The 5 best places to eat near Springfield

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Every area has a sampling of places to eat that might not always been top of mind.

>>RELATED: Why this old-school restaurant is one of the area's best-kept dining secrets

Have you eaten at these area hot spots?

FOOD NEWS: This Clark County restaurant is about as ‘mom and pop’ as it gets

HISTORIC CLIFTON MILL

Ever had a cornmeal pancake? Here's one at Clifton Mill. All the pancakes are plate-size.

icon to expand image

Pancakes as big as your head with a scenic view of the rushing water surrounding the mill — and did we mention the three million Christmas light display during the holidays? This local eatery is tucked away just off State Route 72 and takes its visitors back to a simpler time.

>>BUCKET LIST: Rustic hike and gigantic pancake adventure

HICKORY INN

The Hickory Inn’s BBQ ribs. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

icon to expand image

This little log cabin restaurant has been serving Springfield for more than 70 years. Walk inside, and you’ll feel like you’re in someone’s home right next to a cozy fireplace. Located just outside of downtown, the restaurant specializes in pizza and creating an atmosphere for the whole family.

>>RESTAURANT PROFILE: Here’s why The Hickory Inn is special

MIKE AND ROSY’S DELI

Contributed photo by E.L. HubbardREUBENfrom MIKE AND ROSY'S DELI

icon to expand image

Mike and Rosy’s has been a favorite of Wittenberg students and sports fans for decades. Patrons can chow down on homemade sandwiches in the restaurant or go upstairs to Mike and Rosy’s Press Box bar to enjoy a beer and a game. Any way you slice it, this deli brings people back for more.

>>MORE: Mike & Rosy’s Deli specializes in steamed sandwiches made to order

CECIL AND LIME CAFE

A ribeye steak sizzling on the grill at the Cecil and Lime Cafe. Bill Lackey/Staff

icon to expand image

Looking for an upscale dining experience? Cecil and Lime serves up seafood and steak with a side of classical music played on a grand piano in one of the dining rooms. The neighborhood restaurant has been in business for close to 15 years.

>>MORE: Cecil & Lime brings a colorful, creative touch to your evening

FOUNTAIN ON MAIN

Ed Jones, who works for CodeBlue, enjoys a hamburger at The Fountain on Main during a busy lunch time on Tuesday. The new lease from Clark Schaefer Hackett announced Monday brings the Bushnell Building in downtown Springfield to near occupancy. Other building occupants include CodeBlue and restaurant The Fountain on Main, which this week marks its tenth anniversary. Building owner Jim Lagos showed off various areas of the Bushnell on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, including the fifth floor construction. Barbara J. Perenic/Staff

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

icon to expand image

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

This 50’s-style soda shop sits right in the heart of downtown Springfield. Chili-topped coney dogs, homemade milkshakes and crater-sized baked potatoes are a few of the staples on the menu. Fountain on Main accommodates the fast-paced schedules of downtown’s workforce with quick service and a full-service soda fountain.

>>MORE: The Fountain on Main has 1950s flair

>> The perfect recipe for dinner and a show in Springfield

About the Author