417foodist

17/01/2025

Now I know I have said this before, but I’m gonna say it again. I love The.Hibachi.Experience! It’s gotten to the point that if I see they are going to be at 4 By 4 Brewing - Fremont Hills, I make a mad dash and order some grub!

✨ This time I went with the Special. It is Steak, chicken, and shrimp. It’s served with the fried rice, mixed veggies, noodles, and 2 sauces for $24. If you are a lover of spicy yum yum sauce, then you must try theirs! It’s made with chipotle & red peppers and brings a big ol kick of heat!

I love the whole vibe the crew has going. There is always music playing, and the staff is always friendly. They pack these to go boxes full of tender, juicy meats and fixin’s! Tonight they are at 66 KIX from 4-8pm, address is 1816 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield. I have included a pic of their schedule for the rest of the week, Go get some tasty grub!

16/01/2025

Tis been MUCH more than a fortnight since I have visited this eatery, even though I live a mere 3 mins away. Yes, I am speaking of Iguana Roja Restaurante in Ozark!

✨Street Corn & Spinach dip: a blend of creamy spinach dip with Mexican street corn. Then topped with cotija and cilantro. This is served with a side of chips that are coated in the In-house Fairy Dust seasoning! The dip is creamy cheesy, savory, with a touch of sweetness from the corn!

✨Margarita Fajitas: When you wanna cause a scene, a lil ruckus, you order fajitas! A sizzling plate filled with sautéd veggies, and I chose the blackened shrimp as my protein. They actually season the shrimp with the Fairy Dust seasoning that’s used on the chips, which adds that savory, smoky flavor!

✨Rum Cake: Now, I don’t typically save room for dessert, but I made an exception. This rum cake is served with pineapple ice cream that they make home made, in-house! Then they top with pineapple chunks that they brulè! That ice cream was so creamy, and so smooth! I haven’t ran across many spots making their own ice cream, so this was a treat! They will rotate flavors, but have made strawberry, and rocky road!

I forgot just how good this food was. Plus my server, Ethan was excellent at recommending items from the menu. Go visit these folks, if you haven’t already and check out the menu! See what you like, and try that ice cream!
📍107 W Church St., Ozark

15/01/2025

Check out these new restaurants opening in 2025 in Springfield, Missouri.

15/01/2025

Sunday night was a MUST attend collaboration between The Almighty Sando Shop and Therefore, Pizza! Alex & Jimmie teamed up at Prairie Pie to bring Kitchen Kombat! The duo had quite the menu and quite the turn out as well! Here is a run down of the menu!

✨Porchetta Sandwich: tender pork topped with 2 day aged kimchi mustard greens and cheese. They served it with a side of savory pork broth for digging! This was a beast of a sandwich! The pork was savory, and each bite mixed so well with the peppery, tangy, kimchi!

✨Chili Miso Tonkatsu: spicy miso pork broth filled with crispy Brussel sprouts, a marinated egg, cilantro, basil, bean sprouts, and jalapeños. I chose the house made, wheat udon noodles as well. This is what the body craves for these cold wintery evenings! The perfect mix of savory, spicy, goodness to warm you up inside!

Plus, you can’t have a Mortal Kombat themed meal without getting to play some actual Mortal Kombat! Inner Orbit Pinball provided a Mortal Kombat II arcade machine for people to play! This was just a cool night, with tons of cool people and great food! Keep your eyes open, because who knows what kind of collab Jimmie and the Almighty Sando team will do next!

13/01/2025

Hey, come in close…. A little closer….. let me tell you a secret. I finally had my first meal at Char Steakhouse & Oyster Bar! Yes, of all the restaurants I have been to, there are still some well known spots in the 417 that I am just now getting to!

✨Porterhouse: this was a 24 oz slab of beef that we ordered with a side of the horseradish cream sauce, and the bone marrow from the Arm Candy section of the menu. The bone marrow melted like butter on some toast points, super savory! The steak was tender, and while I am not one to typically require a steak sauce, I did enjoy dipping each bite into the horseradish sauce!

✨Lobster Mac & Cheese: a cold water lobster Mac & cheese made with Gouda. Super creamy, super rich, with a large amount of lobster in each bite! This is a sharable dish for sure, it’s so cheesy, that it goes well with a great steak.

✨Oysters & Ceviche: I am a lover of oysters on the half shell! Top with some hot sauce, horseradish, or cocktail sauce, for a simple, yet delicious meal. The ceviche was made from octopus, shrimp, seabass, and cucumber & onions. Again, simple yet fresh, served with wonton chips!

✨Tuna Nachos: Napa cabbage, red onion, cucumber, and of course tuna. This is a large plate of nachos, and were excellent! The freshness of the veggies, with the savory tuna made for a great starter.

I didn’t have reservations, and took a chance of just being a walk in, managed to get a table in the lounge. Our server was super friendly, and did a great job with recommendations from the menu! Even with the place being packed, the evening was great and I can’t wait to return and try more items!
📍1620 E Republic Rd., Springfield

11/01/2025

10/01/2025

I looooove when the 417 has some new restaurants open their doors! I have been keeping my eye on this new spot for a couple weeks, and finally made it over to India Palace Restaurant & Bar for some fantastic cuisine!

India Palace is owned by the same folks that own Taj Mahal, but this menu has around 70% new items, that are not offered at Taj Mahal, which makes it even more exciting to explore the menu!

✨ Chili chicken: Chicken thighs with mixed vegetables, soy sauce & tomato sauce garnished with green onions. Super tender chicken thigh, with a rich sauce, and a slightly spicy kick!

✨ Pani puri : Crispy & fried shells stuffed with potatoes & chickpeas with spicy green & red chutney. Served with flavored masala water. These were a dish that I knew I needed to try! You pour the different masala waters ( Mint, Mango, Tamarind) into the crispy shell, and pop it in your mouth!

✨ Pepper chicken: Boneless chicken cubes simmered in a creamy onion sauce. This had some kick to it, especially when eaten with the bullet naan. Great onion flavor, and super creamy.

✨ Masala dosa: Crispy thin savory crepe stuffed with potato masala. Served with coconut & tomato chutney. This was the largest crepe I have ever seen! The outside is light and crispy, and the masala potato filling is nice and fluffy! Dips perfectly into the chutney!

✨ Lamb Rogan Josh: Lamb pieces in gravy flavored with ginger, garlic & spices. Aromatic, with a great hint of spice. If you are a lover of lamb, check this dish out!

✨ Bullet Naan: Spicy tandoori-baked naan with green chilies topped with fresh cilantro & butter.

✨ Paneer tacos: Fusion dish served with tandoori paneer, onion, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, & pita bread. These are on the appetizer menu, but can easily be a meal! Each shell is packed full fo goodness, and a must try!

✨ Lamb shank: Marinated lamb cooked with a special brown sauce. The lamb was fall off the bone tender, and super rich & savory. It goes perfectly with garlic naan, for the perfect bite, each time!

India Palace took over the old Avanzare location, and the inside looks great! They have some art on the walls that were painted by the owners. They also will have a lunch buffet Fri-Sun. The menu is loaded with items, so go explore, see what sounds good, and try something new!
📍1908 S Glenstone Ave., Springfield

08/01/2025

If you love a good sandwich, check out these must-try sandwiches across Springfield and the Ozarks.

08/01/2025

To quote Homer Simpson, “Donuts, is there anything they can’t do?” When your household requests donuts, well then donuts they shall receive! I headed to old faithful, St. George's Donuts and ordered the Managers Special for quite the variety!

✨Strawberry Iced
✨Cherry Iced
✨Old Fashioned
✨Apple Fritter
✨Bavarian Cream
✨Cinnamon Twist
✨ Maple Long John

When you are greeted with so many varieties of donuts, it’s truly hard to choose! But the manager special is a great mix of 6 cake or glazed and 6 large or specialty donuts for $18.50. This means everyone is happy, and when the fam is happy, I am happy!
📍1415 W State Hwy J, Ozark

07/01/2025

Y’all, as I type this it is 23 degrees outside. This means you need a meal that will warm you up, and fill you up. Well, luckily I am here to tell you about the FeijoadMundos Latin Kitchen & Barn & Bar!

✨ Feijoada: a black bean stew made with pork and brisket. This is the National dish of Brazil, and it is amazing! It is on the Latin American Specialties menu, and is a must try, especially on this cold day. The mix of tender shredded pork and brisket, with the black beans, all on top of rice with a sprinkle of cilantro, is hearty and delicious. Super savory, slightly salty, add a dash of hot sauce and you’re off to the races!

Mundos has a great menu with tacos, wings, burritos, and of course the international menu filled with all sorts of goodies! Check it out and see whatcha think next time you are there.
📍5493 N 17th St., Ozark

06/01/2025

Discover the best places to enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine in Springfield, Missouri. From jerk chicken to flavorful curries, explore island-inspired dishes right here in the Ozarks!

04/01/2025

I have loved this sandwich for many, many years! The #10 at J. Parrino's Queen City Deli is named The Burnes, and it’s makes my taste buds sing with how simple, yet so tasty it is!

✨Beef Tenderloin that is on garlic cheese bread, and then topped with a creamy horseradish sauce. As stated above, it’s simple, minimal ingredients, but I love it! The tenderloin lives up to its name, very tender. Plus the garlic cheese bread is soft and cheesy. Top it off with the horseradish for that extra bold, creaminess!

✨Antipasto: Iceberg lettuce with pepperoni, roast beef, Italian salami, provel cheese, pepperoncini, artichoke, hearts, black olives with house dressing. I really enjoy a nice antipasto, and theirs never disappoints. It’s crisp, fresh, and pairs well with all the other savory dishes.

Their menu has everything from salads, pasta, soups, and a lot more Italian and New York style sandwiches. Check them out and see what you enjoy from their menu! https://www.queencitydeli.com
📍1647 E Sunshine St., Springfield

04/01/2025

Y’all already know that Mama G’s Kitchen Downtown is that spot you go when you need food that feeds your soul. Food that is made with love. Food that is more than just food, it’s a a menu that brings you comfort, like a warm hug.

I have been to Mama G’s multiple times, but this was my dad and my sons first visit. You know what first time visitors get when they arrive? They are greeted with a hug when they walk in the door! When your visit starts with a hug, you know you’re off to a great start!

✨Catfish Filets: two crispy pieces of fried catfish, with a side of creamy Mac & cheese, greens, and corn bread. A little bit of hot sauce, a bit of tartar sauce, makes each bite of the fish, savory, sweet, with a little heat! Plus, those greens were tender, with a touch of salt, and vinegar.

✨Smothered Chicken: boneless chicken thighs smothered in a homemade gravy, and seasoned to perfection. We ordered the sweet potatoes, greens, and corn bread to go along with it. When I say savory, this smothered chicken wears the crown for savory king! Mix with a bite of those sweet potatoes for the perfect bite!

✨Chicken Strips: one can never go wrong with crispy chicken tenders, at least according to my 14 year old 😁 He devoured the tenders with a side of fries, okra, and a dinner roll. If the picky eating teenager leaves happy then I know the food was a hit! 

✨Mama G’s Trio: Fried mushrooms, cheese curds, and crawfish tails were all dipped with ranch, and set our appetites up for success while we waited for the mains!

For as many times as I have been, there are still many menu items I haven’t tried. I left lunch, full and ready for a nap, and can’t wait to return for more of that Mama G’s greatness!
📍210 S Market Ave., Springfield

03/01/2025

This pastry that you are looking at, has to be one of the most beloved, and sought after delicacies in the 417, I am talking about the famous caramel roll from Tea Bar & Bites Bakery and Café!

New owners, Eleanor Taylor & Vance Hall opened Tea Bar on New Years Day for a special Caramel Roll event that started at 10 am. When I arrived, there were at least 20+ people already in line! Once I got inside, there were only a few left, and the line was still 20 people long! They sold out in 10-15 mins!

The Caramel Roll is about the size of my face, it’s soft, it’s buttery, it’s sweet, and the whole dang thing is covered in caramel! It pairs perfectly with a glass of hot coffee or even a glass of cold milk. Either way, pay attention to Tea Bar’s page to see when they will have these next time, and plan to arrive early so you can enjoy one! But also go check out Tea Bar, because they have great food!
📍621 S Pickwick Ave., Springfield

02/01/2025

Lunch at Mama G’s Kitchen Downtown is just what I need on this Thursday!

01/01/2025

Last night for New Years Eve, I ventured over to Before And After Brewing for their NYE Bubbles Party! The place was packed, they were offering a special NYE menu, and popping bubbly for people to enjoy!

✨Charcuterie: this board was filled with so much goodness! Chicken liver pate, smoked bologna, prosciutto, salami, blue cheese, goat cheese mousse, aged cheddar, pomegranate mustard, lemon-ginger marmalade, spiced pecans, and crackers. So many different flavor profiles on one board. Sweet, savory, salty, just an all around tray of goodness!

✨Deviled Eggs 3 Ways: I am a lover of all things deviled eggs, so you know we ordered two batches of these! A pickled beet infused egg, a roasted jalapeño sauce and Chicharron egg, and finally a Black Lumpfish caviar and chive egg. My wallet thanks B&A for not having these available all the time, because I would be deviled egg broke!

✨Caviar & Anchovy Creme Fraiche: Fishwife anchovy infused creme fraiche, black lumpfish caviar, chives, and chips. The dip was super light, fresh, and slightly salty. Just might make this at home since it’s a great way to spice up some creme fraiche!

✨Chicken Wings: smoked chicken wings served with their house wing sauce, and house bleu cheese dressing. The wings had great smoky flavor, and the wing sauce paired perfectly with the bleu cheese sauce. I could eat a dozen of these, easily!

If you haven’t been to Before & After Brewing yet, they are a great spot, to grab a beer, cocktails, N/A beverages and a full coffee menu! They also have great small plates to enjoy!
📍2940 E Sunshine St

31/12/2024

2024, what👏🏽a👏🏽year! To say that I have been blessed with opportunities to collab with so many great people, restaurants, and businesses here in the 417, would be an understatement.

The entire purpose of the 417foodist page has always been to showcase food, drink, and supporting local, and I feel like we have achieved that, actually, beyond achieved it in 2024! We have showcased so many local restaurants, that I have lost count of all the delicious plates of food that I have tried, or shared with friends and family.

I always want this page to be more than just about me, I want it to help show off what our local businesses owners work so hard to achieve. To show love to local food, and people. I absolutely love to get all of your messages and tags when you have found a spot that you enjoyed!

So cheers to 2024🥂and I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for all of us!