Missouri Restaurant and Dining Guide
Among rich cultural backdrops, such as the Gateway Arch of St. Louis, the rhythmic blues wafting from Kansas City, and the historic trails of St. Joseph, there’s a diverse and captivating culinary evolving. Bet you didn't see that coming, huh? Missouri's food game is on point. From Golden Ox's classic steaks in Kansas City to Songbird's aromatic coffee vibes in St. Louis, every city got something for you. Fancy a taste of Peruvian zest in Springfield? Café Cusco’s got you covered. Then, there are the legendary cuts at St. Joseph's Hoof & Horn Steak House. Remember, it ain't just about the food; it's a blend of history, culture, and downright deliciousness.
Intrigued? I mean, I would be! These aren’t just places to eat; they’re local legends dripping with flavor. Consider this guide as your ultimate cheat sheet to Missouri’s mouth-watering eats. Let’s discover the Show-Me state’s best kept culinary secrets together.
Kansas City: Jazz, Art, and Food Magic
Kansas City combines the soulful sounds of jazz with the tempting scent of grilled steaks. You feel it too, right? That old-world charm that KC effortlessly dishes out, mingling with the hip and happening flavors of today.
Think about it: places like Golden Ox have been around since the '40s, a testament to the city's rich history. Their Duroc Pork Chops is classic – beer brined with a touch of ancho-chili, topped with a sweet root beer demiglace and gingered cherries. And if you're hunting for a trendier vibe, The Russell's got you. Their Russell Bowl's a party of brisket, quinoa, and veggies, all grooving together in a green goddess dressing. Places like The Antler Room and Fox and Pearl, offer dishes that taste like an artful fusion of traditional and avant-garde. And speaking of art, a trip to The Nelson-Atkins Museum will leave you in awe, just like the Smoked Oxtails from Fox and Pearl.
A stroll in the Country Club Plaza, with its Moorish-themed buildings, feels almost like a time-travel experience. It’s a lot like the city’s food scene: deeply rooted in tradition but constantly evolving, with new flavors popping up left and right. And if you're feeling wild, swing by the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium - it's got as much variety as the city’s food joints.
St. Louis: Culinary Melodies Along the Mississippi
St. Louis, standing proudly by the shimmering Mississippi River, boasts a storied past, one where cultures converged and birthed a deeply varied culinary scene. If you got a hankering for some Italian, dive into Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill, a local legend, and let the flavors of Ziti Primavera or Nunzio sing to you. But if you're craving a hint of the coast, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab promises a seafood spread that'll have you coming back for more. And who knew breakfast could feel like a warm hug? Songbird does that - with dishes like Lox on a Sesame Seed Bialy, they've turned morning grub into an art.
For those who appreciate nature, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat. Alternatively, if you're after stunning city views, the towering Gateway Arch is the spot. And speaking of views, how about them served alongside a plateful of Strozzapreti from Bowood by Niche? Dive into this dish, and you'll soon understand why St. Louisans rave about it.
St. Louis's vibrant streets, still resonating with the echoes of blues, perfectly complement its culinary offerings. From the grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis to the plates bursting with flavor at every corner café, this city's got the vibe that makes you wanna say, "Let's go!"
Springfield: Crossing Culinary Bridges
There was the time when Route 66 was the heartbeat of Springfield, drawing travelers from coast to coast. Those days might've morphed into nostalgic tales, but the spirit is alive and cookin’ in places like Metropolitan Grill. Dive into their Wagyu Meatballs and you're tasting a little bit of history with a side of modern flair.
How about some Peruvian kitchen in the heartland of America? Café Cusco's Chicken Mojo brings the vibrant flavors of Peru right to Missouri's plate. And if you’re yearning for a European twist, Van Gogh's Eeterie serves up Dutch delights, like the savory Meatball Macaroni. Now that’s a global trip without the jet lag!
Speaking of trips, no visit to Springfield is complete without a stroll in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Picture this: meandering pathways, the delicate flutter of butterflies, and the serenity that only nature provides. Then, there's The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, where every step transports visitors to a peaceful haven in Kyoto. And if you're a car enthusiast, the Route 66 Car Museum showcases wheels that'll send your heart racing.
Columbia's Comfort Cuisine
Columbia, with its deep-rooted college town identity, offers a charm that extends beyond its academic reputation. You may know the city for its architecture or music, but its culinary delights are just on another level!
Let's dive into Ernie's Cafe & Steak House. Operating since 1934, it whispers sweet tales from the bygone Art Deco era. Their Ernie’s Chicken Breast Salad is a delightful mix that feels like a hearty hug. And their Cheese Steak Or Chicken Philly Sandwich is legit the talk of the town! If you’re looking to up your dining game a notch, CC's City Broiler might just hit the spot. Their Steak Sinatra, placed delicately over lobster mashed potatoes, feels like an opera for the taste buds. And speaking of classics, what's more iconic than Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown? With pizzas that practically echo the bard’s dramas, like The Meat Lover’s Pizza, it’s where the heart (and stomach) truly feels at home.
Now, after satiating your hunger, take a breezy walk at Stephens Lake Park or maybe explore the natural marvels of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Feelin' that countryside itch? Shryocks Callaway Farm offers that rustic feel, right from tractor rides to the simple joy of pumpkin picking.
St. Joseph: Steaks, Slices, and Stories
If you're into gastronomic gems, then St. Joseph is your spot. Historically rich and bursting with flavors, this city serves more than just meals; it serves memories.
Did you know the Hoof & Horn Steak House has been keeping the legacy of Stockyard Meat Packing Company alive since the 1800s? Their commitment to quality is evident in every bite, especially in their Two Signature Pork Chops. It's no wonder they’ve made their mark in the Missouri Beef Hall of Fame. For the pizza enthusiasts, Il Lazzarone promises a slice of heaven. The Supremo Pizza isn't just a dish; it's an artwork of flavors. Pepperoni, Brussels sprouts, and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil on a wood-fired Neapolitan base - yep, it’s as delish as it sounds!
After all that grubbing, take a curious stroll in the Glore Psychiatric Museum – it’s a deep dive into the history of mental health treatments. And for a chill day out, Krug Park's got you covered with its scenic lagoon and playful trails.
Joplin: Mining History to Plates
Joplin, once a heartbeat of mining and trade, today dishes out flavors that are pure gold. A city that has seen booms and lulls, its culinary scene has evolved, taking cues from its vibrant past.
Have you tried Mythos? It's a treasure chest of cuisines! Their Bacon Wrapped Atlantic Salmon will make your taste buds dance. And their Filet & Prawns? Let's just say it's as legendary as Joplin's tales. Then there's Red Onion Cafe, standing tall in its century-old building, serving dishes like Ensenada Chicken, which speaks of fusion, just like the city itself. Their Ensenada Chicken oozes flavors from south of the border, and the Metro dish, with its bacon-wrapped filet, will have you coming back. For those brunch lovers (and who isn't?), The Bruncheonette crafts dishes that are downright crave-worthy. Ever tried Pulled Pork Pancakes? If not, this is your spot.
While you're in town, don’t skip on Grand Falls. The cascading water feels like a nod to the city's ever-flowing legacy. Also, a stroll in the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, a symbol of Joplin's commitment to nature.
Missouri's culinary scene is like peeling back the layers of a scrumptious pie, revealing delicious tales of yesteryears. From Kansas City's smoked BBQ echoing jazz-age vibes to the sophisticated bistros of St. Louis, each city adds its own zest to the state's gastronomic tale. It's not just about the food though. Missouri meshes its gastronomic magic with stunning attractions. Imagine biting into a St. Louis toasted ravioli while gazing at the Gateway Arch. Or, savoring a Joplin wood-fired pizza after marveling at Grand Falls. Sound good?
So, why Missouri? Because Missouri’s got the goods, no doubt about it. There aren't much places in our world, where culinary traditions and scenic views dance together so gracefully. Thankfully, Missouri is one of those. Don't just take my word. Explore and let your taste buds do the talking. Missouri’s table is set and waiting.
Must-Try Restaurants in Missouri
Bowood by Niche
4605 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63108Excellent food for a very fair price. The atmosphere of the grounds can’t be beat! The service was exceptional as well and very attentive of our needs as...
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Superb149 Reviews4.7
Fox and Pearl
2143 Summit St, Kansas City, MO 64108KC is more then BQ! Fox and Pearl is must eat dinner when dining out in KC. Owner Kristine Hull & Chef Vaughn have created a beautiful restaurant. Wo...
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Good114 Reviews4.2
The Antler Room
2506 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108Wanted to really enjoy this place but I found myself underwhelmed with the overall experience. I can be a bit of a picky eater so that working against me...
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Superb95 Reviews4.6
The Russell
3141 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111A friend of mine suggested that we go to The Russell for lunch I never been there before so I decided sure let’s go give it a try. Tacos with soup and th...
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Superb76 Reviews4.7
Charlie Gitto's On the Hill
5226 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110The Hill is my favorite place to dine, I absolutely love Italian cuisine. Charlie Gitto's is top tier for their exquisite food and dinner experience...
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Superb735 Reviews4.5
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab
1831 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104Food was very expensive, but you wouldn't know it by the taste. Shrimp poboy was mostly the breading from the shrimp. The shrimp and lobster were ov...
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Superb193 Reviews4.3
Metropolitan Grill
2931 E Battlefield Rd, Springfield, MO 65804Food was good but not great. Atmosphere was very noisy and crowded. Very pricey for value received.
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Superb77 Reviews4.6
CC's City Broiler
1401 Forum Blvd, Columbia, MO 65203My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner ar CC's City Broiler. The atmosphere was excellent. Our server, Dylan, did an amazing job. My husband ha...
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Superb132 Reviews4.5
Ernie's Cafe & Steak House
1005 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201Favorite breakfast place for a Sunday morning!!! I especially love to take out of town guests here! Their french toast is my favorite recommendation and ...
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Superb76 Reviews4.7
Shakespeare's Pizza - Downtown
225 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201The pizza is really as good as people say it is, quite a unique experience for anyone who enjoys pizza or food in general. Love coming here when I can w...
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Superb110 Reviews4.5
Café Cusco
234 E Commercial St, Springfield, MO 65803My girlfriend and I come here a lot and always have good service. The best service we’ve had so far was from Trevor. He went above and beyond for us. The...
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Superb191 Reviews4.5
Golden Ox
1600 Genessee St #110, Kansas City, MO 64102I enjoyed the upper scale atmosphere, good food, and excellent service during our visit. I felt important because I was eating there lol
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Good134 Reviews3.9
Hoof & Horn Steak House
429 Illinois Ave, St Joseph, MO 64504Great steak tender and well seasoned the only compliment was crowded beyond belief and the service was spotty forgetting salads and not reloading drinks
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Good93 Reviews4.2
IL Lazzarone Neapolitan Pizzeria
1628 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64501An absolute must when I am in St. Joseph. Have been multipe times and have tried many different pizas. All of them exceptional. Bravo!
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Superb134 Reviews4.5
Mythos
1306 S Rangeline Rd, Joplin, MO 64801For some reason, they keep the lights super dim inside. We honestly had trouble seeing. The prices are high for the amount of food you get, but the food ...
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Superb129 Reviews4.6
The Bruncheonette
424 N Main St Rd, Joplin, MO 64801Stopped in for lunch when passing through Joplin and it was fantastic! I had the Farmhouse Benny - they were very nice about substituting scrambled egg f...
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Superb115 Reviews4.8
Red Onion Cafe
203 E 4th St, Joplin, MO 64801Never disappoints! One of my go to restaurants for any occasion. If you haven't been, definitely go, seriously you won't regret it.
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Superb177 Reviews4.7
Recently Opened Restaurants
HTeaO Raymore
705 W Foxwood Dr, Raymore, MO 64083We'd been hoping and dreaming of HT0 coming to our area. Unfortunately we missed the grand opening as we were out of town but have been back a few t...
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Superb25 Reviews4.8
50 Yard Line Sports Bar and Grill
807 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201Amazing wings and service!!! Had the Hot Honey sauce with wings and it was very tasty! Bonus was owner bringing out a waffle to taste. The whole table...
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Good19 Reviews3.9
Taco Loco Express Mexican Grill Foristell
100 S Main St, Foristell, MO 63348Great authentic Mexican fare.Small, Simple,menu. People are friendly, fast,&food choices are great.2rice, 3beans,&5meats to choose from. I notice...
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Superb104 Reviews4.9
Ramsay's Kitchen St. Louis
999 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102I have a question. Was wondering why risotto is not on the menu. Which is one of his popular dish.
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Good138 Reviews4.1
Hunt Brothers Pizza
26539 State Hwy 86, Eagle Rock, MO 65641I like that it's cost affordable, and it has the right amount of space and the cheese melts perfectly..
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Superb1 Reviews5
Hunt Brothers Pizza
300 Main St, Verona, MO 65769I like that it's cost affordable, and it has the right amount of space and the cheese melts perfectly..
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Superb1 Reviews5
Sanna Donuts
109 MO-22, Centralia, MO 65240If your selling out way before 1pm plz change your hours that way people don't waste gas driving there to see a sign on your door!!! Or make more pr...
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Good6 Reviews3.8
The Riverbend
2300 N Airport Blvd, Springfield, MO 65803honestly, very impressed for 6am at an airport. the woman who was working the main counter (really pretty colorful braids) was incredibly kind and welcom...
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Good11 Reviews3.5
Juju’s Wingz and Thingz
303 N Washington St, Princeton, MO 64673food was delicious and worth the money. definitely got our moneys worth and then some.
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Superb3 Reviews5
Jersey Mike's Subs
1051 N Bishop Ave Suite A, Rolla, MO 65401First time ordering from Jersey Mikes. Fantastic!! Had the Big Kahuna Chicken cheese steak and Hubby had the Big Kahuna cheese steak. Wow! Excited to try...
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Good12 Reviews3.6
Tokyo Hibachi
Lebanon, MO 65536Had it today thought it was great well worth the price had the #35 steak,shrimp and scallops with rice veggies definitely will be having it again
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Average6 Reviews3
Hunt Brothers Pizza
2259 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049I like that it's cost affordable, and it has the right amount of space and the cheese melts perfectly..
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Superb1 Reviews5
El Cantarito mexican Cuisine
1155 N Brown St, La Plata, MO 63549What a gem of a restaurant in a small town! Portions were substantial, the food was tasty, and service was on-point -- even with our surprise group of 1...
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Superb2 Reviews5
Hunt Brothers Pizza
710 State Hwy 47, Warrenton, MO 63383I like that it's cost affordable, and it has the right amount of space and the cheese melts perfectly..
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Superb1 Reviews5
Taquería el Tapanco de Don Chilo
1020 E Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Truesdale, MO 63380Very good experience, an obligatory stop on the road if you like to eat something fresh and first class.
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Superb32 Reviews4.6
Recent Reviews
Surf & Sirloin
13090 Manchester Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131The place was amazing. Great food and wonderful service provided by Tom. It had ambiance, something missing in many places. This had the charm and fine...
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Good361 Reviews4
Wagon wheel restaurant
103 S Pine St, Richland, MO 65556Food is great depending on what cook you get. Service depends on which waitress you get one normally really snobby and always complaining she is hot. Tam...
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Good139 Reviews4.1
Erio's Ristorante
951 Jungermann Rd, St Peters, MO 63376You can see by the clientele that there is lots of history, previous good quality, true Italian ambience and loyalty. Food is still good but mediocre. I...
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Superb321 Reviews4.5
Whole Hog Café
224 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807I tool my family there for dinner. They was out of ribs,chicken and almost out of brisket.Enough brisket for 1 order.So some of us had to order pulled po...
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Good239 Reviews4
Bonnie Cafe
4196 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO 65065Ice cream machine was very dirty and the ice cream did not taste right. The bread putting looked and tasted like it came from a can. The salad bar was em...
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Good160 Reviews3.8
Cafe Nova
5611 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63109I tried Cafe Nova for the first time with a friend. I don't usually rate companies, but this experience was amazing! The food was great. the Turkish...
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Superb367 Reviews4.4
Maxs Burgers and Gyros
8240 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114Me and a couple of my coworkers went here for lunch today and the service was horrible!! The guy at the counter was extremely rude and snappy! I honestly...
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Superb237 Reviews4.3
McDonald's
1001 US-65, Carrollton, MO 64633Half the time the food is cold, evening shift employees are rude. The ones I’ve encountered are.
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Good127 Reviews3.5
Subway
1300 N 65 Unit F, Carrollton, MO 64633I quit coming to this location 2 years ago because of one older lady employee who was rude and hateful! Swore I'd NEVER come back. At that time th...
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Good49 Reviews4
The Hootin' Chicken
220 N Main St, Paris, MO 65275Fast good food don't have grease run down your arm like other places in town even tho it's fried
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Superb32 Reviews4.7
Flyover
212 Grn Mdws Rd STE 9, Columbia, MO 65203Good food. Service okay. We’ve been twice snd they can’t seem to tell you that you are dining outside in 90 degree heat. When we arri...
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Superb247 Reviews4.6
Salt + Smoke
1386 Clarkson Clayton Center, Ellisville, MO 63011Tried twice. Meat tastes too smokey. Beans and potato salad have no flavor. Won’t be back.
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Good71 Reviews3.8
Jolly Rogers Grub & Grog
28443 Polk Dr, Rocky Mount, MO 65072Best Pickle Spears at the lake! It is well known Jolly Rogers has the best breakfast buffet but tonight I have to give a 5 star rating for the amazing pi...
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Superb103 Reviews4.6
Shady Gators
132 Sweet William Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049The food was good. Destiny was wonderful and such a good server! Willing to go the extra mile to make our experience memorable!
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Good120 Reviews4.2
Pie Time
111 N Water St, Liberty, MO 64068I ordered a butterscotch pie and it was small and did not taste at all like butterscotch, I was very disappointed for a $30 pie.. I hate writing reviews ...
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Superb43 Reviews4.7
Recently Updated Menus
Ginger's Restaurant
11555 E 63rd St, Raytown, MO 64133Service used to be fast and friendly. Now it's slow and you may get yelled at for asking for something. They can't keep help so when it's ...
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Superb85 Reviews4.3
Taqueria Los paisas
570 E Springfield Rd, St Clair, MO 63077Taqueria Los Paisas is a delightful new family Mexican restaurant in St Clair! Excellent, delicious, quality food. Real cheese, not the synthetic kind ...
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Superb6 Reviews5
THE ROCK BAR + GRILL
100 Indian Lake Ave, Gravois Mills, MO 65037Great course, beautiful fairways and a great staff. Love to play here on cooler days. The food in the newly remodeled bar is fab
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Superb21 Reviews4.3
Piñas Locas
3211 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807Love this place! Great food and service. I've tried several things on the menu but my favorite are the fresas con crema and the tosti ceviche. The o...
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Superb39 Reviews4.9
Hunt's Dairy Bar
1300 E Main St, Park Hills, MO 63601Hunts. It's just better...ask anybody. Seriously though this burger joint has been a staple of the area for many decades and I hope it will be for d...
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Superb41 Reviews4.4
Blackwater Restaurant & Lounge
612 1st St, Chillicothe, MO 64601My favorite place to take friends within 150 miles of my home! Love the food & atmosphere, service is always professional and fun. Everything is just...
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Good83 Reviews3.9
Café la Vie
7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105We were celebrating our anniversary and wanted to try something new. It was very disappointing. The food was only fair. The drinks were good but overpric...
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Good96 Reviews3.3
Squeeze Inn
404 Hwy RB, Stockton, MO 65785Their burger is one of the best around - without a doubt. Service is just the way you would want it to be, also having the beautiful lake nearby - very n...
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Superb36 Reviews4.9
Commonwealth
634 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103We went before a show at the Fox! Make sure to make reservations so you don't have to worry about rushing to the show. They were very attentive and ...
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Good113 Reviews3.8
Fountain Cafe
129 W Main St, Fordland, MO 65652This cafe is a piece of Fordland’s history, and is still full of locals on a Saturday morning. We have a notoriously picky eater in our family who just ...
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Superb24 Reviews4.4
Monroe Family Restaurant
601, 36 E US-24, Monroe City, MO 63456We waited 1 hour for our food after two other tables who came in after us got their food. Then our food was cold and not good. First and last time there
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Superb81 Reviews4.3
CB's Chop House
1005 Majestic Dr, Fenton, MO 63026Out for a date night and wanted to try something new.. the menu sounded SO GOOD and it’s close to our house so why not give it a try.. the atmosphere was...
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Good148 Reviews4.2
S&L Donuts
280 US-60 Highway E, Republic, MO 65738It's a donut shop. Good fresh donuts!
Lots of possible drink options. So many to choose from!! It will take me a couple of years to try t...
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Superb59 Reviews4.8
Burger Bar and More
814 S Main St, Carrollton, MO 64633Great little treasure on the edge of Carrollton! The food was great. Service was great. Fair prices and the dining room was clean and has a fun decor. Hi...
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Good73 Reviews4.2
Angad Arts Hotel
3550 Samuel Shepard Dr, St. Louis, MO 63103Staff at this hotel are fabulous! Check in was seamless, the space beautiful, and our time spent on the rooftop bar was wonderful thanks to a great envir...
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Good193 Reviews3.6