Trade Winds Pub & Eatery

Welcome to Trade Winds Pub & Eatery, a hidden gem located at 1700 Knights Recreation Dr, Springfield, IL, a place where American cuisine comes alive with flair and creativity. This pub is not just another eatery; it is a culinary experience crafted with care, creativity, and a true love for food.

As you step inside, you are greeted by a lively yet relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a casual lunch or a fun evening out. One of the standout offerings on the menu is their Horseshoe, a delightful dish that lets you choose from a variety of proteins including hamburger, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin, all conveniently served on Texas toast and smothered in a rich roasted garlic white cheddar cheese sauce. Priced at just $12.95, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!

For those seeking something lighter, the Chef Salad combines fresh ingredients like iceberg lettuce, egg, and turkey for just $9.95. If comfort food is what you crave, try Doug's Famous Bowl of Spicy Chili at $5.95, which many patrons rave about for its depth of flavor. And for the little ones, a delightful Grilled Cheese or Hamburger is served for under $8, ensuring that there is something for every palate.

Customer reviews reflect a consistent quality that defines Trade Winds. Eboni Harris describes it perfectly: “This place is a real gem in Springfield.” Unlike many spots that rely on frozen food, here, the ingredients are fresh, and the kitchen staff works diligently to create dishes from scratch. From the hand-battered mushrooms to the busting burgers, everything is crafted with care and attention to detail.

One cannot overlook the standout French fries—crispy and seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper. Coupled with their unique array of draft drink specials and friendly service, it’s no surprise that diners keep returning.

The outdoor seating area boasts a lovely vibe, allowing you to enjoy your meal al fresco, especially on pleasant days. However, a word to the wise: make sure to place your food orders by 8 PM, as late-night cravings may leave you disappointed.

  • Must-Try Dish: Horseshoe - a perfect cascade of toppings
  • Best Side: French fries with a sprinkle of seasoning
  • Signature Drink: The delightful "school bus"
  • Ideal For: Family outings and casual get-togethers

In summary, Trade Winds Pub & Eatery is an all-around favorite in Springfield. Its blend of quality food, friendly service, and warm ambiance makes it a must-visit for both locals and travelers. So, whether you're sitting down for a hearty meal or grabbing a quick bite before hitting the road, make sure to experience the incredible offerings at Trade Winds. Your taste buds will thank you!

Menu

Location

Address: 1700 Knights Recreation Dr, Springfield, IL 62711, United States
Phone: +1 217-679-5482

🕓 Work Hours
MON 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
TUE 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
WED 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
THU 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
FRI 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
SAT 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
SUN Closed

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Entrance
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Toilet
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Great Beer Selection
    Yes
  • Serves Great Cocktails
    Yes
  • Live Music
    Yes
  • Good For Watching Sport
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Serves Food
    Yes
  • Serves Happy-hour Drinks
    Yes
  • Serves Happy-hour Food
    Yes
  • Serves Late-night Food
    Yes
  • Quick Bite
    Yes
  • Serves Small Plates
    Yes
  • Serves Spirits
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Bar On Site
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly
    Yes
  • Popular With University Students
    Yes
  • Accepts Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • High Chairs Available
    Yes
  • Kids' Menu
    Yes
  • Free Of Charge Street Parking
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Plenty Of Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Eboni Harris

    28 May 2025

    This place is a real gem in Springfield. They have a Chef, I know it is a bar but I am going to call the him a Chef because he is actually cooking real food from scratch with real ingredients and custom recipes. The prices are low, so low you might question the quality but the quality is outstanding. This isn't your usual Springfield restaurant serving you reheated frozen food from Sysco or GFS. They hand batter the mushrooms (hard to find if you live fried mushrooms), and the chicken strip. The burgers are amazing and juicy, perfect ratios of fat to meat content. The bread is outstanding. The specialty breads like the jalapenos cornbread is a real interesting treat. The cheese sauce is a garlic cheese sauce that is different from the normal here and a real delight. The French fries are amazing. They coke with salt and pepper on them for that added special touch. The servers are friendly and attentive. The draft drink specials are great. They have plenty of outdoor seating and a window you can order from outside if you are so inclined. The only downside is they stop taking food order at 8pm. Other than that this place is absolutely perfect.

  • Author: Colette Keith

    26 May 2025

    Traveling through. Easy to find and close to hwy 72. Service was great. Fries are a must, no ketchup needed and Salmon BLT was delicious.

  • Author: Bob Zettler

    18 April 2025

    Let me say upfront, I am NOT a Horseshoe fan. Nope. Not at all HOWEVER, after trying their special Cinco de Mayo Mexican platter, I will be back the next time they offer it as it was delicious. From the sauce to the ingredients AND the presentation, it was delicious. And while I have stated many times that Horseshoes are a waste of good French fries, the sauce and fries were most excellent!

  • Author: William Ryan

    08 April 2025

    Food was really good. Staff felt flustered and scattered. I hope they stay busy and can staff up. I'll definitely be back. I was worried they wouldn't have food for the kids but the kids menu was pretty good.