50 Best American Restaurants in Columbia

“''Mann, I Don't Even Know Where To Begin!! Everything Is A+/1000!! Food, Appetizers,Waiters, Service,& Everything Else!!! Food Came Quick,&Fast!!! Didn't Even Expect That. I Ordered The Appetizer Platter As My Meal, With A Side Of Fries. And When I Say That Food Was Sooo Good!!! I Had To Thank The Waitress,& Couldn't Leave WithOut Leaving Her A Tip!!! Will Definitely Be Returning Soon!!!" "Great Job TGI "Fridays''!!! Definitely A 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating!!! Absolutely Positively Love This Place!!!!“

“We arrived at about 8pm on a Friday night at was able to sit at the bar immediately. Ethan, the host, was very warm and welcoming as was every staff we interacted with. Everyone really seemed to enjoy working there which is very rare. The bartenders were awesome! My wife and I had a tom collins and smoked old fashioned and they were so good. It was a lot of fun watching the bartenders make the drinks. We ordered the cauliflower (superb flavors and pairings!), the cheese pizza (the crust was so good!) and then finished with the cheesecake (very interesting pairings but so good!). I finished off with a coffee and cannot say enough about this place.“

“I would go back here as often as possible when I come through town. BBQ spice and rub are excellent. Portobello fries are delicious! My new favorite thing.

**Update: 2 years later - I finally got back and had excellent service, and those portobello fries! Hooray. The steak was okay, not great, but loved the green beans and potato I ordered with it.“

“Great food at a great price. I’ve been eating at Murry’s since 1985 & never had a bad meal!“

“Great Breakfast, nice menu. I love old fashioned dinners. Staff was personable and efficient💯🤠🧐🙂“

“A more delicious version of freddy’s.“

“Wonderful food and atmosphere! Autumn and Vanessa and Jake are wonderful and literally the best people around! That bacon pepper jam is soooo good! I would literally buy that by itself!“

“Why did you guys switch to coke products? Very disappointed.“

“Greatest burgers on Earth.“

“My son, a Mizzou student, insists we go here every time we visit. Their pulled pork nachos are fantastic, and he craves them when he is home. Their tuna dish is amazing, as well as their Cuban sandwich. We have always had a great meal here. Give them a try!“

“This place is a hidden gem!! Best steak we’ve had in a while! The service was great too! Steak and shrimp is phenomenal“

“Great service and atmosphere.“

“We went to The Heidelberg for their advertised "Happy Hour." We ordered the HH Long Island Tea, which is featured prominently on their menu. A couple of minutes later, the server comes back and ask us "now what did you want??" iced tea ? what was it?? I said Long Island Tea, and he's still looking at me with this puzzled look and tells me "I don't drink?" I could go on but you got the point. Then, I inquire about .. again on the menu!! the buy one appetizer get one free HH special.and he said any appetizers qualify.. instead we got two sets of appetizers ..that's right. FOUR appetizers came out. instead of the two I ordered.. and he looked at me and said.. "you said two" .. you can't make this stuff up .. The entire visit from the moment we walked in the door was a complete train wreck.. Please train your servers better so they know what's on your menu .. Why advertise stuff if the server has no idea what it is???“

“Came here on a whim as a stop between KC and St. Louis. It was a good bit off the highway, but I'm glad we stopped in. The service was good and the food was delicious. I got the Country Fried Chicken and my wife got the Philly. Both were very good, especially the fries.“

“Visiting from out of state and decided to check out tellers due to a recommendation and was not disappointed! I ordered 3 courses-the baked Brie appetizer, the blackened salmon and the bourbon bread pudding! Everything was insanely delicious! The service was amazing too! So friendly!“

“If you’re looking for a fun evening activity, try The Deuce. They have outdoor dining along with their sand volleyball pit. If you’d rather stay inside you can watch a ballgame while you eat. The service is great and the bartenders and waitresses are friendly. They have a wide selection of food. Personally, I love their wings and pizza. Go visit The Deuce!!!“

“We have visited this restaurant several times as I have two grandchildren at MIZZOU. We have always been more than pleased with the food and the service. I also, want to thank the kind manager, who took the time to track me down and let me know they had found a watch that I lost while visiting the restaurant. This was above and beyond. I highly recommend this establishment.“

“I had an incredible dining experience at Cheddar’s, and a huge part of that was thanks to our server, Kassidy! From the moment we sat down, she was warm, attentive, and made us feel like we were her top priority. She checked in with me at just the right times. The service was quick, and she truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a great meal. Kassidy’s friendly attitude and excellent service made our visit unforgettable. Highly recommend asking for her next time you’re there! Five stars all the way!“

“Thanks so much for the very much needed girls evening out! Good food great service and amazing atmosphere!“

“Brunch is better here. The cocktails are on point. But the food is something that can't be passed on. From an out of towner that almost gave up because of limited parking, this a place that every town and city needs. Columbia has something special here.“

“I’m a southern gal & love chicken &dumplings like my mother made.. sooo good at Cracker Barrel plus sugarless cornbread,fried apples all are fantastic ♥️“

“It took a minute to seat us, all Was forgiven by our awesome waitress. She was attentive and patient. She not only brought us to go boxes but to go cups for our guacamole, etc.“

“We stopped for breakfast after visiting the farmers market at Glenn’s. The interior was very classy and casual and the menu was fantastic. They served a great crab cake hollandaise with very attentive and friendly service“

“The staff was very friendly, great atmosphere and the food was on point. The staff was very attentive but not too attentive“

“This unassuming shop off of broadway is home to the best sandwiches in Columbia. Coming from New York I have craved a fresh deli style sandwich shop, something that Jersey Mike's can closely mimic, but other alternatives struggle to match. The bread is perfect, the meats taste delicious, and the toppings are not soggy. If you want a similar dining experience, you will have to go to upscale restaurants that charge an arm and a leg, but offer off-putting service. The ambiance is what you might expect of a small bar inside of an antiquated theater. This is truly a "must visit" if you're a local or passing through!“

“Very good atmosphere and nice staff for an afternoon drink/late lunch.“

“My wife and I had a late lunch there today and Riley who was taking care of the bar, also took care of our table. We had not eaten there since they moved to the new location. We started with the Calamari and we had just a few minutes to chat after we finished and our meals were brough to us. My wife had the Ravioli Aragosta and I had the spicy Chicken and Sausage. The meals looked great and tasted even better. The fresh bread that was brought to the table was perfect! Riley took care of all of our needs, and we never felt rushed. I definitely recommend this place and hope to return soon.“

“Probably the best ceaser dressing I've ever had. The sandwich was good but next time I'll get something other than the pork loin. The rest of our parties food was very good. They really need to work on the cleanliness of the bathroom. 🤢“

“Great cheeseburger and fries!“

“Lees Chicken in Columbia is my favorite chicken spot. It’s always been fresh, hot and delicious and the staff is so friendly.“

“Had brunch with my son today and I typically don’t write reviews. However, my experience was fantastic. The server we had was sweet and efficient. The restaurant was clean and welcoming. I loved the decor it was very modern mixed with rustic elements. The food was so good and I could feel the difference in my body afterward.. not the crappy fast food feeling but energizing! The server I had was named Alyse and I want to give her a shoutout for an all-round amazing job! She was very sweet to my son and was attentive to our needs! Love this location and will come back!!“

“We love the food at D&D , wife always gets a Burger and Tots ,I like to try different things. The last couple times I’ve gotten the wings ( best in Mid-Mo ) The beer is super cold too. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Delicious food, sourced locally from Mid-Missouri farmers. Yummy beer. Exceptional service. They make me feel special when I know that I'm not...and I like that! It's my #1!“

“Our server was named ty.she was absolutely fantastic.we will be back.awesome food too.“

“Was there 03/09/22 For Breakfast, Staff very friendly, attentive to customers, service was fast, food was great. What more can you ask for? the waitress we had, should be an INSTRUCTOR on how to be one! She was awesome.“

“Stayed with family for November and December 2022 in Columbia Missouri . Had never been to a First Watch restaurant . This breakfast and lunch restaurant became my new favorite restaurant. Everything I have ordered has been amazing from French toast ,waffles, omelettes , tacos ,sandwiches and salads . Very healthy and fresh food . Would eat at First Watch three times a week during my two month stay in Columbia Missouri. Always asked to seated in Melany's section . But all the wait staff was great !!! Took my 9 year old grandson for breakfast and he rated the restaurant a 10 . He had a waffle and sausage links and hot chocolate. I had the Italian sausage omelette with roasted potatoes. Food is always amazing . Great place to go by yourself with a friend or family . Highly recommended this place .“

“Their shrimp and lobster is soo good. The cheddar biscuits are delicious 😋“

“FAST and delicious. Staff was welcoming and so friendly!! I’d put this place up there with some of the best tacos in Como. Good variety!!“

“Very friendly and community oriented!“

“the service has always been excellent and friendly! we love the layout/atmosphere. as for food, drink, and dessert - hey! it's excellent, too! if you haven't been, by all means you should go!“

“Not a great beer selection, but decent IPA at a low price. The place was really busy on a Saturday night, with lots of college kids watching the game on big screens. They have drinks promotions every day, and free WiFi. Comfortable outside and inside seating areas and friendly staff.“

“I don’t know how it is as a restaurant, but as a club, it’s one of the best I’ve ever been to. It’s a big place with plenty of rooms for dancing, sitting, talking. Perfect for a night out with friends. The atmosphere feels safe, and I’ve never seen any problems. Drinks are affordable and the servings are generous. The music is good, but I think it would be even better with a bit more Spanish music!“

“Took grandson to dinner . Order at the register & they bring it to the table .We had a wahlbuger, fries, panko fish sandwich , tiny onion rings and milk shakes .They were out of sweet potato tater tots !Food was very good. Fish was a big chunk . Hard to eat as a sandwich . Hear they have a great breakfast , too.“

“I didn't catch his name because I just got off work and I'm sick and I'm hard of hearing in my right ear but the tall black guy that took my order very professional very patient also very good in the kitchen their whole crew is killing it the restaurant is clean my whole order came out hot and fresh. Good service time even though they were busy. Best Steak and Shake I think I have eaten at.“

“Wonderful sever Derrick, was AWESOME. SUCH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

Food was very tasty. Cooks were perfect that day.
Coffee, hot and black like it is supposed to be.

Should rename restaurant to: IHop by Derrick.

Dietary restrictions: Wonderful Gluten Free Pancakes.“

“Excellent food and service!!! We got take-out and were pleased with the fast service.“

“As usual, it was great! Our favorite place in town to eat breakfast. Went at 11am on a Saturday (before a Mizzou game at noon) and it was perfect timing.

My sisters were visiting and love breakfast. Both of them got the Supreme Pileups - said the amount of food was just right, prices were good and it was delicious. I got the sausage & cheese omelet, hubby got the #2 breakfast (eggs, hash browns) - cooked just right.

Becky was a friendly and attentive server, enjoyed her too.

Next time my sisters come visit, this is where they wanna eat!“

“Awesome waitress, fast service and the food was great!!“

“This was one of the best experiences I’ve had since moving out here. The ribs were pretty bare- I mentioned it to the waitress and she had the manager come right over. The manager was extremely polite and apologized several times. She then brought me ribs-decent ones- to take back home with me since we were getting ready to leave along with a giftcard for next time. I really appreciated the gesture. The kindness and compassion they had for uswas phenomenal. We will be coming back to this restaurant in the future. (Even though we don’t eat out much) if I could give a thousand stars for the service we received I would!“

“I've stopped here a few times in the past but never had the opportunity to venture into the restaurant. tonight I finally was able to enjoy a wonderful sit down meal in a relaxed atmosphere and friendly and attentive waitress. The food was great, reasonably priced especially since they serve large portions, half portion would have been more than enough for me. I would recommend everyone to enjoy this great place. Greg Rose, thanks for suggesting I stop here.“