Springfield Horseshoe Sandwich Trail
Expiration: Dec 31st 2025
Springfield offers up one of the most filling sandwiches in the Midwest. This unique open-faced sandwich is definitely a must!! Just know, it will blow your diet...but, it is so worth it!
Start off with two thick slices of toasted Texas Toast, topped with your choice of meat, then cover that with a heaping pile of crispy French fries and drench with homemade cheese sauce!! WOW!! This signature dish can be found at most local restaurants who serve pub & American-style food.
History Behind the Recipe - The Signature Horseshoe Sandwich was created in 1928 at the Old Leland Hotel by Joe Schweska. The idea came about with the help of Elizabeth, Chef Schweska's wife, after he came home saying he was in need of a new lunch item for the Leland Hotel Restaurant. The name "horseshoe" was derived from the shape of the cut of ham used in the original sandwich. The French fries represent the nails of the shoe, and the sizzle platter represents the hot anvil.
We hope you enjoy the trail and the tasty shoes!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Horseshoe Sandwich Plaque outside the Leland Building
A commemorative plaque recognizes the historic Leland Building at the corner of 6th Street & Capitol Avenue (Northwest corner) as where the orginal Horseshoe Sandwich was created. The Leland Building is currently the home of the Illinois Commerce Commission at 527 E Capitol Avenue. The plaque is on the outside of the building.
3rd Shift Kitchen
Located inside Floyd's Thirst Parlor, you'll find 3rd Shift Kitchen. They offer an eclectic menu, through fully curated, made from scratch with healthy portions. Try their Horseshoe to with a perfectly seasoned burger and a rich creamy beer infused cheese sauce.
6 St. Cafe
6 St. Café prides themselves on their fast and friendly service while specializing in all day breakfast, lunch and handcrafted cocktails. Be sure to stop in an try one of their fantastic Breakfast Shoes!
Boone's
Quaint local pub, with a full menu, located within view of the Illinois State Capitol. Breakfast served only on Saturday and Sunday. Try one of their many versions of the traditional Horseshoe Sandwich! A fan favorite is their Breaded Buffalo Chicken Shoe!
Boyd's New Generation
Casual dining in an unfussy atmosphere. Enjoy delicious, old-fashioned, homecooked American and Soul Food meals. Check out their traditional Hamburger Horseshoe for a great price!
Charlie Parker's Diner
Charlie Parker's Diner, established in 1991 is a proud, locally owned, independent restaurant serving outstanding food at a reasonable price. Their Breakfast Shoe is a MUST on the trail!
Cook's Spice Rack & Chili
2023 Restaurant Guru recommended and serving up Springfield’s best Mom & Pop food! Stop in and try out their breaded chicken shoe topped with white chili! YUM!!
Not that adventurous, you can opt for a standard hamburger, ham or chicken shoe too! And,
they also serve a mean breakfast shoe!
Curve Inn
The Curve Inn, Springfield's Original Roadhouse and a Living Legend of Route 66 has been a Springfield Staple since 1932. With a large variety of meat choices, The Curve shoes are piled high and topped with their homemade cheese sauce. Try a Ribeye or Garlic Pulled Pork Horseshoe for something original and delicious!
D'Arcy's Pint
Serving Springfield for more than 25 years, D'Arcy's Pint is known world-wide for their tasty Shoes! Featured on Man v. Food and Roker on the Road, they are always on a travelers "must eat" list! Their variety of shoes is second to none!
Dew Chilli Parlor Pub and Grill
Dew Chilli, one of Springfield's Living Legends of Route 66 offers a Chilli Shoe that is possibly the most tasty thing you will ever eat! For over 111 years, the Dew Chiilli brand has called the capital city home Yes, that's Chilli with 2 L's.
Engrained Brewing Company
Not only is Engrained one of our IL Makers, they are a locally owned micro-brewery and farm-to-table restaurant! Check out their take on the Horseshoe classic and grab a pint to wash it all down.
Home Plate Bar & Grill
Home Plate Bar & Grill, one of Springfield's favorite sports bars prides themselves on their extensive selection of food and drink, excellence in service they provide and quality ingredients in their food. Check out their Chili Dog Shoe while your hitting up the trail!
J.T. Costelloe's Pizza Pub and Grill
Known for their award-winning food, free salted in the shell peanuts for all and their dedicated commitment to the tradition that started in 1995, J.T. Costelloe's Pizza & Pub welcomes you to try their Italian Beef Shoe on your next visit!
Legacy Pointe Eatery
Legacy Pointe Eatery’s Gluten Free Vegetarian Ponyshoe:
Chef Brady’s twist on a local staple. It starts with a Gluten Free Udi’s bun toasted in a dedicated Gluten Free oven, then piled high with Red and Green Bell Peppers, Roasted Garlic Cremini Mushrooms, Onions, and Baby Spinach. The fries are then fried in a dedicated Gluten Free fryer, and Chef’s signature Gluten Free Cheese Sauce smothered over the top. Finished with some fresh Diced Tomatoes, and Green Onion.
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Lindsay's Restaurant
Located downtown, in the beautiful President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, Lindsay's welcomes you in to start your day right with their delicious Breakfast Shoe topped with their housemade gravy!
Lulu's Diner
LuLu's is a fantastic, local diner serving all the classic comfort food you would want for breakfast or lunch. If you are a fan of Gyros, you must try their Gyro Shoe, you'll be glad you did!
Maid-Rite
Stop by the first drive-thru in the nation! Established in a old train car in 1924, Maid Rite has been serving Springfield for 100 years! They are also one of our Living Legends of Route 66. Home of the loose meat burgers, delicious fries and homemade Root Beer, their shoe is a great way to enjoy a Maid Rite smoothered in cheese! Mention you are on the Horseshoe Trail and receive a free bumper sticker. (While supplies last)
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Main Gate Bar & Grill
Located across from the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Main Gate Bar & Grill offers up food, fun and so much more! Stop in and try one of their delicious shoes on the Trail. Perhaps the unique veal steak shoe is calling, or opt for a traditional hamburger, ham or their pile of bacon loaded with fries and smothered in creamy cheese sauce!
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Maldaner's Restaurant
Since 1884, Maldaner's has been serving amazing food in a fine dining setting. Located in the heart of downtown, near many historic sites and attractions, Maldaner's is one of our Living Legends of Route 66, as well as an Illinois Maker. Featuring local and regional ingredients is a tradition here. Stop in for dinner and enjoy a shoe, Maldaner's way!
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Mel-O-Cream Donuts (South 6th Street)
Enjoy a dessert shoe, the Mel-o-Shoe at Springfield's iconic donut shop!
It all starts with a classic glazed ring (or your favorite donut), then add a scoop of Super Premium Rolling Lawns Ice Cream, top that with house made cream, Mini Old Fashion segments, their house made caramel and chocolate drizzles and go wild and add Sprinkles if you like!
Mel-O-Cream Yucan Drive
Enjoy a dessert shoe, the Mel-o-Shoe at Springfield's iconic donut shop!
It all starts with a classic glazed ring (or your favorite donut), then add a scoop of Super Premium Rolling Lawns Ice Cream, top that with house made cream, Mini Old Fashion segments, their house made caramel and chocolate drizzles and go wild and add Sprinkles if you like!
Mess Hall
Always open to the public, the Mess Hall Restaurant at the American Legion Post 32 proudly serves up burgers, sandwiches, salads and other favorites, including their Pork Tenderloin Shoe! The food is plentiful, company always welcoming and service is a priority here! All this and you are supporting a Veteran organization.
Obed's & Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery
Good food and great beer just make life better, right? Enjoying them in great surroundings makes it that much better still. Stop in soon for a delicious Horseshoe, including several varities along with the traditional ones. The restaurant is located one block west of Abraham Lincoln's Home and offers a great view of our State Capitol. Obed's is a proud Illinois Maker as well.
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Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex
An experience like no other in Springfield! This Living Legend of Route 66 will delight your taste buds, and all of your senses! Order their most popular shoe, the Hamburger Shoe, or if you dare, grab The Bigfoot with over 1lb of burger! After you fill your tummy, take a stroll through the Route 66 Museum, Motordome and outdoor sign garden areas!
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Scoop Du Jour
There's always something delicious being made or scooped up at this locally owned and operated ice cream shop. Home to the Ice Cream Horsehoe, a donut base, heaping scoop of ice cream, pound cake fries, topped with yummy sweet "cheese" sauce, you will be thanking yourself form making this a trail stop. Enjoy freshly prepared muffins , donuts and more while you are there.
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Sgt Peppers Cafe - Baker Dr.
Sgt. Pepper's Cafe, a family-owned and operated business, was established in 1998. The Samara family opened the first Sgt. Pepper's Cafe in Springfield, Illinois, Home Of The Horseshoe. The restaurant offers a wide variety of menu options, including breakfast served all day. Other favorites on the menu are the famous horseshoes, which are your choice of meat served on toast, topped with fries and smothered with melted cheese.
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Silver 777's Pub
Stop by Silver 777's and hit it BIG with their Jackpot Horseshoe!
Their famous tenderloin + 2 hamburger patties on top with a generous helping of fries all smothered in their very own white cheese sauce. If gaming is your thing, try your luck while you are here.
The Dublin Pub
The Dublin Pub is a favorite spot for Springfield locals and hungry visitors looking to try our legendary entree options such as the signature Sweet Breaded Pony Horseshoe, featuring the “Original Leland Hotel Springfield Cheese Sauce!
The Foundry Kitchen at Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling
Foundry Horseshoe:
Toasted sourdough covered in protein of your choice, hand-cut fries, and white cheddar beer cheese.
Choose from - hamburger, fried chicken, grilled chicken, pulled pork. If you are adventurous you can even add bacon or a fried egg!
Anvil & Forge came to fruition in late 2018 out of passion for local craft beer and distilled products. Brothers and business partners opened the doors of Anvil & Forge in historic downtown Springfield, IL to share their love for great beer, a family atmosphere and to support the community with their local first mentality.
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The Globe Tavern & Restaurant
Located downtown, in the beautiful President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, The Globe Tavern & Restaurant welcomes you in to satisfy your hunger with the Saddle Horseshoe made with Certified Angus Beef and their housmade beer cheese sauce!
The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill
Stop in the Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill and grab a tasty, piled high Pulled Pork Shoe!
If you want to enjoy amazing food at an affordable price in a family-friendly atmosphere, then The Stadium Bar And Grill is the place for you.
They can't wait to meet you!
Trade Winds Pub & Eatery
Nestled on the edge of Knight’s Action Park and Adventure and just around the bend from the Route 66 Twin Drive-in you’ll find Tradewinds Pub and Eatery! The original Trade Winds was a lively part of Springfield in the 80’s and 90’s, closed for a period of time and came back to life in 2015! Now you can stop in and try their Cowboy Horseshoe with delicious fresh-cut fries, homemade cheese sauce and topped with grilled onions and Jalapenos!
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Westwoods Lodge Pub & Grill
Enjoy the lodge decor ambiance as you try a delicious variety of food, drink and bourbon. Your challenge, The Massive YETTI Shoe will knock your socks off!! Too much, order a Snowshoe in one of many varieties. They also offer scrumptious walleye and a tackle box sure to fill the hungriest customer. Voted the Best Wings in town and part of the Capital City Bourbon Journey, there is something for everyone here!
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