Food and dining
BEST OUTDOOR DINING Panera 3019 S. Dirksen Pkwy., 529-6200 • 3101 W. White Oaks Dr., 726-5070 With more than a handful of restaurants offering outdoor dining experiences, we were initially a bit surprised to see Panera Bread come out on top. Then we took a drive to the Dirksen store and immediately agreed with our voters. In the middle of the patio sits a beautiful stone waterfall that creates an amazingly calming atmosphere. To ward off the sun, the patio has about half a dozen large tables with maroon and gold umbrellas, which match the restaurant’s décor. There are also a number of smaller tables for two that work great for small intimate discussions. And even though the Dirksen restaurant is located on one of the busiest streets in Springfield, the patio is far enough from the road that the traffic is little disturbance. Unfortunately, the White Oaks Panera doesn’t have a waterfall or any other calming structure; however, the store’s tables are camouflaged by a wooden fence, creating a nice, intimate and very private setting.
BEST ITALIAN BEST DOWNTOWN DINING Saputo’s 801 E. Monroe Ave., 718-3889 Not much has changed at Saputo’s since Rose and Vito Saputo opened its doors in downtown Springfield in 1948. And to that we say HALLELUJAH!!! As the establishment passed down from one generation to the next, all the Saputos were smart enough to know that you don’t mess with perfection. “We pretty much have the same menu that we had when my grandparents first opened the restaurant before I was even born,” says Mike Saputo, adding that in recent years the family has added a few items, such as the breaded steak, fish and chicken entrees.
Springfield residents decided many years ago that Saputo’s savory Italian dishes are worth telling their family, friends, and neighbors. As a result, Saputo’s quickly established an atmosphere likened to the popular 1980s television show “Cheers.” While you won’t see Sam, Diane, Woody and the gang, Saputo says that the restaurant has a steady crowd of regulars who quickly get to know fellow Saputo’s lovers. This was established long before new owner Mike Saputo took over the establishment, and that friendly, comfortable, family-like atmosphere still exists today. Many a politician has come to Saputo’s to enjoy the authentic, southern Italian meals. And for a city that’s heavy on politics, Saputo’s quickly became a place to come to enjoy a fantastic meal and garner a few more votes. With dozens of restaurants located in the capital city, we’re convinced that the relaxed, home-like feel, and good food, prompted voters to also name Saputo’s as the best dining in all of downtown.
Downtown runner-up: Feed Store (only a few votes behind Saputo’s)
