Within the city of Springfield are hidden gems – underrated businesses for shopping, eating, and exploring. Without a local guide, it can be hard to learn about these spots. This article will focus on several local restaurant options within the Springfield area. If you decide to attend one of these options, please follow all COVID-19 safety precautions, even if you have received your COVID-19 vaccinations.

Charlie Parker’s Diner

700 W North St, Springfield, IL 62704 / Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Open everyday

If you are looking for a great place for breakfast and lunch, look no further than the local establishment of Charlie Parker’s. The restaurant is owned and operated by Bill Pope. It was previously owned by Mike Murphy, who is the current representative for Illinois District 99. Charlie Parker’s was established in 1992 and in October of 2007, Guy Fieri visited Charlie Parker’s Diner to film an episode for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. Charlie Parker’s was also named Grand Champion in the Thomas’ Hometown Breakfast Battle, a contest in which 135 restaurants from across the nation competed for the title. The restaurant itself is housed within a Quonset hut – cheap buildings manufactured during World War II meant to house people and protect materials at far-flung military bases. With food ranging from chicken and waffles to breakfast horseshoes, there is a zero percent chance you will leave Charlie Parker’s with an empty stomach!

Café Moxo

411 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701 / Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Open everyday

Café Moxo is another locally owned breakfast and lunch spot located in downtown Springfield. The restaurant was established in 2007 and offers a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, breakfast fare and sandwiches served in a relaxed contemporary environment. The café also offers outdoor seating options, giving those who would prefer dining outdoors the option to do so. Café Moxo was a top three nominee for the Downtown Springfield Best Restaurant Award in 2020 and is the top-ranked American restaurant in all of Springfield, according to Trip Advisor. It is also important to note that all meter parking in Downtown Springfield is currently free due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are in the mood for an enjoyable meal, head downtown and experience Café Moxo for yourself!

Incredibly Delicious

925 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62703 / Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Open Monday – Saturday

Are you in the mood for an artisan breakfast or lunch? Incredibly Delicious, located near Downtown Springfield, is a locally owned, French bakery and café established in 1995. Incredibly Delicious is housed within the Weber House, a historic home originating from the 1840s. The building is based on late-Victorian architecture and can be found on the National Register of Historic Places. Incredibly Delicious specializes in artisanal bread, traditional croissants, handmade pastries, specialty cakes and, of course, desserts. Incredibly Delicious was also recently named Best Dessert, Best Cake, and Best Bakery in the 2019 SJ-R Readers’ Choice Awards. If you have a hankering for a meal with a relaxing view, look no further than Springfield’s Incredibly Delicious!