Erin ThursbyThere are at least three or four places in Springfield you should try, if you love no-frills, great food. For your consideration, we’ve gathered Springfield’s most well-known eateries (and one that’s a bit off the radar). These gathering spaces are the heart of Springfield. Restaurant owners tend to know their patrons and regulars more than they do in other neighborhoods. There’s an appreciation for the customer you might not find elsewhere.
With its distinctive profile and orange building, Hola Mexican Restaurant is difficult to miss as you come down Main Street. Just on the Downtown edge of Springfield, Hola is one of the most popular lunch hotspots you’ll find in Springfield. Like most local Mexican places with staying power, it has its ardent supporters (and occasional detractors).
For those who haven’t been to Uptown Market, it’s a diner with a focus on local sourcing and community ties. Out of all the places in Springfield, we’d say that Uptown Market is the place most likely to bring folks from far-flung Jacksonville neighborhoods into Springfield. Lots of changes are going to be happening for the 6-year-old restaurant in the next few months. When the new awnings are up, the seating is expanded, and they gain a full liquor license, Uptown will be poised for more than breakfast and lunch. They’re also going to be serving dinner. “No place in Springfield is open, full service, for all three,” says co-owner Marco Monory, “so it’s nice to have a place that does that in the neighborhood.” The expansions and new bar are expected to be in place early 2015. Expect an all-new bar menu and, of course, a dinner menu.
Waffa & Mike’s serves up diner fare and Lebanese food. Family-owned, Waffa & Mike’s is often a go-to for vegans out in the Core (that’s what all the cool kids are calling the Urban Core these days) for their yummy hummus and falafel. Omnivores will enjoy their sampler platter, a great choice for first-timers because it lets you try a lot of what they have to offer. The iced tea is an excellent Middle Eastern brew, just a little different from the standard Lipton you get most places. If you like coffee—try their Turkish.
If you believe there’s no school like the old school when it comes to food, Carl’s Main Street Restaurant might just be for you. The guy who does almost everything and owns the place is Carl Gamble. He first got the keys in 1999, so Carl’s has been a staple of the neighborhood for 15 years. On the walls are pictures of Carl shaking hands with celebrities, both local and national. There’s a decent and well-priced breakfast and lunch menu, but they’re known primarily for their Sunday Buffet, which is in the hall next door. What’s on the menu changes, but you’ll find items such as fried chicken, ribs and other Southern staples.
At night, the independent coffee house Three Layers is the choice for those who are hungry in Springfield. Office-workers will also grab a quick lunch or a coffee during the day. They serve pitas, sandwiches and paninis, but are mainly known for their baked goods and desserts, especially their Jeff Squares. This super-sweet blondie-like dessert is one of the reasons patrons come back again and again. They’ve also gained some local fame because of Bugsby, the rabbit they keep out back in their Zen Garden. He’s a friendly little fellow. As a part of the neighborhood and a hub of social activity, they have a calendar of events that include their Jazz Tasting, open Mic nights, and more. In their cellar space, they serve beer and wine in a cozy atmosphere, so this is where Springfield unwinds after a hard day at work.
The most hidden gem is the Springfield favorite Tommy’s. The name of the place isn’t on the outside, but that’s the name locals know it by. They don’t have a website, a Facebook, the owner is notoriously press-shy and even finding an address is difficult, but their delicious Breakfast in a Cup keeps people talking and spreading the word. Price-wise, it’s going to be one of the best breakfast deals you’ll ever get, and it’s ridiculously good! We recommend carrying cash, because that’s all they take. There is seating, but most folks just carry out their breakfast on their way to work. They are only open in the mornings during the week. While the Breakfast in a Cup is their most popular and portable option, the delightfully southern Salmon Patty Plate and their lovely (and cheap!) “sammiches” are just as scrumptious. It’s an egalitarian kind of place, where the down-and-out and CEO alike enjoy a darn good breakfast. Inside is a hodgepodge of various vintage and antique pieces, because the owners collect. It’s also a popular spot for those just getting off the night shift, so if you’re looking for breakfast and a beer, Tommy’s has it. Look for Tommy’s on the corner of Walnut and 6th Street.
Island Tropics sits on the edge of Springfield (it could technically be Brentwood) on the corner of 16th and Main. We highly recommend Island Tropics, just on the merits of their jerk chicken alone. Service tends to be very friendly and personalized. Locals name place as the “best Caribbean in town” for good reason. It’s family-friendly, and during the week for lunch it tends to get traffic from the nearby hospital, office-workers and even ladies who lunch. The place is well-kept but very casual.
We hope this round-up of Springfield restaurants has given you a delicious reason to visit the neighborhood. Eat well!
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