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Culinary Classics

Spilling the beans on some of Springfield’s coolest old-school eateries

Photo Kevin O'Riley

The simple interior at Taylor's Drive-In hasn't changed in years.

With a ranking system (one greasy spoon to five greasy spoons, five being the best) we evaluated several of the best turn-back-the-clock cafés in town on their menu options, décor and general vintage appeal. And while greasy spoons indeed often come with grease, we can’t deny it’s the best way to eat.

Pappy’s Place

943 N. Main St., 417-866-8774

Three greasy spoons

Pappy’s Place is a must-visit for authenticity. This is the way Springfieldians used to eat and drink. We like Pappy’s because they have the oldest continuous running “beer-by-the-drink” license in town, purchased after prohibition in the 1930s. Open 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., they’ve got Bud, Bud Light, Busch, Boulevard and PBR on tap. Pappy’s is mostly a barbecue joint; the pulled pork or the ribs come recommended. A small pulled pork with fries is only $5.50.

Taylor’s Drive-In

139 Memorial Plaza, 417-862-3278

Three greasy spoons

If your parents are from Springfield, they probably could’ve been caught canoodling over a milkshake at Taylor’s Drive-In years ago. St. Agnes High School’s old basketball coach Bob Taylor opened the place in 1947, just a few blocks away from the only (at that time) two high schools in town, St. Agnes and Central. Taylor’s is famous for steak burgers and milkshakes made out of hard ice cream. The biggest change from way back when? A burger or a shake that cost 25 cents then are $2 and $2.60, respectively, today. And with hours from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. it’s no wonder modern high schoolers aren’t around much. Then again, that’s probably a plus.

Aunt Martha’s Pancake House

1700 E. Cherokee St.; 417-881-3505

Five greasy spoons

Aunt Martha’s offers myriad pancakes as well as a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu in ’50s (maybe ’60s) diner-esque style. The restaurant was founded by “Aunt Martha,” Martha Haworth, a former performer with the Ozark Jubilee. As a result, Aunt Martha’s has had more than a few celebrity patrons: Dolly Parton, Porter Waggoner, and even Willie Nelson. Willie stopped by in 2004, ate, then stayed and washed dishes. So, not only does Aunt Martha’s place proclaim some of the best specialty pancakes in town, like chocolate, peanut butter and pecan, you just may catch a famous singer helpin’ in back.

College Street Cafe

1622 W College St., 417-864-0531

Three greasy spoons

College Street Cafe was built in 1953 and while the menu’s changed slightly over the years, owner and head chef Ron Ard says you won’t be disappointed with the daily specials. For breakfast he recommends the western or Spanish omelet, and for lunch, meat loaf. This greasy spoon caters to the construction and blue-collar workers, Ron says, but don’t fret, he’s eager to meet all walks. Ard says he knows at least 90 percent of his customers by name and that if it’s food on the go that’s wanted, he’s faster than McDonald’s. Look out golden arches.

Anton’s Coffee Shop

937 S. Glenstone Ave; 417-869-7681

Five greasy spoons

Anton’s (pronounced An-tones) owner Anton Tasich says everything at Anton’s is better because it’s made from scratch. At Anton’s they sift their pancake batter, boil their potatoes for their hash browns, make their own biscuits, home-make their own sausage gravy. Wanna try all these mouth-waterers in one special? Get the Hungry Student. (It’s been feeding hungry students since Anton’s opened in 1974.) Be sure to take in all the menus on the walls at Anton’s while you’re there. They’re mostly Anton’s own collection, and he recommends searching for the menu from the Concorde, the now-defunct supersonic airplane, or one from Seoul, Korea. Open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays except Monday, and open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, breakfast is served all day

Casper’s

601 W. Walnut St.; 417-866-9750

Five greasy spoons

Even though Casper’s is closed for the season until Labor Day, you can’t cover vintage eats in Springfield without a mention of this place. Casper’s was founded in 1909 by Casper Lederer. Lederer’s fruit stand-turned-chili and ham sandwich shop became a Springfield staple over the years thanks to a famous secret recipe. Casper’s has moved twice since opening, finally settling in its teeny Quonset hut at 601 W. Walnut. Casper’s decor is a collection of the most funky, tacky and just plain weird decorations, but that’s almost what makes it endearing. The chili is still made from a secret recipe, and the burgers are greasy and great. You can pretty much get lunch for under $5, owner Belinda Harriman says.