Admin December 14, 2024
This week in Springfield food news, an area restaurant is among America’s top places for Chinese food, a favorite downtown sandwich shop announces its closure and a festival returns to the Ozarks after a five-year hiatus.
Springfield Chinese restaurant among best in US, according to Yelp
Corner 21 Chinese Cuisine, which has two locations in Springfield, was ranked among the top 100 Chinese restaurants in the United States, according to Yelp’s 2024 list.
Corner 21 was listed at number 17 and was one of three Missouri restaurants on the list. It was also the only Missouri restaurant in the top 20. The other Missouri restaurants on the list were Tiger Soup Dumplings in Fenton, coming in at No. 69, and Cate Zone Chinese Cafe in University City, which was No. 78.
To determine the top Chinese restaurants in the nation, Yelp said it identified businesses in the Chinese category that weren’t part of a national chain, then ranked those restaurants “using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews.”
Corner 21, which opened at 1369 E. Sunshine St. in April 2021, opened a second location at 1730 Republic Road this past August. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of authentic Chinese food and Szechuan dishes.
Downtown sandwich shop to close
The Sandwich Scene at 208 W. McDaniel St., known for its quirky special menu items and conversational social media posts, has announced that it will close at the end of the year.
“Unfortunately, my health challenges have reached a point where I need to step back and focus on taking care of myself,” owner Mack Musgrave wrote in a Dec. 6 Facebook post. “As much as I wish I could keep going, I simply can’t give this business, our team, or our amazing customers the energy and dedication you all deserve.”
Musgrave opened the location on McDaniel Street in 2021 after operating in Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar. According to News-Leader reporting, Musgrave opened the shop after coming up with the idea while furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I like everything from fine dining to gas station food,” Musgrave told the News-Leader in 2021. “I feel with sandwiches you can combine all that, so we do a lot of modern, fun sandwiches.”
Until it closes, The Sandwich Scene will be making some fan-favorite specials, so keep an eye on their Facebook page if there’s a particular one you’re craving.
Ozarks Bacon Fest announces return
The Ozarks Bacon Fest will return to the area after a five-year hiatus, according to a press release. The eighth “Tribute to Bacon, Bourbon & Beer” is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27, 2025, at Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave.
“From savory snacks to unique bacon-infused creations, there will be something for every bacon lover,” the press release said. “Guests will also enjoy a variety of beer and bourbon tastings to complement the flavors of the festival.”
Tickets will go on sale in summer and are limited to 600 general admission tickets. Additionally, 200 VIP passes, which allow for early access, special food and drink samples and a T-shirt, will also be sold. For more information, visit ozarksbaconfest.com.
