Farmers' Gastropub is Springfield's most accomplished farm-to-table dining destination, combining a genuinely seasonal kitchen with a strong house-brewing program and a menu that celebrates the Ozark region's agricultural identity. Located on South Glenstone Avenue, the restaurant draws from Ozark-area farms and producers to stock a menu that changes with the seasons and prioritizes Missouri-raised proteins, local vegetables, and regional dairy wherever possible. The gastropub format — full restaurant kitchen paired with a serious craft beer program — makes Farmers' the most complete dining and drinking destination in Springfield, suitable for everything from casual lunch to a full weekend dinner with the house-brewed beers.
The restaurant's most historically significant menu item is the Springfield cashew chicken: a dish invented by David Leong at his Springfield restaurant in 1963 that has never gained national traction but is as distinctly local to this city as toasted ravioli is to St. Louis. Springfield cashew chicken — battered fried chicken served with an oyster sauce-based gravy and cashews rather than the stir-fried Cantonese original — is entirely unique to the Springfield, Missouri market, and Farmers' Gastropub prepares a version that treats the dish with the seriousness it deserves as a local culinary artifact. Prime rib is served on weekends and draws regulars specifically for that purpose. The Oz'arky Pork Belly Burger celebrates local pork with a house-ground beef patty topped with Ozark-raised pork belly.
The house-brewed beer program rotates through ales, lagers, and seasonal specialties that are available on tap in the dining room and bar. The space is comfortable and well-suited for groups, with sufficient room to accommodate parties without feeling cramped. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, and the staff can guide visitors through both the beer lineup and the seasonal menu with expertise. Reservations are accepted for dinner and recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Signature dishes
- Prime rib on weekends
- Oz'arky Pork Belly Burger
- House-brewed beers
- Springfield cashew chicken
Good to know
- Known for
- Farm-to-table gastropub featuring Springfield's famous cashew chicken — a local dish invented by David Leong in 1963 that is unique to this city.
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm
- Reservations
- Accepted (farmersgastropub.com or 417-864-6994)
Location
2620 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO 65804
37.1731, -93.2606 View on map
Highlights
- Springfield cashew chicken — a 1963 local invention unique to Springfield, served as a serious culinary artifact
- Farm-to-table kitchen sourcing from Ozark-area farms with a seasonal, frequently changing menu
- House-brewed craft beers on tap alongside the rotating seasonal food menu
- Prime rib on weekends — draws locals specifically and sells out regularly
- Oz'arky Pork Belly Burger featuring locally raised Ozark pork
Tips for visiting
- Order the Springfield cashew chicken — it is a locally unique dish unavailable almost anywhere outside this city
- Reserve Friday or Saturday evening tables to guarantee prime rib availability, which sells out on weekends
- The house-brewed beers are the best beverage pairing with the locally sourced food — ask the bar for a recommendation
- Lunch on weekdays is a more relaxed and easier-to-access version of the same quality kitchen
- Check the seasonal menu online before visiting — specific dishes change with farm availability throughout the year
When to visit
Weekend dinner from 6pm to 8pm is the full expression of the restaurant — prime rib, seasonal menu, and house beers at their busiest. Weekday lunch offers the same kitchen at a quieter, more relaxed pace.
Accessibility
Farmers' Gastropub is in a single-level commercial space with accessible entry from the parking area on Glenstone Avenue. The dining room and bar are navigable for wheelchair users. Parking is available in the restaurant lot.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Springfield cashew chicken and why is it unique?
Springfield cashew chicken was invented by David Leong at his Springfield restaurant in 1963. It consists of battered fried chicken pieces served with an oyster sauce-based gravy and cashews — a completely different dish from Chinese-American cashew chicken stir-fry. It is unique to the Springfield, Missouri area and is considered a local culinary institution.
Does Farmers' Gastropub brew its own beer?
Yes — Farmers' Gastropub operates a house brewing program with rotating taps of ales, lagers, and seasonal specialties brewed in-house. The house beers are the primary beverage recommendation and are available at the bar and throughout the dining room.
Is Farmers' Gastropub farm-to-table in practice or only in marketing?
The farm-to-table sourcing at Farmers' is genuinely implemented — the kitchen works with identifiable Ozark-area farms and the menu changes seasonally to reflect what producers are providing. The cashew chicken and prime rib are year-round fixtures, but supporting dishes rotate with available ingredients.
Is Farmers' suitable for large groups?
Yes — the Glenstone Avenue space is comfortable for groups and the gastropub format accommodates tables of varying sizes. Reservations for groups of six or more are recommended, particularly on weekend evenings.
What neighborhood is Farmers' Gastropub in?
Farmers' Gastropub is on South Glenstone Avenue in Springfield, Missouri, in a commercial corridor in the southern part of the city. It is easily accessible by car and has parking available nearby.