FOR THEIR WHEAT CRUST PIZZA
652 N. LIMESTONE ST. 937.323.1779 THEHICKORYINN.COM
The following is an adapted excerpt from an article in the Springfield News-Sun
May 24, 2019 By Riley Newton, Staff Writer
5 STELLA
BLEU FINE DINING WITH A UNIQUE FLAIR
20 N. FOUNTAIN AVENUE 937.717.0478
STELLABLEUBISTRO.COM
Stella Bleu is located in the heart of downtown Springfield in a freshly renovated space and offers a wide variety of cuisine, including steak, seafood, italian, french, south american, and asian dishes. The stylish bar is a great place to enjoy a cocktail, and the outdoor patio provides ample space for dining. Free parking is available in the bushnell building parking garage (entrances on n. Limestone st. And e. Columbia st.). Park on the third floor and come through our back entrance. The menus for both lunch and dinner feature a variety of dishes including steak, seafood, pasta and vegetarian options.
6 571 GRILL AND
DRAFT HOUSE GREAT BURGERS AND TONS OF CRAFT BEER ON TAP
12389 MILTON CARLISLE RD.
937.845.0089
571GRILL.COM
The following is an adapted excerpt from an article on travelpulse.com
The 6 Best Places to Grab a Burger in the Midwest Andrew Kulha March 07, 2017
571 Grill & Draft House:
New Carlisle, Ohio Located in small-town New Carlisle, the 571 Grill & Draft House may be a bit out of the way, but it’s well worth finding. That’s particularly true of the 571 HAYSTACK. It’s made with a special blend called 571 sauce, (which has a bit of heat to it). On top, you’ll find slices of smoked gouda cheese, applewood smoked bacon, onion straws, lettuce, tomato, pickle and Jalapeños. (You can add an egg to this delicious burger, and it becomes a “Hen House”.) If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the glazed donut bacon cheeseburger will be right up your alley. It’s got the same burger, smoked bacon, and 571 sauce. Throw in the glazed donut, and it all comes together rather nicely with a sweet and savory mix. Last but not least is the Mac Daddy Burger. That one’s surrounded by a smoked gouda mac and cheese patty. Throw in the applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce, and this is a burger that may give you heartburn, but it’s well worth it.
This quote from yelp says it all.
“Had a great burger that was cooked to perfection. Everything was great and Jayme gave me great service. This place is heaven for anyone that enjoys a great burger or craft beers.”
