Springfield, MO (not BBQ)

[rweater]

I'll be making an overnight stop in Springfield MO next month. I've never ventured very far off the highway in Springfield, so I'm not very familiar with it, but would love to find a great place for dinner (or even, an acceptable place for dinner) that's not a chain. Also, no cashew chicken and definitely no BBQ. Most of the Springfield threads I found seemed to revolve around those two things and I'm sure there's something palatable there. It doesn't have to be fancy or upscale, just tasty.

Any good Italian or Mexican? Steakhouses? Restaurants featuring local specialties (other than the aforementioned )or local produce?

[christineusher]

I think Clary's is closed. I saw on another site someone said the space they were in was listed on line, and I saw an article in the SBJ that James Clary is looking to start over again somewhere else soon.

Nearly Famous is pretty good, not open on Sundays and you will usually have to wait at the lunch hour unless you are early.

My picks:
Asian - Tasia, S. Campbell just past James River Freeway, very nice general Asian place, I don't think they have cashew chicken on the menu. Owners are super nice, staff is well-trained and very friendly. Alternate, if money's no concern: Ocean Zen on E. Battlefield. More upscale, more fusion. Very hip.

Mexican - Tortillas, W. Republic Rd. Owners moved from Texas a couple of years ago, it's not been open a long time, everything made there from scratch, including the desserts. If she has cheesecake that day, order it. www.tortillascomidadeluxe.com

Steak - Galloway Station, can't remember what road it's on, just how to get there. Hole in the wall, turns into more of a drinkin place after 9 or so, reasonable prices, adequate service. Alternate for more dinero: Flame, more of a fine dining experience.

Check out www.bobswhineanddine.com this is just a guy who eats out alot and has his own website. Very direct, open, and honest.

Avoid at all costs: Mexican Villa (especially if you are expecting Mexican food), Indigo Joes (it's a chain anyway), Big Willie's (sports bar).

[mountdorahound]

Springfield has some pretty off the wall places that are kinda fun too. Especially if you want to keep it casual! WFCody's is one of those places. Sunshine street location is the original and still the best. 1LB hamburgers served with home cut fries in hamburger grease! YUM!
I also like the pizza house on comercial. This place used to be on glenstone but moved. They have original midwest thin crust pizza cut in squares. Kinda pricey for pizza but good!
I also like McSalty's whole wheat pizza.
The most bizzare place is casper's chili on walnut street. But also very good stuff.

[onrushpam]

Two suggestions...
Clary's
http://www.eatatclarys.com/

or, for a more casual nosh, Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House
http://www.nearlyfamous.net/

[rweater]

The Nearly Famous place looks great! And it seems to be close to the highway. Thanks.

Clary's looks good, too, but I think we'll be more interested in something casual, coming off the road. I'll file that one for any future visits to Springfield.

Anyone have more suggestions? I'm happy to get more ideas.