50 Best American Restaurants in Columbia

“This was my husband and I's first time at the Flyover and we sat on the patio. Our service was some of the best I have ever experienced - our server was Ben. Food was beyond amazing. Getting to try new things and ingredients we typically would not get in our small home town. Highly recommend checking it out!“

“We went for the wings- hubs loves them and they had great reviews. I do not even care for wings…but I ate several of them because they are seriously amazing. Smoky, meaty, delish.
I had brisket, which rivals CoMo Smoke and Fire in taste (which is usually my go to), and he had a Brisket Philly cheese steak sandwich. Waffled fries and onion rings on point. This meal was amazing and I will come back. So glad we tried something new 👍“

“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💯🤠🧐🙂“

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

“A more delicious version of freddy’s.“

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

“Great food that doesn’t take too long and a nice neighborhood bar and pub atmosphere.“

“Greatest burgers on Earth.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Came here after a training conference we were holding in Columbia. We called ahead and spoke to Jason about bringing a group of 20+ group of people. We had no issues with getting this scheduled. Jason accommodated our requests no problems. We were in the back patio, which had sand volleyball and cornhole for those in our group to use, the food was good, as was the service given our size. We had a great time. Thank you! Jasmin (Burns Recovered).“

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

“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.“

“Great cheeseburger and fries!“

“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.“

“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!!“

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

“They have mocktails! Showed up for lunch and sat at the bar. The bar tender was super sweet and attentive even though it was busy. The salmon wrap I got was too delicious to get pictures of. We got a pic of the blackberry mojito mocktail my friend ordered though. It was great!“

“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!“

“Emma G was THE best server I’ve ever had. She got our drinks and apps within 5 minutes of us sitting down, before I even thought to wonder where she was, she was checking in with us but not quite lingering, and never let my cup empty! She is top dog and deserves the world + the biggest bonus.“

“👏We had a family dinner for 12 last night and had a great time / meal. I spoke with the Manager a day in advance to forewarn her of our large group. Last evening it was a big hit - Hostess GRACE and Server WHITNEY both were perfect - friendly, professional, and handled our group with skill. Thank you!!“

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

“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 .“

“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???“

“Always a very enjoyable time the staff is all very sweet and nice!!!“

“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“

“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.“

“Food was great. We were starving from traveling and holding out until we hit Columbus , so that might have a little influence. Food was hot, timley, and reasonable portions. Our server, Thomas G, was great. Plus they Our a 10% military discount. Ive never had a bad experience at any of the Chedder locations that I've eaten at. RIP Kyle Bush.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“Derric was an absolutely AMAZING waiter. He was attentive and even when he made honest and simple mistakes such as not being able to hear a few things over the Valentine's Day chatter, he was very kind about it. His energy was AMAZING and the perfect thing for our day as it was our friend groups outing to just have fun and have some comfort food since we all grew up with IHOP trips with either family or friends.“

“Very friendly and community oriented!“

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

“The food was hot and as fresh as possibly could be. The service was fantastic and the restaurant was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean. Our waitress was amazing and the rest of the staff was great. Hands down the best steak and shake I've ever ate at!!!!“

“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!“

“My absolute favorite place to go. The managers and staff are so pleasant. Everything is priced great and the atmosphere is my favorite part. Shelby Truitt, one of the bottle girls, saw me slip (due to clumsiness) and checked on me multiple times. I love this place and everything it stands for!“

“Great experience ask for Spencer he gives great service and is super nice can definitely tell he does a lot for the restaurant. He was serving, helping people at the counter, seating tables, and still gave great service considering he was busy.“

“Noah that’s a lie. It would be believable if it wasn’t for the fact that you touched on every area that would make someone leave. Should have stuck with facts. No black music? Mabe they just don’t like rap? Is it racist to not like rap? Do you like country? Do you know any country? If you had a club would there be country music avalible everyday? Prolly not. All good tho. Did you go in the back and confront the manager? Prolly not. Good luck in life son…you need it.“

“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!“

“The wings are some of the best in CoMo!“

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

“Great experience! Fast casual steakhouses are not usually our choice, but LongHorn might have changed our mind. Our steaks were cooked perfectly and our sides were also very good. The stuffed mushroom appetizer was positively decadent. The service was amazing, friendly and fast. Dinner was paced appropriately and drinks arrived promptly. I'm not in love with the Texas decor, but hey, what do you expect in a place named LongHorn?“