BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Maldaner’s 222 S. Sixth Street, 522-4313. Once again, Maldaner’s tops the list of best outdoor dining establishments. On any bright sunny day, you are likely to find lucky Maldaner’s patrons leisurely enjoying a meal, while basking in the sun and watching others soak up the sights of downtown Springfield. On a beautiful day, it’s hard to say which you’ll enjoy better, the scenery of outdoor dining, complete with colorful characters exploring “the land of Lincoln,” or the frequently changing menu, featuring fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies. The Thai noodles with peanut sauce, and stir-fried vegetables will make you want to kiss chef Michael Higgins for creating such a delectable dish. The turkey curry sandwich, with Swiss cheese, red onions, and apple and curry mayo on toasted rye bread, will make you gobble. And the sautéed duck, with sweet potato and sour cherry orange sauce, will make you want to lick your plate clean. Though doing so would create a spectacle on the Sixth Street sidewalk.

Also enjoyable is outdoor dining at Panera Bread. With two Springfield locations, Panera’s “light” menu, consisting of bagels, muffins and other pastries, as well as soup and sandwiches, makes for a relaxing dining experience. The Island Bay Yacht Club’s calming outdoor dining on Lake Springfield wins third-place honors, though dining is only for club members.
Runner-up: Panera Bread

BEST PLACE TO EAT AFTER 10 P.M.
Steak ’n Shake 4 locations in Springfield Important question time. When you’re driving home after a late evening of responsible drinking and semi-responsible karaoke, what is the one thing you want most in this world? If you answered “a patty melt, and make it greasy” then you are completely correct, because when we posed that question to our voters, they answered Steak ’n Shake in near unison. Garnering four times as many votes as its runner-up, Steak ’n Shake is a classic favorite for late-night dining. And with four locations in town, there simply has to be at least one on your way home from an evening of ill-advised dance moves.

Coming in a distant-but-strong second is La Bamba. This land of “burritos as big as your head” is a haven for late-night partiers, and it’s the perfect stop for a quick meal before turning in. For those who may have imbibed, co-owner Maria Aguas says the food is a “good way to absorb the alcohol.” In third place, Dublin Pub & Grill offers up its full menu until 11 p.m. on weekends, then offering late-night specials, including half-priced appetizers and Vic’s Pizza, or a free bowl of Joe’s Chili with the purchase of a drink.
Runner-up: La Bamba