15 MORE Restaurants You Have To Visit In Missouri Before You Die (Reader’s Choice-Part 2)

Located on the Missouri River in historic downtown Washington, The Blue Duck offers delicious American comfort food. The menu includes made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. An interesting appetizer is the pork belly bites, a plate of 1 inch cubes of pork belly (uncured, unsliced bacon), dry barbecue rubbed, and deep fried, then served with a smokey-sweet BBQ sauce.

Address: 516 W Front St #100

Website: blueduckwashmo.com

Bambino’s was recently named Best Italian Dining and one of the 5 Best Restaurants in Springfield by 417 Magazine. They have also been named Best Hidden Restaurant, as its original location at 1141 E. Delmar Street is tucked back in the residential Phelps Grove neighborhood. The large covered patio, laid-back atmosphere and great prices keep customers coming back for more.

Their second location opened in 2015, at 2810-D E Battlefield in the historic Half A Hill shopping center.

Website: bambinos.com

Bek’s is a warm and stylish hangout located in historic downtown Fulton. They serve lunch and dinner in a casual and friendly atmosphere. All of their menu offerings feature food made from scratch using local and seasonal ingredients. Customer favorites include the Chicken Chipotle Sammy, the Steak Sammy and the fresh fish of the week.

Address: 511 Court Street

Website: beksshop.com

With six locations in and around Kansas City, this family owned restaurant chain has grown from its beginnings as a single store at 19th and Vine in 1946. Gates Bar-B-Q is a Kansas City original, with all of its stores featuring the signature unique red roof design and man in full tuxedo top hat. They also sell their barbecue sauce and seasonings in their stores and online or by calling 1-800-662 RIBS (7427).

Website: gatesbbq.com

Mama Tios is a popular Mexican restaurant with two locations in Kansas City: 8026 Paseo Boulevard, and downtown at 1111 Main Street. In business since 1979, they are known for their large portions, chip bar, and authentic Mexican entrees, as well as a selection of American foods like burgers and chicken wings. Daily specials include $1.10 tacos on Taco Tuesdays, and 75 cent wings on Wednesdays.

Website: mamatios.com

The recently opened Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, located at 209 E Walnut Street in Springfield, is more than the title suggests. To start with, they offer 12 burgers with a wide range of flavors, including the Cowboy Carl, a house-ground beef patty topped with slow roasted brisket, briny pickles, candied bacon, white cheddar cheese, and a mound of spicy fried onions. At nearly 6 inches tall, it takes some skill to eat, but it’s delicious.

Shakes are made with Andy’s Frozen Custard blended with additions including blackberry pie, oreos, bananas and peanut butter. The sweet potato fries are covered with marshmallow cream and pecans, and the smoked fries with sea salt come with three different dipping sauces. If that sounds too fat-inducing to you, they also have gluten-free, vegetarian, and no sugar options.

Website: blaaacksheep.com

The Avalon Café is charmingly located on a hilltop overlooking Weston’s historic downtown. Originally called "White Lace" for the white gingerbread adorning the front porch, this 1847 antebellum home now serves American Bistro-style cuisine.

Among the house specialties is the Beef Tenderloin, grilled over Missouri Apple Wood and served with Mushroom and Bourbon Sauce. You might also try the New Zealand Green Mussels in enriched wine sauce.

Finish things off with yummy Cinnamon Bread Pudding served with Vanilla Cream Sauce. The Avalon also features a full service bar with an extensive wine list, a large assortment of single malt scotch, small batch bourbons, cognacs and armagnac.

Address: 608 Main Street

Website: avaloncafeweston.com