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Question of the day: 2025 Golden Horseshoe Awards
Monday, Dec 1, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller * It’s time once again for our annual Golden Horseshoe Awards. Our first two categories… * Best Place to Gather for Dinner During Session Weeks * Best Place to Gather for Drinks, Etc. During Session Weeks As always, do your very best to nominate in both categories. And make sure to explain your nominations or they won’t count. This isn’t a poll. Let us know why you think your nominees are deserving of this award. This year, we have one new rule to try and mix things up: No repeats from last year. Last year’s winners were Saputo’s and JP Kelly’s. Have fun!
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- Bullwinkle - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 1:40 pm:
Best Dinner - Westwood’s Lodge. They have menu with a lot of variety, great food, good drinks and a different atmosphere. it’s far enough outside the sandbox but close enough that it’s a good escape to not be surrounded by the same old session folks.
Best place to gather for drinks - The Alamo. John and staff do an incredible job hosting receptions, parties, and other gatherings. They are accommodating, friendly, and make you feel like you’re at home while there.
- *ducks* - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 1:55 pm:
going with Vele for dining and drinks. the bar area is a good vibe and nick always does his best to make patrons feel good. And the speak easy helps as well.
- Lurker - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 1:59 pm:
For dinner: the Old Luxumberg Inn. If you haven’t been there in a while, you should go.
For drinks (and maybe a bite to eat to share): Anvil and Forge. Not only the best brewers in town but they make some great drinks, especially their seasonal specials. And in the summer, I like their outdoor seating.
- Frida's Boss - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 2:04 pm:
Dinner- Vele, good atmosphere and food plus any night the legislature is in session the next day you’re bound to see multiple Reps and Senators holding lobbyist court.
Drinks- Boone’s a favorite whether you’re grabbing a quick one after leaving the capitol, sitting on the back patio during spring months or hosting an event. Always lobbyists, usually legislators and usually Legislative staffers or Department staffers, who are the true key to knowing what’s going on in the Capitol.
- Frequent Commenter - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 2:18 pm:
Dinner - Vele. I am always amazed at how good the food is here!! It is right there with some of the best dining establishments in Chicago!! With a great bar to compliment the food!
Drinks - Saputo’s (since they are not eligible for dinner) The Saputos bar has to be one of the best spots to talk springfield shop!! Jennifer always pours a good drink with a smile!!
- System Reboot - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 3:07 pm:
Dinner - Gateway to India! Fantastic spot that serves some AMAZING food.
Drinks - Saputo’s bar is always a vibe, 10/10 recommend.
- Change Agent - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 3:19 pm:
I didn’t want to share the secret of Gateway to India, but since the cat is already out of the bag, I will echo that pick. It’s one of the few Springfield spots I’ve found that need to coat everything in cheese sauce to make it delicious.
(Health reasons kept me from drinking much this year.)
- Annonin' - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 3:30 pm:
Dinner has to be Gabs not that indoor dining is back
Butternut Hut cannot be beat for drinks
Always afraid to nominate really good places ’cause it might make them too crowded.
- In the weeds - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 3:58 pm:
A third vote for Gateway for dinner — in addition to the delicious food, there’s always tons of space and rarely other Springfield creatures dining there.
- Kelly Cassidy - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 4:20 pm:
It feels like there are fewer and fewer options lately, but one constant remains and never disappoints: Magic Kitchen. Quick service, tasty, dependable, and sure to clear your sinuses. Great option for lunch (whenever that happens) or dinner.
- NorthSideNoMore - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 5:22 pm:
Indigo for dinner food is my go to good selection well prepared and consistent nice wine menu good cocktails
Alamo just for drinks
- G'Kar - Monday, Dec 1, 25 @ 7:08 pm:
For dinner I also like Gateway to India for the really, really good Indian food.
For drinks I nominate Terra Ferment, it was by far the best beer bar outside Chicago. Bill was a true wizard when it came to getting very rare beers you could not find anywhere else. Unfortunately, Bill retired and closed the bar after the Spring Session. But, I think it still counts for nomination purposes.