Cover Story
Best of Springfield® 2022 Readers’ Poll
READ THE ISSUE IN PDF DIGITAL VIEW Every year, we ask our opinionated readers to tell us about their favorite people, places and things in the Springfield area. Over the decades we’ve been doing this, we’ve continued to tweak both the process and the results issue to try to keep things fresh and interesting, and…
Gone with the wind
One of the planet’s most valuable collections of Abraham Lincoln artifacts has left the building, according to officials at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The artifacts, which include such relics as a pair of bloody gloves that Lincoln wore to Ford’s Theater and a cipher book that the Great Emancipator used as a…
More Illinoisans believe state is on the right track
When Emerson College unveiled its latest Illinois poll last week, its press release included three “Key Takeaways.” At the very top of its list was this: “Fifty-two percent (52%) majority of voters think things in Illinois are on the wrong track, while 48% think things are headed in the right direction.” The college is based…
BEST CITY OFFICIAL
Garnering more votes than any of the area’s high-profile elected officials are our Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs), showing how much Springfield values this service of our police department. Currently there are five NPOs: Officer Taylor Sullivan, Officer Timara Pflug, Officer Ryan Binkley, Officer Cody Musson and Officer Andy Watts. Officer Krystal Holdman was also an…
BASS PLAYER
BASS PLAYER Ty Ellis When it comes to the four-string guitar (and these days, often five) known as the bass, through the years Springfield has been blessed with a good number of fine players. This year’s winner, Ty Ellis, comes from the next generation, topping out over others who have consistently won in the past…
Getting into the spirit of Halloween
Soon, little masked hobgoblins will be knocking at our doors wanting handfuls of candy and it’s important to remember the rules of good behavior – for adults – not just the children. I often hear oldsters grumble about the unruly behavior of youths, but my experience is that it is the adults who tend to…
UNSUNG HERO
This unsung hero has courage, conscientiousness, perseverance, resilience and passion. Charlene Powers, a volunteer board member of WILD Canine Rescue, was raised with grit and inspired by her father, who was a commercial trapper. Powers said her dad would take her along when he was trapping, and he taught her how to think outside the…
ONLINE BOUTIQUE
The name Piper + Arrows Boutique, winner of the 2022 Best of Springfield poll of Illinois Times readers for online boutique, was inspired by the 127th chapter of Psalms. In that book of the Bible, children are described as “arrows in the hands of a warrior” and a blessing to parents “whose quiver is full…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CIVIC AND COMMUNITY
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NONPROFIT
What’s not to love about a WILD woman? Women in Love with Dogs, or WILD Canine Rescue, is near and dear to every dog lover’s heart in central Illinois and beyond. WILD Canine Rescue, founded in 2016, is a nonprofit registered with guidestar.org to ensure transparency, licensed with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and has…
MALE VOCALIST
This always hotly contested category had several different finalists for 2022 than in years past, but singer and acoustic-guitarist performer Jason McKenzie topped them all. McKenzie hails from Pawnee and often spends his time gigging in the smaller towns and villages around Springfield, playing restaurants, bars, wineries and breweries that appreciate his easy-going manner and…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: FOOD AND DRINK
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UP-AND-COMING LEADER
When Liz Rupel saw that she had been nominated, she was touched that someone was thinking of her. “It’s just like a motivator when you needed one,” she says. “There’s someone out there in the community that believes in you. It’s a motivator to keep making change and trying to make this world a little…
SPECIALTY DRINK
The beauty of a great bloody mary is that it’s as unique as the person who orders it. Whether they want it spicy or tangy, spiked with vodka or tequila, or crowned with a juicy piece of shrimp, Springfield voted JP Kelly’s Pub as the best place to start their weekend with this iconic brunch…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: GOODS AND SERVICES
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COFFEE HOUSE
Grab-A-Java has been doing its thing for more than 20 years. And one of the aspects our capital city particularly loves are the banners hanging outside the store that always catch our eye and make us laugh or take note. But what really makes a coffee house is the quality of the product and friendly…
GUITARIST
In another sure sign that the new generation of musicians have arrived, Tyler Landess takes the crown of Best of Springfield as guitarist, rising above those who have grabbed the ring before. Landess, a well-deserved recipient of the votes, is an accomplished guitarist on many levels, from metal to country and beyond. He’s known as…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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GYM OR FITNESS CENTER
GYM OR FITNESS CENTER GYMNASTICS SWIM LESSONS It’s obvious by the number of categories that the YMCA of Springfield either won or was a finalist in that both branches of the YMCA, Downtown and Kerasotes, are integral parts of our community. Joey Greenwood, Downtown branch manager says, “It’s a great feeling. I think the Y…
BUSINESS GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY and COOKIE
Readers recognized Café Moxo as the business that does the best to give back to the community. That’s not an accident; owner Mark Forinash founded the business 15 years ago with community service in mind. “Being downtown, you get to know so many of the population that live on the streets because you spend a…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HOME AND GARDEN
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SUSHI
Mimosa has been offering traditional Vietnamese and Thai dishes on the west side for quite some time now. But this year it was Mimosa’s sushi offerings that got Springfield excited. First, Mimosa’s space has quite a modern look, replete with neon lights and a large round bar in the center. Sushi chefs occupy part of…
LIVE MUSIC VENUE (SMALL)
It’s good to have a plan and even better when it falls into place and works, and the folks at Locals Bar in Pawnee can claim to have accomplished that mission. Located on the north side of the square in this small town about 15 miles south of Springfield and a few miles east of…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: KIDS STUFF
Children’s support organization Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery 1011 N. Seventh St., (217) 525-6800 Finalists: Compass for Kids, Children’s Miracle Network, Girls on the Run, Community Child Care Connection Children’s clothing store Once Upon A Child 4225 Wabash Ave., (217) 679-7134 Finalists: Just Kids, Luers, Carter’s, Old Navy Dance studio Above & Beyond Dance Company 207…
VETERINARIAN CLINIC
A hard-working staff, collaborative work environment and focus on customer service have paid dividends for Laketown Animal Hospital, which was voted best veterinary clinic in the 2022 Best of Springfield poll of Illinois Times readers. “The vote is a really nice validation of what we do every day,” said Dr. Bret Peterson, owner and veterinarian…
MARGARITAS
Almost everyone likes margaritas, right? Here in Springfield, folks favored the offerings at Blue Margaritas this year. Blue Margaritas prides itself on being not just another food chain, but rather a family business with deep roots and a welcoming atmosphere – something that’s evident in its margaritas. Naturally, they come either frozen or on the…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: MUSIC
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NEW BAR (OPENED AFTER 8/1/21)
Whiskey Jack’s is the city’s favorite new bar. Located downtown, there’s quite a bit going on here besides cold drinks. For those who aren’t professional musicians, Whiskey Jack’s hosts open mic and karaoke nights. On top of that, there’s an active live music scene with a rotating cast of local and regional groups that span…
BOOKSTORE (USED)
The enduring popularity of ink-on-paper books and a helpful staff are what Tami Frye, owner of The Book Rack, pointed to as key to the success of her business and its selection as top used bookstore in the Illinois Times 2022 Best of Springfield contest. “My employees are the best employees who have ever been,”…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
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LANDSCAPE SUPPLY COMPANY
Artisan Stone Products, with is its displays of patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls and other stone creations, is a fun place to visit. “I wanted Artisan Stone Products to have built-in displays of all of my core products where people could see it, feel it and bring other related products out and see how they…
PET GROOMING
Ashley Brown enjoys being able to transform the look of a dog. Her 5-year-old business, Pup.E.Tails, was voted best pet grooming by Illinois Times readers in the 2022 Best of Springfield contest. “I just like the atmosphere of it – just seeing what you can do with their hair,” Brown said. The Curran resident was…
GIFT STORE
“Janet, you need to think about what you’re going to do when all of this is behind you. What brings you joy?” Balding, puffy and in the middle of chemotherapy, Janet Barkmeier, owner of Once in a Blue Moon, hadn’t given much thought as to what came next. But the words of her nurse practitioner…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: RETAIL
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WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CANNABIS
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BEST SALON
BEST SALON BEST SPA BEST BOUTIQUE BEST ESTHETICIAN, STEVIE LIEVENS BEST STYLIST, HANNAH HENDRICKSON At Willow & Birch, the standard phone greeting is, “Every day is a good day to branch out.” Owner and founder Jessica Kocurek, who started the business in May 2010, was inspired to “create a place where a team of people…
CAJUN SEAFOOD
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…
SPORTS TEAM
In just their first year of existence, the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes baseball team made it to the playoffs and were voted the best local sports team by Illinois Times readers. “We had a very exciting inaugural season, for sure,” said Jamie Toole, who leads the team with his wife, Melissa Gaynor. “It was pretty good.…
BUDTENDER
Samuel Brubaker, owner, founder and head budtender at Prairie State Hemp, 460 E. Washington St., has over 10 years’ experience in the cultivation and wholesale supply of cannabis, but is fairly new to the budtender aspect of the business. However, when he opened Prairie State Hemp in April 2022 and had not yet found a…
FUNERAL HOME
Business has been far from dead for Staab Funeral Homes. The four-generation firm has been voted Springfield’s best funeral home by Illinois Times readers. P.J. Staab, president of Staab Funeral Homes, says the key to their success is their commitment to serving grieving families. The business began in 1927 when George Staab, a union plumber,…
TATTOO ARTIST
It's readily apparent that Benny DeWitt is a humble man. “I Lincoln'd it,” he chuckles, referring to the fact that most of the people in the running for best tattoo artist work at the same place – New Age Tattoo and Piercings – splitting their votes and allowing him to rise to the top, much…
THEATER PERFORMANCE – FEMALE LEAD
This was one of those performances that spoke to the adage “good things come in small packages.” In the Springfield Muni Opera’s Matilda, Cam Lecocq mastered the role Matilda Wormwood with aplomb. They easily embodied and conveyed the character’s complexities through a well-done accent, strong singing and capable acting. The mix of sadness, wonderment and…
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Once Upon a Child, 4225 Wabash Ave., is locally owned and operated by Sommer and Micah Glauberman. The Glaubermans opened the franchise that sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear for about 70% less than retail in late 2016. Sommer was new to Springfield, and after shopping to outfit their own kids…
BRUNCH
Who doesn’t love brunch? It’s the best of both worlds, a perfect meld of the best breakfast and lunch foods. Brunchfield Café definitely has it figured out when it comes to serving up the best brunch in Springfield. Breakfast is served all day and the lunch offerings start at 11 a.m. Chef and co-owner Howard…
CATERER
Cured Catering’s tag line is, “Catering doesn’t have to be boring.” And that’s why it’s called Cured Catering – because owners Brian and Melissa Reilly are trying to cure the kind of catering that’s all too conventional and stale. For that, Springfield recognized Cured as the city’s best caterer. Using locally sourced ingredients as much…
THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE LEAD
Also part of the Muni Opera’s first season back after being dark for two years, Ragtime, the Musical was a timely and relevant show which tackled themes of wealth disparity and discrimination. Michael Wallace as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. was an effortless and passionate powerhouse, portraying a proud man making his way at the turn of…
BEST NEW BUSINESS (DOWNTOWN)
What happens when you mix a love of aviation and coffee? Aviatori Coffeehouse, the best new business in downtown and runner-up for best coffeehouse in Springfield. Settling down in Havana, Illinois, after falling in love with the area while working as crop dusters, Juliana Turchetti and Joe Coppick decided to take their passion for coffee…
Good Nurse an intriguing true-crime story, Black Adam is endless chaos, fun trip to Paradise
True-crime story Nurse takes different tact While there is an intriguing true-life crime story at its core, director Tobias Lindholm takes a different tact in exploring it in The Good Nurse. Instead of the villain, serial killer Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), being the focus, the titular character is Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain), a single mother…
OVERALL RESTAURANT and NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED AFTER 8/1/21)
Although it recently went through a change in kitchen staff, that doesn’t seem to have made a difference to our readers, who voted Broadgauge as the best new restaurant and the best overall restaurant – this despite being in Petersburg, a decent drive from Springfield. Owner Douglas Pope left Petersburg to attend college more than…
BEST ART STUDIO/GALLERY
BEST ART STUDIO/GALLERY KIDS’ ART CLASSES SUMMER CAMP Springfield Art Association (SAA) is a community-based nonprofit that has been a mainstay of Springfield’s north side for over 100 years. Located just north of downtown in the Enos Park neighborhood, SAA offers a variety of classes for all ages and summer camps for children and teens.…
Halloweens were more sinister a century ago
Today, Halloween is a mixture of revelry, as both trick-or-treaters and adults are in costume with happy pumpkins, and ghoulish skeletons for décor. A century ago, the holiday was more sinister – and violent. Halloweens of the late 1800s and early 1900s were dominated by “pranks” that were closer to felonies and misdemeanors. Vandalism ruled…
STEAK
The Old Lux, as the Old Luxemburg Inn is commonly known, is a Springfield icon. It’s located on the east side in a building that’s over 100 years old and decked out with wood paneling that gives it a supper-club feeling. And, the bar still offers the grasshopper – a drink that most bartenders no…
NEW BUSINESS (NOT DOWNTOWN)
“I’ve always been artistic and creative and had to do something,” says Brandy Fletcher. A professional photographer who spent most weekends with her husband shooting hundreds of weddings over 15 years, Fletcher said health issues led her to painting furniture and crafting. After selling her wares on Facebook Marketplace and giving them to friends and…
Early voting expands as campaign season enters final two weeks
Early voting hours and locations greatly expanded across the state this week as the campaign season entered its final two-week stretch. Polling places opened across the city of Chicago as well. Information on early voting for each local election authority can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections website here, or by visiting…
