New Restaurant Wednesday: Aviary Cafe and Creperie {Springfield, MO Edition}

Last summer I visited the southwestern Missouri town of Springfield to spend a girl’s weekend with Ruthie. Located on the northern plateau of Ozark Mountain Country, the “Queen City of the Ozarks” isn’t exactly known for being a culinary hotspot. Springfield is best known for being the boyhood home of Brad Pitt, but it also boasts the original Bass Pro Shop, the campus of Missouri State University, and is the historical site of the first Civil War conflict west of the Mississippi River, the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.

On previous trips to Springfield, I’ve had drinks at Trolley's Bar*, sampled flaming sushi at Kai, After Dark, and chilled out with an “outrageous” ice cream cone at Emack and Bolios. Ruthie and I sampled our way through the “417” until we finally found the perfect little breakfast and brunch spot, the Aviary Cafe and Creperie.

The Aviary is located in the former Marquette Hotel in downtown Springfield and the building, built in the early 190o's, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior is shabby chic done right with weather-worn benches, white-washed accents and quirky art hanging on the walls. Adding an element of whimsy and fun are the tree branches that seem to sprout out of corners, behind seats, and even “grow” in the ladies restroom!

Chef John Allen brings locally grown and farm fresh ingredients to the table, along with homemade sweet and savory crepes and French favorites Pommes Frites and Soup a l'Oignon Gratinee. My Aux Nutella Crepes and Cappuccino were not for the faint of heart or for the diabetic, but they hit just the right spot on a sleepy Sunday morning. 

Stopping in Springfield on your way to Branson or on a trip down Historic Route 66? Plan a visit to the Aviary Café and Creperie. It’s tres délicieux.

*Springfield Fun Fact: Fans will recognize Trolley's from Season 2 of the hit ABC show, The Bachelor. Contestant Aaron Buerge (now married) is the co-owner.

{All photos taken with my iphone, using the Instagram app and the Sierra filter}