Springfield Plaza — Attraction in Springfield

When I have a craving for chili I head to Hard Times Cafe for 5 way chili mac. Spaghetti with one of 3 types of chili-Texas, Cincinnati and vegan-beans, shredded Cheddar cheese, onions, sour cream. I also order chopped jalapenos. It comes with freshly baked warm corn bread My wife was surprised the 1st time I took her there. She's Thai and has a typical Asian palate-seafood, pork, chicken and vegetables. So she ordered a grilled salmon salad with Teriyaki sauce. It was an 8 ounce skinless filet cooked perfectly. The vegetables in the salad were fresh and crunchy. It was large enough for her to bring the leftovers home for her lunch the next day at work. Very casual atmosphere, frequented by a crossover of nationalities who all love chili. Singles, couples, families with children and groups, including tattooed bikers can be seen eating there. Onion rings are seasoned with Old Bay and are crunchy and slightly sweet. Try the Nathans chili dogs. You can't eat just one. Draft beer is always very cold, try their house brand.The best value is by the pitcher. They have a kids menu and highchairs. Huge parking lot with plenty of spaces close to the front doors. Outside eating is available. Including an order of Chili Mac to go our bill was less than $40. Like most restaurants today their menu has shrunk, portions are smaller and prices have increased. But Hard Times Cafe is still a...

I grew up in Springfield and spent a lot of time at Springfield Plaza. I was there recently and the Kmart was going out of business. That was a sad day. I remember growing up and my dad taking us there we'd always get one of those milk cartons of malted milk balls. Other times at Springfield Plaza the family ate at Chesapeake Bay Seafood House. That's sadly gone too. Yes things change I get it. But, I miss waxie and the bowling alley. My parents pulled on a league every Friday night and I would go over to waxie Maxie and pour over their selection and put the single. Also known as a 45. Yeah I'm old. Anyway when I go back there and I go to Springfield Plaza it's nostalgic and they still have good places there. The Chinese place is good, they have a Trader Joe's, and I'm sure other great things.

This is where we almost guy doing donuts in the parking lot is teenagers in my friends folks wagon convertible. This is where I had my second job when I was 16. It was at Bob's Big Boy. I have a special place in my heart for...

I was very disappointed with the service and lack of quality in customer service. I created them with a smile and started to place my order with a disgruntled teen. First I was refused a tasting on the “spicy shrimp” the fact that I was going to buy..didn’t matter.Then I asked for “crab rangoon”, but was not given any at checkout. I had to ask again and only got 3 pieces, where as the lady in front of me got 5. I’m not sure why, when we paid the same price for crab rangoon. I’m not sure what was the issue, whether they were being discriminatory. But I paid for double meats on both my plates, and since they rush you ahead, they double the rice and not the actual meat which you pay for. I’m highly...