What are the hidden gems and good eateries I'm missing in town?

[Springfield Chicken]

Everyone knows the downtown clubs and we all love Uptown Market, Three Layers, and Fusion.  But I never knew about the barbeque place in Springfield till I read the story in the paper.  And I recently discovered Soul Food Express in Talleyrand.  What else am I missing?  Anyone have any good experiences with some of the lesser known eateries or other small businesses in our area?  I'd love to support local business!

[fieldafm]

Does Jerome Brown's still do the buffet thing at lunch?

I also like Fred Cotton's and The Pig for bbq(a great place for bbq in Riverside is the fellow that sells out of his smoker at the Jiffy Mart on the corner of Stockton and Oak on Saturdays). 

If you're in Talleyrand Russ Does is a great place for lunch.  His son actually is now a quaterback for the Tennessee Titans(local boy done good ).

If you get tired of Joseph's, Casa Dora downtown is really good.

If you like Uptown(who doesnt), another nice place to grab a bite and sit at Hemming Plaza or the courtyard in the library is the cafe at Chamblins Bookmine. 

Is A-Z Grocery still on 5th?  They have decent sandwiches.

Do you want specifically Springfield eateries, or are you looking for a particular place/food/etc?  There are some REAL gems all over town.

[Springfield Chicken]

Great suggestions.  I'm looking for strictly intown things.  Preferably near or in Springfield.  The stuff only locals know about and could benefit from a wider audience.

[thekillingwax]

Fred Cotton is alright. My neighbor cracked me up when he said "it's for white folks who think they're slummin'". Maybe it's gotten better but a few years ago I went and got a plate and it was almost $20. For intown, I'd stick to Jenkins. I do think this area is pretty much the go-to part of town for caribbean food. Sunrise Bakery over by Jackson is awesome- try the curry goat or one of their jerks and I'd probably kill somebody if you paid me in their beef patties.

[Miss Fixit]

Don't forget Waafa and Mike's on Main!  Awesome shwarma - huge portions at a fair price and they are such nice people.

A to Z closed, unfortunately.

[PorchCats]

I think A-Z was closed up last time I walked by.

Wafaa n Mike's on 6th and Main is fantastic - middle Eastern food plus some everyday favorites.

[Debbie Thompson]

Happy Garden is great for Chinese.  Luigi's has great "hearty red" Italian.  Their lasagne, well, yummy is all I can say.  The meatballs are dense and the size of baseballs.

Both are on University Blvd., W. just off I-95...just a few miles.  Take the 2nd University Exit, cloverleaf around.  Happy Garden is a few blocks down on the left, just before Barnes Road. Luigi's is a few block later, on the right, across from Winn Dixie.

[MusicMan]

You have to try Skyline downtown, in the BOA tower, on the 42nd floor.
Amazing value and a view that will blow you away. Open 11-2pm for lunch
Monday through Friday, and for a drink and munchies Wednesday and Friday evening, 5-7:30 pm.

[KuroiKetsunoHana]

i love ¡hola!, but i think everyöne's familiar with them by now...on the other hand, cinco de mayo's in the landing doesn't seem to get the props they deserve--basic semi-americanised mexican fare, no surprises--but very good.

[fieldafm]

Didnt know A to Z closed.  That's unfortunate.  

Havent been to Cottons for a few years honestly.  The last few times I went they had way too much vinegar in their sauce.  I personally like The Pig.  Jenkins is good too.

I second Skyline.  A view that rivals University Club and River Club, and you can have lunch for under $10.  You can get basic salads/sandwiches and their hot menu changes daily.
The happy hour is really cool too.  I tried hitting that up last Wednesday but I guess everyone was at Art Walk and they closed up shop early.

Does Jerome Brown's still have the buffet/hot bar thing for lunch??

Chicken Koop is pretty good.  

Downtown Zodiac Grill is good.  They have a Mediterranean buffet for lunch which is a real good value.  Cinco De Mayo is good if you need a break from Holas.  Chicago Pizza is also great if you're down at the Landing.  All locally owned/operated.

[Springfield Chicken]

Yum.  Thanks for the great ideas.  Now I'm starved and have too many choices!

[Sportmotor]

Clarks Fish Camp

[fieldafm]

Has anyone tried Shorty's Seafood?  Any good?

[jason_contentdg]

Does Shorty's do any prepared food?

[konstantconsumer]

How about some vegetarian options in Springfield?  I can only eat Uptown's veggie burger so many times!