George's Restaurant in Springfield, MO

​Breakfast on Glenstone Avenue

I've never eaten at George's

But, I've had my eye on the place since it opened on Glenstone, in 1970.

Glenstone Avenue in Springfield

​My memories of Glenstone Avenue go back as far as I can remember. My family lived lots of places, but relatives were anchored in Springfield. Our summer and holiday visits always began with a drive down Glenstone! 

Colorful neon signs always made me giddy. Exciting smells blew in the  open windows... hamburgers and car exhaust! We 4 kids shouted and pointed out our favorite landmarks.  ​

​George Lindsey
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​Around 1970 there was a new sign on the busy street. George Lindsey's Steakhouse! I remember seeing a picture of George's face on the sign.

We kids of course knew him as Goober, from The Andy Griffith Show. George evidently owned a chain of restaurants, but I  was pretty sure Goober was right inside that restaurant, waiting to greet us. 

​Springfield Family

My family had no time for dining at George's. Both of my parents had roots in Springfield, so we had grandparents and cousins to visit. We played croquet like my grandmother once did and we ate Grandpa's Chicken in my grandparents' backyard.  

My grandma, Daw had lots of food at her house. Her kitchen was always stocked with kid friendly foods before our arrival! Seems like bacon was always cooking!

Rail Haven in September
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​This past September, I gathered with my siblings once again in Springfield.

We came together with some spouses and youngin's, to celebrate my dad's 90th. We stayed at the iconic Rail Haven Motel. 
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Breakfast Next Door
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​After all these years I finally got to eat at George's. The '70's era building was right next door to Rail Haven.

Goober no longer smiled down from the sign, but "George's Restaurant... Breakfast Anytime" was clearly written.

TV with Breakfast
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​We turned down the free motel breakfast both mornings and headed over to George's.

We didn't try out the counter dining, but I was tempted to grab a stool and watch TV. The Andy Griffith Show was on! 
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Labor Day Crowd
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​Our group of 8 made it over for breakfast, early on the Labor Day morning. There were lines forming after we were seated. We couldn't turn down the $2.99 "Recession Proof Breakfast."

Don went all out and upgraded his hash browns, with extra onions, bacon & cheese. It was worth an extra 2 bucks! Our tables were covered with eggs and pancakes, biscuits and gravy... all yummy and crazily cheap!

Meeting George's Daughter
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​I was pretty excited when our waiter said that George's daughter, was in the restaurant at that moment. I grinned, "Oh I would love to meet her!"  She was delightful when she came over to introduce herself, but it turns out here daddy George is not George Lindsey.  Goober gave up the chain over 30 years ago and the restaurant was taken over by another man named George. 

All I could do was laugh! My 12 year old self had thought I was going to meet Goober's daughter. The current George's daughter is delightful, though. All the employees were equally welcoming. What a fun little dining adventure! Decent food, with some amusing moments!
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