BEST STEAK

Alexander’s Steakhouse 620 North Bruns, 814-0638 Since opening its doors, Alexander’s Steakhouse hasn’t changed its menu. But why should they? After all, BOS voters have ruled time and time again that you can’t find a better steak in town. What other restaurant allows you to select your own steak from the meat case, and, if you choose, prepare it on the restaurant’s giant grill? Our personal favorite is the teriyaki sirloin and the Santa Maria, which is rubbed with a special seasoning. If you’re one who is watching your pennies, take advantage of the early bird special. Though only two of Alexander’s steaks are included on the early bird menu – top sirloin and Santa Maria top sirloin – you’re sure to love them just as much as we do. For an added treat, try the sauteed mushrooms served in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet.

BEST VEGETARIAN

Holy Land Diner 518 East Adams St., 547-5786 In a day and age when many of us are watching our waistlines, Holy Land Diner, winner of our best vegetarian category, is a great place to kick back and enjoy a healthy meal. Holy Land, which features authentic Greek and Lebanese dishes, offers approximately a dozen vegetarian dishes, including its popular vegetarian shish kabob with fresh marinated and grilled veggies; hummus, made with crushed garbonzo beans with a sesame seed sauce; baba ghannouge, baked eggplant with sesame seed sauce; foule – crushed and boiled fava beans with lemon juice. Falafel and stuffed grape leaves are also served. We suggest you visit the diner on Saturday evenings for vegetarian buffet. Just how healthy are Holy Land dishes? Springfield’s Prairie Heart Institute has declared the dishes heart healthy.