Food was great, servers were super nice. It's SLOW so this is not a place to just pop in if you have somewhere to be. It's not great for large groups - if you're larger than four or five you'll have a good wait to be seated and for everyone to be served. read more

We went to Charlie Parker's during a stopover in Springfield. It was recommended as the best place to go for breakfast. They forgot the hamburger on my husband's cheeseburger horseshoe, and my omelet arrived with the inside full of completely raw egg. They did remake my omelet right away, but the second one was completed overcooked, rubbery, had very little cheese, and the hashbrowns were dry and tasteless. I know they have loads of positive reviews, so maybe we just caught them on a bad day. Our waitress did say they had a new cook. I hope he finds his stride soon and I wish him good luck, but we won't be going back. read more

We were on vacation for a few days in Springfield and had to try this place- it was on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. So in short: this place rocks! It's a ton of tasty food for an affordable price and amazing service! We got the breakfast horseshoe with both the homemade cheese sauce and gravy. My dad got the lunch shoe with fries and chili. My mom got a huge and delicious pancake. Again- the best part of this place is the atmosphere and the top notch service. Being so busy, we felt like we were getting our waitress' full attention. Try this place on a weekday and not a weekend as the line went outside and around the restaurant. read more

Charlie Parkers - The breakfast shoe. It was enormous ! - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

See all

I hear they have a good Reuben. . . We stop here on road trips and the food is excellent. Staff is wonderful. The Reuben and Horseshoe is a favorite. read more

Charlie Parkers - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Cute diner!! Amazing staff, the waitress made a delicious hot coco! Ordered the chicken fried steak and the breakfast pony. Exactly what you would expect from local favorite. read more

By now, Guy Fieri and his film crew have apparently visited about 70 percent of the independent restaurants in the United States. That's hyperbole, but barely. Charlie Parker's is one of them. Fieri was here back in the early days of the show, at a time when he actually visited "diners," "drive-ins," or "dives," as opposed to vaguely upscale restaurants that couldn't qualify for any of those categories except in kind of some urban millennials' fantasy world. This diner is housed in big quonset hut, which is pretty cool and is probably the main source of its appeal. Although dressed up to look like a Fifties-era diner, Charlie Parker's has actually been open only since 1992, which is still a pretty long time. It's looks sharp inside, but it also reminded me a little bit of a Johnny Rocket's: Everything's bright and shiny, and the walls feature a mish-mash of pop-culture artifacts from the '50s and '60s, mostly vinyl records and record covers. Right by our table was a poster of the jazz giant himself, Charlie Parker, who seemed a bit out of place among all the teeny-bop icons. The food was only okay. Or maybe I should amend that: My wife said her blueberry pancakes were terrific, and she's a tough judge of that item, because her mom is a master of blueberry pancakes. On the other hand, my brother-in-law and I got big breakfast plates that were average at best: Eggs with not much flavor, and extremely bland and dry hash browns. At least the sausage wasn't overcooked. Coffee was nothing to write home about. The whole production was very reasonably priced, though: Not even 20 bucks for three of us (before a tip). Service was OK, too. Interesting place that I'd take any day over the chain breakfast places, but, at the same time, I'm not sure it was worth the out-of-the-way trip we made, either. 3.25 stars. read more

We found this place on Yelp and it was pretty great! Our waitress, Mona (I think), was super nice. The food came out fast, hot and as good as we hoped after reading the reviews! A local guy sat by us at the bar and made the experience that much better. He was talkative, in a good way, and even bought our meal! So from start to finish, it was a great breakfast! read more

See all

Where else can you eat in a WWII-style quanza hut?! Or eat a 16 inch pancake?! Only Charlie Parker's. Tucked away behind D'Arcy Pint, this is definitely one of Springfield's hidden gems. It was even featured on Food Network. Very unique vintage atmosphere. Staff is friendly and efficient. They knew nearly 80% of all patrons who came/went while I was there. Food was excellent and was ordered & brought to my table in less than 5 minutes! I had the hamburger pony shoe. And if you come to Springfield, IL and don't try a horse shoe/pony shoe, you should be ashamed of yourself! For those who don't know, a horse shoe consists of the following layers: bread, 2 hamburger patties, french fries, amazing cheese sauce! A pony shoe is 1/2 that size. And they will make a horse shoe out of almost anything: ham, turkey, fish, chicken, veggies, etc. Even have a colossal breakfast shoe! Menu has breakfast, lunch & dinner items. Breakfast is served all day too. My total cost today with tip for pony shoe & a Pepsi was just under $10. If you love the diner atmosphere, and like fast, friendly service, then Charlie Parker's is worth a visit next time you pass through town. read more

Charlie Parkers - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Here is my video review of this restaurant. Please watch. https://youtu.be/skq7XEvq9r0 read more

If you don't care about the difference between butter and margarine, don't mind imitation maple syrup for your pancakes, don't have any preference for how your eggs are cooked or undercooked this place might be acceptable. The service is good, but the sub-par ingredients and randomly over or under cooked eggs make the experience unpleasant. While I prefer locally owned options to big chains, a consistently mediocre Denny's breakfast would be far preferable. read more

My fiancé and I ate here during the winter and I forgot to do a review...long overdue! We went here because it was featured on one of the diner TV shows...and it lived up to the hype. We both loved our food and the portions were huge. She eats typically more southern style (her roots), so lots of butter, biscuits and gravy, etc. I eat a bit cleaner, no butter, no dairy so I had egg whites, bacon, sausage. The food was outstanding, will definitely go back, true authentic diner experience and prices are perfect. We did have to wait a while, but one of the few places we have been to where the wait was worth it! read more

I went here only because my children have turned me into a Travel Channel addict, and Guy Fieri's silly ass had this on his Springfield show. I call Guy Fieri a silly ass because Adam Richman, one of my personal heroes, suggested Darcy's Pint as THE place to get a horseshoe in Springfield, and, by God, he was right. In any case, Charlie Parker's is a fun, upbeat, homey, and comfortable place to get a killer, oversized breakfast. You can pick and choose what ingredients you want on your horseshoe. The first time I went, I opted for the buffalo chicken with french fries. Freakin delicious. The second time I had the turkey with french fries (and a very generous pouring of tabasco). Also freakin delicious. The coffee is good, the service is friendly and fast, and the wait is worth it. For an out of towner wanting to try Springfield's famous horseshoe, though, go to Darcy's first. read more

Charlie Parkers - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Amazing food and service with a 1950s theme Breakfast HorseshoeRoast Beef Or Corned Beef Sandwich read more

Charlie Parker's is your standard diner, with fun pictures and super friendly waitresses. They put up a lot of plastic wrap to be pandemic-friendly, which was greatly appreciated. While everything was great, I had high hopes for the breakfast horseshoe and it was just okay. For one, my order came out wrong. I asked for half gravy and half cheese on my country fried steak shoe and it came with all cheese. (They did bring out a side of gravy upon notification of the error though.) Most importantly though, the cheese sauce on the horseshoe was just a-okay. The tater tot option was nice thougg, and crispy. read more

Charlie Parker's is nothing special. It is a diner, it is cheap, and the food is unspectacular. We waited 20+ minutes for a table for 2. I got coffee, eggs, sausage, and a pancake. Everything tasted ok, but bland. I love a cheap greasy breakfast, but the food here tasted cheap. If you really need to eat a pizza sized giant pancake that tastes like a big pancake you should come here. I won't be back as there are many better breakfast places in Springfield. read more

Fun diner for the whole family. We came here after hearing about it from friends. The food is good old fashioned diner food. It's all filling and inexpensive. One cool feature is that the will text you when your table is ready (instead of those vibrating things most places use). If you're in Springfield, check it out. Also, they have a giant pancake served on a pizza tray. Fun (but I think the normal pancakes taste better) read more

Charlie Parkers - Charlie Parkers Pizza sized pancake! - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Wonderful little place. It does not look like much from the outside but full of wonderful memorabilia. Always leave with a tummy full of yummy food. read more

Charlie Parkers - Always full tummy of yummy food. Love all the memorabilia. Definitely a must if in Springfield. - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

See all

I was in Springfield this past weekend and I was looking for a place to have breakfast/lunch. Usually Yelp comes to my rescue, but I ended up finding Charlie Parkers through Foursquare's explore option. I noticed that it was featured on the Food Network, so that intrigued me and we ended up going to check it out. As some other reviews have said, it DEF does not look like anything from the outside and if anything, it was almost scary and looked like some old school bomb shelter. But once you walk in, it's like entering the 1960s. It has so much history inside, so many cool signs and pictures, and I believe a lot of it has to do with the history of Route 66. Very cool because I have never been to a real diner before (Johnny Rockets doesn't count). We ended up going with their pancakes which is why it was featured on the Food Network. We shared a one plate sized chocolate chip pancake, but I know they have an option for even bigger pancakes. We also had coffee and a side of Mac and cheese. Everything was good... the one huge pancake was DELICIOUS and way more than enough for two people. I can almost say it's one of the best I've tried... Service was great, which is expected, because everyone is so friendly. I don't know when I'll be back to Springfield, but when I do, I will come back to Charlie Parkers for sure! read more

Charlie Parkers - Plate sized Chocolate chip pancakes - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

See all

Servers were nice and it was a very different location. Food was ok. Biscuits and gravy were not good. Blueberry pancake was. Toys and bacon cooked crisp. read more

Charlie Parkers - Breakfast. - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

I love Charlie Parker's! The food is excellent, the service is incredible. My only complaint is the tight seating. Some seating locations are very inconvenient, especially the seat right next to the door. But if you're there for breakfast, try the Fisherman's Breakfast! It comes with a catfish the size of my forearm! It's literally so big it has to have its own plate, AND ITS SOOOO GOOD!! Definitely recommend! read more

Awesome food, great staff, decor was great, and good to see a triple D place stay true after time in the spotlight. I had the breakfast horseshoe and would definitely recommend it for anyone trying out the place. read more

Charlie Parkers - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

See all

We have been trying to eat here for several years but usually missed as they close at 2:00. Got here in time today and was not disappointed. The outside needs a little paint and upkeep but once inside you step into the past with all the memorabilia, records on the walls and complete with authentic dinner chairs, Botha and tables. The menu is large and the portions are larger. Make sure you come hungry. We ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and breakfast shoe-both very tasty. The pancake was as large as a dinner plate and very light, not too heavy. The coffee was also good. I would recommend if you want a little nostalgia with your meal. read more

See all

This is the best place in Springfield for breakfast. If you have tried a dinner shoe then you definitely want to get the breakfast shoe here. It is so yummy. Not to mention they were on the food network with Guy. Definitely a good place to visit. read more

Charlie Parkers - Fried cauliflower, yummy! - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

We traveled here after hearing about it on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Went here on a Saturday at about noon. Has a great atmosphere with very helpful staff and great service. When hearing about the Horseshoe I was immediately hungry. You should make sure to be hungry before going here because you get a lot of food for your dollar. I opted for the breakfast horseshoe and man was it good. It consisted of layers starting with two slices of toast, then eggs made to order, then bacon or sausage, then gravy (or cheese) and finally topped with hash browns (or American fries). I barely finished it, and didn't feel hungry for a long while afterward. The location is great because it is kind of off the beating path. You wouldn't notice this unless someone told you to go there. I would be that person. Go there. read more

Charlie Parkers - The Breakfast Horseshoe - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

I gotta give it to this place. The parking lot was full, you walk in and the place is packed!! And I was worried they would tell me about 45 minute wait like most places. Instead, they told me 5-10 minutes. They weren't lying. We were sat in 10 minutes. Placed our order and food arrived within 10 minutes I ordered the horseshoe with sausage. I wasn't overly impressed with my order. It didn't really quite knock my socks off. I would terrine, but will perhaps order something else. Really fast service though, I will give them that. read more

Charlie Parkers - Horseshoe - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Alien tried Giant Pancake. It was seriously huge! and yum. The famous horse shoes was also yum (Alien ordered pony though). The owner was very nice and friendly. It was a great stop during Alien's road trip. read more

See all

Been here twice now from the times I've visited Springfield & they were featured on Diners, Drive-In's & Dives. You really can't go wrong here with the amount of food you get for the very affordable price you pay. I ordered their Country Fried Steak Special with their creamy gravy, sunnyside up eggs, tater tots (which I have been told you gotta get their tots), and wheat toast. The steak was so delicious with the gravy. And the size of it was huge. I actually couldn't even finish it all. That whole meal came up to about $10! Plus the service here is great! read more

Charlie Parkers - Country Fried Steak Special - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

See all

The ambience gives a old diner look, it's nice with the disc records on the wall, gives you nice vibe accompanied by nice people and hosts. Lot of options for vegetarians. The veggie horsheshoe was great, the country gravy without any meat was good, and went well with egg, toast, veggies and tator tots. Stuffed French toast was okay, I wish it had been better. Expected the stuffing in the toast, but it wasn't meeting the expectations. read more

The classic breakfast place that we all know and love! Great and fast service. Delicious food. The best way to start your day? Breakfast at Charlie Parkers! Highly recommend. read more

Stopped into Charlie Parkers while on a road trip from Chicago to St. Louis. Although this place is a small trip (maybe 5 minutes) off the highway, it was worth it. We ordered the 16 inch pancake to share with our kids. The pancake came out quick and hot. We cut it up into triangles and all dove in to the pancake, which was served on a pizza pan. The rest of our meal was short to follow. Being one who likes crispy hash browns, I opted for the hash browns to be deep fried. While hot, this twist to the normal, mundane hash brown was quiet enjoyable. As you travel through Springfield, illinois, go where there is good food, good people and a good atmosphere. read more

While driving down south, my husband and I stopped at Charlie Parker's - mostly because we had seen it on DDD. Since it was lunch time and neither of us were in the mood for breakfast items, I got the Buffalo Chicken/Fries pony and my husband got the bacon cheeseburger burrito. My pony was okay - I thought the buffalo chicken was a tad dry tasting, but I thought the fries/cheese was great. My husband really did like his burrito and couldn't get over how much it tasted like a bacon cheeseburger. We got there about 10:30 on a Sunday and only had to wait about 35 minutes. It's a rather small place with little to no room to wait inside so fortunately, it was a nice day to wait outside. read more

Cute diner! Definitely get the old school diner vibe here. Get here before 9:00 on weekends to beat the wait. We arrived around 9:15 and there was a wait already but we opted to sit at the counter where there were a few stools available. LOVED LOVED LOVED the pecan pancake that I chose for my bread option with my breakfast combo. It was big (covered a dinner plate) but the side pancake order is not the HUGE pancake that they are infamous for. That one is served on a pizza pan and supposedly takes 24oz of batter to make. We had a straight on view into the kitchen and the activity going on in there was a well oiled machine. Service was great too. read more

Pretty unique little spot for breakfast. They have huge 16 inch pancakes to sample, which were very, very good. You would think that a big pancake like that would be dry or in some other way compromised, but it was moist and delicious. The biscuits and gravy were decent, but overall pretty bland. American fries tastes like potatoes, so that is good. My main complaint is they have crammed so much seating inside there is nowhere to wait to get seated inside. We had to wait outside in the heat for 15-20 minutes while someone else finished their 16 inch pancake. Even given this, though, the experience was worth the wait. read more

Charlie Parkers - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

OMG. This place was so awesome. Came here on the recommendation of a local and found out later that it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and I can see why. You can't beat the prices and I loved the ambiance inside a quonset hut. When in Springfield, you have to get a horseshoe and this is the place to get it. If you're coming with several people, order different types of full horseshoes and share it to try them all out! The full is just about $1 more than the half shoe. We ordered a full breakfast shoe and a full horseshoe split among three and it was more than enough food. This place made my entire trip to Springfield. read more

See all

I had the Grilled Chicken Salad - fair portion for the price but the Chicken didn't have much flavor / seasoning = wouldn't order it again. My wife (wasn't very hungry) had the chicken fingers with fries. Chicken was fried correctly - crispy & tender but - also lacked seasoning. Requested some gravy to help out the Chicken. Service was a bit slow and had to repeat requests but the place was packed so understandable & kept us patient. (And) considering how busy the restaurant is - we must've not ordered the right dishes. Menu has a lot of choices and very reasonable pricing = we would give the diner another try and wouldn't discourage another from eating there - just - don't order what we did and you'll probably leave satisfied. read more

The breakfast was fantastic and the atmosphere can't be beat! This restaurant is the quintessential classic diner experience!

We love Charlie Parkers. Grew up in Springfield and it's one of the best breakfast places to go and their prices won't break the bank! "Oh", and you get so much food! The staff is fast and friendly! read more

a real Gem! after eating on the road for weeks we were very happily surprised with this place. Food it top knotch and the service is super friendly! read more

Another "Triple D" choice. Off the path in a old Quansett hut but it works. They serve breakfast food mostly and do it well. Pancakes are bigger than the plate. The coffee was good, but I thought the bacon was a bit tough/chewy. The pancake was off the chain. read more

Charlie Parkers - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Our experience was amazing here! SUPER friendly staff that sat us almost immediately as we walked through the door! Quickly took our order and food came out super fast! Pancakes bigger than a plate!! I highly suggest stopping by for some breakfast! read more

Charlie Parkers - As seen on Diners, Drive-in's, and Dives! - Diners Near Me - Springfield, Illinois