50 Best American Restaurants in Columbia

“We got the teriyaki pork belly, the spicy sausage pizza, a Moscow mule, a French 75, and it was all delicious! The pork was my favorite. I’ll definitely be back to see what new items they add to the menu. I wish I’d caught our waiter’s name. He was very sweet and attentive, without checking up on us too often. Flyover is a new Columbia favorite of mine!“

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

“Great place to eat, especially if you have kids! My girls love that they get an ice cream sundae included with their meals. It has become one of our favorite places to eat as a family. We also frequently order delivery from here and the food always arrives hot and fresh unlike many other places we have ordered from.“

“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“

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

“A more delicious version of freddy’s.“

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

“Greatest burgers on Earth.“

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

“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 tried this place for the 1st time during a work trip and we were very happy with this place. The service was good and the food was outstanding. The prices were reasonable and the portion size exceeded my expectation. I'd definitely choose this place again.“

“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“

“Great cheeseburger and fries!“

“We had a really enjoyable lunch at Tellers. Reagan was an excellent server, warm, attentive and helpful throughout our meal.

The drink menu is also worth mentioning. There is a great variety of cocktails, along with nonalcoholic and other beverage options, which I always appreciate. I highly recommend the basil pear martini. It was absolutely delicious.

I ordered the crispy duck salad and asked the chef to decide how the duck should be prepared. Great decision because it was cooked perfectly. The portion was huge, though, far more than I could finish, and I actually felt guilty leaving so much behind.

The one disappointing part of the experience came at the very end. As we were leaving, the hostess was standing at the host station after seating another couple. We walked directly past her and out the door without any eye contact, acknowledgment, thank you or goodbye. It may seem like a small thing, but it was surprisingly impactful and left an unfortunate final impression after an otherwise excellent meal.

The food, drinks and Reagan’s service were all wonderful and absolutely worth returning for. I just wish the hospitality at the door had matched the experience we received at the table.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“The Deuce Pub & Pit is the Perfect Mizzou Game Day Bar & Restaurant. Plenty of tailgate patio games including Cornhole & Bocce Ball. Also, we loved The Sriracha Honey Jumbo Wings & the Deuce Burger! The staff was outgoing & the fantastic service kept our beers full. Thanks for the great experience!“

“We had a great time watching OU beat Texas here. (Gotta be honest - it really enhanced the experience.) The girl taking care of us was so nice, and did such a great job - we gave her a big tip! BWW's Potato Wedges, dipped in ranch, are delicious every time, and so are Traditional Wings with Asian Zing sauce. I'm making myself hungry just thinking about it.“

“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!!“

“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.“

“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???“

“👏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!!“

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

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

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“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 .“

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

“This is where you can get good food for a reasonable price. The atmosphere allows for family dining to a nice date night. The staff at this Cheddar's was very friendly and professional. There was an emergency with one of the other dinners when we were there an ambulance had to take the person to the hospital. The staff made sure the other dinners were alright during the event while being very respectful to the persons family. I was expressed with the staff.“

“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!“

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

“Me and my mom love ihop!! We came in today (it’s a sunday) so they are always very busy! The first seating we were given was out in the open so we talked to the host and she helped get us moved to a booth!! She was so nice about it and very helpful!!“

“Very friendly and community oriented!“

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

“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!!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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 was doing take out, so my review is limited.
I visited 8/27 at about 5:45Pm.
The bartender who poured my cocktail and took my food order was fantastic.
The food was better tgan what I've become used to. Great baked potato, plenty of asparagus, proper bag to take the food out in.
Only problem was that my steak was over done. I has the 8oz sirloin with the shrimp..
I ordered MR and got what id call a hard Med or MW. My wife orders her beef well done, so I can see the kitchen taking that one.
Of course I was back at my RV spot when I figured it out.
Shrimp, mashed, and veggies were all great.
I will come back....I will just take a little more care about leaving before I check my steak temps..“

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

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

“Always great food and service. Britt is the best!!“

“Staff are all so pleasant and polite. Greeted us as soon as we walked in. Sat us promptly. See ice is amazing. The food is so very good. You can tell from the appearance and taste, that they take care in cooking their steak burgers and plate food perfectly. Their fries are the best. Highly recommend everyone to stop by. Very reasonable prices. 👍🏼“

“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.“

“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 food, very nice restaurant, and wonderful service! Thanks to our amazing waitress, Brie! We will be back when we come to Columbia again!!“