This is, bar none, the BEST food in Springfield IL! Margaret the owner and her husband Jerome have created a restaurant in a beautiful and quiet corner of Springfield that offers the best food you will taste not just in this city but in this entire area. Part of the reason is that Margaret trained as a chef at a prestigious cooking school in North Carolina and has spent years perfecting her recipes. But more importantly, it’s that their standards of excellent food are upheld with every single dish they send out to their customers. Every single time I go there, for years now, the food is just as excellent as the first day. And when Margaret encourages me to try new dishes, they are FANTASTIC TOO! Love, care, skill and hard work make a difference in every profession and business. But at MJs, you can literally TASTE it. If you’re in the area on a trip, or if you’re a local who’s never popped by, don’t be fooled by the humble exterior. It’s beautiful and very clean inside. Don’t be chased off by the small amount of parking, there’s a public park across the street with free parking! And don’t mistake the quiet humility of both Margaret and Jerome. They are EXPERTS of their craft. And if you come to MJs or have them cater an event for you you’ll taste that for yourself!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Shrimp
Mark Everett
Arrived 09/02/23 to place an order for carry-out.A sign on the door indicates they no longer provide dine-in or carry-out. They only provide catering service. I am saddened to have missed their food based on the positive reviews.
K T
This is, bar none, the BEST food in Springfield IL! Margaret the owner and her husband Jerome have created a restaurant in a beautiful and quiet corner of Springfield that offers the best food you will taste not just in this city but in this entire area. Part of the reason is that Margaret trained as a chef at a prestigious cooking school in North Carolina and has spent years perfecting her recipes. But more importantly, it’s that their standards of excellent food are upheld with every single dish they send out to their customers. Every single time I go there, for years now, the food is just as excellent as the first day. And when Margaret encourages me to try new dishes, they are FANTASTIC TOO! Love, care, skill and hard work make a difference in every profession and business. But at MJs, you can literally TASTE it. If you’re in the area on a trip, or if you’re a local who’s never popped by, don’t be run off by the humble exterior. It’s beautiful and very clean inside. Don’t be chased off by the small amount of parking, there’s a public park across the street with free parking! And don’t mistake the quiet humility of both Margaret and Jerome. They are EXPERTS of their craft. And if you come to MJs you’ll taste that for yourself!
Cindy Millburg
Don’t hesitate, just go!The food is down home fabulousThe staff are welcoming, kind and helpful. Only downside is limited parking but you can always street park.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Catfish
2018 hits
Ayoooo, that lemon cake, fried green tomatoes, catfish is fire! I love the owners, great place to eat. Good GOD fearing people that can prepare a wonderful meal with love
DT T
I love this place great food & great service. Well worth the drive from Chicago. Great people !
Jerry Newitt
The catfish was very fresh, the portions were more than we could handle, and the flavor was very good. The hospitality of Margaret ("M" in MJs") and other patrons was unbeatable. Such friendly people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lynette Lewis
I had been looking for a place in town to get some good fried chicken. I kept seeing the name MJ's on social media, but kept overlooking it. This past Saturday, my husband and I finally decided to go, and, it was way more than I could have imagined. They have such a mouthwatering menu, that I had a hard time choosing where to start (because we're definitely coming back). I ordered the Walleye & shrimp, with onion rings and a couple of chicken wings on the side. I felt embarrassed by how much food we received! I could not finish it in one sitting - and, let me tell you, it was DELICIOUS and HOT!. I wanted to go eat in the park that day, but the restaurant is clean cozy, and in a nice location to sit and enjoy your meal. I have moved this to my frequent visit list!
Thomas Gebhardt
OMG!!!! So sorry, forgot pics. But what a nice nice place. Packed with cleanliness, kindness, large portions of damn tasty food. Shrimp Po Boy, best EVER! Walleye was fresh and yummy. Rib Tips are the best and that sauce? OH YEAH! Dont miss this place if you are hungry. Oh, and dont forget to check out the restrooms. Very nice. Thanks All!
Desirae Zook (Daisy)
Oh My Deliciousness!!! If you are anywhere near MJs fish & chicken express, please go! It's so worth it!!! And the cheese fries and WVERYRHING is amazing!!! THANK YOU!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The food was delicious! I recommend the fried chicken wings, shrimp, and fried green tomatoes.?
Colton Rohde
Deep fried catfish was delicious! Wish I had ordered a side of coleslaw to go with it. And the locals were so nice to talk to, made me feel right at home. Love the small-town ambience of this place!
Janice Smith
This was our first time here, and it was wonderful. Really is the best fish in town. We will be back!
Carrie Ann
First time eating here. Excellent service. Food was great. Definitely recommend.
Christina Shimkus Hubbell
The food was great and the service was fantastic! We had such a good time chatting with the owner Margaret. It felt like we were visiting in her kitchen having dinner. Go say hi to Margaret and Jerome!
This is, bar none, the BEST food in Springfield IL! Margaret the owner and her husband Jerome have created a restaurant in a beautiful and quiet corner of Springfield that offers the best food you will taste not just in this city but in this entire area. Part of the reason is that Margaret trained as a chef at a prestigious cooking school in North Carolina and has spent years perfecting her recipes. But more importantly, it’s that their standards of excellent food are upheld with every single dish they send out to their customers. Every single time I go there, for years now, the food is just as excellent as the first day. And when Margaret encourages me to try new dishes, they are FANTASTIC TOO! Love, care, skill and hard work make a difference in every profession and business. But at MJs, you can literally TASTE it. If you’re in the area on a trip, or if you’re a local who’s never popped by, don’t be fooled by the humble exterior. It’s beautiful and very clean inside. Don’t be chased off by the small amount of parking, there’s a public park across the street with free parking! And don’t mistake the quiet humility of both Margaret and Jerome. They are EXPERTS of their craft. And if you come to MJs or have them cater an event for you you’ll taste that for yourself!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Shrimp
Arrived 09/02/23 to place an order for carry-out.A sign on the door indicates they no longer provide dine-in or carry-out. They only provide catering service. I am saddened to have missed their food based on the positive reviews.
This is, bar none, the BEST food in Springfield IL! Margaret the owner and her husband Jerome have created a restaurant in a beautiful and quiet corner of Springfield that offers the best food you will taste not just in this city but in this entire area. Part of the reason is that Margaret trained as a chef at a prestigious cooking school in North Carolina and has spent years perfecting her recipes. But more importantly, it’s that their standards of excellent food are upheld with every single dish they send out to their customers. Every single time I go there, for years now, the food is just as excellent as the first day. And when Margaret encourages me to try new dishes, they are FANTASTIC TOO! Love, care, skill and hard work make a difference in every profession and business. But at MJs, you can literally TASTE it. If you’re in the area on a trip, or if you’re a local who’s never popped by, don’t be run off by the humble exterior. It’s beautiful and very clean inside. Don’t be chased off by the small amount of parking, there’s a public park across the street with free parking! And don’t mistake the quiet humility of both Margaret and Jerome. They are EXPERTS of their craft. And if you come to MJs you’ll taste that for yourself!
Don’t hesitate, just go!The food is down home fabulousThe staff are welcoming, kind and helpful. Only downside is limited parking but you can always street park.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Catfish
Ayoooo, that lemon cake, fried green tomatoes, catfish is fire! I love the owners, great place to eat. Good GOD fearing people that can prepare a wonderful meal with love
I love this place great food & great service. Well worth the drive from Chicago. Great people !
The catfish was very fresh, the portions were more than we could handle, and the flavor was very good. The hospitality of Margaret ("M" in MJs") and other patrons was unbeatable. Such friendly people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had been looking for a place in town to get some good fried chicken. I kept seeing the name MJ's on social media, but kept overlooking it. This past Saturday, my husband and I finally decided to go, and, it was way more than I could have imagined. They have such a mouthwatering menu, that I had a hard time choosing where to start (because we're definitely coming back). I ordered the Walleye & shrimp, with onion rings and a couple of chicken wings on the side. I felt embarrassed by how much food we received! I could not finish it in one sitting - and, let me tell you, it was DELICIOUS and HOT!. I wanted to go eat in the park that day, but the restaurant is clean cozy, and in a nice location to sit and enjoy your meal. I have moved this to my frequent visit list!
OMG!!!! So sorry, forgot pics. But what a nice nice place. Packed with cleanliness, kindness, large portions of damn tasty food. Shrimp Po Boy, best EVER! Walleye was fresh and yummy. Rib Tips are the best and that sauce? OH YEAH! Dont miss this place if you are hungry. Oh, and dont forget to check out the restrooms. Very nice. Thanks All!
Oh My Deliciousness!!! If you are anywhere near MJs fish & chicken express, please go! It's so worth it!!! And the cheese fries and WVERYRHING is amazing!!! THANK YOU!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was delicious! I recommend the fried chicken wings, shrimp, and fried green tomatoes.?
Deep fried catfish was delicious! Wish I had ordered a side of coleslaw to go with it. And the locals were so nice to talk to, made me feel right at home. Love the small-town ambience of this place!
This was our first time here, and it was wonderful. Really is the best fish in town. We will be back!
First time eating here. Excellent service. Food was great. Definitely recommend.
The food was great and the service was fantastic! We had such a good time chatting with the owner Margaret. It felt like we were visiting in her kitchen having dinner. Go say hi to Margaret and Jerome!