First, we brought you 21 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Missouri Before You Die. We got LOTS of responses telling us just how many other great restaurants there are in the state. So we let you decide, and chose 21 more, based on some of the most popular suggestions. Now, we are back one more time with our reader suggestions, part 2. Here’s what you told us…
- Nona’s Kitchen, Waynesville
Facebook/ Nona’s Kitchen
Facebook/ Nona’s Kitchen
Facebook/ Nona’s Kitchen Nona’s is a cute little place on historic Route 66 at 103 N. Benton Street in Waynesville. They serve delicious traditional American home-style food in a friendly, comfortable setting. Their daily special “All the Fixins” menu features favorites like meatloaf and chicken and dumplings with sides like corn bread and mashed potatoes. They also have sandwiches and flat bread pizza as well as a deli-case selling sides by the pound.
- Q-39, Kansas City
Yelp/ Sam T.
Yelp/ Kimberly L.
Yelp/ Shanley C. Q39 is a popular Kansas City barbeque spot featuring the areas’s first open barbeque scratch kitchen. Their large dining room, expansive bar and private dining area are decorated with a modern, urban-rustic décor. Located at 1000 W. 39th Street in the eclectic West 39th Street neighborhood, they also feature a full-service bar with unique cocktails and local beers and wines.
Website: q39kc.com
- Pickles Deli, St. Louis
Yelp/ Delaine H.
Yelp/ Virginia C.
Yelp/ Pickles Deli Pickles Deli has received many accolades in recent years including best delicatessen (#1 in St. Louis 7 years in a row!), best soup and best sandwich, and is a must-visit in St. Louis. Try their “Classic Meatball,” which features three large Italian meatballs covered in Marinara and topped with melted Provolone and Parmesan cheese. With two locations on 22 N. Euclid Avenue and 701 Olive Street, the serve classic sandwiches, soups and sides, along with amazing desserts like bakery fresh cupcakes, brownies and cookies.
Website: picklesdelistl.com
- Harold’s Drive-In, Kansas City
Yelp/ James S.
Facebook/ Harold’s Drive Inn/ Winzell Mgm Int Starr Harold’s has been bringing Kansas City the same good old fashioned burgers and shakes since 1958. For breakfast, try their biscuits and gravy or bacon or sausage and egg sandwich. For lunch, one of their handmade Italian steaks or a triple bacon cheeseburger with fries is a sure bet. Be aware: They are only open from 6 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and only accept cash. They are located at 1337 Admiral Boulevard.
- The Blue Duck, Washington
Yelp/ Christi D.
Yelp/ Hoss J.
Yelp/ Connie G. Located on the Missouri River in historic downtown Washington, The Blue Duck offers delicious American comfort food. The menu includes made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. An interesting appetizer is the pork belly bites, a plate of 1 inch cubes of pork belly (uncured, unsliced bacon), dry barbecue rubbed, and deep fried, then served with a smokey-sweet BBQ sauce.
Address: 516 W Front St #100
Website: blueduckwashmo.com
- GRBIC restaurant, St. Louis
Yelp/ Grbic Restaurant
Yelp/ Sanaa H.
Yelp/ John A. Located at 4071 Keokuk Street in St. Louis, Grbic Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant and event space. Although they specialize in authentic Eastern European food, the American food offerings are great as well. Missouri grass-fed beef and veal is butchered in house, and all dishes from family recipes and made from scratch.
Try the Valdostana, a classic comfort food made with layers of buttered spaetzles and thinly siced grilled beef, topped with a creamy white wine mushroom sauce and mozzarella, then baked to a perfect golden brown.
Website: grbicrestaurant.com
- Bambino’s, Springfield
Yelp/ Bambinos Café
Yelp/ Bambinos Café
Yelp/ Teneka H. Bambino’s was recently named Best Italian Dining and one of the 5 Best Restaurants in Springfield by 417 Magazine. They have also been named Best Hidden Restaurant, as its original location at 1141 E. Delmar Street is tucked back in the residential Phelps Grove neighborhood. The large covered patio, laid-back atmosphere and great prices keep customers coming back for more.
Their second location opened in 2015, at 2810-D E Battlefield in the historic Half A Hill shopping center.
Website: bambinos.com
- J. Howard’s Café and Catering, Savannah
Facebook/ J. Howard’s Café and Catering
Facebook/ J. Howard’s Café and Catering
Facebook/ J. Howard’s Café and Catering American comfort food home-made with huge portions and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items include comfort favorites as well as Bygero Angus Burgers, Tenderloins, and Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Weekly specials include Catfish Fridays, Steak Night Saturdays, and Fried Chicken on Sundays. They are located on the square in Savannah at 421 W. Main Street.
Website: jhowards.com
- Bek’s, Fulton
Yelp/ Beks
Yelp/ Annessa J.
Yelp/ Beks Bek’s is a warm and stylish hangout located in historic downtown Fulton. They serve lunch and dinner in a casual and friendly atmosphere. All of their menu offerings feature food made from scratch using local and seasonal ingredients. Customer favorites include the Chicken Chipotle Sammy, the Steak Sammy and the fresh fish of the week.
Address: 511 Court Street
Website: beksshop.com
- Cupini’s, Kansas City
Yelp/ Jules L.
Yelp/ Amy B.
Yelp/ Brad C. A Kansas City favorite for Italian food since 2003, Cupini’s has been featured on the Food Network. Guy Fieri loved the classic lasagna and the chicken & prosciutto tortelloni. They offer a large variety of pasta, pizza, panini, chicken dishes, and delicious homemade dessert in a friendly, laid back setting. They also offer catering, daily specials, and cooking classes.
Address: 1809 Westport Road
Website: cupinis.com
- Gates BBQ, Kansas City
Yelp/ John F.
Yelp/ Tara G.
Yelp/ Josh L. With six locations in and around Kansas City, this family owned restaurant chain has grown from its beginnings as a single store at 19th and Vine in 1946. Gates Bar-B-Q is a Kansas City original, with all of its stores featuring the signature unique red roof design and man in full tuxedo top hat. They also sell their barbecue sauce and seasonings in their stores and online or by calling 1-800-662 RIBS (7427).
Website: gatesbbq.com
- Mama Tios Mexican, Kansas City
Yelp/ Robert J.
Yelp/ Rhonda S. Mama Tios is a popular Mexican restaurant with two locations in Kansas City: 8026 Paseo Boulevard, and downtown at 1111 Main Street. In business since 1979, they are known for their large portions, chip bar, and authentic Mexican entrees, as well as a selection of American foods like burgers and chicken wings. Daily specials include $1.10 tacos on Taco Tuesdays, and 75 cent wings on Wednesdays.
Website: mamatios.com
- Grunauer, Kansas City
Yelp/ Tom K.
Yelp/ Larissa B.
Yelp/ Elaine D. Grunauer is the Kansas City incarnation of the original Grunauer Gasthaus located in Vienna, Austria. They bring German cuisine to the Midwest, serving authentic Austrian-German cooking and European beer from the historic dark wood and brick Freight House Space at 101 W 22nd Street.
Menu items include the Stelze, a slow-roasted pork shank with horseradish, spicy mustard, and cabbage salad, or the Wiener Schnitzel, a Viennese breaded pork or veal cutlet. For dessert, try the Apfelstrudel mit Schlag, a traditional apple strudel with marinated raisins and fresh whipped cream.
Website: grunauer.com
- Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, Springfield
Yelp/ Guillermo V.
Yelp/ Mark H.
Yelp/ Jeff B.
The recently opened Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, located at 209 E Walnut Street in Springfield, is more than the title suggests.
To start with, they offer 12 burgers with a wide range of flavors, including the Cowboy Carl, a house-ground beef patty topped with slow roasted brisket, briny pickles, candied bacon, white cheddar cheese, and a mound of spicy fried onions. At nearly 6 inches tall, it takes some skill to eat, but it’s delicious.
Shakes are made with Andy’s Frozen Custard blended with additions including blackberry pie, oreos, bananas and peanut butter. The sweet potato fries are covered with marshmallow cream and pecans, and the smoked fries with sea salt come with three different dipping sauces. If that sounds too fat-inducing to you, they also have gluten-free, vegetarian, and no sugar options.
Website: blaaacksheep.com
- Avalon Café, Weston
Facebook/ Avalon Café
Facebook/ Avalon Café The Avalon Café is charmingly located on a hilltop overlooking Weston’s historic downtown. Originally called “White Lace” for the white gingerbread adorning the front porch, this 1847 antebellum home now serves American Bistro-style cuisine.
Among the house specialties is the Beef Tenderloin, grilled over Missouri Apple Wood and served with Mushroom and Bourbon Sauce. You might also try the New Zealand Green Mussels in enriched wine sauce.
Finish things off with yummy Cinnamon Bread Pudding served with Vanilla Cream Sauce. The Avalon also features a full service bar with an extensive wine list, a large assortment of single malt scotch, small batch bourbons, cognacs and armagnac.
Address: 608 Main Street
Website: avaloncafeweston.com
What is your absolutel favorite restaurant in Missouri? Did we include it here or in one of the previous posts?
Facebook/ Nona’s Kitchen
Nona’s is a cute little place on historic Route 66 at 103 N. Benton Street in Waynesville. They serve delicious traditional American home-style food in a friendly, comfortable setting. Their daily special “All the Fixins” menu features favorites like meatloaf and chicken and dumplings with sides like corn bread and mashed potatoes. They also have sandwiches and flat bread pizza as well as a deli-case selling sides by the pound.
Yelp/ Sam T.
Yelp/ Kimberly L.
Yelp/ Shanley C.
Q39 is a popular Kansas City barbeque spot featuring the areas’s first open barbeque scratch kitchen. Their large dining room, expansive bar and private dining area are decorated with a modern, urban-rustic décor. Located at 1000 W. 39th Street in the eclectic West 39th Street neighborhood, they also feature a full-service bar with unique cocktails and local beers and wines.
Website: q39kc.com
Yelp/ Delaine H.
Yelp/ Virginia C.
Yelp/ Pickles Deli
Pickles Deli has received many accolades in recent years including best delicatessen (#1 in St. Louis 7 years in a row!), best soup and best sandwich, and is a must-visit in St. Louis. Try their “Classic Meatball,” which features three large Italian meatballs covered in Marinara and topped with melted Provolone and Parmesan cheese. With two locations on 22 N. Euclid Avenue and 701 Olive Street, the serve classic sandwiches, soups and sides, along with amazing desserts like bakery fresh cupcakes, brownies and cookies.
Website: picklesdelistl.com
Yelp/ James S.
Facebook/ Harold’s Drive Inn/ Winzell Mgm Int Starr
Harold’s has been bringing Kansas City the same good old fashioned burgers and shakes since 1958. For breakfast, try their biscuits and gravy or bacon or sausage and egg sandwich. For lunch, one of their handmade Italian steaks or a triple bacon cheeseburger with fries is a sure bet. Be aware: They are only open from 6 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and only accept cash. They are located at 1337 Admiral Boulevard.
Yelp/ Christi D.
Yelp/ Hoss J.
Yelp/ Connie G.
Located on the Missouri River in historic downtown Washington, The Blue Duck offers delicious American comfort food. The menu includes made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. An interesting appetizer is the pork belly bites, a plate of 1 inch cubes of pork belly (uncured, unsliced bacon), dry barbecue rubbed, and deep fried, then served with a smokey-sweet BBQ sauce.
Address: 516 W Front St #100
Website: blueduckwashmo.com
Yelp/ Grbic Restaurant
Yelp/ Sanaa H.
Yelp/ John A.
Located at 4071 Keokuk Street in St. Louis, Grbic Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant and event space. Although they specialize in authentic Eastern European food, the American food offerings are great as well. Missouri grass-fed beef and veal is butchered in house, and all dishes from family recipes and made from scratch.
Try the Valdostana, a classic comfort food made with layers of buttered spaetzles and thinly siced grilled beef, topped with a creamy white wine mushroom sauce and mozzarella, then baked to a perfect golden brown.
Website: grbicrestaurant.com
Yelp/ Bambinos Café
Yelp/ Teneka H.
Bambino’s was recently named Best Italian Dining and one of the 5 Best Restaurants in Springfield by 417 Magazine. They have also been named Best Hidden Restaurant, as its original location at 1141 E. Delmar Street is tucked back in the residential Phelps Grove neighborhood. The large covered patio, laid-back atmosphere and great prices keep customers coming back for more.
Their second location opened in 2015, at 2810-D E Battlefield in the historic Half A Hill shopping center.
Website: bambinos.com
Facebook/ J. Howard’s Café and Catering
American comfort food home-made with huge portions and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items include comfort favorites as well as Bygero Angus Burgers, Tenderloins, and Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Weekly specials include Catfish Fridays, Steak Night Saturdays, and Fried Chicken on Sundays. They are located on the square in Savannah at 421 W. Main Street.
Website: jhowards.com
Yelp/ Beks
Yelp/ Annessa J.
Bek’s is a warm and stylish hangout located in historic downtown Fulton. They serve lunch and dinner in a casual and friendly atmosphere. All of their menu offerings feature food made from scratch using local and seasonal ingredients. Customer favorites include the Chicken Chipotle Sammy, the Steak Sammy and the fresh fish of the week.
Address: 511 Court Street
Website: beksshop.com
Yelp/ Jules L.
Yelp/ Amy B.
Yelp/ Brad C.
A Kansas City favorite for Italian food since 2003, Cupini’s has been featured on the Food Network. Guy Fieri loved the classic lasagna and the chicken & prosciutto tortelloni. They offer a large variety of pasta, pizza, panini, chicken dishes, and delicious homemade dessert in a friendly, laid back setting. They also offer catering, daily specials, and cooking classes.
Address: 1809 Westport Road
Website: cupinis.com
Yelp/ John F.
Yelp/ Tara G.
Yelp/ Josh L.
With six locations in and around Kansas City, this family owned restaurant chain has grown from its beginnings as a single store at 19th and Vine in 1946. Gates Bar-B-Q is a Kansas City original, with all of its stores featuring the signature unique red roof design and man in full tuxedo top hat. They also sell their barbecue sauce and seasonings in their stores and online or by calling 1-800-662 RIBS (7427).
Website: gatesbbq.com
Yelp/ Robert J.
Yelp/ Rhonda S.
Mama Tios is a popular Mexican restaurant with two locations in Kansas City: 8026 Paseo Boulevard, and downtown at 1111 Main Street. In business since 1979, they are known for their large portions, chip bar, and authentic Mexican entrees, as well as a selection of American foods like burgers and chicken wings. Daily specials include $1.10 tacos on Taco Tuesdays, and 75 cent wings on Wednesdays.
Website: mamatios.com
Yelp/ Tom K.
Yelp/ Larissa B.
Yelp/ Elaine D.
Grunauer is the Kansas City incarnation of the original Grunauer Gasthaus located in Vienna, Austria. They bring German cuisine to the Midwest, serving authentic Austrian-German cooking and European beer from the historic dark wood and brick Freight House Space at 101 W 22nd Street.
Menu items include the Stelze, a slow-roasted pork shank with horseradish, spicy mustard, and cabbage salad, or the Wiener Schnitzel, a Viennese breaded pork or veal cutlet. For dessert, try the Apfelstrudel mit Schlag, a traditional apple strudel with marinated raisins and fresh whipped cream.
Website: grunauer.com
Yelp/ Guillermo V.
Yelp/ Mark H.
Yelp/ Jeff B.
The recently opened Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, located at 209 E Walnut Street in Springfield, is more than the title suggests.
To start with, they offer 12 burgers with a wide range of flavors, including the Cowboy Carl, a house-ground beef patty topped with slow roasted brisket, briny pickles, candied bacon, white cheddar cheese, and a mound of spicy fried onions. At nearly 6 inches tall, it takes some skill to eat, but it’s delicious.
Shakes are made with Andy’s Frozen Custard blended with additions including blackberry pie, oreos, bananas and peanut butter. The sweet potato fries are covered with marshmallow cream and pecans, and the smoked fries with sea salt come with three different dipping sauces. If that sounds too fat-inducing to you, they also have gluten-free, vegetarian, and no sugar options.
Website: blaaacksheep.com
Facebook/ Avalon Café
The Avalon Café is charmingly located on a hilltop overlooking Weston’s historic downtown. Originally called “White Lace” for the white gingerbread adorning the front porch, this 1847 antebellum home now serves American Bistro-style cuisine.
Among the house specialties is the Beef Tenderloin, grilled over Missouri Apple Wood and served with Mushroom and Bourbon Sauce. You might also try the New Zealand Green Mussels in enriched wine sauce.
Finish things off with yummy Cinnamon Bread Pudding served with Vanilla Cream Sauce. The Avalon also features a full service bar with an extensive wine list, a large assortment of single malt scotch, small batch bourbons, cognacs and armagnac.
Address: 608 Main Street
Website: avaloncafeweston.com
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