The Spaghetti Red From Fred & Red’s In Missouri Is So Good That The Recipe Hasn’t Changed In A Century
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 07, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Every neighborhood has that one restaurant that everyone absolutely loves. It’s the go-to when we’re craving a hearty meal that we know is going to fill us up and taste absolutely divine. Fred & Red’s Chili in Missouri has been a favorite for nearly a century, and it particularly earns rave reviews for its famous Spaghetti Red, a classic that never goes out of style.
Fred & Red’s boasts a rich history in Joplin, originally opening its doors in 1923 in a tiny seven-seat location. Within two decades, it moved to a larger spot that featured 23 seats.
The beloved hometown diner, which some guests proclaim should hold a prominent spot on the “places to eat before you die,” delighted locals and those passing through for decades. Then, in 2012, the restaurant closed for what many thought was the final time.
In 2016, current owner and a native of Joplin, David Schaefer bought the beloved eatery, keeping it just as it had been for decades before, including featuring its famous Spaghetti Red’s original recipe on the menu.
You might be tempted to order the regular portion of the Spaghetti Red, especially if it’s your first helping. Be prepared, though, because next time you order you’ll wonder if even the jumbo portion is big enough.
That might lead you to a pretty tough dilemma, especially if you love both chili and tamales. What will you order? The Overload, of course. It comes with three chili-covered tamales topped with spaghetti and more chili.
Have you had the Spaghetti Red at Fred & Red’s in Missouri? What do you think? Share your experience in the comments! After a hearty dinner, you might want to do a little exploring in Joplin. How about a visit to one of Missouri’s most majestic waterfalls?
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