ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
BEST ABRAHAM LINCOLN HISTORIC SITE
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
212 N. Sixth St., 558-8844
Finalists: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, Old State Capitol
BEST ART STUDIO/GALLERY
Illinois State Museum
502 S. Spring Street, 782-7386
Finalists: The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, SAA Collective, The POP! Gallery at Anvil & Forge by Staunztastic Art, M.G. Nelson Family Gallery at Springfield Art Association
BEST VISUAL ARTIST
Felicia Olin
Finalists: Dave Shaw, Alex Rothschild, Jeff Williams, SonnyD Artistry
BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART
Old Capitol Art Fair
Finalists: The Roost, The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space, Christy! Studios, The POP! Art shows by Staunztastic Art
BEST PUBLIC ART/MURAL
Art Alley
Finalists: Lincoln surveyor mural (The Alamo), Farmer’s market mural, Wild Rose building (Sixth and Jefferson), Prairie Sumac-FLW mural (Fifth and Monroe)
BEST PLACE TO GO DOWNTOWN
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Finalists: Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery, Hoogland Center for the Arts, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Buzz Bomb Brewing Company
BEST IDEA (STAFF PICK)
Eliminate library fines
Doing things is hard. If it wasn’t, we would have a homeless shelter and a functional mental-health care system. There would be free parking downtown and a law school on the Y (excuse us, North Mansion) block. The Pillsbury Mill would be no more, an overhauled Robin Roberts Stadium would be home to a AAA baseball team, Benedictine University would re-open and a pollution-free factory would open on the east side with a $25 minimum wage. Forgiving and abolishing old ways is, sometimes, easier than plowing new ground – we have, after all, granted amnesty to draft dodgers and also illegal immigrants from Mexico, at least while Ronald Reagan was president. And so, on the premise that accomplishing something modest is better than doing nothing at all, let’s eliminate library fines. Some of us know the drill from junior high, when we got an extension on the book report and so didn’t return the book on time – always, there is an excuse – and ended up leaving for college with a years-overdue book stashed somewhere in a closet, without having the benefit of library privileges in the meantime. That’s a scenario that helped prompt the American Library Association to pass a resolution this year stating that fines create a barrier to folks getting library services and that libraries should move toward eliminating fines – the poor, proponents say, are especially hard hit by fines because they can’t afford them and poor kids need library services perhaps more than anyone. Public libraries across the nation, including in Chicago, have stopped fining folks and forgiven existing past-due bills. We should do the same here.
BEST CAMP FOR KIDS
Camp Widjiwagan
71 Wienold Lane, 529-2212
Finalists: Camp CILCA, Lake Springfield Christian Assembly, Camp COCO, Y.N.O.T. Outdoors
BEST CHARITY EVENT
Memorial’s Festival of Trees
Finalists: Fat Ass 5k, Springfield Art Association’s Paint the Street, Downhome Music Festival, Legacy of Giving Music Festival
BEST CHORAL GROUP
Glenwood High School Titan Fever
Finalists: Rochester High School Madrigals, Springfield High School Seven and Senators, Hoogland Kids and Teens, The Lincoln Troubadours
BEST HISTORIC SITE IN SPRINGFIELD NOT RELATED TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Dana-Thomas House 301 E. Lawerence Avenue, 782-6776
Finalists: Cozy Dog Drive In, Old State Capitol, Clayville Historic Site, Vachel Lindsay Home
BEST MUSEUM
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 212 N. Sixth St., 558-8844
Finalists: Kidzeum of Health and Science, Illinois State Museum, Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Dana-Thomas House
BEST FAMILY ATTRACTION
Knights Action Park
1700 Knights Recreation Drive, 546-8881
Finalists: The Muni, Kidzeum of Health and Science, Henson Robinson Zoo, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
BEST FOOD FESTIVAL
Old Capitol Blues & BBQ
Finalists: Illinois State Fair, Old Capitol Farmers Market, 217 Food Weeks, Bites on the Boulevard
BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT
Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
Finalists: Danenberger Family Vineyards, International Carillon Festival, Old Capitol Farmers Market, State Fair beer tents
BEST DIRECTOR OF LOCAL THEATER
Hoogland Center for the Arts - Gus Gordon
420 S. Sixth Street, 523-2787
Finalists: The Muni - Craig Williams II; The Legacy Theatre - Scott Richardson; Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum - Phil Funkenbusch; UIS Theatre - Missy Thibodeaux- Thompson
BEST HIGH SCHOOL THEATER PERFORMANCE - FEMALE LEAD
Campbell Coker - Rochester High School
Finalists: Leanne Telger - Glenwood High School; Cece Donathan-Sacred Heart-Griffin; Annie Fulgenzi-Williamsville High School; Leah Kluemke - Williamsville High School
BEST HIGH SCHOOL THEATER PERFORMANCE - MALE LEAD
Ryan Croteau - Glenwood High School
Finalists: Carson Cole - Williamsville High School; Mitch Ashbaugh - Rochester High School; Colton Mitchell - Rochester High School; Jake Wagoner - Sacred Heart-Griffin
BEST HIGH SCHOOL THEATER PRODUCTION
Les Misérables - Rochester High School
Finalists: Mamma Mia! - Springfield High School; The Little Mermaid - Glenwood High School; Cats - Sacred Heart-Griffin; High School Musical - Williamsville High School
BEST LIVE THEATER PERFORMANCE - MALE LEAD BEST DIRECTOR OF LOCAL THEATER
Gus Gordon
Peter Pan at The Muni Hoogland Center for the Arts
It’s hard to imagine what theater life would be like in this town without the endearing and enduring work of Gus Gordon. Gus has done it all and keeps doing it year after year. From his extensive reach as executive director of the Hoogland Center for the Arts, he’s responsible for keeping the lights on, as well as keeping things happening on stage in the broadest reaching venue in town. He was there from the beginning in helping establish the center in 2003, performing and producing Forever Plaid as one of the first shows presented there.
He’s been integrally involved ever since, coming on in 2007 as part-time artistic director while working with then-director Fred Jarosz to help rid the HCFTA of debt and become solvent through intense fundraising. He then transitioned into a full-time AD position before taking over as executive director in 2013. Gus now handily guides the whole shebang with able assistance from assistant director Vanessa Ferguson and education director Matthew Vala, the HCFTA board and others. From working with the various tenants to dealing with all the issues involved in the myriad of performances, rehearsals, meetings and whatever else that rolls through doors of the Hoogland, there’s a lot to consider as director.
As soon as he moved to Springfield to become chief meteorologist at the local TV station nearly three decades ago, Gus became involved in area theater production and has never looked back. By now his stage resume includes performances at The Muni, Springfield Theatre Centre, Theatre in the Park at Lincoln’s New Salem, Lincoln Land Community College, The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, the Jacksonville Symphony and the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, portraying many of the most popular characters in modern musical theater.
Our readers have voted Gus as the “Best” on several occasions over the decades, including last year for his portrayal of Daddy Warbucks in the Muni’s production of Annie and as our town’s Unsung Hero. In 2019, by again taking two awards, Gus aptly portrays how he can wear two (or more) hats at a time and look quite dashing while doing so. What’s left for the amazing guy to do? Most likely is for him to keep the Hoogland running smoothly and taking part in whatever music productions he so chooses for years to come, while we all reap the benefits of his longevity, talent, dedication and production.
BEST PLACE TO SEE A PLAY OR MUSICAL
The Muni 815 E. Lake Shore Drive, 793-6864
Finalists: Hoogland Center for the Arts, The Legacy Theatre, UIS Performing Arts Center, New Salem Theatre in the Park
BEST LIVE THEATER PERFORMANCE - FEMALE LEAD
The Muni - Annie Fulgenzi (Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz)
Finalists: The Legacy Theatre - Ainsley Chandler (Tracy in Hairspray); Theatre In the Park - Kynzie Ashbaugh (All Shook Up), The Muni - Mary Kate Smith (Eva Peron in Evita), The Muni - Anna Bussing Maisenbacher (Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie)
BEST LIVE THEATER PERFORMANCE - MALE LEAD
The Muni - Gus Gordon (Captain Hook in Peter Pan)
Finalists: The Legacy Theatre - Ed Macmurdo (Edna in Hairspray); Springfield Theatre Center - Wes Bridges (Hunchback of Notre Dame); Theatre In the Park - Colton Mitchell (All Shook Up); UIS Theatre - Mike Krcil (Dead Man’s Cellphone)
BEST THEATER PRODUCTION AND VENUE
Legacy Theatre - Hairspray 101 E. Lawrence Ave., 528-9760
Finalists: The Muni - The Wizard of Oz; Hoogland Center for the Arts - The Rocky Horror Picture Show; The Muni - Peter Pan; Theatre in the Park - All Shook Up
BEST LOCAL LIVING AUTHOR
Courtney Westlake
Finalists: John Knoepfle, Alison Blasdell, Eric Woods, Ian Winterbauer
BEST TV PERSONALITY
Joe Crain
Finalists: Stacey Skrysak, Justin Branker-Carter, Dee Dee Gaton, Cheryl Lemke
BEST DRIVE-TIME RADIO SHOW
NPR Illinois
Finalists: Julie and DJ Blake - WDBR; Jim Leach - WMAY; Lynch & Lara - WYMG; Sam Madonia - 1450 AM
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY OR TEAM
Jim Leach - WMAY
Finalists: Dave & Dina 101.9 The WOLF; Lynch & Lara - WYMG; Julie and DJ Blake - WDBR; Jet Lee - WDBR
BEST THEATER PRODUCTION
Hairspray at The Legacy Theatre
In 18 performances over four weeks this past July, The Legacy Theatre presented this amazing version of Hairspray, acknowledged by our readers as the best theater production of 2019. The stage setup was staggering in size, including hundreds of costumes, wigs and props, as well as breathtaking choreography (literally, say the players) and a good deal of determination to put on a show that might be considered a bit controversial by certain folks in the community. Scott Richardson, overall director of the show and executive director of the Legacy, thrives on challenges and considers this performance, “as big a show as we have ever done,” and that’s saying a lot from this bunch. From purchasing and restoring the rundown theater to staging regional debuts of fresh national musicals, Richardson has always taken the road less traveled and we are all the better for his ambition and success.
Originally a 1988 film by John Waters set in Baltimore in 1962, Hairspray hit Broadway as a musical in 2003. The play became a popular, if daunting, performance piece that not only depicts basic human struggles, but deals with race and gender issues to do much more than just tell a good story. Perhaps the depth of the script helped our readers in their decision to reward the Legacy, but most certainly strong performances by cast members had a bearing as well.
Ed MacMurdo, one of only six adults in the play along with several younger actors, received community accolades for playing the part of Edna, the mother of Tracy, the teenage girl who is the focus of the show. Edna is traditionally portrayed in drag ever since Waters cast female impersonator Divine in the original movie, and Ed, as Edna, learned to dance well in high heels while wearing dresses with extra padding to achieve the look of a middle-aged, matronly mother. Other cast members deserving recognition include Ainsley Chandler as Tracy Turnblad, Samantha Mool as Penny Pingleton, Jeremiah Brown as Link Larkin and Tiffany Williams as Motormouth Maybelle, along with several other supporting roles behind the curtain and on the stage.
Congratulations to the creative crew at The Legacy Theatre for this show and also for their many other progressive productions, including the recent, regional debut of the Tony Award-winning musical, Bright Star.
BEST LOCAL SPORTS TEAM
Rochester High School football
Finalists: Springfield Jr. Blues, Springfield Sliders, Glenwood High School football, Southeast High School basketball
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Old Capitol Blues & BBQ
Finalists: Downhome Music Festival, Sangamon County Fair, Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, Legacy of Giving Music Festival
BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT
Curve Inn
3219 S. Sixth, 529-5806
Finalists: Buzz Bomb Brewing Company, Donnie B’s Comedy Club, Crows Mill Pub, George Rank’s
BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE
Curve Inn
3219 S. Sixth, 529-5806
Finalists: Burger Bar and Bar Door Lounge, The Blue Grouch Pub, Club Station House, Weebles Bar & Grill
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE - LARGE
Boondocks 2909 N. Dirksen Parkway, 679-0145
Finalists: UIS Performing Arts Center, Bank of Springfield Center, Illinois State Fair Grandstand, Hoogland Center for the Arts
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE - SMALL
Curve Inn 3219 S. Sixth, 529-5806
Finalists: Crows Mill Pub, The Legacy Theatre, Buzz Bomb Brewing Company, Dumb Records
BEST BAND TO PLAY THE STATE FAIR BUT HASN’T
Foo Fighters
Finalists: Billy Joel, Zac Brown Band, AC/DC, Confederate Railroad
BEST BASS PLAYER
Eric Tinsley
Finalists: Jeff Cunningham, Bruce Williams, Shane Osterholt, Bill Ward
BEST CLUB DJ
Mikey at Curve Inn
Finalists: DH3 - David Hale III, Chris Murphy, Chad Westbrook, Rob Bell
BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND
Lick Creek
Named after a local waterway, this six-piece band follows the stream to the river and on to the sea, taking their amalgamated sound of integrated individuals to places unknown, but soon to be discovered. Started by lead singer Lance Stone in December 2013 as a cover band with an eventual goal of doing their own material, the group quickly morphed into a very popular local band, winning the 2014 BoS for New Band and knocking out several other popular categories since then.
The current lineup has been at it for awhile and includes Tyler Landess (lead guitar), Ryan King (lead guitar, banjo, mandolin), Steve Gragert (bass), Maddie Brown (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Robert Bryant (drums) along with Lance Stone still pushing out the vocals and leading the crowd into a frenzy of frenetic activity. Our readers think the world of this band, but so do lots of other folks as Lick Creek has opened for all kinds of major acts in big venues, played rocking festivals, gigged throughout the Midwest and won the Illinois regional NASH NEXT entertainment contest in 2017, then placed in the top 10 of national finalists.
They say they’ve “become a family” based on connections made from being a band, and much as a healthy family gathers strength from combining the best qualities of each member, this group does the same. Each player brings something different to the stage and that mixture gives the group a power that shows and shines in each performance and recorded song. Too Damn Country, their most recent release and first full-length collection of all Lick Creek songs, came out this past summer to good radio and online play. The CD is available at better record stores and most online digital platforms with special attention paid to Spotify plays. The self-penned songs demonstrate the band’s ability to create interesting modern pop country by basing tunes on real country styles while giving a nod to current tastes to develop a truly one-of-a-kind sound from the ‘Best” band doing originals in this town.
BEST COVER MUSIC BAND
Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters
Finalists: JukeRox, Off the Wall, Fun DMC, LiveWire
BEST DRUMMER
Eric Austin
Finalists: Damien Kaplan, Talon Holmes, Kevin Klickna, Dennis Sheedy
BEST GUITARIST
Micah Walk
Finalists: Tom “Dooley” Woolsey, Robert Reynolds, Bryan Ealey, Luke Dowdy
BEST HORN PLAYER
Dave Littrell
Finalists: Frank Parker, Dennis Jones, Kerri Donovan, Jimmy Thomas
BEST KEYBOARDIST
Damien Kaplan
Finalists: Steve Marvel, Ezra Casey, Denny Lucas, Ed Boyd
BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND
Lick Creek
Finalists: Mary Jo Curry Band, NIL8, Deep Hollow, Last Acre
BEST OVERALL BAND AND THEIR GENRE
JukeRox - Party band
Finalists: Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters - Party band; Fun DMC - Party band; Lick Creek - Pop country; LiveWire - Party band
BEST SONGWRITER
Tom Irwin
Finalists: Dave Littrell, Micah Walk, Josh Catalano, Karen Nickerson
BEST VOCALIST, FEMALE
Mary Jo Curry
Finalists: Elizabeth Eckert, Katey Kamerad, Brandy Kristin, Mandy Rose
BEST VOCALIST, MALE
Micah Walk
Finalists: Dave Littrell, Kortney Leatherwood, Lance Stone, David Casper
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
BEST CHARITABLE COMPANY
Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.
2401 W. Monroe Street, 793-3800
Finalists: District 23 Boutique, Food Fantasies, United Community Bank, Green Family Stores
BEST CHILDREN’S SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery 1011 N. Seventh Street, 525-6800
Finalists: St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, Children’s Miracle Network, Compass for Kids
BEST CLERGYPERSON
Rabbi Barry Marks
Finalists: Eddie Lowen, Martin Woulfe, Bishop Paprocki, Fr. Jeff Grant
BEST COUNTY OFFICIAL
Josh Langfelder
Finalists: Paul Palazzolo, Don Gray, Joe Aiello, Tony DelGiorno
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Mary Jo Curry
From her time over a decade ago as one of the most popular female theater performers in the area to her transition into a nationally known blues singer and songwriter, Mary Jo always brings her consistent professionalism, undeniable musicality and emotive voice to every performance, and that’s why folks say she’s the best around town. Her natural raw talent shines through with each perfectly placed note, but she also did some formal training to better herself, studying as a classical pianist and earning a degree from Illinois State University in theater and music.
Mary Jo did a stint with a classic rock band and worked with a professional theater company before coming home to blues music. Her first record, Mary Jo Curry, produced by Springfield resident and international blues performer James Armstrong in 2016, became a popular album on the radio, receiving considerable attention on Australian and American blues charts. She scored some cool gigs and festival appearances from exposure attained by the radio play (she had three songs in the top 10 on the Roots Music Report blues charts at one time) and made a good little splash on the overall big scene. During this time she was chosen as the 2016 Blues Artist of the Year at the Kankakee Area Music Awards and the Prairie Crossroads Blues Society selected her CD to represent the Champaign-Urbana blues organization in the Best Self-Produced CD competition hosted by the Blues Foundation in Memphis.
Currently she performs regularly in the area as a duo with her husband, guitarist Michael Rapier, while also bringing in the rest of the MJC Band (Rick Snow on drums and Chris Rogers on bass with added members Brett Donovan on keys and Brian Moore on sax) whenever the gig requires her to lay on the full sound. As you are reading this, plans are in the works for another CD release from this very talented (and really nice) singer of the “Best” blues.
BEST MOST-TRUSTED POLITICIAN
Dick Durbin
Finalists: Jim Langfelder, Andy Manar, Bruce Rauner, Joe McMenamin
BEST NONPROFIT
Animal Protective League
1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387
Finalists: St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Wooden It Be Lovely, Helping Hands of Springfield, The Phoenix Center
BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE - SMALL
Curve Inn
BEST LIVE CLUB DJ
Mikey at Curve Inn
There is a special place for perennial “Best” champions and it’s important to remember if voters pick the same place year after year, the folks behind the curtain must be doing something extremely right. And what owners and operators Ami Merchant, Ray Merchant and Don Thompson did right was to take a historic building housing a rundown dive bar that was known to be a little dicey at times and turn it into one of the most popular watering holes, eating establishments and entertainment centers in central Illinois. We all know that doesn’t happen by wishing it so, and Ami is a hands-on owner who appreciates those loyal and caring employees who keep the place moving. She’s also known to offer up the venue for a Sunday afternoon benefit to help out someone in need or to support a community organization fundraiser.
It’s good to notice with all the fine food and delectable drinks offered in a pleasant space that what won is the entertainment side of things, including the best open mic, karaoke, small venue and late night DJ. This has a good deal to do with the stage area, operated and designed by Ric “Skippy” Major, a former BoS winner in the soundman category who has made the Curve his sound stage home for several years. Bands like to play where the music sounds good, and Skip takes care of that side of things. The open mic, hosted by Kortney Leatherwood and Sam Draper (also former BoS winners), encourages solo artists, small combos or full-fledged bands and you may very likely see all of that and more on a given Tuesday night. They’re also known for being cordial and supportive to newcomers or old-timers, a true sign of why they’re preferred out of our many open mics. Being consistent winners in the karaoke column also says bunches about the support this venue gives to performers, whether they are singing words off a screen to recorded music or making music in real time. When the outdoor music stops around 10 p.m., DJ Mikey takes the party inside the old barroom, and with a crowd already in place, he does the down and dirty, loud and proud until 3 a.m. several nights a week. With all that and more, it’s easy to see why the Curve Inn is tops with our readers year after year.
BEST PLACE TO VOLUNTEER
Animal Protective League
1001 Taintor Road, 544-7387
Finalists: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control, Compass for Kids, Legacy of Giving Music Festival
BEST THING MAYOR LANGFELDER HAS DONE
Support development of downtown
Finalists: Nothing, Backing the Center for Health and Housing, Improve pedestrian and traffi c infrastructure, Got up on stage with bands
BEST UNSUNG HERO
Joe Crain
Finalists: Jonna Cooley, Lisa Clemmons Stott, Larry Golden, Betsy Dollar
BEST UP-AND-COMING LEADER
Betsy Dirksen Londrigan
Finalists: Misty Buscher, Kristin DiCenso, Shawn Gregory, Josh Flanders
BEST USE OF PUBLIC MONEY
Repaired streets and new sidewalks
Finalists: Helping the homeless, Bike paths, Coliseum at the fairgrounds, Downtown beautification
BEST USE OF THE ARMORY
Homeless shelter
Finalists: Entertainment venue, Indoor farmer’s market, Downtown movie theater, UIS campus
BEST USE OF THE Y BLOCK BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT
Levitt AMP
Springfield music series
Sometimes, less is more, and readers agree that’s the case with the Y Block, purchased from the state a mayor ago for north of $1 million – you can almost hear legislators chortling all the way to the bank. OK, so it wasn’t the world’s smartest real-estate deal, particularly since a ginormous sewer beneath the property limits what can be built above. We’ve seen proposals for shops and offices and apartments, for which there is, judging by space-available signs posted on existing downtown buildings, less than insatiable demand. An idea for a park that would have been paid for by former Gov. Bruce Rauner lasted about as long as former Gov. Bruce Rauner. Some folks want a law school, for which no money has materialized. When the city mistakenly included the Y block on a list of surplus properties last winter with a $500 minimum bid, no one made an offer. We found out too late. Otherwise, Honest Uncle John’s RV Park and Karaoke Emporium would already be in business. Some boondoggles have a way of sorting themselves out, and the Y Block appears well on its way with a series of summer concerts this year that made a vast expanse of grass in the middle of downtown seem not such a bad thing. There was reggae and classical music and folk and much more, all for free. Kids danced and food trucks appeared and folks picnicked, thanks to the Levitt Foundation, a nonprofit bunch of do-gooders who make life a bit happier throughout America by paying for live music in public spaces. Let’s hope it happens again next summer and the summer after that and the summer after that and the summer after that…
BEST USE OF THE Y BLOCK
Concerts
Finalists: Food truck park, Public green space, Amphitheater, SIU School of Law
FOOD & DRINK
BEST BAKERY
Incredibly Delicious
925 S. Seventh Street, 528-8548
Finalists: Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet, Three Twigs Bakery, Smallcakes Cupcakery And Creamery, Sweet Tooth
BEST BBQ
Twyford BBQ & Catering
2562 Twyford Road, 370-2274
Finalists: Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill, Hickory River Smokehouse, Clay’s Popeye’s Barbeque, Gilly’s Championship BBQ and Catering
BEST BAKERY BEST WEDDING CAKES BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Incredibly Delicious
We haven’t gotten married in awhile, so we can’t vouch for the wedding cakes – which readers say are beyond scrumptious – but, if there is any doubt whether Incredibly Delicious is the best bakery in the city, if not on the planet, ask for a baguette after 11 a.m. at the Saturday downtown farmers market. When we tried, they were sold out and packing up – just a few hard rolls left – a full hour before vendors were scheduled to skedaddle so that Adams Street could be reopened. A second attempt, one week later and earlier in the day, was successful. It was a bread-buying, if not feeding, frenzy as loaf mongers Gary Huff and Isaac Groth satisfied a steady stream of customers with good taste. Huff says it’s been the same deal for 17 years, and no wonder. While ingredients are dirt cheap, execution is tough when it comes to baking bread, and Incredibly Delicious has it nailed. The loaves are as time-sensitive as they are exquisite. Whatever isn’t consumed the day it is bought is not much good for anything but toast, in our experience, and we think that is a bonus, plus it is very good toast. All we want is honest bread at an honest price, and Incredibly Delicious delivers. When we are naughty, we stray from our healthy eating ways and indulge in a fruit tart or even cheesecake – do not tell anyone – and they also have chocolate stuff. Expect lines if you show up during lunch or breakfast hours – folks ordering sit-down meals stand in the same queue as the grab-a-loaf-and-dash crowd. On the other hand, you can sample the olive oil of the day, soaked into baguette slices, while you wait. No worries.
BEST BREAKFAST
Charlie Parker’s Diner
700 W. North Street, 241-2104
Finalists: Le Peep, D & J Cafe, Ritz’s Lil Fryer, Hamburger Dan’s Sunrise Cafe
BEST BURGER
Burger Bar and Bar Door Lounge
2765 S. Sixth, 528-9030
Finalists: D’Arcy’s Pint, Arlington’s, Boones Saloon, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
BEST CHEF
Maldaner’s - Michael Higgins
222 S. Sixth Street, 522-4313
Finalists: American Harvest Eatery - Jordan and Aurora Coffey; Cooper’s AlleySide and Cooper’s StrEATside Bistro - Justin Cooper; VELE - Justin Richardson; Loukinen’s on 4th - Keith Loukinen
BEST BURGER
Burger Bar and Back Door Lounge
In a bit of an upset, Burger Bar pulled off a well-deserved win for this year’s Best Burger. The restaurant offers a vast array of burgers, with an option to either build your own or try one of their specialty burgers. Build your own burgers come in single, double or triple patty options. If beef isn’t your thing, don’t worry, because turkey and veggie patties are also offered as a burger base. Burger Bar offers your basic toppings with the build-your-own option such as lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. But they also have premium toppings such as onion rings, fried eggs and grilled onions and peppers that can be added for just 99 cents. There are an assortment of sauces to complement your selections, including sweet bourbon sauce, garlic parmesan sauce and Caribbean jerk sauce. Of course you can also add cheese to your burger, and Burger Bar offers much more than just your American or cheddar cheese options. Offerings include blue cheese crumbles, pepper jack, and for those feeling extra adventurous, ghost pepper jack. If you can’t make the tough decisions about which toppings and sauces to choose, Burger Bar offers about a dozen specialty burgers. The Mac n Cheese burger is a standout – a half-pound burger topped with homemade white cheddar macaroni and cheese. If you like it hot, the Nuclear Burger is a must try. It comes topped with pepper jack cheese, chili mayo and hot giardiniera. The menu advises those brave enough to order that they should go home within 15 minutes of eating – so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
Burger Bar has a shark and beach theme which is said to be inspired by Jimmy Buffett. It holds itself out as a “laid back, no frills, kick back and relax kinda place.” Think “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Of course, there are multiple big screens always tuned to that day’s various sporting events, so there’s no excuse to stay at home. Instead, swing on by to try a delicious burger while not missing any of the big game.
Many patrons come not just for the great burgers but for the karaoke as well.
Visitors report that this is a great spot for karaoke, so it’s no surprise that Burger Bar came in as a runner-up in the Best Karaoke category. Want something less painful than an off-note amateur crooner? Burger Bar also periodically offers live music to entertain customers while they enjoy their meals. Finally, Springfield thinks Burger Bar’s video gaming action is in the upper echelon, leading to a top five finish for Best Place to Feed the Slots. What else could you ask for?
BEST CHILI
Dew Chilli
301 N. Grand Avenue, 670-2530 2312 Wabash Avenue, 679-2940 2690 S. Dirksen Parkway, 679-1910
Finalists: The Chili Parlor, Cook’s Spice Rack & Chili, The Dublin Pub, Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
BEST CHINESE
Little Saigon
1531 Wabash Avenue, 726-9633
Finalists: Mekong Cafe, China Star, Hunan Chinese Restaurant, New China
BEST CHILLI 
Dew Chilli
Since new ownership took over, things have sure been changing with Dew Chilli. While the original location on Fifth Street has closed, Dew Chilli opened up two new Pub & Grills with expanded menus. Now you can get Dew’s delicious chilli even more ways. The classic chilli is now available with or without beans. It’s a nice change for those who aren’t fans of beans in their chilli. As always, it can still be spiced up to medium, hot or hot damn Dew Chilli. New to Dew Chilli, however, is the Dew Cincinnati Style Chilli. It’s a Greek recipe of fine ground beef with a tomato base, sweeter spices and just a touch of heat. Many fans order a quart of chilli to take home in case they didn’t get their fill while dining in or to share with friends.
The Pub & Grill menus offered at the North Grand location and the South Dirksen location also have traditional pub offerings together with many items that now sport a creative Dew Chilli twist. The almost endless options include the “Deways” – spaghetti, mac and cheese, green beans or baked potatoes topped with a choice of chilli meat, beans, cheese and so on. Another creative offering that tempts diners is the BuRita Dew Chilli Salad (lettuce, chilli beans, onions, tomatoes, chilli meat, taco sauce, cheese, sour cream and crushed corn chips). Who says chilli is just for lunch or dinner? The North Grand location recently started serving up breakfast. You can get chilli meat in your omelet or a breakfast pony with chilli. They also have traditional breakfast offerings. With so many ways to enjoy chilli, you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.
BEST COFFEE HOUSE
Grab-A-Java
1702 S. Sixth Street, 523-5282 3115 Hedley Road, 698-9773
Finalists: Wm. Van’s Coffee House, Starbucks, Free Press Coffee, Custom Cup Coffee
BEST DESSERT OR SWEETS SHOP
Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet 2941 Plaza Drive, 793-1840
Finalists: Incredibly Delicious, Three Twigs Bakery, Cocoa Blue Chocolates, Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery
BEST DINER
Charlie Parker’s Diner
700 W. North Street, 241-2104
Finalists: Hamburger Dan’s Sunrise Cafe, Star 66 Cafe, Ritz’s Lil Fryer, D & J Cafe
BEST DONUT SHOP
Mel-O-Cream Donuts
217 E. Laurel Street, 544-4644 1953 W. Monroe Street, 546-4651 525 E. North Grand Avenue, 528-2303 3010 S. Sixth Street, 529-7708
Finalists: Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, Three Twigs Bakery, Scoop Du Jour
BEST DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery
500 S. Sixth Street, 670-0627
Finalists: Café Moxo, Long Nine Junction, Maldaner’s Restaurant, Arlington’s
THE BIG KAHUNA AWARD:
BEST DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT
BEST LOCAL BREWERY 
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
BEST BEER GARDEN
BEST SERVER – SHANE HOPPER
BEST BARTENDER – DARCY DARLAND
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery
Obed and Isaac’s has the distinction of winning not one, not three, but six categories in this year’s Best of Springfield balloting, which is more categories than won by any other person, business or entity in this year’s contest. And so Obed and Isaac’s is this year’s Big Kahuna. We are not surprised. Since opening in 2012, the downtown pub has won a staggering 36 first-place awards in our annual Best of Springfield contest, everything from best place for a first date to best downtown restaurant.
Suds aside, the place is known for top-notch service. Bartender Darcy Darland and server Shane Hopper, who both took top honors this year, are not the first Obed and Isaac’s crew members to attract praise from readers. The first microbrew pub to open in Springfield, Obed and Isaac’s has evolved into a place nearly as familiar and comfortable as your own backyard. Dogs are allowed in the beer garden. During summer months, there’s a weekly outdoor market where you can buy art, clothing and assorted knick knacks from local makers. Menu anchors – flatbread pizza, burgers, sandwiches and assorted comfort food – haven’t changed since opening day, but each day brings a new, and almost always intriguing, special. And let’s not forget the raison d’etre: beer. We recommend the Scotch ale and the Ditzy Blonde ale, preferably with a side of Bavarian pretzel rolls.
BEST DONUT SHOP
Mel-O-Cream Donuts
Everything is better with donuts. The fact that Mel-O-Cream has been a staple in Springfield since the 1930s is testament to that fact. Mel-O-Cream has always been known for its high quality donuts, and the variety offered is unmatched. Mel-O-Cream has classic glazed donuts to jelly filled donuts to everything in between.
In many ways, its facilities have remained unchanged for years, providing familiar comfort to people. Many folks start their day off at Mel-O-Cream every morning with a donut and coffee while sitting at the same table with the same group of people – which they’ve done for years. Fans comment that they find Mel-O-Cream’s service to be outstanding – prompt and always with a smile, even first thing in the morning.
You have to get there early to get the best selection or risk being disappointed because they’ve run out. Mel-O-Cream is also a staple in many office break rooms. It’s a common occurrence to see a box of assorted donuts in the iconic Mel-O-Cream box, sitting on the break room counter. People just love them and for good reason.
The four Springfield locations have recently come under new ownership. While the new owner, Amanda Crossland, is still finalizing future plans, we are anxious to see any changes that may be coming Mel-O-Cream’s way. We’ve already noticed a bigger social media presence and interaction with customers online. Mel-O-Cream has been holding a “this or that poll” pitting two different kinds of donuts against each other to see which one its customers like best. What’s your favorite?
BEST FINE DINING
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
2501 Wabash Avenue, 321-9100
Finalists: Bella Milano Springfield, American Harvest Eatery, VELE, Maldaner’s Restaurant
BEST HEALTHY MENU OPTIONS
CoreLife Eatery
2580 Wabash Avenue, 331-7038
Finalists: American Harvest Eatery, Food Fantasies, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Three Twigs Bakery
BEST HORSESHOE
D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W. Stanford Avenue, 492-8800
Finalists: The Dublin Pub, Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill, Ritz’s Lil Fryer, Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery
BEST ICE CREAM/FROYO
Baskin-Robbins
1700 S. MacArthur Boulevard, 528-3131 106 Chatham Road, 787-3031
Finalists: Cold Stone Creamery, Krekel’s Custard, Scoop Du Jour, CherryBerry
BEST ITALIAN
Bella Milano Springfield
4525 Wabash Avenue, 547-0011
Finalists: Saputo’s, Gabatoni’s Restaurant, The Pasta House, Papa Frank’s
BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Chick-fil-A 2431 Wabash Avenue, 546-2000
Finalists: The Creek Pub & Grill, Pizza Ranch, Chuck E. Cheese, Three Twigs Bakery
BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS
Steak‘n Shake
1580 Wabash Avenue, 787-0392 3186 S. Dirksen Parkway, 529-5823 4211 Conestoga Drive, 698-9439 2465 N. Dirksen Parkway, 492-5925
Finalists: Gabatoni’s Restaurant, Star 66 Cafe, The Corner Pub & Grill, The Dublin Pub
BEST SOUL FOOD 
MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express
MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express has made a name for itself in the soul food category. What started as a food trailer and catering business has now moved to a brick-and-mortar location, although it’s off the beaten path and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.
There’s nothing fancy here. Much like the exterior (which has little by way of signage), the interior of MJ’s is also quite nondescript. There’s one TV, a few beer signs and beige painted walls. Seating consists of a handful of four-tops and several large tables for groups. There are also seats at the bar. If I had to use one word, spartan would come to mind. But you’re not coming to MJ’s for the ambience. You’re coming for the kind of food that satisfies some deep yearnings. This place screams down home soul food.
MJ’s main focuses are fried fish, shrimp and chicken – and they know how to do them right. The owners have frying down to perfection. Portions are large, so it’s best to come hungry or share with a friend. Even the “junior” sandwiches are generous portions. You can get catfish, walleye, shrimp or chicken in lunch or dinner portions that come with hand-cut fries. If you can’t decide on one, you can order any combination of fish, chicken or shrimp in a combo that comes with toast and fries. The fries are a must-try. They are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Looking for something else? Don’t worry, MJ’s has a slew of other tempting sides like coleslaw, onion rings, clam strips, fried okra or fried mushrooms as a side instead of fries. Thinking of visiting but looking for some low-calorie options? You can always order your sandwich grilled instead of fried, but the only lettuce on the menu is a topping for the burgers or pork tenderloins, not in a salad. This is a diet-buster of a menu, but for good reason, and well worth a visit if you haven’t yet tried it.
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery 500 S. Sixth Street, 670-0627
Finalists: Buzz Bomb Brewing Company, Hand of Fate Brewing Company, Engrained Brewery & Restaurant, Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company
BEST MEXICAN
Xochimilco Mexican Food
2941 W. Iles Avenue, 546-3116
Finalists: AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill, Taqueria Moroleon, La Fiesta Grande, Blue Margaritas Mexican Bar & Grill
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery 500 S. Sixth Street, 670-0627
Finalists: Finley’s Tap House, Lake Pointe Grill, Maldaner’s Restaurant, Papa Frank’s
BEST PIZZA - DEEP DISH
Nancy’s Pizza
2301 W. Monroe Street, 679-0456
Finalist: Rosati’s Pizza
BEST PIZZA - THIN CRUST
Gabatoni’s Restaurant
300 E. Laurel Street, 528-9629
Finalists: Bernie & Betty’s Pizza, Pie’s the Limit, Coz’s Pizza & Pub, Antonio’s Pizza
BEST ROMANTIC DINNER
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
2501 Wabash Avenue, 321-9100
Finalists: Nick & Nino’s Penthouse Steakhouse, Bella Milano Springfield, Loukinen’s on 4th, American Harvest Eatery
BEST SALSA
Xochimilco
2941 W. Iles Avenue, 546-3116
Finalists: Taqueria Moroleon, AZ-T-CA Mexican Grill, La Fiesta Grande, Cancun Restaurant
BEST SEAFOOD
Chesapeake Seafood House
3045 E. Clear Lake Avenue, 522-5220
Finalists: Carter’s Fish Market, VELE, Old Luxemburg Inn, Anchors Away
BEST SOUL FOOD
MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express
716 E. Enos Avenue, 572-0257
Finalists: Boyd’s New Generation, Nickey’s Southern Style Kitchen, Mrs. D’s Kitchen
