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!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Catfish and Chicken Wing Combo
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.
Don’t hesitate, just go!
The food is down home fabulous
The staff are welcoming, kind and helpful. Only downside is limited parking but you can always street park.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 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
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.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 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!
