Cover Story
Best Of Springfield 2026 Intro
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. This year, more people voted for their favorite…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HOME AND GARDEN
AC/Heating company HVACHenson Robinson Company3550 Great Northern217-544-8451Finalists: Gatschenberger Rich Heating & Cooling, Darrin Wood Heating and Cooling, Allied Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Black Tie Home Services Air duct cleaningDuct Dusters LLCFinalists: Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services, Filter Free Services Carpet and flooringStaff Carpet304 W. Browning Rd.217-528-4879Finalists: Arizona Tile, Calhoun’s, Flooring of Springfield Inc., Champ’s Floor…
BEST ATTORNEY
Representing clients charged with horrendous crimes gives W. Scott Hanken a degree of satisfaction many people may not understand. “It does take a special mindset to do this,” said Hanken. “There are certain jobs that need to be done. Some call them the dirty jobs. It doesn’t mean I’m pro-crime. … You have the same…
RETAIL SHOP
After outgrowing its previous location, Little Lincoln’s Toy Shop recently moved two doors down to reopen in a larger space. The independently owned toy store is now in a 5,400-square-foot location at the end of the West White Oaks shopping center, in space previously occupied by the Jane Hay Sales and Staging Team. Little Lincoln’s…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: KIDS STUFF
Children’s clothing storeOnce Upon a Child4225 Wabash Ave.217-679-7134Finalists: Sweet Pea Consignment, Just Kids, Gypsy Soul, Studio on 6thChildren’s support organizationMini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery1011 N. Seventh St.217-525-6800Finalists: The James Project, Community Child Care Connection, YMCA, Children’s Miracle Network, Family Service CenterDance studioSpringfield Dance5531 International Pkwy.217-483-3623Finalists: Above & Beyond Dance Company, Dance Arts Studio, Dayna’s Dance Revolution,…
PLAY OR MUSICAL
A popular, award-winning musical currently making its way across theaters in the Midwest and beyond, Come From Away is based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland – the location of one of several airports that took in diverted international planes after U.S. airspace was closed on 9/11. Within hours, the town’s population nearly doubled,…
PLAY TO PLAY POOL
Illinois has long been home to some of the most famous – or infamous, depending on one’s point of view – pool halls in the country. The 1961 film classic The Hustler, starring Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason, was directly inspired by the hustling scene at Bensinger’s Pool Hall in Chicago. But pool, known otherwise…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: MUSIC
Bass playerTony Tarro, Brandy Kristin Bandfacebook.com/BrandyKristinandTheRevivalFinalists: Jeff Cunningham, Bruce Williams, Tyler O’Brien, Trey Tholen Choral groupGlenwood High School Titan Fever1501 Plummer Blvd., Chatham217-483-2424Finalists: Rochester High School Madrigals, Springfield Choral Society, The Capitol City Men’s Chorus, The Lincoln Troubadours Cover music bandBrandy Kristin Bandfacebook.com/BrandyKristinandTheRevivalFinalists: Deja Voodoo, The 66 Ramblers, Sunshine Daydream, The Phantom Lordz DJYuri K.…
HOSPICE / HOSPICE CARE
The staff of Hands of God Hospice are the “hands and feet” that move the business’ God-given mission to comfort patients with dignity, integrity and respect when their life expectancy is six months or less and no curative treatment is desired. President and CEO David Lithgow and his wife, chief financial officer/chief operating officer Brenda…
BEST PLACE FOR DARTS / BEST BARTENDER
What can we say other than it says a lot when the winner of the best place to play darts and the place with the best bartender in Jessica Cloyd has been closed due to fire for most of 2026. As the Curve Inn owners Ami and Ray Merchant put it, “from the ashes we…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: RETAIL
Antique or vintage storeTammi’s Treasures Antiques & More490 IL Route 104, Divernon217-628-3333Finalists: Springfield Vintage, Abe’s Tradin’ Post, Sweet Peas Antique’s & MoreAppliance StoreSam’s Best Brands Plus3101 Lindbergh Blvd.217-726-0000Finalists: Dick Van Dyke, Best BuyAuto dealer newIsringhausen Imports of Illinois229 E. Jefferson St.217-744-8559Finalists: Friendly Honda Springfield, Freedom Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – Virden, Green Hyundai, S…
COFFEE HOUSE / DRIVE-THRU
Another coffee nod goes to local gem Grab-A-Java. A perennial winner of Illinois Times’ Best Coffee House, it’s also received past recognition in the best public art and best barista categories. Grab-A-Java deserves praise not only for its tasty brews and savory or sweet treats but also perseverance amid the rise of a slew of…
BEST PLACE TO TAKE A SELFIE
Definitely a newer category only available since the coming of the ubiquitous cellphones and those equally ubiquitous selfies (IT’s BoS has been around a long time), this one is puzzling in that if you can take a selfie almost anywhere, why does the Illinois State Fair come out on top as the best of all?…
BEST COMEDIAN
John Scogin initially is wary of being told he’s won an award with Illinois Times as best local comedian. “How did I win an award? I didn’t enter any competition,” Scogin tells IT upon receiving the news. After proof of the credentials of the reporter, Scogin says, “OK, sorry. But I just had a scam…
THEATER DIRECTOR
“I’m old enough to remember our nation’s bicentennial and how emotional and exciting that time was for our country,” Gus Gordon said in a recent article about the musical 1776. “In this era of overwhelming political division, I think it is very appropriate to remember the incredible adversity our ancestors overcame to create our new…
ABRAHAM LINCOLN SITE
Of the numerous Abraham Lincoln sites created and preserved in and around Springfield, the one our readers chose as the best for 2026 sits about 20 miles north by west of the capital city near Petersburg. The state park officially named Lincoln’s New Salem Historic Site was home to young Abe from 1832 until 1837…
TOWING COMPANY
It was with some trepidation when a reporter walked onto the lot of Tuxhorn Towing at the corner of Sixth Street and North Grand Avenue on a recent weekday. Growling dogs. Razor wire fences. Impounded cars, with angry car owners trying to get those cars back from indifferent shop owners behind bulletproof glass. That’s the…
NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN (OPENED AFTER 8/1/25)
Anyone who’s a regular at the Old Capitol Farmers Market downtown and loves coffee is probably already familiar with this year’s best new business. Its popular coffee truck has been a regular sight for years – serving up delicious hot and cold drinks with a smile. What’s new is the brick-and-mortar cafe, which opened in…
KITCHEN DESIGN
A new ownership team took the reins this year at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield, a full-service kitchen, bath and interior remodeling company. In July, Matt and Beth Bozarth purchased the local DreamMaker franchise from Curt and Deb Trampe, who had owned and operated the business for more than 20 years. The Bozarths said…
AUTO DEALER (NEW) / AUTO SALESPERSON
Isringhausen has a well-established reputation as a low-pressure, transparent dealership that serves customers from all over, not just here in central Illinois. Consistently winning top honors as the best auto dealership, the business now has another feather to add to its cap thanks to one of the helpful and friendly salespeople – Brandon Horner. In…
RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT
Located in The Gables, Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet is an elegant west-side eatery offering tasty treats, comfy seats and a variety of hand-crafted confections. Just walking in the door is to encounter a smorgasbord of options for your sweet tooth, including decadent cakes, flavorful cheesecakes, a variety of ice cream flavors and the not-to-be-missed towering…
BEST GUITARIST
Our music categories are always hotly contested, proving again and again just how much we’re invested in our robust musical community. The best guitarist is up there as a main contender every time since most bands have a picker or two in the lineup, but this year’s winner comes from a different place than the…
CLERGYPERSON
Monsignor John R. Ossola never seemed to outgrow his love of childhood. Whether riding roller coasters with eighth-graders, sharing cookies in a school cafeteria or discussing theology with youngsters, the longtime Springfield priest had a gift for connecting with people, especially children. That connection is part of the legacy of Ossola, who has been posthumously…
VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Pita Or Bowl serves up delectable Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food at the corner of Ninth Street and South Grand Avenue in Springfield. Pita Or Bowl’s menu is filled with a variety of colorful dishes, large portions and fully customizable fare, making it a great choice for a fast casual lunch or dinner, or quick…
PORTRAYAL OF A FEMALE LEAD IN A THEATRICAL PRODUCTION
The best male/female performer were from the same show, so the writer did an overview that’s applicable to both and then a separate blurb on each, however you want to lay that out. Our two best performers for 2026 hail from the same production, Springfield Theatre Centre’s Beetlejuice Jr. This show is a whimsical and…
BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER
One of the first things anyone who works at the Animal Protective League will tell you is how great the people of the city and surrounding areas were in response to the June 10 tornado that destroyed the bulk of the facility’s property. If all goes well, construction to either rebuild the existing facility or…
KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE
Family-owned and operated, Skateland South roller rink has been serving up fun and excitement since 1972. Skateland North, which opened a few years later, has been closed since 2009, but the original is still going strong. Located at 1500 Recreation Drive in Springfield, Skateland hosts family get-togethers, school events, fundraisers, parties and so much more. …
PORTRAYAL OF A MALE LEAD IN A THEATRICAL PRODUCTION
The best male/female performer were from the same show, so the writer did an overview that’s applicable to both and then a separate blurb on each, however you want to lay that out. Our two best performers for 2026 hail from the same production, Springfield Theatre Centre’s Beetlejuice Jr. This show is a whimsical and…
FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT / SPECIALTY COCKTAIL
Chefs Jordan and Aurora Coffey are in their fifth year of serving up fresh, innovative offerings at Luminary Kitchen & Provisions. The restaurant’s menu changes regularly based on what is in season, offering everything from chicken cacciatore with creamy polenta to scallops with sunchoke velouté to a prime ribeye with cauliflower gratin and onion marmalade.…
ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE STORE
Just off exit 82 on I-55 south sits a 25,000-square-foot, two-level store where you can find just about anything, it seems. Opened in September of 2020, Tammi’s Treasures, Antiques and More has survived the pandemic and is coming off one of its best years ever. Owner Tammi Little and her husband bought at auction the…
Dance to the “graveyard smash”
This Friday night, get in that costume and make this a Halloween to remember. All ages are welcome at this event presented by the Springfield Park District. Participants will enjoy delicious snacks, groovy tunes and plenty of candy. The event’s name recalls the famous “Monster Mash” song by Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers.…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Abraham Lincoln historic siteLincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site15888 History Ln., Petersburg217-632-4000Finalists: Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb, Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum, Edwards Place Historic Home Art studio/galleryThe Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space623 East Adams St.801-810-9278Finalists: SAA Collective, Whimsy Tea Company, Studio on 6th, Wild Rose Artisans Gallery & Boutique Charity eventFat Ass…
PUBLIC ART
Art in public spaces can be a source of pride and help define the local character of a city. It can speak to a community’s history, foster civic pride and tell local stories through diverse voices. The Best Of choice this year for public art checks all of these boxes and more. Launched in 2017…
PET DAYCARE / PET BOARDING
Imagine the surprise of a visitor on a recent weekday afternoon to the free-roam, fenced off area for dogs at Kinner’s On 97, a large doggie daycare facility just off State Route 97 in Pleasant Plains. A door opens, and suddenly dozens of dogs run to the front of the gate greeting the visitor, all…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CANNABIS/CBD
Biggest cannabis selectionAscend – Springfield3201 Horizon Dr., 217-492-8060628 E. Adams St., 217-679-3283Finalists: Maribis of Springfield, Share Springfield, High Profile, Shangri-La Springfield Biggest CBD selectionMaribis of Springfield3025 Lindbergh Blvd., 217-280-54612451 Denver Dr., 217-280-5753Finalists: Simply CBD, CBD Botanicals, Prairie State Hemp, Tribble Vapors Budtender and locationLarry, Share3600 S. Sixth St.217-441-8820Finalists: Allyson, Maribis of Springfiel; Audrey, Maribis of…
DJ
Sometimes the DJ (short for disc jockey, a term first coined in 1935 by Walter Winchell) takes a beating in the music industry for not really playing music, but in today’s world the guy throwing down beats (and often creating them, too) for dances or curating songs for weddings and special events can be as…
HAPPY HOUR / NEW BAR (OPENED AFTER 8/1/25)
Described as a “modern, moody, high-end restaurant,” Vondra Social House has been a hit since its launch in November 2025. Sitting on Edwards Street, just south of the Lincoln Home Historic site, in a 186-year-old, two-story brick building, this new hot spot has consistently received buzz-worthy praise. Eclectic and bold, refreshing and new, the quirky and…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CIVIC & COMMUNITY
Apartment communityLake Pointe Apartments1608 – 1636 Toronto Rd.217-529-2900Finalists: Lincoln Square Apartments, Cardinal Ridge Apartments, Cobblestone Place, Prairie Vista Apartments Business giving back to the communityCafe Moxo2661 Chatham Rd217-788-8084Finalists: Scoop Du Jour, Lulu’s Diner, Scheels, United Community Bank City officialShawn Gregory, Alderman Ward 2springfield.il.us/Departments/CityCouncil/Ward2.aspx217-789-2216Finalists: Misty Buscher, Mayor of Springfield; Jennifer Notariano, Alderwoman Ward 6; Erin Conley,…
NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED AFTER 8/1/25)
Jordan Blevins opened The Spot 90’s Bar and Grill this summer in the space that formerly was home to Finley’s Tap House. The Spot is ‘90s themed, and customers will be hit with nostalgia upon entering the restaurant, with compact discs adorning the ceiling and bright-colored décor featuring movies, musicians and sports stars from the…
BOOKSTORE – INDEPENDENT / NEW BUSINESS NOT DOWNTOWN (OPENED AFTER 8/1/25)
One day earlier this year, Lisa Plumb was having lunch with her son at Incredibly Delicious and noticed the “For Sale” sign for a building directly across the street. “I said, ‘Let’s just go look,’” Plumb says. “As soon as I walked in, I could see the vision for the bookstore.” A few months later,…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: FOOD AND DRINK
AsianMagic Kitchen4112 N. Peoria Rd., 217-525-2230115 N. Lewis St., 217-525-6975Finalists: Yummy Bowl, Mekong Cafe, Little Saigon Restaurant, Mimosa, Sunny China BakeryIncredibly Delicious925 S. Seventh St.217-528-8548Finalists: Cafe Moxo, Scoop Du Jour, Apple Barn, Cafe Amulet BBQMission BBQ2401 Wabash Ave.217-275-5610Finalists: Twyford BBQ & Catering, Clay’s Popeye’s Barbecue, Hickory River Smokehouse, PT’s BBQ Biscuits and GravyClock Tower Cafe751…
MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
The Crafted Stag is the people’s choice as best men’s clothing store, but there’s a lot more than just men’s clothing inside the nearly 3-year-old establishment owned by 43-year-old Springfield native Grant Hammer. There is a full bar. There are three barber’s chairs, two that service walk-ins and another by appointment only. There are leather…
SEAFOOD SELECTION
Andrea McLaughlin has occasionally had thoughts of dropping the “Seafood” from her store’s name and just going with “Robert’s Market,” because much more than just seafood is for sale in the fourth-generation Springfield store. There is a full selection of beef from locally-sourced farms, not to mention 35 different kinds of olive oil and vinaigrette,…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: GOODS AND SERVICES
AccountantMaggie Haugh, Peterman Financial Group1515 S. MacArthur Blvd.217-546-0400Finalists: Danielle Alstott, Toelle, Alstott & Associates, P.C.; Troy A. Washko, CPA; Brett Hage, Humke & Hage, PC; Kyle McGinnis CPA Auto serviceFloyd’s Imports2320 Prairie Crossing Dr.217-585-1214Finalists: Wilkerson’s Service Center, Vern’s Auto Repair, Lauterbach Tire & Auto Service, Monkee Wrench Auto, Law Automotive BankUnited Community Bank700 Adlai Stevenson…
BEST BARBER
Before he became a barber about five years ago, Brent Fish served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later worked in law enforcement and as a prison guard. “My work life has a lot less stress in it now,” said Fish, 33. Fish has a chair inside The Crafted Stag, also a winner as best…
GYM OR FITNESS CENTER / GYMNASTICS / SWIM LESSONS / KIDS’ EVENTS/DAY CAMPS
With history in Springfield dating back to 1874, the YMCA has hosted numerous programs across multiple generations of residents over the course of 150 years. Springfield has two YMCA locations: the Downtown YMCA and the Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA on the west side. Both locations offer a variety of activities that won the Illinois…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Assisted-living communityEverTrue Concordia Village4101 W. Iles Ave.217-793-9429Finalists: Rochester Estates Senior Living, Villas of Holly Brook, Illinois Presbyterian Home Communities, Springfield Supportive Living, Cedarhurst of Springfield ChiropractorDr. Tana Frisina, Frisina Family Wellness,1533 S. MacArthur Blvd.217-787-4345Finalists: Dr. Samantha Waggener, Waggener Chiropractic & Wellness Center; Dr. Wendi McKay, Springfield Clinic Chiropractic; Dr. Cody Needham, Needham Chiropractic; Dr. Sean…
THAI FOOD
On a recent Thursday at about 2 p.m., it was hard to find a spot in the parking lot adjacent Mekong Café. That is a good sign for any restaurant, but particularly for one that closes from 2:30-4 p.m. every day in between lunch and dinner service. It wasn’t long after 4 p.m. that the…
SONGWRITER
Any serious conversation about Springfield’s music scene must include this year’s best songwriter winner, Tom Irwin. If you enjoy live music in central Illinois, you’ve certainly enjoyed Tom’s music – from his early days in Condition 90 to his current trio, OAT, with his son, Owen, and Amy Battles. Maybe you were there when he…
