The Curve Inn in Springfield, Illinois, was named one of the best dive bars in the United States for food, according to an online survey.
The Springfield State Journal-Register reported that Geek Nexus, an entertainment and media website, surveyed 3,000 adults across America to find the best dive bars for unexpected menu items.
A total of 120 places made the cut.
The Curve Inn, at 3219 S. Sixth St. (aka Route 66) and owned by Ray and Ami Merchant, was founded in 1932 and is known for its atmosphere, pony shoe sandwiches and national acts in its beer garden.
“(Ami and Ray) are proud to be a dive bar and they revel in that,” marketing representative for The Curve Perry Zubeck said.
The Merchant family dig into the vibes and all things dive about their bar, which had a scandalous history offering prostitution and illegal gambling in the fifties, before turning into a piano bar in 1972. The current iteration of The Curve Inn still features live music on stage weekly.
The menu at Curve features American fare, including burgers, lasagna, and fish tacos.
Amenities such as live music, darts, karaoke and staff that’ve been there for decades contribute to its reputation as a favored spot for both locals and visitors.
Other favored by Geek Nexus dive bars in Route 66 towns:
- The Green Door Tavern, Chicago
- The Globe Pub, Chicago
- Broadway Oyster Bar, St. Louis
- Iowa Buffet, St. Louis
- Powerhouse, Oklahoma City
- Good Times, Oklahoma City
- The Cowgirl, Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Tiny’s Hi-Dive, Los Angeles
(Image of The Curve Inn in Springfield, Illinois, via Facebook)