There's been a proliferation of Cajun seafood options in Springfield the past few years. This year, Anchors Away won the best spot for this category. It proves that you don't have to be close to the ocean, or even close to New Orleans, to have good Cajun and Creole food.
True to its name, Anchors Away has a seafaring vibe – low ceilings (which make you think you're in the fo'c'sle of a schooner from days gone by), dark wood and a fireplace. It's cozy and inviting.
Anchors Away features all of the typical Cajun dishes like barbecue shrimp (our favorite), po'boys, étouffée and gumbo. Other Southern dishes such as shrimp and grits are available, as are more standard items such as shrimp alfredo.
Where Anchors Away really shines, however, is with its seafood bags – all sorts of seafood cooked with Cajun spices, sausage potatoes and corn. Diners choose either shrimp, crab, mussels, lobster tail, clams or crawfish (make sure to suck the head – that's where the flavor is) and can customize their own level of heat. It's a ton of food and a messy dish to eat (don't be shy about putting on the bib that's provided) but it's well worth the effort – plus, it's fun.
