Civil Kitchen in Springfield, Missouri will take your taste buds through a mouthwatering dining experience that will surely have you coming back for more.
The best part about this made-from-scratch locally owned restaurant is that they have a little something for everyone. Whether you’re craving a classic dish like Chicken & Waffles, or perhaps a healthier choice like a Falafel & Veg Wrap – Civil Kitchen will have a delicious dish that you will enjoy.
Civil Kitchen is located right in the heart of downtown at 107 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806.
The Civil Kitchen Experience Starts With a Drink!
With 28 beers on tap and a large selection of hand crafted cocktails, you’ll find a beverage you’ll love.
photo courtesy of Civil Kitchen
I personally am a Bloody Mary fanatic, so I was thrilled to try their Peter Piper Bloody Mary with Infused Pickle & Pepperoncini Vodka and Zing Zang.
“Get Civilized at Civil Kitchen”
Open from 11am-11pm, Civil is the perfect spot for an early lunch or a late night dinner. I chose to come in for lunch and enjoyed the view of Park Central Square from their beautiful large windows.
For lunch, I had the C.B.A Wrap, which was SO delicious!
This flavor-packed wrap includes your choice of grilled or fried chicken, lettuce, sliced avocado, chopped bacon, tomato, red onion, cheese, and chimichurri mayo.
As I mentioned before, their menu is huge! Check out some of their other popular dishes.
Bacon & Date Salad – photo courtesy of Civil Kitchen
Chicken & Waffles – photo courtesy of Civil Kitchen
Prices & Info
The average price per person ranges from about $12 – $25. I found that the prices are very reasonable for the portions and quality you are served. Check out Civil Kitchen’s menu here.
Keep up with Civil Kitchen and their special offers by following them on Facebook or Instagram.
Overall, I had such a great dining experience at Civil Kitchen.
I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone traveling to Springfield as it will truly give you a scrumptious taste of Route 66!
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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by Natalie | Published on Dec 7, 2020 | Last updated Jun 16, 2021 | Blog, USA travel
Now more than ever, shopping local is vital to the success of our local economy.
I’ve lived in the Springfield area for nearly twenty years. I grew up in Ozark, attended college at MSU, and have always been very active in the community.
Between my passion for my hometown and supporting local businesses, it only made sense to compile “The Ultimate Springfield Holiday Gift Guide.”
The Ultimate Springfield, Missouri Holiday Gift Guide
*I want to add that these are just suggestions based on my experiences and interests.
There are so many fantastic local businesses in the 417 and I truly wish I could add all of them to this guide!
Is there a local business that isn’t on this list that you love? Please drop it in the comments below!
For the Foodie
Maybe I’m biased, but the 417 is filled with some of the most amazing local restaurants. How are we so lucky!? A gift card to any of these restaurants will make the perfect present for a true foodie!
Your favorite classic steakhouse! Jimm’s is famous for their juicy steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, salad bar, and wine selection. Pro tip: they run a holiday gift card special every year.
Located in the heart of downtown, Civil Kitchen offers a modern spin on your favorite classics. Known for it’s made from scratch menu, burgers, fried chicken, beer selection, and unique dishes.
Cherry Picker is a coffee bar, lunch counter, neighborhood bar & package store. They have a wide variety of wines and their employees are always helpful in picking the perfect bottle. They even have a wine club you can join (if you’re cool enough!)
A chef based restaurant and communal wine house. Along with complimentary wine tastings, Cellar + Plate offers a variety of wines sold by the glass or bottle. Women-Owned.
Bear Creek Winery is located slightly outside of Springfield in Walnut Shade, MO near Branson. They are a family-owned winery and small-batch brewery with fantastic selections.
For the Women
Boutique clothes and accessories or a relaxing spa day makes the perfect gift for your lady.
Dapper is the swankiest barbershop downtown. They offer signature haircuts featuring essential oil-infused towels and cold cucumber eye peels.
For the College Hipsters
Springfield just wouldn’t be the same without all the hipster college students jazzing the town up with their vibes. Here are some local gift ideas that your hipster will love.
Consider buying a gift card to The Moxie, a non-profit arthouse movie theater. Or if your hipster is really the ultimate movie lover, you can even gift them a membership to the coolest cinema in Springfield.
For the Earthly
Shopping for someone who loves plants, tea, or just has that earthly vibe to them? Here are some spectacular gift ideas.
Wheeler Gardens is a family-owned business that has everything you need for your plant lovers: shrubs, flowers, garden décor, and so much more!
For the Active
Buying a membership to any of these local gyms & studios is a perfect present for someone who loves fitness, or hopes to adopt a more active lifestyle.
The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade is the sexiest, most encouraging, and fun workout studio anyone could join. A wide variety of classes are taught from yoga, dancing, high and low intensity, and low impact. In-person and online classes are available. Women-Owned.
Equipped with climbing walls for a variety of skill levels, training area, yoga studio, and gear shop. No prior experience is needed at Zenith and beginners are welcome!
Culture Flock is a super cool boutique that specializes in colorful and inclusive apparel, goods, and accessories for friends of every shape, size, color, gender, and orientation. Women + LGBTQ owned.
A fine craft gallery and community clay center. Springfield Pottery offers beautiful handmade pottery for purchase, pottery classes, and gift certificates.
Springfield, Missouri is filled with the most incredible local businesses. This holiday season, show your support to these small business owners.
Do you have a favorite locally-owned business in Springfield, Missouri that isn’t on this list? Drop it in the comments below and give a short description of what they sell!
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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by Natalie | Published on Dec 5, 2020 | Last updated Jun 16, 2021 | Blog, USA travel
Hot cocoa / hot chocolate often seems like the stepchild of coffee. Frequently forgotten about, cast away to the bottom of the menu in small print.
Who goes to a coffee shop and orders hot cocoa? Small children, my mother, – and that’s it.
Because going to a coffee shop and ordering coffee makes the most sense… But what if I told you that some of the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, resides right here in the 417?
Honestly, I never even knew I liked hot cocoa and I don’t even think about it until the holidays roll around. I typically drink black coffee, maybe with a tiny bit of cream if I’m feeling really fancy. Hot cocoa just always seemed too sweet to me, probably because I ordered it at places like Mc. Donalds or iHop. Rookie mistake I tell you!
Local Springfield cocoa is different though. I can confidently say after completing this Springfield MO hot cocoa extravaganza, my tastebuds changed forever.
I’ve scoured high and low searching for the very best hot cocoa in the 417. All the way from Ozark to Commercial Street, and everywhere in between.
The Average Cost of Hot Cocoa in Springfield
Expect to pay approximately $4 depending on where you go and what size you order. For me, it was an average of four dollars, and most of the time I ordered a medium-sized drink.
In no particular order, here is where you can find the best hot cocoa in Springfield, Missouri.
Coffee Ethic
The Coffee Ethic is located right in the heart of downtown at 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806.
I frequently camp out at Coffee Ethic with my homework or a good book. It’s a wonderful quiet little spot to get work done or chat with friends. Not to mention, their drinks and pastries are delicious!
What I loved most was the thick and creamy texture. While the cocoa of course had a chocolate flavor, it was not overpowering and was the perfect amount of richness.
European Café
European Café is also located in the heart of downtown at 207 Park Central E, Springfield, MO 65806.
This is one of the most stunning coffee/pastry shops in Springfield. It has a light and airy feel, which is different in comparison to most coffee shops that have more of a darker setting. It’s the perfect place to brighten your day when it’s gloomy outside.
Their hot cocoa was so good, I had to talk myself out of getting another cup! However, I could not refrain from getting a delicious vanilla bean macaron. The perfect snack to pair with their creamy hot cocoa.
Everything at European Café is as beautiful as it is delicious. Just look at some of their adorable holiday boxes full of goodies.
The Workshop is such a dreamy place to enjoy literally the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had in my life.
I couldn’t believe how tasty it was, I actually did order a second cup! Don’t make my mistake by ordering the small – you’ll definitely want the largest size they offer, I promise.
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MudLounge
Mudlounge is located downtown at 321 E Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806.
Offering seating both indoors and outdoors on their heated patio, MudLounge is the perfect cozy bar to enjoy a cocktail or spiked hot cocoa. Mudhouse is a coffee shop owned by the same owners, and offers a great traditional non-alcoholic hot cocoa.
This scrumptious cocoa is more of a mild flavor. So if you don’t like a rich chocolate taste and are looking for a more creamy milky flavor, this is the perfect cocoa for you.
Their cocoa is actually sourced from another Springfield Commercial Street business, Askinosie Chocolate.
Dunkin’ Donuts
The Dunkin’ Donuts in Springfield is located at 4020 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.
Dunkin’ is not a small business, but they do have a drive-thru which makes it a quick and easy option to snag a cup of hot cocoa if you’re on the run.
The cocoa was very, VERY sweet. Truthfully, I didn’t think it even compared to any of the local cocoa served at the coffee shops. However if you love a super sweet hot drink, Dunkin’s cocoa may be the drink for you!
This holiday season, I would recommend venturing to your favorite Springfield coffee shop and treat yourself to a cup of gourmet hot cocoa!
If you don’t feel like getting out of the house for a cup of hot cocoa, here are my Hot Cocoa Essentials that you can use at home!
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
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Bear Creek Winery is tucked away in a secret corner of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri.
This Winery is a gem only true Missourians know about!
If you’re looking for a luxurious and charming rustic escape for the evening, look no further than Bear Creek Winery.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
My Winery Essentials
Growing up in Springfield, I have a pretty good grasp on the best spots in the area.
Living alongside “The Birthplace of Route 66” makes the 417 a total foodie’s heaven on earth, which makes it tricky to choose where to dine with so many great options.
After hearing so much hype about Bear Creek, I just had to check it out myself.
Planning your trip to Branson? Visiting the Big Cedar grounds is a must! I’m obsessed with Cedar Creek Spa.
Or if you’re looking for family fun activities, I love the Titanic Museum and the Dixie Stampede.
Bear Creek Winery – Things to Know
Bear Creek is a Winery, Restaurant, Lodging, and Small Batch Brewery.
You can pick and choose what suits you out of their extensive offerings, opting to stay a whole weekend or just simply enjoy some pizza at their restaurant.
Be sure to check out their website here to get a detailed look at what they offer.
Bear Creek is located in Walnut Shade, Missouri which is about 20 minutes from Branson or Springfield.
The hours do vary, but here are their current hours listed for the season –
Sunday – Thursday 10-6pm *Sunday live music 2-5pm
Friday & Saturday 10-9pm *Live music 2-9pm
Food & Wine Selections
What I didn’t expect to find at Bear Creek, was some insanely delicious pizza!
I ordered the fresh and delicious “Bear Ass Pizza”. The prices are reasonable and the servings are huge.
Wine samples are offered, and you can enjoy a glass of your favorite for $6. My favorite wine is the Hillbilly Persuasion, which is a nice light crisp wine, close to a Chardonnay.
Dinner with a view
What better way to enjoy pizza and live music than sitting on a terrace? Bear Creek has both indoor and outdoor seating to suit everyone’s dining preferences.
The Ozarks are stunning. If you are looking for a rustic getaway in the woods, Branson area has many spectacular lodging options such as Bear Creek, Big Cedar Lodge, or Chateau on the Lake.
Bear Creek is the perfectly charming and rustic getaway for your date night or friend’s outing.
If you plan a trip to Southwest Missouri, consider spending an evening at Bear Creek Winery.
Published on Sep 12, 2023 | Last updated Sep 14, 2023
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This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Published on Sep 2, 2023 | Last updated Sep 6, 2023
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Published on Sep 4, 2023 | Last updated Sep 5, 2023 | Asia Travel, Blog
This post is all about how to visit the Hanoi train street. Photo by Thijs Degenkamp on Unsplash All Aboard! The Hanoi Train Street is the most buzzing street in Vietnam’s capital. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and thrilling…
Searching for the best Christmas Destinations in the world to fully experience all things fresh pine and mulled wine? As the holiday season approaches, these 27 picturesque Christmas destinations transform into magical wonderlands, complete with twinkling lights and…
