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Good Memories When I was a little girl, Springfield felt like the big city, when we visited from Iowa.
We didn't even have a McDonald's in Grinnell, so it was a thrill when our Grandma Daw took us to Taylor's. Burger Adventure in April When my sister and I stayed in Springfield last April, we rewarded ourselves with lunch at Taylor's.  We were in town, sorting through our Dad's apartment after his move. After 5 days of working and reminiscing over Springfield memories, Jennifer and I worked up a good appetite for burgers. No So Easy Eating at Taylor's is not as easy as grabbing a bite at Mc Donald's.
When I was last in Springfield, two years before, my hubby and I did not luck out. We arrived at 2:01 and hoped we could still get lunch. April 2016 There were a few people finishing up that day and I pleaded with the owner Darlene, to let us have a quick bite. She assured me the kitchen was closed. Darlene was sitting in a booth,  checking a few people out with her adding machine. I could see staff peering through the kitchen window. They looked relieved that I wasn't able to convince Darlene to re-open the kitchen. Last Taylor's Meal in 1969? I remember practically sulking that day, when I realized I was not going to be able to give Don the Taylor's Experience.
Actually I needed the experience as much as he did. It had been over 45 years since I'd eaten at Taylor's, so my memories were pretty vague. In fact, I don't even remember the very odd drive-up-order-area in back. I wonder if that still works? Open 15 Hours a Week! On April 23rd, Jennifer and I were lucky that we happened to be driving near Taylor's during their 3-hour open period... on a weekday.
It took luck, because we were far too busy working dawn to midnight, to schedule in a burger adventure. We just happened to be doing an errand at the right time! So Happy! The cozy square-shaped diner was packed. I recognized Darlene bustling about in a pink "70th Anniversary" tee shirt. She pointed towards an open booth and tossed a couple menus our way.
I chuckled over the abrupt greeting and reminded Jennifer how Darlene had refused to budge with their closing time, 2 years earlier. We took a quick glance at our menus and made sure we were prepared to order when Darlene came with her pad and pen. Sharing the Booth What I wasn't prepared for, was the surprise of sharing my side of the booth with Darlene. Without hesitation, she plopped herself right down to take our order. "I'm too old for this!" Darlene shook her head.  She told us that one of her girls had quit and she was having to wait tables. I'm sure she was extra glad that Taylor's is only open from 11 to 2. Grinnell Girls! Darlene didn't have to be told that Jennifer and I were out-of-towners. As Darlene scribbled our order, we told her that we sisters had lived with our family in Grinnell, Iowa in the 1960's. "We used to come to Springfield to see our grandmother and she would bring us here!"
I had expected to see Darlene's jaw drop, because we'd read in the menu how she and her husband moved from Grinnell to buy Taylor's in 1978! But the news hardly phased Darlene. I guess lots of people come from Iowa to Missouri. But she did seem pretty relaxed and rejuvenated after being off her feet for 3 minutes. Suddenly she got up and hurried off to turn in our order. Steak Burgers! Between the 2 of us, we had a couple steak burgers, fries, salad and an extra thick chocolate shake. It was absolutely what the doctor ordered!
The burgers were flat and crispy around the edges, like Steak-N-Shake, which was another Springfield favorite when we were kids. I ate way more than I should have! Darlene's Desk We finished up and headed to the back corner, where Darlene was winding down in her special booth. Luckily we had cash, since Taylor's will remind you they do things the old fashioned way.  We thanked Darlene with smiles and food compliments. I told her I hoped she could find a new server soon. She laughed that it wasn't easy finding someone who wanted to work just 3 hours a day. Nostalgia As we headed out, I glanced at the news clippings and wondered about Coach Taylor, who opened the burger joint in 1947. It was quite the popular teen hangout when it first opened.
My Dad would have been attending Drury College, just a few miles away during those first years. Jennifer and I regretted not having Dad with us, on our errand that lead to Taylor's. What would my dad have remembered about the burgers and the coach... and all the cars that evidently circled the lot, American Graffiti style. Next Time I'm so glad I got to enjoy a little nostalgia-dining-adventure with my sister! I'm so relieved that Darlene is still running the place after 40 years. I'm sure she's ready to have more than a 3 minute break, in a booth!
However, I hope she hangs in there a while longer, so I can get back with Don... and get my Dad over to Taylor's for a burger and shake!
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The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
May 2025
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