Restaurants in Springfield

The walls of LeDoux's Restaurant, which are honey-hued with well-loved patches of exposed brick, embody the warm, homey nature of Cajun cuisine. Steam infused with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, and andouille sausage spirals from cauldrons of jambalaya and gumbo. A fireplace pours forth its toasty affections in the bayou-inspired interior, where a fountain whispers softly alongside hanging plants that swing slowly over patrons like Tarzan during rush hour. At the full bar, mugs of Louisianan libations, such as Turbodog, Purple Haze, and Dixie ale, leave cool rings of condensation next to plates of fried frog legs and gator. Sated sighs drift from LeDoux's patio, where crackling torches cast orange accents on the liberal sprinkling of fleurs-de-lis that festoon the building and the staff's uniforms. On select nights, applause rolls over live musical acts and free-range shadow puppets.

Nestled along the historic Old National Road, J&J Winery immerses visitors in the charming ambiance of a bucolic countryside estate, plying them with feasts of tasty Italian fare and mouth-watering homemade wines. Inside or on the deck, guests sample the winery's own crisp chardonnays or fruity cabernets over cheese plates, pulled-pork sandwiches, and portobello-and-gouda pizzas plucked from under the nose of a fire-breathing brick oven. Big Dawg Brew Haus, located on J&J's property, joins the winery in sharing the fruits of its labor, which include such brews as Saxy Blonde pale ale and Grandma's imperial oatmeal stout. In addition to regaling guests with tasty pours of beer and vino and delectable Italian feasts, J&J Winery hosts weddings and serenades crowds with live blues, folk, jazz, and whale sounds.

The Patriot Steakhouse & Tavern delights palates with its classic American fare known for its big portions and unpretentious deliciousness. Diners devour choice cuts named after ex-presidents, tasty seafood, chicken, and pork, and hearty burgers and sandwiches paired with locally brewed beers. Live music fills the American-flag-bedecked interior regularly, with the rhythm of a four-piece jazz band or a pianist replacing the mandatory silence of family dinners.

Though mac 'n' cheese egg rolls, ranch-fried green beans, and fried-to-order cinnamon donuts might not sound like typical menu items at a sports bar, at Ole Friends Tavern, the chefs take an interesting spin on standard fare. The family-friendly pub also features outdoor seating, happy-hour specials, and Saturday-night DJs.