417Taphouse is the absolute best bar downtown, hands down. Such a great vibe, major chill, amazing drink selection, good food. Awesome patio. Place wins my downtown vote, hands down.

If you're looking for a more authentic Springfield experience, I love Stepchild's (Lounge) and nobody will convince me that it isn't a banger of an establishment. Major rough and tough exterior with some of the nicest, most welcoming folks I've ever met.

If you're 21, you'll (no doubt) be lured to Friends or Bugsy's which are fine establishments if you're looking for loud, raucous groups of similar aged people looking to make a poor personal decision, but having just turned 31 myself, many years of visiting those kinds of bars have left me with no desire to ever visit them again.

All depends on the kind of fun you're looking to have.

I'll also strongly recommend the SipnSpin with 417PedalTours. It's the best time to be had in Springfield and definitely a great bang for your buck if you have 14 people to party with.

Happy Birthday, cheers!