We know that oftentimes these weeklong pig shows act as your family vacation. You may not be at the beach, but we hope that your time together as a family provides those same memories that would be made elsewhere. While in Springfield, Illinois for the Team Purebred National Junior Show, you can go on vacation with the array of food options available in the city. From Texas barbeque to authentic Italian homestyle cooking and even fresh seafood, Springfield can take you wherever you please.  

Breakfast  

Charlie Parker’s
700 North St, Springfield, IL 62704  

For those Food Network obsessed, Charlie Parker’s is a frequent flyer on the popular network. Featured in “Diners Drive-Ins, and Dives,” and other highly honorable magazines, this breakfast diner is the perfect eatery for the breakfast enthused. The Giant Pancake is an eye-popping item on the menu. The single, giant pancake covers an 18-inch diameter pizza pan and is nearly a half-inch thick. We know there isn’t always time to sit down and enjoy breakfast at a livestock show, but if you have a slower morning, we highly recommend the infamous Charlie Parker’s Diner.  

Biscuits and Brunch
2661 Chatham Rd, Springfield, IL 62704  

Another fabulous eatery for those slower mornings is Biscuits and Brunch. The lovely atmosphere and unique brunch dishes are sure to start your day off right before the chaos invites itself in. One of our favorite items on the menu has got to be the breakfast potatoes — they are like no other.  

Mel-O-Cream Donuts
525 North Grand Ave, Springfield, IL 62702  

When those show mornings come early and there is barely any time for breakfast, grab some Mel-O-Cream donuts to take back to the barn with you. Take a bite of their signature, homemade donuts and you will be begging for more the rest of the week.    

Lunch  

D’Arcy’s Pint
661 W Stanford Avenue, Springfield, IL  

A must for anyone visiting Springfield for the first time, D’Arcy’s Pint features authentic Irish fare in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The Horseshoe is a hometown original, featuring Texas toast, a choice of meat, and fries all topped with a delicious cheese sauce. The restaurant has taken the infamous dish to a whole new level with ‘Horseshoe of the Week.’ Some favorites around the pig barn include the Walleye Shoe and the Buffalo Chicken Shoe.    

Mario’s Pizza
3073 E Clear Lake Ave, Springfield, IL 62702  

Looking for a quick lunch? Mario’s Pizza is serving a grand spread of your favorite Italian homestyle cooking, all in a lunch buffet. From flavorful pasta and sandwiches to specialty pizzas piled high with fresh toppings, you are sure to quickly satisfy that Italian food craving.    

Hickory River Smokehouse
2343 N. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62702  

Right down the road from the fairgrounds, you can enjoy some true Texas barbeque. Dedicated to the art and craft of authentic Texas barbeque, Hickory River Smokehouse offers a variety of dishes. Enjoy their mouthwatering ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, or even their signature mac and cheese and baked beans sides.  

Dinner  

Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill
2406 W Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62702  

If you’re looking for an exotic dining experience, Westwoods Lodge is the place for you. This hunting lodge themed restaurant features wild game alternatives for usual meat dishes. A hot commodity in the lodge is the signature tackle box — a seafood platter served in an actual tackle box. Join the fun and friendly environment just a few minutes away from the fairgrounds.    

Alexander’s Steakhouse
620 Bruns Ln, Springfield, IL 62702  

An American style cook-out, Alexander’s Steakhouse is another unique dining experience perfect for the carnivore connoisseur. Here, each guest has the opportunity to select their own steak from the locker and cook it their own way over a live charcoal grill. Pair your steak, or any other protein selection with a potato and the “Best Salad Bar in Town.”    

Saputo’s
801 E Monroe St, Springfield, IL 62701  

Saputo’s Italian Cuisine is another fabulous old school Italian option. Saputo’s is the oldest restaurant in Springfield owned by the same family. All the sauces, meatballs, sausage, and salad dressings are homemade by a Saputo family member, a 5^th generation tradition. Enjoy this Italian homestyle cooking at the end of a long, hot day in the barn.    

Finley’s Tap House
3236 Ginger Creek Dr, Springfield, IL 62711  

Delicious, affordable food with a menu that satisfies every taste, Finley’s Tap House is a great, casual place to head for dinner. With a scrumptious menu to choose from, and even another kind of menu the adults will love, the tap house is sure to meet a big group of hungry pig people’s needs and wants. Their signature Chicken and Waffles dish is a must and commonly loved throughout the pig barn.  

Chesapeake Seafood House
3045 E Clear Lake Ave, Springfield, IL 62702  

Chesapeake Seafood House has provided fresh seafood and hand cut steaks to the Springfield area for 40 years. The inviting atmosphere and variety of selections on the menu makes for a satisfying experience. Make sure you save room for dessert, the cheesecake with strawberries is an especially great way to end your meal.  

Obed and Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery
500 S 6^th St, Springfield, IL 62701  

With a menu to impress, offering a variety of options, everyone is sure to find something they loved at Obed and Isaac’s. Order one of their signature flatbread pizzas, a pub burger, or even their infamous horseshoes, all will wow your tastebuds. The family-friendly atmosphere, and even outdoor pet-friendly area, will accommodate all your family’s needs and make a fun and unique dining experience. There is even a fun menu for the adults!    

Enjoy your time in Springfield eating around the world as you make those memories with the ones you love the most.