St Louis
Don't dare leave town without licking yourself silly on the super-creamy ice-cream-like frozen custard at historic Ted Drewes, west of the city center on…
Must-see restaurants in Missouri
-
Kansas City
This slick joint has fab service, great microbrews and some of the best meats to come off a grill in the region. The spare ribs are the best we've had and…
-
Kansas City
In 1949, when this riverfront strip was the site of the KC stockyards, the Golden Ox served its first steak. Over the years it became a local legend for…
-
Kansas City
Multiple-award-winning Bluestem has a casual elegance that extends from the bar to the dining room. Many stop into this Westport star just for a fine…
-
Missouri
Located by College of the Ozarks (and staffed by its students, who also make the ice cream), this is as close to fine dining as Branson gets. The setting…
-
Kansas City
This legendary joint is housed in a brightly lit old gas station and is the best reason to cross the state border (it's actually not far from the Country…
-
St Louis
This popular bistro and wine bar fills an old shoe factory. Dinner mains have a Tuscan flair and farm-to-table vibe. Other options on the seasonal menu…
-
St Louis
Redolent of herbs, this family-owned Italian deli serves up fresh salads and sandwiches (get the meaty Hill Boy) to ravenous lunching crowds. The thin…
-
St Louis
Part bar, part live-music venue, but all restaurant, this joint jumps year-round. When the sun shines, people flock outside where they suck down crawfish…
-
St Louis
A South Grand stalwart, the Shaved Duck fires up its grills early in the day and turns out excellent BBQ, such as the signature smoked duck. Options…
-
St Louis
An authentic family-run soda fountain that's been making families smile since 1913. Malts (hot fudge, yum!) come with spoons, the floats, well, float, and…
-
Kansas City
The best ice cream in the Great Plains? Could be. Choose from 25 flavors of sensationally creamy ice cream, including the remarkable lavender honey. After…
-
Kansas City
Not far from the Jazz District (18th and Vine Sts), this famous institution serves up piles of superb BBQ. The sauce is silky and fiery, the staff…
-
Missouri
Brisket, pulled pork and that holy grail of barbecue, burnt ends, are the stars at one of the very best places to eat on the Strip. The pitmasters here…
-
Missouri
Pie! Who doesn't say they love it, but when was the last time you had a really good slice? Amid pervasive mediocrity, this family-run pie shop is a winner…
-
Ben Magoon's Famous Delicatessen
Missouri
This downtown tavern dates back to the 1920s, when the real Ben Magoon started serving what became much-loved sandwiches. The current owners carry on this…
-
St Louis
A treat unique to St Louis is the butter cake, a buttery treat that reminds one of a heavenly cross between cake and fudge. This small chain of local…
-
St Louis
The south side branch of legendary Ted Drewes is open during the summer. Enjoy the super-creamy ice-cream-like frozen custard and try the mash-up of…
-
Kansas City
City Market is a haven for small local businesses selling an idiosyncratic range of foods and other items. Ethnic groceries exude enticing smells and…
-
St Louis
Relax with a meal of comfort food (sandwiches, steaks etc) while you revel in the view of Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. The setting could not be more…
-
Missouri
'The first coffee shop west of the Mississippi' does not disappoint, with an assortment of coffees and teas, sandwiches for breakfast or lunch, and…
-
Kansas City
One of Kansas City's most innovative restaurants is housed in what was once a humdrum 1915 vintage hotel in the Crossroads Arts District. Today it's been…
-
St Louis
Named one of the nation's best joints for barbecue, Pappy's serves luscious ribs, pulled pork, brisket and smoked turkey. With fame, however, comes…
-
Missouri
Housed in an old factory, it's the American classics and creative home-brewed beers here that make this Hannibal's most popular spot. The chicken wings…
-
St Louis
This tres bon French-style brasserie has an alluring lineup of specialties including foie gras, steak frites, escargot and all the desserts and cheeses…
-
St Louis
More grocery than cafe, this corner Hill legend is renowned for its ravioli. Get an order toasted and enjoy it outside at a picnic table (it's table-free…
-
Missouri
The ever-changing selection of craft brews is listed on a screen at this inviting pub. The food hits every comfort note, and includes elaborate nachos,…
-
St Louis
This unassuming neighborhood bar and grill in Soulard turns out excellent local-style pizza (ask for Provel, the locally beloved cheese concoction). The…
-
St Louis
The soul of Soulard? The smoky meats here draw lines of people who tear into all the standards plus specialties such as prime rib. Extras, including the…
-
Missouri
Follow the glow of the red neon sign in the window to this great diner a short drive from the Truman Home. The pot roast special draws diners from miles…
-
St Louis
A local treasure with a range of vendors selling regional produce, baked goods and prepared foods. Picnic or snack yourself silly. Dating from 1838, it's…
-
St Louis
Overlooking Tower Grove Park, this hangout for neighborhood activists, hipsters and generally cool folk buzzes day and night. Grab a coffee, a baked treat…
-
Kansas City
Cheery servers sling plates of top-notch burgers to families, hungover hipsters and more at this Country Club Plaza institution, which dates to 1940. Don…
-
St Louis
Legendary Charlie Gitto's makes a strong claim to having invented St Louis' famous toasted ravioli. On any night the weather allows, dine under the tree…
-
Missouri
Try the award-winning catfish blackened or fried in peanut oil (an Ozarks specialty) at this Route 66 staple, which oozes down-home country charm. Meals…
-
St Louis
On your way south out of town, do not pass this legendary donut shop without stopping. The cherry fritter is a crispy, crunchy, gooey parcel of fruit…
-
St Louis
Enjoy sandwiches, pizzas and pastas in the vast outdoor courtyard or inside the old-world bar. Watch and join the regulars on the busy bocce ball courts.
-
Kansas City
Just 4 miles east of the Country Club Plaza, the unadorned interior of this eatery does nothing to distract from Kansas City's best burnt ends.
-
Missouri
One of the original locations of this very popular chain of frozen custard stores. It's just creamier and better here.
-
Missouri
This atmospheric local favorite has wood furnishings, brick walls and casual comfort fare (think burgers, steaks, pasta, salads and wraps). It's steeped…
