Must-see restaurants in Missouri

  • Ted Drewes

    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…

  • Q39

    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…

  • Golden Ox

    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…

  • Bluestem

    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…

  • Dobyns Dining Room

    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…

  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

    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…

  • Eleven Eleven Mississippi

    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…

  • Adriana's

    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…

  • Broadway Oyster Bar

    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…

  • Shaved Duck

    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…

  • Crown Candy Kitchen

    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…

  • Betty Rae's Ice Cream

    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…

  • Arthur Bryant's

    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…

  • Gettin' Basted

    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…

  • Slice of Pie

    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…

  • Park Avenue Coffee

    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…

  • Ted Drewes

    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…

  • City Market

    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…

  • Boathouse at Forest Park

    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…

  • Java Jive

    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…

  • Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange

    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…

  • Pappy's Smokehouse

    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…

  • Mark Twain Brewing Co

    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…

  • Brasserie by Niche

    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…

  • Mama Toscano's

    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…

  • 44 Canteen

    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,…

  • Joanie's Pizzeria

    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…

  • Bogart's Smoke House

    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…

  • Englewood Cafe

    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…

  • Soulard Farmers Market

    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…

  • MoKaBe's Coffeehouse

    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…

  • Winstead's Steakburger

    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…

  • Charlie Gitto's

    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…

  • Dowd's Catfish & BBQ

    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…

  • Donut Stop

    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…

  • Milo's Bocce Garden

    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.

  • LC's Bar-B-Q

    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.

  • Andy's Frozen Custard

    Missouri

    One of the original locations of this very popular chain of frozen custard stores. It's just creamier and better here.

  • Braddens

    Missouri

    This atmospheric local favorite has wood furnishings, brick walls and casual comfort fare (think burgers, steaks, pasta, salads and wraps). It's steeped…

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