Curve Inn — Restaurant in Leland Grove

To convey the essence, the draw that is "The Curve," one must accept the bite of a brisk autumn gust. Those acclimated to central Illinois call this place home. They are used to a lot of wind coming from the North... And South.

I came from Alabama. I'm not "from there" but it's another place I call home. It's a familiar place in America. Seriously, The Curve is a better Alabama, Southern hospitality, thank you auntie for the ribs... Kind of bar, than a lot of the commercial stuff that's washing up on our beaches.

The stuff here, most of it, was made somewhere in America. Yes, the owners of international brands move money across borders... It's federally regulated commerce. Americans didn't come up with all of the things needed to make this a planetary species. We run this planet.

And, places like this are as valuable as the Garden of the Gods in Illinois, or Colorado, or any other formation of awe inspiring, natural wonders...

Notice the care taken, to update, adjust, reinforce, rethink... The evidence is all there. They welcome the ivy, and the birds... The chirping is lovely. Careful not to sit directly under them 😁

There is a regular cycle to The Curve.

Afternoons, weekday, you might catch some wisdom... Or at least a good fishing story.

Evening weekday.... Dart games with lots of regular players, willing to share their hobbies with newcomers and visitors.

The weekends, evenings, are flooded with young faces making their way to or from other spots.

There is a gap in the afternoon, 2-5 I think, where food service is suspended.

Visiting around 11 on a weekday is nice. I ain't rich enough to buy out a bar for myself... But going in when it's not too busy, it's close enough for me.

The staff stays serving shots and spirits. But, between the coasters and karaoke, you can catch their name and a smile.

Preserve The Curve. Enjoy The Curve. Treat The Curve like The Grand Canyon...

They have made me feel welcome. With time, you might feel the same. All you...

I stumbled across the Curve Inn while passing through Springfield, IL, and what a gem it turned out to be! From the moment I walked in, the place had a welcoming, laid-back vibe—kind of an “Illinois meets Cheers” feel. I half expected to hear someone shout “Norm!” from the corner. It felt like one of those rare bars that instantly makes you feel at home, even if you’re just passing through.

I grabbed a seat at the bar and was immediately greeted by an incredible bartender named Debbie. Before I even got my drink order in, she offered me a free piece of pineapple upside-down cake. That alone would’ve made my night! While enjoying my drink and dessert, I couldn’t help but notice how friendly and tight-knit the place was. Everyone who walked through the door got a warm welcome, and the bartenders knew everyone’s name—and their drink orders—before they even got fully settled in their seats.

Curious, I wandered around a bit and found a full-blown adult playground just outside the patio door. There’s a tiki hut-style bar, dartboards everywhere, a giant Jenga set, a dance floor, and a full stage. It’s easy to imagine this place absolutely buzzing on the weekends with music, dancing, and good vibes all around. It’s the kind of bar that clearly knows how to keep things fun while still maintaining that cozy, neighborhood feel.

Whether you’re a local or just drifting through like I was, do yourself a favor and drop by the Curve Inn. The atmosphere is warm, the drinks are solid, and the staff—especially Debbie—is top notch. This is one of those spots you’ll remember long after your...

Friends brought me here while in town visiting from Texas for the New Year's. Had the best time! Met the owner, who was gracious enough to share some history about the place from back in the Route 66 days. The drinks were great and reasonably priced, and the apps we ordered were delicious. Very cool to see all the memorabilia on the walls, and the ambiance is about perfect. There was a band for New Year's Eve, and they were excellent! Great service both in the main bar, and in the closed in area with the stage. (looks like it's opened up in the summer). Sound and lighting was good for the band, and it was easy to see the performers. They ordered in a TON of pizzas on New Year's Eve night for the entire place, just adding to the experience! This is definitely a "must-stop" the next time I'm in town. Overall, a 5-star experience all...