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* Let’s start with the winners from yesterday’s nominations. Keep in mind that there are no appeals here. All decisions are final, so don’t waste your time complaining in comments because I’ll just delete you.
Commenter “KGB” composed an excellent nomination for our best session restaurant….
I have to heartily endorse Ross Isaac’s, not only for being the best food in town but for also attracting a slew of legislators every night. If you get a table at the back, working your way through that place saluting and shaking hands is like a scene out of Goodfellas (without the mobsters, of course).
A few weeks ago I took a Sun-Times editor out to dinner. I knew that if I took her to Ross Isaac’s she’d have a memorable night, and, of course, she did, and so did I. The restaurant is outside the “sandbox,” but the owner is extremely session-friendly. Delicious food, great crowd, prompt waitstaff, solid owner. You cannot ask for more than that. Ross Isaac’s is tops. Go there.
* Runner-up goes to Sebastian’s Hideout (down in the basement). “Wizzard of Ozzie” nominated it for best bar, but the Hideout is also a a fine restaurant…
Basement at Sebastian’s. Feels more like a political hangout than anywhere in Springfield and a lot of work gets done there.
Sebastian’s Hideout is what Norb Andy’s used to be, but with far better food. Try the potato soup. Heaven. Also, the firefighters love it and I love me some firefighters.
* You can’t beat this slogan by “Ace Matson” for best session bar...
Sangamo Club, where the elite meet to greet.
I’ve found myself spending more time at the Sangamo as I get older. It has become my default bar. Yes, there are the occasional snooty townies, but they do keep out the riff-raff - I know this because I was almost kicked out a few years back. One must maintain one’s composure. Also, it’s currently the place for “leader watching.” Madigan and Cullerton are semi-regulars at the club’s restaurant. And you won’t find better service anywhere this side of Chicago.
* Runner-up goes to JP Kelly’s…
The place is packed seemingly every night during session. Mostly lobbyists and staff, but a few legislators too. I think most members probably prefer the more reserved grill room at the Sangamo Club or the Hideout at Sebastians. My vote is for JP Kelly’s though for top notch service and stiff cocktails.
I always know I can find somebody at JP Kelly’s when I’m desperate for a story. Everybody goes there.
Note to the new Boone’s Saloon owners: You need one good year under your belt and you’ll be a serious contender next time around. And I haven’t been to this bar since the new owners took over, but a nomination by “Old School” was so intriguing that I have to award it an honorable mention…
Bar: Scandals, not everyone goes there but the people who do are the people you want to lobby.
I’m gonna have to check it out.
* OK, now, on to today’s nominations…
* Best Springfield hotel
* Best place for lunch near the Statehouse
Make sure to explain your nominations. Sincere intensity counts far more than the number of nominations. Also, make sure to nominate in both categories. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 9:36 am
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If you leave the State House are head North, you will find the answers to both of todays’ categories:
Best Hotel;
State House Inn with its updated ’60’s motif. It has come a long way since its renovations when the shower water used to come out brown. The conference center are No Name Bar seal the deal.
For the best lunch place, head a little farther North to the Sportsmans lounge. I dare anyone to finish a full size tenderlion! Always lobsters and assorted others “meeting” there.
Comment by Sine Die Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 9:49 am
Well I don’t stay at any of the local hotels cause, well I’m local. So no comment. As for lunch, I nominate Cafe Moxo. I cannot wait for cold weather so I can really enjoy the comfort of their Chicken Pot Pie! mmmmmmm…you can take it to go but don’t. Eat it right there in the crock. That’s some good vittles.
Comment by Bitterman Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 9:50 am
Best Hotel: if i told you I would have to kill you
Best Lunch: spot Thai place hear SPI H.S.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:13 am
I feel obligated to vote for the Statehouse Inn for all the times I crashed their pool the summer I lived in Springfield.
Very few Steak N’ Shakes up north, so I hit them as much as I can when I venture south.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:14 am
Best hotel: Abe Lincoln: Clean, bedbug free, takes direct bill, and I seem to always get a nice corner room. Plus, the Globe happy hour special is pretty good.
Best Lunch spot: I have to agree with Moxo, quick, good, and the cookies are really a nice treat.
Comment by JL Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:14 am
Best Hotel: The Hilton. The view, the front desk staff, and the breakfast bar if you’re a rewards member are outstanding. Also, you can’t beat free USA Today’s in the morning and two free bottles of water after your room has been cleaned.
Best Lunch: Cafe Brio has outstanding Tilapia dishes for lunch. Try the fish tacos! Don’t forget the free chips and salsa as soon as you’re sat.
Comment by heet101 Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:23 am
Best lunch is Dublin due to its location. It’s about to get cold, how far are you willing to walk?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:30 am
Now that the Hilton has that rooftop bar, hilton
Moxo - chicken pot pie and they’re great with takeout
Comment by cheech Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:32 am
Statehouse Inn: Anything goes in that joint.
Pizza Machine: Quick delicious and the most hidden gem within a block of the Capitol. The games suck the the pizza rules.
Comment by Older School Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:36 am
I don’t stay in a hotel, but my members love the Abe Lincoln, because of the cost, the remodeling recently done, The Globe and the restaurant, and the parking. Plus Celtic is within walking distance as is the museum.
Lunch, again, is Maldaners. 4 of us eat a fantabulous meal in less than an hour for 40 bucks.
Comment by eddy Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 10:44 am
Hotel: The State House Inn, hands down. I know this may sound like a tripadvisor review, but it’s very comfortable, and the staff go out of their way to take care of the guests and make it feel like a home away from home. And when I spend 40 nights a year away from home, that’s what I’m looking for. Love the breakfast too.
Lunch place - I’ll add to the Moxo acclaim. ‘Nuff said.
Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:02 am
Best Hotel, Abe Lincoln,
Best lunch Saputo’s or Maldeners
Comment by downstate hack Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:07 am
I don’t have a ‘best’ hotel but I have a couple of nominations for ‘noisiest’ hotels — the Hilton, where the windows creak on windy nights, and the Mansion View, where I awoke in terror, thinking there was a freight train in my bed. Sheesh!
Comment by DuPage Moderate Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:09 am
Best Hotel: None, but I tolerate the Hilton when I have to.
Best Lunch: Thai kitchen near High School
Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:13 am
No comment on hotel (local)
For lunch, I’m torn between Brio and Moxxo. Shrimp BLT vs Brean Cookie. Can I vote for both? If not, I’ll have to go for Moxo.
Comment by Colossus Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:19 am
Oh, I get it now. The Golden Horseshoe awards are the way Rich figures out if he’s missing anything.
Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:20 am
Hotel: State House Inn- cheap, friendly, and all the do gooders stay there– you always know you can catch someone at the No Name Bar in the lobby
Lunch: Moxo- the pot pie cures all veto session blues
Comment by Who Else Goes Down Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:23 am
State House Inn for the free drink and great breakfast
Holy Land Diner for the quick but good food you can get there
Comment by southernillinois Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:25 am
Best Hotel:
Hilton- It’s the only hotel in Springfield that you can earn points that are actually worth something. Staff remembers your name. They are attentive to customers. And now that there is an upstairs bar it’s clear and away the best place to stay.
Moxo- Best lunch, hands down. Delicious soup, creative sandwiches, cookies as part of your meal. And the staff is great.
Comment by LilLewbowski Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:27 am
Best Hotel - The Hilton. It’s not saying much, but the rooms are the nicest of the downtown bunch. Great service and a decent breakfast buffet are a nice touch too. The addition of the Pinnacle Club lounge on the 30th floor will challenge the No Name Bar this next session for late night socializing. The Statehouse Inn is arguably more convenient given its close proximity to the Capitol, but overall it falls short of the Hilton’s niceties.
Best Lunch - The Grill Room at the Sangamo Club. I don’t even think it’s close here. The lunch crowd at the grill room is dominated by lobbyists and legislators; the food is delicious and the menu changes daily. It’s also less than a three minute walk from the north exit of the Capitol meaning you can hoof it there on all but the coldest of days. I might also add that the management and staff are extremely friendly and accommodating.
Comment by Jimmy87 Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:31 am
Rich, have you given any thought to getting plaques made and given to the winner? For staff and lobbyists, maybe presenting them at the 3rd House party?
Comment by WizzardOfOzzie Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 11:53 am
State House Inn. The No Name bar helps out, but the rooms are nice, staff is friendly, free wifi, and enough points every year for a free week in the Bahamas.
Comment by Todd Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 12:01 pm
Hilton has a really decent workout room compared to the others. Now that Boones is back we will see how it pans out next session. Sangamo Club is the best lunch around In and out no messing around , food is always good. Now we are talking about a short drive then its Taco Gringo the Aztec is my weakness. Great food for the day after a late night of lobstering.
Comment by The Cardinal Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 12:01 pm
For a home away from home, nothing beats The Candlewood Suites on Dirksen, especially towards the end of Spring session. The rooms are equivalent to studio apartments with stoves,refrigerators and dishwashers in every one. They offer free laundry and have decent work out facilities. During decent weather, you can take advantage of their outdoor patio and grills. Their “honor system” pantry is well stocked with everything from fresh eggs to ice cream. They also have an ok selection of DVDs for your viewing pleasure. If you sign up for their free rewards program (part of Holiday Inn chain)you will find yourself upgraded to a 1 bedroom suite pretty quickly.
Comment by ChitownHV Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 12:05 pm
Best Hotel~Hand’s down, The State House Inn! The bottom line is that the entire staff is like family when you pretty much live there for half the year. They implement suggestions and make accomodations when asked. They work hard to provide entertainment and snacks for us regulars in The No Name as well. As mentioned yesterday, there’s a lot to be said for the convenience of having a nightcap and being able to roll on up to your room.
Best lunch~Again this is an easy answer. Cafe Moxo has good, healthy lunches which are much needed during session when you can find the time to get away. Close and convenient too!
Comment by Debutante Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 12:07 pm
The State House Inn for location, location, location, the nice renovation, and the convenient No Name too.
A short drive, but I like Delaney’s out by the fair grounds. Good pub food and I like the folks there. Not a bad place to hide.
Comment by Way Way Down Here Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 12:51 pm
No hotel opinion, since I’m local.
Best lunch - Holy Land Diner, hands down. Healthy, delicious middle eastern buffet with Greek salad and olive oil everywhere. Afaf and Jamal make you feel like family. Try the Turkish coffee; that tiny cup will keep you awake for hours.
Comment by merry Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 1:39 pm
Restaurants: Holy Land - Legit falafel, straight from the mid east to the midwest
Moxo - Unique, healthy sandwiches and soups
Head West - You can’t beat that place for a sub in Springfield
Comment by Senator Clay Davis Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 2:41 pm
This will be a first… I agree with Todd. The State House Inn has everything said and more:
– Can’t beat the location. During a tough session day, lobbyists can make it there in 2 min. flat to either fax, copy, log-on or take a nap, all included.
– Room are very clean and spacious, with fridge and free wi-fi in room.
– Business center is best in Springfield
– One of the best, most convenient bars
– Staff is awesome
– Every year i earn enough points to stay about 25 free nights. They have luxury locations in Hawaii and Caribean
Lunch: Moxo or Brio. Both very good and affordable. I’ll go with Brio.
Comment by KGB Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 3:23 pm
Hotel: State House Inn, great breakfast buffet, location. Lunch: Feed Store, downtown. Worth the walk. Great soups and light, healthy fare.
Comment by Ace Matson Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 3:28 pm
Best lunch - Robbie’s. It’s consistent and good pie for desert!
Comment by one of the 35 Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 3:51 pm
Lunch: Dublin at vinegar hill, lots of space and you can hide away if you do not want to be seen.
Hotel: when I traveled down here loved marriot courtyard in parkway point. Getting away from it all and not running into someone by the ice machine was never a worry.
Comment by Obamas Puppy Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 3:59 pm
Hotel - abe lincoln. By far the best and easiest reservation process. Staff is really helpful and the rooms are nice and quiet. They also make more state rate rooms available in a pinch. I can even forgive the creepy paintings in their rooms.
Lunch - hands down moxo. Every sandwich is good! The lunch bag deal is awesome and their cookies are so tasty! On top of that their staff is really friendly. Lastly: pumpkin chili, need I say more?
Comment by Suttie Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 5:30 pm
One more vote for Holy Land Diner. Buffet makes eating and running possible, the falafel is excellent, and the lentil soup (with a few pita chips put in the bottom of the bowl for texture) is one of the best cold remedies I’ve found yet.
Definitely a fan.
Comment by Jonathan Eastvold Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 6:57 pm
Never stayed in any of the hotels as a local, but I’d say the Hilton purely because the kids all love the view from the upper floors - the best view of Springfield (and its many parking lots) and the hotel staff humors it.
For lunch place near the Capitol - Moxo! Their sandwich variety filled a desperately needed slot in Springfield - some of my favs are Darrell’s Deal and Tim Buck-2. Soups are always good - never had a bad one, and the salads are great, too. But in the end, it’s the cupcakes - they’re fantastic — I swear I’ve eaten my weight in Moxo cupcakes and cake in the last 2 years!
Comment by Frindle Wednesday, Dec 7, 11 @ 9:04 pm