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* Our Golden Horseshoe Award for best Statehouse-area bartender goes to Mike at Brown’s…
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.
Agreed.
* Our Golden Horseshoe Award for best Statehouse-area waitress goes to someone who isn’t actually a waitress, but how could we pass up this nomination?…
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!
Congrats!
* OK, on to today’s category, with last year’s winners in parentheses…
* Best political bar in Springfield (Boone’s Saloon)
* Best political restaurant in Springfield (Sebastian’s)
As always, intensity counts way more than mere votes. Make your case, please. Thanks!
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 10:46 am
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D. H. Brown’s for best bar. Starting to attract both political parties and always seems to generate more political discussions than other area watering holes.
Norm and Andy’s for best restaurant. Will and Jessie have some great food at affordable prices. Maintaining a Springfield legendary spot.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 12:37 pm
OK, one comment? What the heck is going on here?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 1:04 pm
Donnie’s Homespun for both. Good place to forget politics altogether and jam out.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 1:19 pm
Donnie’s Homespun for both. Good place to foget politics altogether and jam out.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 1:19 pm
Bob’s Butternut Hut.
After everyone has dinner and drinks somewhere else, they go to the Bob’s to end the night. Dive Bar with live music.
It is where the elite meet to eat [popcorn] and greet!
Comment by Nonplussed Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 1:21 pm
please don’t tell anyone about the Butternut Hut too crowded already
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 1:21 pm
DH Browns - Good atmosphere and service. Also agree that it is starting to attract both political parties, which is great to see.
Arlington’s – New, great layout and delicious burgers.
Comment by Under Influenced Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 1:39 pm
Let’s mention Gabs again. But again already crowded and we don’t need deadbeat pols clogging up the seats
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 2:02 pm
DH Brown’s for best political bar for the reasons already mentioned - its patrons include people from both parties and everyone seems to kick back a bit there.
I’m partial to Obed and Isaac’s. Their food is fantastic (leg of lamb sandwich, anyone?!), brews and spirits are some of the tastiest in town, and some of the best political convos among staffers take place there. Not to mention their beer garden is great in April for its bocce ball.
Comment by The Muse Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 2:14 pm
Boones Saloon, great food, Great horsheshoes with a kick, cold beer, great service.
Comment by care free Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 2:16 pm
Brown’s is gonna rise again
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 2:37 pm
Boone’s for both. Many places have things to commend them for either or both, but at Boone’s you can sit outside, and you can get there from the Capitol with a short pleasant walk without crossing a street of busy traffic.
Comment by Anyone Remember Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 2:55 pm
Best political restaurant in Springfield: It depends on what you want. If you want to be seen and make sure others see who you are dining with I would go with Saputos.
On the otherhand, if you want a quite place for dinner where you won’t always run into a lobbyist or member but can discuss something, I would go with Bella Milano.
Again, I think it depends on what you what.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 3:01 pm
I’m a loyal Browns patron. I nominate it for best political bar AND for restaurant on account of the countless times all I had for dinner was the popcorn.
Comment by Alex P. Keaton Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 3:01 pm
Augie’s Front Burner is a great spot for a quick lunch (recommend the “shut up and eat it” - seems appropriate for politics), or a really solid dinner. The lay-out is always entertaining because you know who’s there the second you walk in since you can see all the way to the back but the best part is the private room in the basement. Host to countless dinner meetings and wine-and-dine events for pols you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to get deals done.
Comment by MOD Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 3:12 pm
Best Political Bar- The Globe has reclaimed it’s crown. Kathleen is great. Always a good mix of members and lobbyists. You always know there will be people worth talking to there.
Best Political Restaurant- Obed and Isaacs on a regular basis. High quality food. High quality space. Still have a soft spot for Maldaners.
Comment by Rahm's Middle Finger Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 3:30 pm
Like all the above, but Kathleen is by far my favorite and the Globe is well, the Globe, especially when Rep. Dan Burke is playing the piano.
Comment by Union Leader Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 3:37 pm
* Best political bar in Springfield - going with DH Browns. The atmosphere and location make it a solid choice, you can find enough statehouse types from both sides which is great, and it’s not an all work establishment which makes it even better.
* Best political restaurant in Springfield - I’m going to go with Saputo’s. Sometimes the solid choice is the right choice and that’s Saputo’s in this catagory. The food is good and the politics and people watching is better. Ifvyiu have a long enough meal, you could probably get a fair amount of contacts made to set you up for your next day’s work. Just like staple food, Saputo’s is a staple in your dining rotation and a worthy winner of the Golden Horseshoe.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 3:48 pm
Best restaurant Norb and Andy’s Tabarin, Really staring to gain a political crowd during session. Great horseshoes also.
Best Bar D. H. Browns, over 35 years of political memories.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 2, 14 @ 6:03 pm