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* It’s December and you know what that means: Golden Horseshoe Awards month.
For you newbies, the awards have grown from a sorta tongue in cheek end of the year thing into a coveted annual prize. Also, I judge these awards based more on intensity of the nominations than on actual vote counts. If you just nominate somebody without explanation, I’m likely to ignore it. So explain your votes, please.
* As is our custom, we’ll start with “social staff”…
* Best Statehouse-area bartender
* Best Statehouse-area waiter/waitress
Last year’s best bartender was Adam at the No Name Bar. I didn’t receive enough nominations for best waiter/waitress and announced I was discontinuing the category, but let’s try this one more time.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 10:48 am
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I’m still going with Adam at the No Name.
Adam continues to make the No Name worth going to, with good drinks and good conversation and non-stop popcorn. Most comfortable place to have a drink in town, largely because Adam sets a great atmosphere.
Comment by AlabamaShake Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:11 am
It’s been about a year since I’ve lived in Springfield, but I also got the best service at Boone’s Saloon, thanks to two wonderful waitresses. The names escape me right now. One was blonde! A little help here?
Comment by Will23 Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:12 am
For bartender I nominate Mike at Browns. The guy is a legend and he is leaving his post behind the rail this month. He always had a drink ready to go when I walked in and put up with some of my finer moments. He’ll be missed.
Oh and he made killer poppin’ corn
Comment by Alex P. Keaton Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:16 am
=== The names escape me right now. One was blonde!===
LOL
Go over there for lunch, find out who it was, then post here.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:22 am
I’d like to nominate a gal that’s not really a waitress, but does basically the same service. I hope you’ll accept this nomination, Rich. Her name is Kim and she works at the Stratton Building Cafeteria. Kim is a great cook when you want something special. She is always helpful even when she’s slammed with orders and the line is long. It’s a thankless job and most people don’t realize how good their food is until they’ve left the area. I would like to nominate her because she is a hard worker and deserves a big THANK YOU and this award! Great job, Kim!
Comment by Fan of Cap Fax Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:29 am
===LOL
Go over there for lunch, find out who it was, then post here.===
Hah! Rich — I don’t live in Springfield anymore. Does that make my vote null and void?
Comment by Will23 Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:32 am
Gotta go with Kathleen from the Globe. She remembers what her regulars like and really cares about them. She manages that bar very well on hectic nights.
Comment by Because I said so..... Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:32 am
Didn’t we just do these?
Comment by Obamas Puppy Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:33 am
Let’s start with Missy at Gabbatoni’s for waitress
Will report on bartender after lunch:)
Comment by circularfiringsquad Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:35 am
Bartender Mike Knowski at Browns. Still the very best and without equal.
Best Waitress, Lakota at Browns. She’s cute, fast and always remembers drinks and give special attention to details.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:35 am
Saputo’s meatballs and coffee for that long ride home!
Comment by William j Kelly Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:42 am
===Didn’t we just do these? ===
You must be getting old. lol
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:44 am
Will from Norb Andy’s, hands down.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:47 am
Too many of you guys drink too much - no wonder you have trouble with names , bwah ha haa!
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:50 am
Mike at Browns deserves a win this year. Often pulling bartender/waiter double duty, he’s always quick and accurate and never forgets what I drink. He’s always willing to engage in friendly conversation, but never forces it or intrudes. Similarly, he’s up for talking shop with us Statehouse people, but is just as happy to talk sports or local gossip and won’t bug you about work unless you bring it up.
Mike is hanging ‘em up this month and he will be sorely missed. He’s a big part of Browns’ atmosphere. It’s not everyone’s favorite, but if you’re looking for a drink or two after work in a quiet place, Browns is the place to be. It won’t be the same without him.
Comment by On the Way Out Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:54 am
Bartender: Kathleen at the Globe!! She is by far the best bartender - always friendly, remembers your drink, and keeps the drinks moving even on crazy nights.
Comment by Lacy Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 11:57 am
Kathleen at the Globe is probably one of the best bartenders in the state let alone Springfield. I never have to order my drink. It just shows up. I don’t know how she remembers so many different customers drinks. She gets a little frayed when its time for a bunch of people to cash out but she never stops. Also one of the nicest people around to boot. And makes her own great spicy pretzels.
Comment by Been There Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 12:11 pm
For a devishly dry wit try Sara at JP Kelly’s.
Comment by Keyser Soze Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 12:38 pm
I also vote for Sara at JP Kelly’s. Her “day job’ more than equips her to deal with both the legislative and non legislative personalities, and the crowds / lack thereof associated with both. She’s just as professional if the place is swamped or you’re the only customer.
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 12:45 pm
Mike at Brown’s for all of the reasons listed above. A pro’s pro.
Vanessa from Floyd’s is my pick. Floyd’s is a tricky place to waitress because it’s a bar with a mix of statehouse people and normals. A crew of political nerdholes on a Wednesday night can be a chore. As can a bunch of dudes who trekked over from Jacksonville looking to party. Vanessa balances it all very well and is very polite and attentive.
Comment by LizPhairTax Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 2:21 pm
Kathleen at the Globe: even though she’s only 31, she has the most seniority. Kathleen absolutely knows what every regular drinks, and if she doesn’t she’ll know soon enough. She’s very blunt and polite, especially on session nights. She also brings in homemade goodies to share. She’s a very close friend, and doesn’t care about politics, but does care about the people. This award needs to be named in honor of her for her longevity and commitment, despite all the changes where she works. Love you Hunter….Eddy
Comment by Dude Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 3:20 pm
another for Will at Norbs. He brought a legend back from the dead - that should be enough right there. But on top of it, he’s an entertaining dude and the food ain’t bad either. PBR goblets, $1.50.
Comment by Anonny Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 3:57 pm
Lakota M. at D H Browns as the best waitress. Attentive and quick with a ready smile and great service.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 5:20 pm
Mike Knowski at Brown’s is a legend in our crowd, and definitely deserves a GH as his swan song … Professional, attentive, funny and willing to put up with the nonsense from the Capitol crowd (and from Dave Brown)! He will be sorely missed. What a good guy …
Comment by Drinking Pro Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 7:11 pm
I agree Mike at Brown’s for all of the reasons as stated above. An honor from Rich and the statehouse people will make a very nice retirement gift for Mike. His being a able to talk about any subject, know what he is talking about plus knowing not to ask questions takes brains. Mike should be this year’s winner.
Comment by Mama Monday, Dec 1, 14 @ 8:44 pm
I second Kim. There have been many times when I went down for lunch and she was the only person working the front line. BTW the Stratton fried chicken is something I look forward to every Tuesday.
Comment by 6184life Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 8:30 am
I would like to nominate Annie Brand at Sunrise Cafe for the waitress nominee for the Golden Horseshoe Award. Fast, Friendly and always a beautiful smile to greet you and if you have been in previously she probably will also remember
your name. A wonderful person who has worked tirelessly to please her customers at Sunrise for 19 years.
To Annie: Thanks for the great service, friendly attitude and a permanent fixture to to be the foundation to many great meals.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 3, 14 @ 10:24 am