Childhood Memories Still Live!

Childhood Memories Still Live!

Returning from Chicago, we stopped in Springfield, IL to visit a radio friend and Channel 20 meteorologist, Joe Crain. He took us to Keefner's Sandwiches, Subs and Stories for lunch.

Joe told us that the original Keefners was a soda fountain in downtown Springfield and my memory flashed upon huge ice cream sundaes and delicious chocolate malts!

As a child, I would visit my uncle during the State Fair and he would take me to Keefners on each visit. Needless to say, these are very fond memories. I told this to Angie Keefner, who is the second generation proprietor of Keefner's and she pointed to a shelf above the bar. Low and behold, the original, green, Hamilton Beech mixer was sitting there in a place of honor. They also have the old adding machine and cash register on display as well.

The menu is filled with comfort food and gourmet selections as well as some “healthy” items and of course, the mandatory Springfield favorite, the Horse Shoe and Pony Shoe sandwiches. A Horse Shoe is your favorite protein on a piece of toast piled with french fires and covered in cheese sauce, YUM! A Pony Shoe is half the size of the Horse Shoe. Almost every restaurant and bar in Springfield serves their version of this local favorite.

Keefner's also has a small bar and a great selection of craft and premium beers. A large chalk board covers one wall. You will see a very colorful display of the available beers as well as an ever changing, floor to ceiling, tribute to Spider Man. The Chef, another family member, is also the in-house artist responsible for these drawings.

My wife, Sue started her lunch with the Lobster Bisque. It was delicious. I had the home made Mushroom Soup, also delicious. Sue had the Italian Beef sandwich with home made chips and I tried the Braunschwieger sandwich with a slice of onion. It's difficult to find a good Braunschweiger sandwich and this was very good one and larger than I expected. A bit of spicy brown mustard and it approached perfection. I also had a small side salad that was enough for two people.

The portions were large enough that I had to pass on that chocolate malt for dessert, so we will be going back!

The next time you visit Springfield, IL you can experience the history of Abe Lincoln and Keefner's Subs and Stories. Its worth a visit!

Keefner's is open for lunch and dinner! Keefner's is located on the southwest part of Springfield in a small strip mall at 1941 W Iles Ave. Springfield, IL 62704. Their phone number (217) 546-1941 The atmosphere is pure Americana and the food is great!