Asian
Magic Kitchen
4112 N. Peoria Rd., 217-525-2230
115 N. Lewis St., 217-525-6975
Finalists: Yummy Bowl, Mekong Cafe, Little Saigon Restaurant, Mimosa, Sunny China
Bakery
Incredibly Delicious
925 S. Seventh St.
217-528-8548
Finalists: Cafe Moxo, Scoop Du Jour, Apple Barn, Cafe Amulet
BBQ
Mission BBQ
2401 Wabash Ave.
217-275-5610
Finalists: Twyford BBQ & Catering, Clay’s Popeye’s Barbecue, Hickory River Smokehouse, PT’s BBQ
Biscuits and Gravy
Clock Tower Cafe
751 S. Durkin Dr.
217-679-7251
Finalists: Cafe Moxo, Star 66 Cafe, Lulu’s Diner, Ritz’s Lil Fryer, Vondra Social House
Breakfast
Charlie Parker’s Diner
700 W. North St.
217-241-2104
Finalists: Le Peep, Lulu’s Diner, Clock Tower Cafe, Star 66 Cafe
Brunch
Vondra Social House
724 E. Edwards St.
217-416-3668
Finalists: Le Peep, Boone’s, Clock Tower Cafe
Build your own bowl
Yummy Bowl
3434 Freedom Dr.
217-953-3777
Finalists: Pita or Bowl, Nami Poke
Burger
Krekel’s Custard & Hamburgers
2121 N. Grand Ave E.
217-525-4952
Finalists: Burger Bar and Back Door Lounge, Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company, Clock Tower Cafe, The Shed
Caterer
Nelson’s Catering of Central Illinois
3005 Great Northern Ave.
217-787-9443
Finalists: Cured Catering, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Hamilton’s Catering Service, Taco Joint
Chef
Michael Higgins, Maldaner’s Restaurant and Catering
222 S. Sixth St.
217-522-4313
Finalists: Aurora and Jordan Coffey, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions; Kelsi Slowe, VELE; Dustin Coons, Legacy Pointe Eatery; Nate Powers, Vondra Social House; Laura Davis, Whimsy Tea Company
Chicken strips
Raising Cane’s
3100 W. White Oaks Dr.
217-361-0988
Finalists: Home Plate Bar & Grill, Dairy Queen, Sharks Fish & Chicken, The Shed
Chili
The Chili Parlor
820 S. Ninth St.
217-523-4989
Finalists: Cook’s Spice Rack & Chili, The Dublin Pub (Joe’s Chili), D’Arcy’s Pint, Cozy Dog Drive In
Cookies
Incredibly Delicious
925 S. Seventh St.
217-528-8548
Finalists: Cafe Moxo, Crumbl Cookies, Crave Cookies, Long Nine Junction
Diner
Charlie Parker’s Diner
700 W. North St.
217-241-2104
Finalists: Lulu’s Diner, Star 66 Cafe, Clock Tower Cafe, Ritz’s Lil Fryer
Donut shop
Mel-O-Cream Donuts
217 E. Laurel St., 217-544-4644
3010 S. Sixth St., 217-529-7708
1953 W. Monroe St., 217-546-4651
525 North Grand Ave E., 217-528-2303
4411 Yucan Dr., 217-679-1107
Finalists: Scoop Du Jour, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, Schnucks
Drive-thru
Grab-a-Java
1702 S. Sixth St., 217-523-5282
300 Chatham Rd., 217-670-1353
3115 Hedley Rd., 217-698-9773
Finalists: Chick-fil-A, Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh, Maid-Rite, Taco Joint
Farm-to-table restaurant
Luminary Kitchen & Provisions
3121 Hedley Rd.
217-679-1819
Finalists: Curate, Engrained Brewing Company, Maldaner’s Restaurant and Catering
Fine dining
VELE
3241 W. Iles Ave.
217-210-2177
Finalists: Chesapeake Seafood House, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Old Luxemburg Inn, Maldaner’s Restaurant and Catering, Joseph’s Fine Cuisine
Food truck
The Lumpia House and Truck
1731 S. MacArthur Blvd.
447-448-8262
Finalists: AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill, Taco Joint, Twyford BBQ & Catering, Edinburgers
French Fries
Culler’s French Fries, Illinois State Fair
Track statefair.illinois.gov/
Finalists: Cozy Dog Drive In, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Clock Tower Cafe, Yanni’s Gyros
Fried chicken
Track Shack
233 E. Laurel St.
217-522-0044
Finalists: County Market – Fairhills Plaza, MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express, Old Luxemburg Inn, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, The Shed
Fried fish
Carter’s Fish Market
1900 S. Grand Ave. E.
217-525-2571
Finalists: MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express, The Shed, Springfield Motor Boat Club, Clock Tower Cafe
Gluten-free menu
Legacy Pointe Eatery
1130 Legacy Pointe Dr.
217-670-1217
Finalists: Bella Milano, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Vine & Rind, Clock Tower Cafe
Gyro
Yanni’s Gyros
1841 Adlai Stevenson Dr.
217-585-9300
Finalists: Gyro Stop, Pita or Bowl, Joey G’s Chicago Dog & Gyros, Clock Tower Cafe
Horseshoe
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Ave.
217-492-8800
Finalists: The Dublin Pub, Ritz’s Lil Fryer, Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery, Clock Tower Cafe
Hot Dog
Cozy Dog Drive In
2935 S. Sixth St.
217-525-1992
Finalists: Vose Corn Dogs Stand, Portillo’s, Sam’s Club, Springfield Motor Boat Club
Ice cream or froyo
Scoop Du Jour
95 Plummer Blvd., Chatham
217-697-8327
Finalists: Baskin-Robbins, Culver’s, Dolce Anna Gelateria Italiana, Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet
Indian
Gateway to India
3115 Chatham Rd., Ste. 5306
217-726-6890
Finalists: Flavor of India, Pita or Bowl
Italian
Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market
1941 W. Iles Ave.
217-679-3760
Finalists: Bella Milano, Saputo’s, La Piazza Cucina Italiana, Di Carlo’s Pizza
Lake club
Firefighters-Postal Lake Club
940 W. Lake Shore Dr.
217-691-6472
Finalists: Island Bay Yacht Club, Springfield Motor Boat Club, Elks Lodge #158, Aqua Sports Club, Prop Club
Late-night eats location
Star 66 Cafe
3752 Camp Butler Rd.
217-523-0611
Finalists: Bill’s Toasty – Taylorville, 3rd Shift Kitchen, California Kitchen, IHOP
Mexican restaurant
Xochimilco
2941 W. Iles Ave., 217-546-3116
3210 Northfield Dr., 217-544-9206
Finalists: Aztca Mexican Grill, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal, Rancho Chico, Los Altos Cocina y Cantina, Taqueria El Dorado
New restaurant (opened after 8/1/25)
The Spot 90’s Bar & Grill
3236 Ginger Creek Dr.
217-572-1996
Finalists: Vondra Social House, Bespoke Cafe + Kitchen, Curveside Bar & Grill – Athens, The Library Pizza and Sports Bar, Los Altos Cocina y Cantina
Outdoor dining
The Railyard on Route 66
2242 S. Sixth St.
217-670-1501
Finalists: Curate, Vondra Social House, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal, Dockside Grill at Lake Springfield Marina
Overall restaurant
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Ave.
217-492-8800
Finalists: Chesapeake Seafood House, VELE, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Vondra Social House
Pizza
Sapori Pizzeria & Italian Market
1941 W. Iles Ave.
217-679-3760
Finalists: Bernie and Betty’s Pizza, Di Carlo’s Pizza, Gabatoni’s Italian Restaurant, Antonio’s Pizza
Place for date night
VELE
3241 W. Iles Ave.
217-210-2177
Finalists: Bella Milano, Old Luxemburg Inn, Vondra Social House, Vine & Rind, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
Place for Steak
VELE
3241 W. Iles Ave.
217-210-2177
Finalists: Texas Roadhouse, Old Luxemburg Inn, Longhorn Steakhouse, Saputo’s
Restaurant for dessert
Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet
2941 Plaza Dr.
217-793-1840
Finalists: Incredibly Delicious, Star 66 Cafe, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Village Tea Room & Gift Shop
Seafood
Chesapeake Seafood House
3045 E. Clear Lake Ave.
217-522-5220
Finalists: VELE, Cooper’s Hawk, The Old Luxemburg Inn, Clock Tower Cafe
Server
Biridiana Reza, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
4403 Yucan Dr.
217-970-5065
Finalists: Classity Chanel, Clock Tower Cafe; Kristen, The Dublin Pub; Adi, Star 66 Cafe; Ashley LeMasters, Vine & Rind
Soul food
Boyd’s New Generation
1831 S. Grand Ave. E.
217-544-9866
Finalists: Aunt Lou’s Soul Food, MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express, Luminary Kitchens & Provisions, 710 Rippy G’s
Soup
Cafe Moxo
2661 Chatham Road
217-788-8084
Finalists: Panera Bread, Star 66 Cafe, Head West Sub Shop, Whimsy Tea Company
Sports bar and grill
Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex
600 Toronto Rd.
217-679-7323
Finalists: Home Plate Bar & Grill, Brickhouse Grill & Pub, The Corner Pub & Grill, J.T. Costelloe’s Pizza Pub and Grill
Sub/Sandwich
Head West Sub Shop
2432 Denver Dr., 217-744-7990
1124 W. Jefferson St., 217-793-9101
530 E. Capitol Ave., 217-789-9101
3311 Robbins Rd., 217-726-9202
Finalists: Monty’s Submarines, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jimmy John’s, Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Sushi
Happy Sushi
846 South Grand Ave. E.
217-528-9799
Finalists: Mimosa, Izumi Rotary and Bar, Japan House, Osaka, Yummy Bowl
Tacos
Taco Joint
710 S. Grand Ave. E.
217-790-3304
Finalists: Aztca Mexican Grill, Taco Gringo, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal, Xochimilco
Take out only (No indoor dining)
Taco Joint
710 S. Grand Ave. E.
217-790-3304
Finalists: Grab-a-Java, Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh, Joe’s Italian Pizza, Matto Pizza Pies, Wing Stop
Thai
Mekong Cafe
1308 S. Second St.
217-391-2511
Finalists: Magic Kitchen, Little Saigon, Hawaiian BBQ, Thai Kitchen 2, Hello Thailand
Vegetarian-friendly
Pita Or Bowl
848 S. Grand Ave. E.
217-848-3136
Finalists: Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Magic Kitchen, Curate, Whimsy Tea Company
Wedding cakes
Incredibly Delicious
925 S. Seventh St.
217-528-8548
Finalists: Wildflower Bakery, Bake My Day, Cafe Amulet, Holly Cakes Bakery
Wings
Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill
2406 W. Jefferson St.
217-698-9256
Finalists: Wing Stop, The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill, The Curveside Bar & Grill – Athens, Wings Etc.
Bartender
Jessica Cloyd, Curve Inn
3219 S. Sixth St.
217-529-5806
Finalists: Justin, Clique; Eric Ferrell, Vondra Social House; Tiffany Matthews, Mama Lee’s Sandbar; Maddy, Goodfellas Pub
Beer garden
Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery
500 S. Sixth St
217-670-0627
Finalists: Curve Inn, The Shed, Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex, Curveside Bar & Grill – Athens
Beer selection (on tap)
Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company
619 E. Washington St.
217-679-1195
Finalists: Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery, Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex, Engrained Brewing Company, Bald Buddha Brewing
Coffee house
Grab-a-Java
1702 S. Sixth St., 217-523-5282
300 Chatham Rd., 217-670-1353
3115 Hedley Rd., 217-698-9773
Finalists: Hae’s Bakery & Coffee Shoppe, Arrowroot Coffee Co – Roastery and Coffee Lounge, Brezie’s Roasted Beans, Custom Cup Coffee
Craft brewery
Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery
500 S. Sixth St
217-670-0627
Finalists: Hand of Fate Brewery, Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company, Engrained Brewing Company, Springfield Beer Company
Happy hour
Vondra Social House
724 E. Edwards St.
217-416-3668
Finalists: Brewski’s Pub, Clique, Curate,
Jamie’s Route 66
Juice or smoothie bar
Smoothie King
4319 Yucan Dr., 217-679-4590
605 W. Jefferson St., 217-670-1962
Finalists: Wellthy Juice Co., Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Genius Mango Smoothie, Soleil Cafe
Margaritas
Blue Margarita Mexican Bar & Grill
3151 Horizon Dr.
217-670-1394
Finalists: Xochimilco, AZ-T-CA, Los Altos Cocina y Cantina, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal & Taquería, El Dorado
NA cocktail
Purple Dreams – Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
4403 Yucan Dr.
217-970-5065
Finalists: The Tipsy Toad; Love Letters to Harry, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions; The Camille, Vondra Social House; Britney-tini – The Spot 90’s Bar & Grill
New bar (opened after 8/1/25)
Vondra Social House
724 E. Edwards St.
217-416-3668
Finalists: The Library Pizza and Sports Bar, The Spot 90’s Bar & Grill, Scoop after Dark at Scoop Du Jour, Martinis Lounge
Overall bar
Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex
600 Toronto Rd.
217-679-7323
Finalists: Curve Inn, Vondra Social House, Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, Curveside Bar & Grill
Place for darts
Curve Inn
3219 S. Sixth St
217-529–5806
Finalists: Jamie’s Route 66, The Bird Tavern, Mama Lee’s Sandbar, George Rank’s
Place for pool
Mowie’s Cue
1277 Toronto Rd.
217-529-7616
Finalists: Floyd’s Thirst Parlor, Mama Lee’s Sandbar, Docker’s Tavern, The Bean – Mechanicsburg
Specialty cocktail
Line Cook’s Old Fashioned – Luminary Kitchen & Provisions
3121 Hedley Rd.
217-679-1819
Finalists: French Fig Old Fashioned – Vonda Social House; Bacardi Party – Curve inn; The Tipsy Toad – Tipsy Margarita; Saturday Morning Cartoons – The Spot 90’s Bar & Grill
Trivia night
Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company
619 E. Washington St.
217-679-1195
Finalists: Scoop after Dark at Scoop Du Jour, Clique, Brewski’s Pub, The Creek Pub & Grill
Wine bar
Bloom Wine Bar & Florals
2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza
217-679-1830
Finalists: Vine & Rind, It’s All About Wine, Curate, The Corkscrew, Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop
Winery
Danenberger Family Vineyards
12341 Irish Rd., New Berlin
217-488-6321
Finalists: West of Wise Winery, Hill Prairie Winery, Arpeggio Winery
This article appears in October 29-November 4, 2026.
