Springfield, Illinois is well known as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln. You can’t drive through the city without being slapped in the face with references to Springfield’s most beloved native son. Along with tourist attractions including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Home, the Lincoln–Herndon Law Office, and Lincoln’s Tomb, a look around Springfield will turn up endless references to Lincoln.

But there is another tradition in Springfield, Illinois known as the horseshoe sandwich. I do not consider myself to be an expert on the horseshoe sandwich, by any means. And I have no intention of discussing the often disputed beginnings of the horseshoe sandwich. I merely attempt here to bring Springfield’s beloved horseshoe phenomenon to the attention of others.

The horseshoe sandwich is a legendary culinary concoction created in Springfield, Illinois around 1928. It is an open-faced sandwich with four primary ingredients and unlimited recipe variations: toast, meat, french fries and cheese sauce. From these simple ingredients come a variety of tasty treats served at restaurants all over the city of Springfield and central Illinois. Toast is the base for the horseshoe sandwich served on a large steak platter, covered with meat, topped with French fries and then all smothered with cheese sauce. As you form a mental image, think “goo on a plate”. What’s all the fuss with meager ingredients like these all slopped together on a big plate?

It’s the combination of these ingredients that’s key to the success of the horseshoe. Any true Springfieldian will insist the cheese sauce is the key ingredient in the horseshoe recipe. This homemade cheese sauce can include a wide variety of cheeses, sometimes includes beer, sometimes is spicy, sometimes creamy and mild. The protein can vary and is limited only by the imagination of the horseshoe chef; I’ve seen and heard about horseshoes with ham, hamburger, chicken, turkey, beef, fish, hot dogs, shrimp, crab, lobster, eggs, bacon, and sausage. And this meat can be prepared in a variety of ways, usually fried but also grilled or baked. The potato of choice can also vary, such as thin and crispy french fries, thick and meaty french fries, hash browns, or southern style potatoes. Even the bread used can vary by grain, though all are generally toasted, and can be sliced thin or thick as Texas toast. Don’t assume the horseshoe is for lunch or dinner only, as breakfast horseshoes are served up just as frequently in the capitol city of Illinois. Smaller appetites will find a smaller version of the horseshoe, called a ponyshoe, on Springfield menus too.

I have a love/hate relationship with the horseshoe sandwich. I absolutely love the taste of the horseshoe, but hate the way it looks (especially with ketchup dumped on top of that heaping mess of steaming food), hate the after affects on my digestive system, and especially hate the combination of so many unhealthy ingredients. You’ll hear many unflattering terms to describe the horseshoe from those who feel the need to justify their refusal to eat them: artery-clogger, heart attack on a plate, cardiac arrestor and cholesterol exhibitor. Makes you really want to have one, right?

The truth is that once you get past the unappealing look of the horseshoe, the taste is absolutely heavenly. It’s sinful eating at its finest. For me, the horseshoe is a once or twice a year treat not to be abused. The city of Springfield has many fine restaurants serving fabulous versions of the horseshoe, and I am no expert on the best horseshoe sandwich because I don’t eat enough of them. But I can tell you my favorite horseshoe is the D’Arcy’s Pint Buffalo Chicken Horseshoe, which comes with blue cheese sauce and buffalo sauce for dipping. This is the perfect horseshoe sandwich in my limited experience; I love the white-cheddar cheese sauce, the spicy buffalo seasoning on the fried chicken, and the shoestring French fries. D’Arcy’s Pint even offers two kinds of cheese sauce, the traditional milder version or the bolder spicy version. I’ve had a great breakfast horseshoe at D & J Café also. Other horseshoe connoisseurs will swear by other restaurants such as the Dublin Pub, Top Cats, Barrel Head, Ritz’s or Westwood’s. I liked the horseshoes at Norb Andy’s too, and I have heard Wayne’s Red Coach Inn served great horseshoes, sadly both of these restaurants are no longer open for business in Springfield.

There are many great horseshoe sandwiches out there, it is a matter of great pride in Springfield, Illinois. There is no need to argue or name the best horseshoe; that can only be determined by individual preference. So you’ll just need to get out there and bravely dive into local Springfield cuisine to figure it out for yourself. Make sure you take a big appetite, loose fitting pants and an adventurous spirit. Come to Springfield, Illinois to see all the historical attractions the city has to offer, and while you’re here, don’t forget to try a horseshoe. I’m betting you will not regret it.

If you are familiar with the horseshoe already, what’s your favorite? Tell me what your favorite horseshoe is and why, and what restaurant serves it. I will be ready to venture out for another horseshoe in a few months and would love to know where to find another great one!