Capital City Takeout Challenge Archives

In my last post, I listed many local restaurants with which I am acquainted that are a part of the Capital City Takeout Challenge.

Since then, the list of participating restaurants has expanded somewhat, so naturally, I figured it would behoove me to mention a few more.

Some of the establishments on this list have tried to come up with creative methods of combating the approaching wintry weather. The Fire Marshal, however, has had some things to say about open flames in tents, so this is a developing story as of 6:20 AM on December 10.

In any case, here are seven more local restaurants that I can recommend. Remember, the Capital City Takeout Challenge ends December 18, so if you haven’t started yet, better get on it!

Mekong Cafe

1308 S. 2nd St. Springfield, IL

Takeout Only

217-391-2511

http://restaurantportals.com/MekongCafe/

Mekong Cafe Springfield IL fried rice — Mekong Cafe has six different fried rice dishes under $9.00.

These folks have had a heck of a time this year. First, the COVID lockdown in March that affected everyone. Then, just four weeks later, some buttmunch was flying down 2nd Street and ran into a car, knocking it into the Mekong Cafe building. Then, after they repaired THAT hole, the restaurant was vandalized at the end of May during the BLM protests. A family emergency in September closed them down once again, however briefly. But they’re still standing. Let’s help them keep it that way!

Sweet Basil Cafe

4241 Conestoga Dr. Springfield, IL

Takeout, Heated tent (?)

217-679-2967

http://www.SweetBasilCafes.com/

Breakfast Burger Fries Sweet Basil Cafe Springfield IL — It Might Be A Breakfast Burger $14.95. Good luck finishing this one! A good sized burger topped with a ham steak (not slice, STEAK), bacon and a fried egg.

This megadiner had only been open a week when the second lockdown went into effect. They are known for HUMONGOUS portions and one of the most encyclopedic menus I have ever seen. We ate there three times the first week. Pretty much whatever food you’re craving, they’ve got it. Unless they can resolve the heated tent issue, however, they may have to go back to takeout only. Sangamon County isn’t messing around this time and has pulled the licenses of several restaurants that violate the COVID order, shutting one down completely.

La Fiesta

Two locations in Springfield. Pic below from 106 N. 5th St. Auburn, IL

Takeout. Outdoor seating, weather permitting

217-925-2200

Southwest pork burrito rice and beans La Fiesta Auburn Illinois — I’ve been up and down this menu several times, but I keep coming back to the Southwest Burrito, stuffed with crispy pork and covered in tomatillo sauce. $11.99.

LRF featured La Fiesta in Part 2 of this series. The Auburn location has been our go-to for takeout. They provide several new picnic tables for outdoor seating as well, though after today’s 60-degree forecast, I fear our run of good weather will be coming to an end.

Still, when Spring comes, and we’re HOPEFULLY done with all this COVID stuff, I hope places keep the outdoor dining thing. It does something for the sense of community when you see all these people outside enjoying themselves. The Auburn square hasn’t been this lively in the 23 years that I’ve lived here, and La Fiesta is a big part of that.

Chatham Cafe

414 N. Main Plaza Chatham, IL

Takeout only

217-697-1101

http://www.chatham-cafe.com/

Santa Fe Chicken yellow rice Chatham Cafe Illinois — Santa Fe Chicken–smothered in onions, red and green peppers and swiss cheese. $9.99

Chatham Cafe has had outdoor dining for a while; however, they have the misfortune of being a west-facing business. This means sun in your face at dinner time. They do a robust takeout business though, and being the only diner in Chatham, they do have a solid local following.

Finley’s Tap House

3236 Ginger Creek Drive Springfield, IL

Heated deck, plus inside dining with open windows

217-572-1996

http://www.FinleysTapHouse.com/

Beer Flight local brews Finley's Tap House Springfield Illinois — The food is great at Finley’s, but being a Tap House, they do have a rotation of local brews to sample as well. For a special treat, try an Assalted Caramel from Main Street Brewing in Belleville with cinnamon sugar on the rim of your pint glass.

Another repeater from Part 2, I wanted to mention Finley’s again for their outside-the-box thinking on seating. We ate there just last night, and were able to sit inside, because the bar side of their dining area has windows that open out to the patio. Apparently, the level of ventilation appeased the public health department to where they allowed limited indoor seating (although Finley’s is strict with contact tracing, just to be on the safe side).

They have put up canvas on the outside to block the wind, but left the top open so that they can have a couple of their patio heaters running inside the canvas, but outside the building (no carbon monoxide issues). Also, they have portable space heaters by each of the tables next to an open window. It isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty darn good. So is the food.

Hunan

1333 W. Wabash Jerome, IL

Takeout Only

217-726-5670

https://www.hunanwabash.com/

Fried rice Hunan Jerome Illinois — Do I like fried rice? Yes, why do you ask?

Since Hunan relocated down the street, they have rebranded themselves a bit. (OK, more than a bit.) It sounds like it ought to be a basic Chinese restaurant, and they certainly do have that cuisine. But they are also known for sushi, and now they have even gotten into the Cajun seafood boil craze. Springfield currently has three places featuring crab, etc. boils with a fourth on the way. I haven’t jumped on this bandwagon yet, but plan to soon. Stay tuned!

Krekel’s Custard

Various locations in Macon and Sangamon County. Pic Below from 310 Carroll St. Pawnee, IL

Takeout with walk-up window

217-625-4952

https://www.krekelscustard.com/

Krekel's Custard Pawnee Illinois — Glad we got here early. It got busy in a hurry!

Krekel’s started in Decatur, IL way back in 1949. They now have seven locations where they serve up burgers, shakes, and fries that have remained basically unchanged since then. If you’re in Central Illinois, chances are you have encountered their unique marketing tool, the car with the chicken on top.

The fight to save Illinois restaurants is a long way from over, and it certainly won’t end on December 18 when the takeout challenge does.

So, go out and getcha some! Oh, and don’t forget to wear your mask!

You’ll remember in my last post I was mourning area restaurants that have closed, but that I also mentioned for each one we have lost, another has risen in its place. I was all excited about writing Land of Lincoln Part 3 to highlight some of these. Then COVID became the new Ebola, and our governor kicked us back to Phase 3, which brought the dine-in experience to an end. Technically, we can still eat outside, and several establishments are making do with heated patios and tents that are in compliance with the restrictions. We have been blessed with a lot of nice weather for November here in the 217, but…

…so this won’t last, and we will be back to exclusively takeout.

However, some forward-thinking folks in downtown Springfield have come up with a plan to not only show support for independent, locally-owned restaurants, but also to potentially reward those who patronize them—the Capital City Takeout Challenge!

The list of participating restaurants is updated daily. To get entered in the prize drawing, you need to get takeout from five of these restaurants by December 18. One of these restaurants must be minority-owned. Send in a picture of your receipts, and you will be entered to win up to $1,000! (See the Facebook page in the link above for details.)

Any of the restaurants on this list is worth your time, I’m sure, but below are some that I can personally vouch for. Please note that some establishments may have a limited menu for takeout (so you may or may not be able to order what’s in the accompanying pictures).