French-Style Cafes in Springfield

Café culture reigns supreme in Paris. In fact, the city has an estimated 1,400 to 1,600 cafés. It’s where Parisians go to simply be seen and take life a little slower. Here’s where I’d recommend indulging in this custom and losing an hour or two.

For Apéro (French Happy Hour) on a Lively Patio

You can’t go wrong with Cherry Picker Package x Fare (601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield). I love ordering the seasoned chips with lemon aioli dip and pairing it with one of their seasonal cocktails.

For the Most Authentic Coffee, Croissants and Macarons

European Café’s confections (207 Park Central E., Springfield) are the real deal. And while there are several other quality coffee shops in town, the espresso shots and cappuccinos here taste the most like the ones I’ve had in Paris.

For an Excellent Wine Selection

Cellar + Plate (2916 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield) takes the art of wine pairings seriously. Their by-the-glass selection is impressive, and I love that they offer pairing suggestions for each appetizer and dish. The baked brie paired with a rosé is my go-to.

For Authentic French Cuisine

Here’s a quick round-up of some of my favorite places to get authentic French dishes around town.

Aviary by Lavender Falls Café (2144 E. Republic Rd., Springfield)
For pomme frites (french fries) that you won’t want to share, and obviously for the crêpes.

Derby Deli (2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield)
For The Parisian Ron Style, which is a delicious take on a jambon beurre.

Char Steakhouse and Oyster Bar (1620 E. Republic Rd., Springfield)
For more adventurous French dishes like steak tartar (raw minced beef) and escargot, plus classic comfort dishes such as French onion soup.

Tea Bar & Bites Bakery and Café (621 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield)
For the daily quiche (daily specials are also oh-so-French).

Pop-up Dinners by Chef Roland Parny (multiple locations)
Roland Parny is southwest Missouri’s very own French-born-and-trained chef. He regularly hosts pop-up dinners at locations like Kindall Store (3499 State Hwy. Z, Fordland) and Cassell Vineyards (1103 Lucky Rd., Mansfield).

Picnics are a popular pastime in Paris that date back to the 17th century. If you visit in the spring or summer, you’ll see locals enjoying food and wine with friends on the banks of the Seine or at the Luxembourg Gardens. Luckily, it’s easy to replicate the experience in the Ozarks.

Where to Picnic

Along Lake Drummond or next to the rose garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield).

What to Pack

A jambon beurre (ham and butter sandwich). You can get all the ingredients at Brown Derby Wine Center (2023 S. Glenstone Ave.), including Président® butter imported from Normandy, rosemary-shaved ham and a baguette. Pick up some specialty cheese, crackers and chocolate-covered cashews if you’re feeling extra fancy. Just remember, keep the alcohol at home since it’s prohibited in city parks.

Take a look at more tips for creating the perfect picnic and check out some more of our recommendations for picnic spots.