There is nothing worse than being stranded on a layover at an airport, only to realize that there are no decent food options. Airport food is notoriously subpar and often gets a bad rap amongst travelers.
However, here in Springfield, travelers are in luck, as we have a wide range of delicious restaurants close to the airport. The issue for travelers is knowing where to find these restaurants, and which ones are worth your money, as it is hard to know if you are not local to the area.
To help you out, we have put together this list of the top restaurants near Springfield airport, so you can plan where you get your lunch or dinner next time you’re travelling through or to Springfield.
All of the restaurants on this list are close to the airport and serve up some of the best food that the city has to offer.
Let’s get into it!
Image Source: Purple Burrito
One of our favorite restaurants in Springfield which is near the airport is Purple Burrito. This casual Mexican spot is a favorite amongst Springfield locals and travelers alike, and for good reason too.
The menu includes all your favorite, authentic Mexican dishes, such as burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and chimichangas, all at an extremely reasonable price. The best part? Purple Burrito are known for serving ginormous portions.
Expect burritos and tacos stuffed to the brim with fillings, and chimichanga plates overflowing with extra salads and sides. This makes it a great spot for travelers who don’t know when their next meal might be and want some leftovers they can take with them and eat later.
Purple Burrito is located just four miles from the Springfield airport, making it a convenient choice for travelers who want to stay in the vicinity of the airport. The restaurant doesn’t take bookings, so there’s no need to worry about making a reservation. Simply show up and enjoy some of the best Mexican food that Springfield has to offer.
Image Source: Allis Family Restaurant
Located just over three miles from the airport is one of Springfield’s hidden gems - Ali’s Family Restaurant. Don’t let the unassuming nature of the building fool you… this is a Springfield institution that is beloved by locals.
Ali’s is your classic American diner and serves up all the dishes you would expect from such a place. From chicken fried steak to hot cakes, and hamburgers, you can find just about everything on this menu.
They are also well known for their desserts, particularly their pies, so make sure you don’t forget to order one if you end up eating here. A favorite amongst regulars is the Razzleberry pie, however, we can attest that all flavors are absolutely delicious! Customers love that the waitstaff at Ali’s are very attentive and efficient, which is important if you have a flight to catch.
Plus, the menu is reasonably priced, and they regularly offer promotions for extra discounts on certain meals. Make sure you check their Facebook page before dining to see what kind of deals are on.
If you’re traveling with a family and need a cheap, delicious, and convenient option for dinner close to the Springfield airport, we could not recommend Ali’s family restaurant more!
Image Source: Golden Palace
Springfield’s most dedicated foodies often wonder why Golden Palace is not more popular, as the consensus is that it is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. This little eatery might not be anything fancy in looks, but it makes up for this with its food.
Crispy wontons, succulent egg rolls, and saucy chow mein are just some of the highlights on this menu. Each dish is extremely affordable, however, the portions are massive, making this a great value-for-money restaurant too.
While the food may be amazing, it is the service at Golden Palace that really sets it above the rest. The waitstaff are always friendly, and kind, and the food comes out very quickly.
If you are a traveler who is short on time and needs a quick dinner, you can order at the drive-thru, and your food will be quickly cooked, packed up, and brought to your car.
Golden Palace is one of Springfield’s hidden gems and is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself at the Springfield airport.
Image Source: Bubba’s BBQ
Situated four miles from the Springfield airport is a slice of Texas and Kanas-style barbeque, right here in Missouri. Bubba’s BBQ is a popular barbeque joint that incorporates the best of Texan and Kanas barbeque to create a delicious and hearty menu.
Their priority is using top-quality cuts of meat, and cooking them low and slow over hickory wood. The result is juicy and succulent barbeque that will satisfy all your cravings.
Whether you have a hankering for ribs, brisket, or even a good old-fashioned burger, Bubba’s has got you covered. There is even a kid's menu available, which is useful as the portion sizes here are extremely large.
The best part is that, unlike other barbeque restaurants which sometimes charge an arm and a leg for their meats, Bubba’s is extremely reasonable. Their most expensive item is their $22 ultimate platter, which comes with five meats, three sizes, and two slices of Texas toast - which is serious value for money.
If you’re in the area and are craving some quality barbeque, we highly recommend you check Bubba’s out!
As you can tell by this list, the residents of Springfield are spoilt for choice when it comes to diverse dining options. In just the immediate area around the airport, many high-quality restaurants are serving up a diverse range of cuisines.
No matter who you are traveling with, or how picky of an eater they are, you are sure to find something that is convenient and delicious - a rare phenomenon when it comes to airport food.
Springfield’s exceptional dining scene extends well beyond the area surrounding the airport and is a reflection of the thriving city.
Make sure you make the most of your time in Springfield, even if it is just a quick stop. The city has so much to offer, and we think you will be pleasantly surprised at just how much you enjoy your trip here.
