Someplace New for a Dinner Date? Top “Out of the Way” Restaurants

Sometimes, you just want to try somewhere NEW with your date? Check out these Springfield Moms favorites, submitted by our readers. Have some fun and sample some small-town atmosphere. Be sure to call ahead for hours and to make reservations.  We’ve added a list of local favorites below as well.

• New Berlin: The Garden. Don’t judge a restaurant by it’s “cover!” From first glance it looks like a gas station, but inside is an awesome atmosphere and a 45-seat dining room that is packed on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are a must!  The menu changes constantly and brings big-city fare to small-town charm. 200-204 Cedar St, New Berlin, IL 62670  217-488-6121. Capone’s Hideout is attached to the Garden.  15-20 minutes west of Springfield.
• Benld: JoDanni’s Amore 902 N. Hardroad, Benld 217-835-4397. Nostalgia and Italian food. 1 hour south of Springfield
• Alton: Fast Eddie’s Bon-Air, 1548 E 4th St. 618-462-5532. Live Music every Thursday through Sunday, great food, cold beer, Big Elwood on a stick, peel-n-eat shrimp, Fast Eddie burger, home-made bratwurst.  Must be 21. 90 minutes southeast of Springfield
• Naples: Evandy’s Boatel, 100 Bob Michael Street, Naples. 754-3700. Great river views and live music. 1 hour west of Springfield.
• Lebanon: Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille, 230 West St. Louis Street.  618-537-2200.  Come and experience the flavor of an old time circa 1900 soda fountain. Many hours were spent restoring the soda fountain to its original grandeur. Hungry visitors can feast on Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Italian Roast Beef and Quarter Pound hand-formed burgers. On the lighter side, you may enjoy a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.  Leave room for fabulous Cedar Crest Ice-Cream!  90 minutes south of Springfield

• Raymond: Hunter Green, 319 E Broad Street. 217-229-3683. If want to escape it all for an evening, try Hunter Green.  This club-like restaurant offers delicious food, classy decor and superb service.  40 minutes south of Springfield.

And don’t forget these great local choices:

Bella Milano, 4525 Wabash Ave., 217-547-0011 

Saputo’s, 801 E Monroe St., or Westside location: Papa Frank’s Springfield 217-544-2523

PAO Bistro, 2824 Plaza Drive, The Gables, 217-546-4660

Obed and Isaacs, 500 S 6th St., Springfield, 670-0627

Magic Kitchen, 4112 N Peoria Rd., Springfield 525-2230

Old Luxemburg Inn, 1900 S 15th St, Springfield, 528-0503.

Chesapeake Seafood House – 3045 E Clear Lake Ave, Springfield 217-522-5220. Eat in a Lincoln-era mansion with private rooms.

American Harvest, 3241 W Iles Ave., Springfield 217-546-8300

Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill, 2406 West Jefferson Street, Springfield 217-698-9256

If you venture out and try one of these spots, let us know!  Email Springfield Moms with your review.