Back in 2013, I moved out to Springfield to work at MassLive — over in our old newsroom on Hampden Street.
I didn’t know much about the city or where to get anything good to eat. All I knew was that my coworkers raved about this barbecue spot over on Worthington Street. Also, there was this German restaurant a block over that had two names or something.
That first place turned out to be Theodores’ Blues, Brews, & BBQ, which became my favorite lunch spot in Springfield. The second is the Student Prince & The Fort Restaurant, which I think is one of the most underrated restaurants in the state.
They also happen to be two of my top restaurants in Springfield (spoilers, I guess).
In the years since, I’ve moved, worked and eaten all around the state. But Springfield will always hold a special place in my heart for being the first city in which I lived and had a little disposable income to go out and eat.
That’s why I’m pumped to put together a list of the 11 best restaurants in Springfield in alphabetical order.
This is my personal list based on my experiences eating in Springfield. If one of my friends were to ask me, “Here, where should I go to eat in Springfield?” I’d give one of these as an answer depending on what they’re looking for.
Again, these are not ranked in order. They’re listed alphabetically.
EAT, a counter-service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch in Springfield(MassLive File Photo)1) Eat
Go here for — A cozy little breakfast/lunch spot with an ever-changing menu.
Eat is a bit of a hidden gem in Springfield, offering an eclectic range of fresh, affordable options for breakfast and lunch — namely burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. They also have a wide range of vegan options.
A maple aioli fried chicken sandwich? Yes, please. A Big Mac-style vegan Impossible burger? I’m not even vegan and I’m all about that.
More info: Facebook
A grinder from Frigo Gourmet Foods in Springfield.(MassLive File Photo)2) Frigo Gourmet Foods
Go here for — Grinders, chicken parm, Italian prepared foods for takeout.
I’ll trust any place that goes through as much prosciutto and $1,000 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano as this mainstay on William Street.
Frigo’s makes some simply mindblowing grinders, especially their meatball subs, classic Italian cold cuts and various “parms,” be it chicken, veal or eggplant.
But what always blows me away is stopping by during lunch and perusing the case for the various specials that are sold by the pound.
Frigo’s also has an amazing array of Italian goods for sale, from olive oils to pasta.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
An order of tacos de birria with tableside guacamole and a house margarita.(Nick O’Malley/MassLive)3) Frontera Grill
Go here for — Tacos, margaritas and tableside guacamole.
When I lived on Parker Street in Springfield, I drove by this location every day. Back then, it was a Ruby Tuesday.
I am immensely jealous that it’s now an awesome Mexican restaurant.
Start off with some margarita, complimentary tortilla chips and amazing guacamole prepared tableside right in front of you. For the main course, grab some of their amazing Tacos de Birria.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
A blackened catfish po’boy with fries from Mamou in Springfield.(Nick O’Malley/MassLive)4) Mamou
Go here for — Amazing Cajun food with a kick.
This new spot on Worthington Street is the successor to the original Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou and carries the same bombastic flavors and amazing Cajun-style dishes.
It was at the original spot that Chef Ivan Felix learned under famed Springfield Chef Wayne Hooker, who passed away last week at the age of 70.
At the new location, Hooker’s legacy is going strong. The amazing jambalaya, gumbo and chicken etouffee is still there.
The po’boys are as amazing as ever, giving you a TNT-laden explosion of flavors in a sandwich that leaves you feeling invigorated after lunch.
Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the bread pudding for dessert.
More info: Website | Facebook
A New York Strip steak “Oscar”-style ready to leave the kitchen at Max’s Tavern. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 5) Max’s Tavern
Go here for — Steak and cocktails for a fancy night out.
Looking for a classic upscale night out with a nice steak, a bottle of wine and a raw oyster bar? There’s no substitute for Max’s Tavern next to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
I’ve always known that Max’s excels as a steakhouse. But I always leave impressed by their rotating lineup of desserts. Right now, options include sticky toffee pudding as well as a dark chocolate cheesecake trifle.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
A lunch order Lamb Kabob from Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill.(Republican File Photo)6) Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill
Go here for — Hummus, wraps and kebabs, wings.
Nadim’s is a fantastic spot for lunch and dinner with a great location downtown. Don’t sleep on it.
I’ll admit it. I’d fallen into a trap where I’d just grab a quick wrap and hummus for lunch at Nadim’s.
However, my coworker, Sebastian Restrepo, helpfully reminded me that I was sleeping on some of their specialties, like their soup and chicken wings. Nadim’s rules.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Nosh Restaurant and Café at The Shops at Marketplace in Springfield.7) Nosh
Go here for — Lunchtime sandwiches and salads you’ll actually enjoy.
Nosh is my ideal modern grab-and-go lunch spot. It’s one of the few places that manages to get me excited about ordering something healthy.
Their power salads are healthy and loaded with hearty ingredients that make you feel like you actually ate something. The same is true for their grain and sweet potato bowls.
Their Thanksgiving panini sandwich? Amazing. The Hot Friggin’ Goat with goat cheese and fig jam? It’s half sandwich, half dessert.
Don’t sleep on their coffee drinks or baked goods, either.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
A spread of food from Panjabi Tadka in Springfield, chicken naan, rice and lamb vindaloo.(Nick O’Malley/MassLive)8) Panjabi Tadka
Go here for — Top-notch Indian food, naan bread, samosas.
For a quarter century, Panjabi Tadka has been quietly dishing out awesome curries, naans and more on Main Street.
Panjabi Tadka’s curries, masalas and vindaloos are showstoppers that carry a level of flavor (and spice if you want it) that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in many other places in the area.
What strikes me about this place are the little touches. The rice is beautifully seasoned to pair with the main courses. The naan breads are brilliant. The samosas are a cheap and delicious way to start off a meal.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
A cheese pizza from Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield.(Nick O’Malley/MassLive)9) Red Rose Pizzeria
Go here for — Pizza, arguments about pizza in Western Mass., Italian food.
Red Rose is a Springfield institution, a monument to the particular style of pizza served in the region. The round pies with square slices are a unique artifact of Springfield.
The crust is hearty and chewy. The sauce is tangy and delicious. It’s loaded with cheese.
There are some detractors out there who will roll their eyes at this pick. Some of them are close friends who have my email.
They will pick out some of the other excellent pizza options in Springfield. I maintain that Red Rose is one of the best all-around pizza destinations in the city and has a deep, delicious menu of Italian highlights.
Plus, you can’t beat the downtown location, cavernous dining room and service.
More info: Website | Facebook
A look around The Student Prince in Springfield.(Nick O’Malley/MassLive)10) The Student Prince & The Fort Restaurant
Go here for — German food, beer boots and schnitzel.
The single most fun you can get in a meal in Springfield might just be this: a plate of fried Camembert cheese appetizer, a giant jäger-style schnitzel entree and a big boot of German beer.
The Student Prince is famous around Springfield for its 90-year legacy of great food. I really should get more buzz around the state as a great restaurant.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
A ribs plate from Theodores’ Blues, Booze & BBQ in Springfield.(MassLive File Photo)11) Theodores’ Blues, Brews & BBQ
Go here for — Barbecue, awesome beer list.
There is no menu item in Springfield I’ve ordered more than the meatloaf sandwich from Theodores’. I never thought I’d fall in love with a meatloaf sandwich. But the savory crumble of this sandwich (blasted with some extra BBQ sauce) simply makes me swoon.
Top choices include the brisket and pulled pork (either as a sandwich or an entree).
But if you really want something special, grab some apps, particularly the burnt ends or Cajun poutine.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
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Dining and Cooking