Downtown Springfield bar moving; Nonna's Italian offers new menu

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

3 3 minutes read

Downtown Springfield bar moving; Nonna's Italian offers new menu

This week in 417's food news, a popular fast-food chain will soon occupy a vacant hot spot, a downtown staple opens in a new location, and a new dive bar prepares for a soft opening.

Skinny Slim's Opens in New Location on South Avenue

Downtown neighborhood bar Skinny Slim's Public House has officially opened its doors in its new location at 308 South Ave., between Nonna's and Sweet Boys Neighborhood Bar. The bar is open from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

The bar was previously located in a small space on Patton Avenue for 13 years. In addition to the new menu and the larger building, the bar has expanded its cocktail menu, owner Rob Hoerr said.

Fast food chain to move into vacant building near Missouri State University

For more than a year, the building at 525 S. National Ave. near the Missouri State University campus has been vacant, but it will soon be home to a popular fast food chain: Wendy's. The building was formerly a Burger King, which closed in early August 2023.

On Aug. 7, the city was reviewing plans to renovate the building to accommodate the latest Wendy's model. A construction project report suggests work would begin Sept. 3 and end Dec. 4. No official opening date has been announced.

More: This burger chain is moving into vacant Burger King near Missouri State

Corner 21 opens second location

Popular Chinese restaurant Corner 21 has opened its second location in south Springfield.

Located at 1730 E. Republic Road Suite A, the new restaurant opened Wednesday. The new location offers more seating than the original location at 1369 E. Sunshine St. It will also feature signature roast duck seasoned with a traditional spice blend that will be served with thin crepes, hoisin sauce and fresh vegetables — a dish not on the Sunshine restaurant menu.

More: This beloved Springfield Chinese restaurant will open a second location Wednesday

Modern Dive Bar Opens on South Side

South Springfield is getting a new dive bar with a modern vibe.

Robert Harris, Dalton Hill and Clayton Rozell, owners of Rebar Kitchen & Taproom, are opening their second restaurant. With a soft opening scheduled for the first week of September, Sidebar is located at 1111 E. Republic Road, which was previously home to Whiskey Tango.

Sidebar will feature a “totally different menu,” but some of Rebar’s fan favorites will be present. Sidebar’s cocktail menu will feature classic cocktails, beer, wine and “all the other fun stuff,” Harris said.

After its official opening, Sidebar will offer weekly karaoke, APA and house pool leagues, darts leagues, quiz nights and girls' nights. Opening hours for the new bar and restaurant have not yet been set.

More: Springfield Mixologist Opens Pop-Up for 'Crafted, Hand-Selected' Drinks — Non-Alcoholic

Nonna's Italian Cafe unveils its new menu

Fans of downtown Italian restaurant Nonna's may want to stop by to check out its new menu.

According to a Facebook post published by the restaurant on Tuesday, the menu features most of its popular dishes with several new additions.

“As a part-time resident of Italy, Chef Shawn was ready to expand his authentic Italian offerings and make sure they stood out on his menu, so when you come to Nonna’s for a true Italian experience, you get it,” the post reads.

The new menu now includes full “Authentic Italy,” “American Italy,” and “Lasagna” subsections. New Authentic Italian offerings include Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Neapolitan-style potato dumplings in a tomato sauce with burrata, lemon-infused olive oil, lemon-toasted breadcrumbs, and Sorrento Coast basil), Pappardelle Bolognese (pappardelle pasta with a traditional Tuscan meat bolognese sauce), and Rigatoni Arrabbiata (rigatoni in a spicy Roman sauce of Italian tomatoes, garlic, onion, and dried red peppers cooked in olive oil).

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Celebrates the Launch of its Fall Lineup

As fall approaches, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard unveils a Pumpkin Pie Concrete and Pumpkin Cold Brew Iced Coffee. Both pumpkin-flavored offerings will be available through September 29.

Through August 30, Rita's Ice app users can purchase a Pumpkin Cold Brew iced coffee for $3 with a single-use coupon. New app users also receive a free treat when they sign up.

More: Starbucks PSL is fast approaching, but Springfield brewers are already serving up fall flavors

New BBQ Restaurant Coming to Downtown Ozark

A new restaurant offering soups, salads, sandwiches and barbecue is opening in downtown Ozark. Lolli's On The Square is located at 206 N. 1st St. in Ozark. The restaurant has not yet announced an opening date.

Springfield Brewing Company Opens Tasting Room in Rogersville

Springfield Brewing Company is expanding its footprint with a new taproom in Rogersville. One 2 Five Taproom is located at 1846 Missouri Highway 125 in Rogersville. The taproom is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to Springfield Brewing Company beer, the tasting room features a wood-fired brick oven and backyard games.

Greta Cross is the breaking news reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience and covers everything from the history of the Ozarks to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Have a story idea? Email her at [email protected].

Skinny Slim's Opens in New Location on South Avenue

Fast food chain to move into vacant building near Missouri State University

Corner 21 opens second location

Modern Dive Bar Opens on South Side

Nonna's Italian Cafe unveils its new menu

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Celebrates the Launch of its Fall Lineup

New BBQ Restaurant Coming to Downtown Ozark

Springfield Brewing Company Opens Tasting Room in Rogersville

Lina Portman

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