One day, two great stops

In the midst of our thirst for history and knowledge, there was no denying our hunger for actual food. We took a midday break to have a nice lunch, and stumbled upon the busiest restaurant in downtown : Augie’s front burner, in Springfield, IL. I enjoyed the half a turkey and Gouda sandwich with lobster bisque, especially with the delicious pickle! Chris had a gyro with local beef that was quite good. Keeping with the local theme, I really liked the Two Brothers Domaine Dupage Country Ale.

I was trying to enjoy the food and ambience, and to avoid eavesdropping on my neighbor table, but that was quite challenging with one of the women dropping the F bomb every few minutes and the other discussing her impending separation, divorce? Yet lamenting that her husband didn’t want to be best friends. They were not from Springfield, just passing through...

Our last stop, at the end of a very full and rewarding history day, was at Obed & Isacc’s Brew pub. This was right by the Lincoln’s church and house, and I know that Abe would have enjoyed the Brown coffee ale and the rib tips. Rib tips in a semi sweet soy marinade. The people watching was also pretty amazing, but I shall behave with decorum for once, and leave that to your imagination.

Springfield is the capitol of Illinois, and of course the home of all things Lincoln. If you love history, or have a passion for presidential libraries and museums, this is the place for you. The good news is you won’t struggle to find nice people and great food and micro beer.