Maid-Rite Restaurant - A Great Place to Eat in Springfield, IL

If you grow up in the Midwest like me, you probably have heard of a Maid-Rite. Maid-Rite restaurants got their start in 1926 in Muscataine, Iowa. Maid-Rite is one of the first quick service, casual dining restaurants. The company was founded by Fred Angell. Maid-Rite has restaurants located in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Ohio. What makes a Maid-Rite sandwich unique that the meat is a "loose meat" similiar to what you would have on a sloppy joe, except you do not blend any tomato sauce into the meat. On the television show Roseanne, the main character worked at a restaurant known for their "loose meat" sandwiches just like Maid-Rite.

The Maid-Rite in my hometown of Springfield is well-known for being the "first drive-thru" restaurant in the country. In fact, it is one of the original Maid-Rite franchises in the country. Maid-Rite Springfield still sits in the same place in its original building. The inside of the building still features original dining tables and menu. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

What I love about taking a bite into Maid-Rite is the great blend of meat, onions, pickles, and mustard on a toasted bun. Talk about yummy goodness. Also, it is a must to drink the homemade root beer. Talk about a great combo. Prices are very reasonable. When I go there, I order 2 Maid-Rites, fries, and homemade root beer for $5.99. And yes, in Springfield, you can order a Maid-Rite horseshoe. Personally, it is one of my favorite places for a horseshoe sandwich.

So, if you are visiting all the Lincoln sites in Springfield and looking for a good affordable place for lunch, why not head west on Jefferson Street and make a left turn at Maid-Rite. You will not regret visiting Maid-Rite in Springfield. If you like something different, have a Maid-Rite sandwich and a homemade root beer. You can sit down and chat with long time franchise owner Sam Quaisi. He is very proud of his restaurant and I know if you come to eat his establishment, you might just like it too. The hours of operation are Mon-Fri 10-4; Sat 11-3. Maid-Rite is closed on Sundays.