BEST SEAFOOD

Chesapeake Seafood House 3045 East Clear Lake Ave., 522-5220 Judging by its name, one might think that the Chesapeake Seafood House is located near the water on the east cost. But one visit to the restaurant, housed in an 1850s mansion, and you will thank your lucky stars that we have such delectable seafood in our own backyard. We decided to begin with the shrimp de jonghe, which included eight large shrimp topped with a mixture of garlic butter, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. This scrumptious dish was, hands down, the best shrimp appetizer we have ever tasted. Since this was our first visit for dinner, we decided to try a couple of entrees – raspberry salmon, and the bay platter, with broiled orange roughy, sea scallops and jumbo shrimp. Both dishes are incredible. Though the food, depending on what you order, can be a bit pricey (appetizers range from $5.99-$8.99, while entrees are $7.99-$25.99) the food is well worth the trip.

BEST GYROS

Gyros Stop 2907 South MacArthur Blvd., 698-6463 One might say that Gyros Stop is on a roll, for BOS voters once again selected the restaurant as the spot for the best gyros in Springfield. While we’ve stopped in for a gyro on numerous occasions, this time we decided to try something different and ordered a small gyro salad – a popular choice for many area residents – and a gyro horseshoe. We couldn’t have been happier with our selection. The salad was packed with traditional lamb and topped with cucumber sauce and a tasty Greek dressing. The gyro horseshoe also had tons of lamb topped with, of course, cheese, fries, cucumber sauce and tomatoes. This horseshoe turned out to be quite a meal. If you’re going to try one, we suggest you either bring a friend (unless you’re extremely hungry, chances are you won’t be able to finish it alone) or get the cheese on the side and eat the rest later, otherwise the leftovers will be a soggy mess.

BEST FAST, CHEAP LUNCH BEST SUBS

Head West Sub Stop 3311 Robbins Road, 726-9202 2432 Denver Dr., 744-7990 Sixth and Capitol, 789-9101 1124 W. Jefferson, 793-9101 1281 Toronto Rd., 585-7990 7032 Kings Mills Court, Chatham, 670-0111 Ten years in and Head West Sub Stop is still on top, this year taking two Best of Springfield accolades – best fast, cheap lunch and best subs. While the awards keep multiplying, so too do the shops themselves – in September owners Matt and Grace Bluhm opened their sixth shop, this one in Chatham. What’s the secret? Fresh, quality ingredients and about 50 amazing employees, Matt Bluhm says. “We have a really good Head West family. It keeps things running. … It’s crazy. We started off just my wife, myself and her brother.” Fast, cheap lunch runner-up: Chadito’s Mexican American Grill