Looking for a quick getaway? Cute eats and creative drinks abound in Springfield, MO!

Springfield is one of my favorite foodie cities. It’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Kansas City, which makes it a great day or weekend trip. I spent five years living (and eating) in the Queen City before I moved to KC, so this list won’t steer you wrong. You could spend the whole weekend trying all the delicious food and locally roasted coffee. Each spot has a unique personality, so be sure to visit at LEAST a couple, just be prepared to be full most of your trip!

COFFEE/BREAKFAST

KINGDOM

Kingdom has one of the best house coffees in the city. Pair it with their famous peanut butter oatmeal and you are set for breakfast! Kingdom also happens to be one of the most photogenic coffee shops around, so be sure to take a couple of photos in their pink and green room.

THE COFFEE ETHIC

The Coffee Ethic was the shop that started the third-wave coffee spike in Springfield. They always have dreamy pour-over options, as well as delicious cocktails. The Coffee Ethic also has a rotating selection of seasonal drinks and roast their beans in-house. Overlooking the downtown square, the shop’s patio is the perfect place to rest up before your next food stop.

DRUFF’S

I would say Druff’s is one of the most underrated breakfast spots in all of Springfield. Druff’s breakfast sandwiches and bowls leave me full and happy every time. The Swipe Right with a mimosa is my go-to move when I visit.

CULTURE COUNTER

You can’t miss Culture Counter if you’re visiting Springfield, its bright green paint and local food offerings make it a must. A Culture Counter breakfast burrito or loaded waffle will leave you stuffed and wanting more-- Good thing they serve smoothies and ice cream!

417 RISE

New in town is 417 Rise, located on the downtown square across from The Coffee Ethic. They have a menu that contains the classics and some innovative breakfast options. The decor and yellow bar make for a bright and cheery morning in the middle of Springfield. Everything is made in-house, from scratch-- Even ingredients like coconut yogurt, chicken stock, and mayo.

EATS

SKULLY’S

Skully’s started in a food truck but recently moved into a brick-and-mortar location on Cherry and Pickwick. Skully’s ramen is the first thing you should order off the menu, with some kimchi fries if you are extra, extra hungry. All their slow-cooked meat is fantastic, you can’t go wrong with picking a protein, they even have a fried tofu option for veggie friends (it is as good as any of the meats, trust).

CHERRY PICKER

Many local hotspots are located on the corner of Cherry Street and Pickwick Avenue. Cherry Picker was one of the defining local businesses to set up shop on this corner, converting a 300 square foot building into one of Springfield’s best wine bars. Cherry Picker has a fantastic sandwich and soup selection, as well as all the wine and beer options you could ever hope for. The entire shop is lined with shelves of wine, whiskey, sake, and more. The workers will help you pick from Cherry Picker’s selection and take a shot of Fernet with you if you ask nicely. Cherry Picker is a great place to start and end your night in Springfield.

PRAIRIE PIE

Prairie pie has been a Springfield phenomenon for a few years, but they recently opened a storefront. It is the sweetest nook on Jefferson, with plants in every corner and the smell of fresh pie crust in the air. Every slice of pie is delicious and their new pot pies will fulfill any savory craving. Prairie Pie is a MUST stop whenever you visit Springfield.

RAMA THAI

Rama Thai is in a big yellow house on historic Walnut Street. If it’s a nice day, you can sit on Rama Thai’s patio under some big, shady trees and enjoy a variety of Thai dishes. Any of the dishes will satisfy your Thai craving, just be wary if you order your food with a level 5 spice. Rama Thai means business.

ROUTE 66 FOOD TRUCK PARK

The food truck park is perfect on sunny days, especially when the friends you’re with are all craving something different! Route 66 Food Truck Park has at least 5 food trucks in the lot at a time, so whether you are craving a British pasty or vegan nachos, this park has got you! I always go for Wheelhouse’s Thai basil cauliflower wings, they are a bussin’ Summer meal.

PROGRESS

If you want to put on some fancy clothes for an evening out, Progress is the place to go. Their wine and beer selection is fantastic, and every food dish they offer is exciting and innovative. The menu is constantly changing, so your dish will be fresh and made with great care whenever you choose to go. One of the most popular offerings is the cooked carrots, which chef Daniel Ernce prepares with duck fat.

DRINKS

GOLDEN GIRL RUM CLUB

Right on the Springfield square is the most fun, tropical bar called Golden Girl Rum Club. Golden Girl serves rum cocktails in tiki glasses, coconuts, pineapples, and even a ceramic shark. These are the most delicious, fruity cocktails in all of Springfield! If you are craving Summer, this is your place.

J.O.B.

Now, if you want a classic bar, J.O.B. is your Springfield go-to. They serve affordable drinks and the best chicken tenders you will ever have. J.O.B.’s brown sugar fries with fry sauce are a Springfield staple.

MUD LOUNGE

Mud Lounge is the perfect bar if you are looking for a chill night with friends. They have amazing daily specials and cozy seating. Not to mention, Mud Lounge has a menu filled with shareable snacks for everyone at the table.

VANTAGE

Vantage is a great Springfield bar for a fancy date. It is located on the rooftop of the Vandivort, so you can see most of downtown from the outside deck. Vantage carries sophisticated cocktails and yummy appetizers, so you can watch the sunset while enjoying your libations.

TIE AND TIMBER

One of Springfield’s local breweries, Tie and Timber is another place to stop if you are around the Cherry/Pickwick area. Tie and Timber’s outdoor patio is the best place to be on a warm day, and you can’t go wrong with the beer selection. Tie and Timber has a beer for everyone!