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Would you eat here?
If not, you would never know the one-of-a-kind experience you are missing. This Quonset hut restaurant has been in existence in Springfield since 1909. In 1909 it was housed in another location but it has been in a Quonset hut since 1949. In 1985, the restaurant moved to this location.
What’s so special about Casper’s you wonder? It is a no frills kind of diner and they are known for chili. Actually, the only thing I’ve ever eaten here is Frito Pie. A plate of Fritos as the base, covered in a unique chili, topped with cheddar cheese. When it is delivered to your table, you are warned the plate is hot. Brave souls can add raw onions on top of the cheese. The chili is creamy and like no other chili I’ve ever tasted. This treat must be savored because we only get it once a year.
While you are waiting for your order, you are entertained by all of the bric-a-brac that adorns the curved walls. It is like a 60’s explosion from Berkeley, CA and it all landed in this hut. This is a time warp of memorabilia.
Let me know if you are in my neighborhood, I will be more than happy to let you experience Casper’s.
Here’s Casper’s today. Looks pretty much the same as the photo at the top.
elsie tries writing 
Was always a must visit in the winter time. The ham sandwich was also delish…..not your typical ham sandwich. I haven’t been in years. Wonder if I can entice my daughter?
I love unique eateries! And Frito Chili Pie? I still have to get it at the Sonic when I’m in my home town hanging out with my high school friends – delivers me right back to those years.
I would TOTALLY eat here! Thanks for sharing today!
I”M on my way. There’s nothing better than a cool space to dine in right? Love this one.
Bonnie
Frito pie Elsie! Until moving to New Mexico I had not heard of it! The old saying, “never judge a book by it’s cover” certainly seems to fit at Casper’s!
Love the shot of the curved ceiling with posters — like it is quoting the Sistene ceiling. Now I have to make some chili!!
Casper’s looks like some place! Have they ever been featured on DDD?
I want to get to this place ASAP – it looks like so much fun…plus the food is great. A win win!
Haha, I definitely would not have eaten there, from the look of the outside, but it looks like fun! Thanks for the peek inside this unique place, and the reminder not to judge books by their covers! 🙂
Yes! I would have eaten there. We have many hole-in-the-wall eating spots where I live and they are the best!
This kind of place should be listed in their own category as national treasures!
I probably would not have gone in and I think I’m pretty adventurous about trying out odd places. But what a treasure I would have missed. That frito pie looks sooooooo delicious but might kill me! I would love to go there but not sure when that might happen. Thanks for the invite………!
Wonderful that you frequent this creative type of restaurant. Variety is the spice of life!
Cool place! I’ve never eaten Frito pie. Sounds delicious, like winter comfort food!
I love frito pie, Elsie & this looks amazing. And I love little places like this. There is a diner in Columbia we used to go to, such fun, & great food. Maybe someday you can take me to Casper’s?
That looks like the perfect enviroment on this snowy afternoon. I don’t think frito pie once a year would be often enough! LOVE it!
What fun! A perfect example of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover….or a restaurant by its building.
I love places like this that tell a story. Soooo much better than some noisy eatery with loud music and TV’s everywhere.
What a cool place! My stomach hurts just looking at that chili! Looks both delicious and dangerous.
The wind is blowing here and your picture just made me hungry for a bowl of chili. Just the thing, besides a glass of wine, to warm the old innards.
I’ll keep your invitation in mind. 🙂
Did you ever meet the owner? Does he look like one of the Grateful Dead?