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* It’s time once again for our annual Golden Horseshoe awards. Let’s start with something easy…
* Best political bar in Springfield
* Best political restaurant in Springfield
* Best Springfield hotel
Remember, I don’t just tally votes, I mainly look at the intensity of the votes. So, five unexplained votes for Tavern X won’t count as much as two well-written votes for Tavern Z. In other words, fully explain yourselves.
Also, as always, the decision of the judges (me and my other personalities) are final and we reserve the right to hold runoffs if we can’t make up our minds.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:41 am
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Political bar: The Globe
Not my cup of tea, but you can almost always find the a lot of legislators there. (J.P. Kelly’s is more fun, though).
Political Restaurant: Saputo’s
Invariably where people go to be seen with a legislator (make sure to say hi to the Speaker).
Best Springfield Hotel: State House Inn
Best, most modern rooms, so close to the Capitol you never have to move your car, free computers, the bar is convenient, best free breakfast, tons of legislators stay here. No equivocations here.
Comment by KGB Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:52 am
Political Bar - JP Kelly’s
Political Restaurant - I say Cafe Moxo as the new breakfast/lunch political restaurant
Springfield Hotel - The President Abraham Lincoln Hotel
Comment by Sooooo... Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:53 am
Best political bar: JP Kelly’s. The Wednesday night “caucus” meetings are always good times, and the staff is fun and friendly. Also, what could be better than a bar two blocks away from the Capitol whne the Senate decides to “recess to the call of the Chair”? Plus, they have a bartender that answers to “cotton candy face”.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:54 am
Best political Bar
Still, after thirty years, D H Brown, More direct political conversation and best drink specials.
Best political Restaurant, No contest, Saputos
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:59 am
I’m going to vote for Sebastian’s for best political bar and best restaraunt. It’s almost always filled with legislators, the food is very good, and the downstairs bar has that nice Star Wars Tavern feel after midnight with the characters it attracts. Also, they have some very good wine specials and the staff is great.
As for hotels, the new State House Inn is very nice, but I’m a sucker for the Hilton, that great phallus with the pizza shaped rooms. The Abe has the potential to be a great hotel, I just wish somebody would invest in it and turn it around.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:59 am
I like the bar at Maldener’s…if you get hungry, the bar food is great…
Saputos is the place to see and be seen…I’m no fan of their marinara tho…
Love the State House Inn…park the car, walk to the Capitol, go eat and drink after session is over, fall in the comfy bed, eat free eggs and bacon for breakfast…
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:01 am
Best Hotel:
Mansion View. The place is an absolute dump. I mean horrible. Anyone who has ever stayed there has some story about a toenail clipping on the mattress, mildew smell, threadbare towel or worse but….packed EVERY session night. And most of the regulars have stayed there forever. It’s an abusive relationship that nobody seems to be able to end. For overcoming it’s shortcomings and somehow staying in business, Mansion View gets my vote. The rooms will be remodeled next year. Seriously, we mean it. And we fall for it. Every year since 1987.
Comment by Old-fashioned traditionalist Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:02 am
Best Political Bar:
5th floor, state capitol
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:06 am
Bar: DH Brown’s - the best place remaining where pols are comfortable enough to let it all hang out.
Restaurant: Cafe Brio - you may see more pols at other places, but they are much more mellow and personable after a margarita or two at Brio.
Hotel: State House Inn - Hands down the best place to stay, see and be seen. Where else do you get to have breakfast with legislators in their workout clothes?
Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:07 am
Bar - The Globe
Restaurant - Saputos
Hotel - State House Inn
I was there when someone had pulled the fire alarm. A quorum of legislators was present.
Comment by ChiefM Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:08 am
Bar: The Globe, because it is inside the best hotel…
Hotel: The Lincoln. Staff is always friendly, decent breakfast in the morning.
Restaurant: I am partial to the atmosphere in the basement of Sebastians.
Comment by Obamarama Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:17 am
Best Hotel/Motel…none! That’s why most buy homes, condos or rent
Best Restaurant… Saputos —- they will produce the next Mayor. How can the politics get any better?
Best Bar…..Hands down Bob’s Butternut Hut for reasons too many too list, but quality service, great beer garden, no credit to keep out the mopes and Springfield’s most genial host.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:30 am
Restuarant..The Old Luxemburg Inn…deep fried lobster tail..mmmmmmmmmm.
Bar and Hotel…State House Inn..Best free breakfast in town. You can work, drink and sleep all in the same place with free parking.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:33 am
Best Bar: Which ever has rich Miller Buying the Drinks.
Best Restaurant: Which ever has Rich Miller picking up the Tab.
Best Hotel: Which Ever one Rich Miller wakes up in wondering where he is on Saturday morning.
Comment by Living in Oklahoma Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:39 am
Bar - Sebastians for many of the same reasons already listed or The Penny Bar (where else can legislators still smoke indoors).
Restuarant - Maldener’s .. great food and you can sit elbow to elbow with legislators of every caucus and chamber (Saputo’s is over blown).
Hotel - I live here so I have never satyed in one.
Comment by Spliff Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 10:40 am
Love it - Old Fashioned Traditionalist!!!
I completely agree with you. The Mansion View is probably the worst motel around but I keep staying there. Although, I will say that the staff is super friendly and I’m grateful that I haven’t heard the 5 am train in a long time!!!
I recommend that everyone stay at the Mansionview just to say that they’ve experienced it! (BTW - old fashioned traditionalist - I recommend the upgrade to the “suites” in the middle. No mildew and they actually have new pillows!!!!!!!
Comment by Happy Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 11:09 am
Best political bar D.H. Brown, Best bartender in Mike K. and great prices and music levels promoting real conversations.
Best political restaurant Sebastian’s and Saputos, Sebastian’s, great appetizer, Saputos, Great Steaks.
Best hotel, State House Inn.
Comment by lbk Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 11:37 am
Best political bar - Hands down, the globe. Best bartenders, who actually do get to know your name (and drink) if you go in there enough. They have a piano, so it’s not uncommon to walk in and hear Danny Burke on the piano with some poor woman he conned into singing along with him. Lots of legislators hang out there, so I’ve been able to get work done at 11:00 at night.
Best political restaurant - There’s a difference between best tasting and best. So I’m going to follow my taste buds. Maldener’s gets my vote. Their trout plate is to die for and they have the best bread pudding I’ve ever had.
Best hotel - The Statehouse Inn. Super swanky and clean.
Comment by fantasma Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 12:01 pm
Hotel: Although utterly devoid of architectural merit (think: college dormitory designed by Soviets) — for me, it’s the State House Inn, hands down. Comfortable and reasonably priced. And there’s no beating the curb-to-curb proximity to the Capitol.
Restaurant: how about a sub-category for lunch? You’ll find outstanding Middle Eastern at the Holy Land Diner, just south of the Capitol on Cook Street. Or for occasional gluttony — you simply can’t beat the Buffet King on Veterans Parkway. Seven bucks. (Eleven for dinner.)
Bar: me, well — I’m in beta testing. Perpetual beta testing.
Comment by Dooley Dudright Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 12:03 pm
Bar: since Boone’s closed there really isn’t anything like it anymore. I guess the only real choices are Browns/JP’s/Globe. The Globe gets some legislators and lobbyists in there but it’s so god awful boring it’s hard to vote for. Between Browns and JP’s I’d have to take JP’s but it took me a long time to warm up to it. Although, there’s something to be said for what happens at Two Brothers after the talking politics part of the night is over. A lot of the “legendary” Springfield bar nights come out of that place.
Restaurant: Sebastians. You can have a quiet dinner upstairs, a rowdy dinner downstairs or just drink at the bar. If you don’t want to be out much but you want people to know you’re in town it’s the place to swing through.
Hotel - the Abe. I know the Statehouse is more convenient, but the owner is a jerk and on a regular basis they’re withholding state rate rooms or doing god knows what other tricks to try to get the state rate room rate raised. I know they’re just trying to make more money but I’ve had enough of their drama.
Comment by Scooby Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 12:18 pm
I do miss Boones as well, the beer garden was a great destination for a drink, or just some fresh air and an iced tea after a day of haggling in windowless, stuffy rooms, with your point of view stuck in your head…
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 12:28 pm
Political Bar: The Globe
Political Restaurant: Saputo’s
Political Hotel: Statehouse Inn
Two Words:
Dan Burke
Mike Madigan
Mr. T
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 12:40 pm
Make sure to explain your votes, people. Remember, this is far more about intensity than mere numbers.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 12:41 pm
State House Inn - love it.
And Maldaners, both the bar and the restaurant. I just can’t stand the food at Saputos and I cringe when someone wants to go there.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 1:02 pm
Bar: I miss Boones as well! The staff especially. Wed nights were the best with that good looking bartender, never got his name. On serious note: The Globe. Kathleen is the best bartender hands down. Personable and knows ur name and drink before I even got there 2 meet legislators
Restaurant: Saputos. Best drinks and nice to talk to everyone there
Hotel: statehouse in. So close to everything downtown..Boones,JP Kelleys, Browns O the memories….what I would give for a beer garden and warm weather right now….
Comment by Can't Tell Ya Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 1:05 pm
Best Hotel: I have to say the Hilton. Stay there enough and breakfast is free! No other hotel in town beats their points program. The breakfast bar at the Hilton destroys the Statehouse Inn’s soup-kitchen fare. (Can you say salmon and cream cheese bagels?)
Best bar: When it’s packed, Browns. When it’s packed, The Globe. Have to go with The Globe. How can you go wrong hanging out at the guy who sponsored medical marijuana’s favorite watering hole?
Best restaurant: Sebastians for all the reasons everyone else has listed above. Great bar, excellent food, quirky menu. I’ll try anything there.
Comment by So. ILL Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 1:11 pm
Statehouse Inn…no question
I like the Alamo, but WP’s (isnt that what it is) is open on NFL Sunday’s so that counts for something.
I prefer Sebastians, but almost universally end up at Saputo’s
Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 1:14 pm
I Always enjoy reading about others lamenting for the time of Boone’s! Was it a dump??….ABSOLUTELY! Late in session when it started to get warm out there was never a better place to spend a night or a Sox caucus then Boone’s.
Still I would have to agree with the previous posters even though it is devoid of real atmosphere I still think the Globe wins it on bi-partisan approval as a selected spot for drunkening. Great staff and those above were right…lets hear it for Danny Burke on the ivory.
I’m surprised the State House has seemed to dominate the Hotel category. I would have to stick with the Lincoln for the amenities and the fact that it is close and relatively convenient.
Restaurant: for sheer legislative volume Saputos easily wins. It may totally be old school Italian that is Elmwood Park approved but there are better tasting joints in town such as Augie’s and Sebastions.
It would make all entries in all categories better for Springfield if we someday have a capitol complex that is Stratton building free and without gravel parking lots filled with broken glass.
Comment by prairiestatedem Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 2:27 pm
Not mentioned so far are bar/restaurant up-and-comers Ross Issac and Gabatoni’s. Good places to meet the leaders and their staffs.
Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 2:32 pm
It is a baffler why folks try to pick the 2 worst designed bars in town — both narrow. JP is also noisy.
If you really want good food Sportsman’s
Clearly Bob’s winning hands down.
Great Place for Capt Fax’s ANNUAL GHA free banquet and TV special too.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 2:45 pm
@Rich :
Sorry Rich, I should have explained my Statehouse Inn reference to Mr. T: one morning he was standing in the lobby passing out free Snickers bars as part of a promotional tour. What other venue can make that claim?
Plus, the Statehouse is historically recognized and the only hotel that’s had a major renovation in the last twenty years.
Only downside: bar doesn’t open until 5…I guess that keeps folks to somewhat honest working hours.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 5:38 pm
DH Browns by far. The famed “I Bar” and the best popcorn in town. Great owners who often times buy drinks for long-time patrons and host political events for both sides.
Restaurant: Saputos. Politicos of all stripes and the owner/operator will soon be the next Mayor of Springfield. Where else will be you be able to get served by the Mayor?
Comment by 4 percent Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 5:51 pm
===5th floor, state capitol ===
I prefer 6.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 6:13 pm
Best Bar, the Globe. Kathleen has your drink ready before you sit down and how about her spicy pretzels?
Best hotel/motel, the State House Inn. Although I usually stay at the Abe Lincoln, the beds at the State House in are great and rooms always clean. During my last stay at the Abe Lincoln, I found a “wrapper” on the floor. Ewwwwwww!
Comment by Who Cares Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 6:22 pm
I’m going to post my own preferences. These are not necessarily the winners, but they are where I like to go.
Restaurant: Sangamo Club. Lots of Statehouse types, and MJM shows up when he doesn’t dine at Saputo’s. I’m not a member, by the way. I get in through an affiliate program with another club. Their wild boar special is quite good, as is their fried chicken. If you want great Italian food, try Sam’s. Looks like a dive. Excellent gravy. All the Italian legislators eat there. However, you must go to Saputo’s if you want to find lots of people. Almost never fails. Ross Issac is the dark horse. It’s outside the sand box, but a lively place with a great owner.
Tavern: Sebastian’s basement. A nicer version of the old Norb’s. Bob’s Butternut Hut is a great place to have a hideaway meeting, if you can get the rest of the crowd to go. Heated and air conditioned beer garden makes this a must. If the Globe is hopping, it can be a lot of fun. Maldaner’s knows my tastes and I go there often.
The old Remy’s was my favorite place in the world. Excellent bar, good steaks, Burke on piano and just about everybody went there. Also, the bartenders would keep their word about not mixing my drinks too strong. I could find major stories there almost every night. I’d get the tip in one room, confirmation in another and another confirmation while eating in the far back section of the restaurant behind the fireplace. My life was much simpler and easier back then. And no blog meant I could stay out later as well and just enjoy myself.
The only place that even comes close to Remy’s is Skip’s (former) house when he’s having a big party.
Hotel: Statehouse Inn. I used to stay at the Hilton when I lived in Chicago because I was in that Hilton Rewards program, which is, indeed, pretty good. However, the Statehouse Inn has a superior location and breakfast with Statehouse types can be fun if you’re not too, um, “tired” from the evening before. Also, a quick stop at the No Name Bar before going to bed is always pleasant.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 6:40 pm
Bar — the keg. Biker friendly and no body finds me there.
Restaurant — we’ll there was mountain jacks. Alexander’s was a palce once upon a time. We had what was it tokoyo of japan. But today I would say Sebastains for both food and company. the duck enchaladas are just top kill for. And the rack of lamb is just sweet.
Hotel — Gotta be the State House. I stayed there when it had brown water and Joni was the bar tender, then there was Ollie. Got to watch him toss out a legislator cause he didn’t believe the way Ollie did. Walk across ther parking lot and be at work. Wl;ak to down town — 6 blocks so Rich can by me a beer at Floyds, then I buy dinner at Sebastians. Not sure who got the best of the deal here.
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 8:28 pm
p.s. any hotel that sees me walking through the lobby with a case full of guns and asks if I need help getting them up to my room is just gotta be tops.
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 8:41 pm
Bar - Browns, the only old school hangout left with plenty of pols and lobbyists
Restaurant - Saputos, the place to find the Speaker and still my favorite steak downtown
Hotel - Mansion view - If it’s good enough for Luking, it’s good enough for me
Comment by Former Bartender Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 8:55 pm
DH Brown’s - I have attended 3-4 events at this watering hole over the past year and it was always packed with good service.
Saputo’s - Can’t remember the last time I was there when I didn’t see a politico and the food was bad..
Crowne Plaza - Luxury and I enjoy the bar-restaurants…and the parking is nice.
Comment by Scoot Tuesday, Dec 7, 10 @ 9:17 pm
I miss Play It Again Sam’s - the best and who could top Sam himself dancing on the bar?
Restaurant - Cozy Inn for the “atmosphere” - long live Bob Walmire
I miss the Aloha - what could top Miles’ rock licks interspersed with Minnie Pearl-type women in hats with fruit and flowers crooning “Roll Out the Barrel” at the top of their lungs with bad piano licks? Priceless.
Comment by Been There Done That Wednesday, Dec 8, 10 @ 12:45 am