In a previous post, we told you about some of the best small-town restaurants in Missouri. Have you visited any of those yet? Well, now we are back with a few more in this sprawling, midwestern state, many recommended by our readers in the best foodie towns in Missouri. With Missouri’s great agricultural tradition, it is home to more than 100,000 farms, which cover two-thirds of the state’s land. Some of the state’s commodities include corn, soybeans, cattle,  hogs, and turkeys. With such an abundance of farmers, it is easy to see why The Show Me State houses such great restaurants. Let’s take a look.

1. Crane's Farmhouse, Shelbyville
Crane's Farmhouse, 101 E Main St, Shelbyville, MO 63469, USA
cranesfarmhouse.business.site
Crane's Farmhouse/Facebook
Try the fantastic food at Crane’s Farmhouse. From the deep-fried pickle spears to mouth-watering Black Angus ribeyes, you'll find everything is cooked to perfection. And the staff here is genuinely glad to see you. For some yummy comfort food, order this hand-breaded pork fritter with white cheddar mashed potatoes and gravy, at one of the best small-town restaurants in Missouri.
2. Thee Abbey Kitchen - Arcadia Academy, Ironton
Arcadia Academy/Facebook
Thee Abbey Kitchen / Arcadia Academy, 211 S College St, Arcadia, MO 63621, USA
Thee Abbey Kitchen - Arcadia Academy/Facebook
Thee Abbey Kitchen in the Arcadia Academy is just one feature of this historic destination tourist attraction. The former Ursuline Academy is now known as the Arcadia College Historic District, and has eight buildings, all from the mid-to-late 1800s. Besides the restaurant, it offers a bed-and-breakfast, a wedding location, a chapel, a gymnasium, and a theater. Walking and horse-drawn tours are also available. The family-style restaurant includes a bakery and an old-fashioned ice cream shop with frozen custard made at the on-site creamery.
3. Aurora Family Restaurant, Aurora
Aurora Family Restaurant, 627 E Church St, Aurora, MO 65605, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Aurora Family Restaurant/Facebook
This family-friendly eatery has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 2004. This clean restaurant has a hometown feel that keeps people coming back. Try the fantastic chicken and waffles, or this classic all-beef cheeseburger with fries. Whatever you order is a good choice at Aurora Family Restaurant, best foodie towns in Missouri
4. Iron Horse, Blackwater
ironhorsehotel.com
Iron Horse Hotel, 101 Main St, Blackwater, MO 65322, USA
Iron Horse Hotel & Restaurant/Facebook
Chef Tracy at the Iron Horse combines her experience living in New Orleans and being trained in Italy to create a unique menu with Creole, Italian, Southern and American classics combined. For the lunch menu, gourmet sandwiches and burgers are served with Memphis-style coleslaw, sweet potato waffle fries, and sliced deep-fried pickles. The dinner menu features such delicious entrees as shrimp Creole, Italian pasta, Mediterranean-style fish, and Kansas City strip steak. Unique starters include southern-fried cheese grits, fried stuffed ravioli, and fried green tomatoes.
5. Wentzville Family Diner, Wentzville
Wentzville Family Diner, 403 Luetkenhaus Blvd, Wentzville, MO 63385, USA
Wentzville Family Diner/Facebook
This family diner offers service with a smile. And while the menu has plenty of homemade goodness, pay attention to the daily specials that fill up the blackboard.
Wentzville Family Diner, 403 Luetkenhaus Blvd, Wentzville, MO 63385, USA
Wentzville Family Diner/Facebook
What about trying the creative combination of fried chicken and spaghetti? This is one of the best small-town diners in Missouri.
6. The Kozy, Bloomsdale
The Kozy/Facebook

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The Kozy/Facebook
The Kozy was created for people to gather together and enjoy a big taste of a small town. This classic goodness of fried chicken and waffles is just one of the many entrees offered on this menu. This family-owned business has been feeding people since 2013.
7. Dimitris' Greek Gyros & Deli, Branson
Dimitris' Greek Gyros & Deli/Facebook
Dimitris' Greek Gyros & Deli/Facebook
Dimitris' Greek Gyros & Deli offers spectacular Greek food in a family atmosphere. If you don't know what to choose from the generous menu selection, try the scrumptious appetizer combo platter, or share a gyros platter for two. Make sure to save room for the best cannolis in North Carolina.
8. Catalpa, Arrow Rock
Catalpa, 302 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, USA
Catalpa/Facebook
Catalpa/Facebook
Located in a cute little red brick house in the tiny historic town of Arrow Rock, Catalpa is a fine dining restaurant with an eclectic, seasonal menu. Arrow Rock is a village of 37 people located on the Missouri River at the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail. Catalpa has only 8 tables in the dining room, one Chef’s Table in the kitchen, and a screened-in porch and brick patio, utilized when weather permits. Produce and meats are all sourced locally whenever possible, and the menu varies with the seasons. A fun, relaxed atmosphere and great food make it a popular place, so given the size, reservations are required.
9. Heroes Restaurant & Pub, Warrensburg
Gregor G./Yelp
Mary R./Yelp
The delightful Heroes Restaurant and Pub opened in 1981 and has since expanded into four downtown storefronts seating 175 and a banquet room seating 60. Decorated with political, sports and movie memorabilia depicting heroes of the past and present, the food comes in American classics, such as burgers, hand-cut steaks, freshly cut fries and hand-breaded onion rings. Dinner entrees include steak, chicken, seafood, and pasta. Top it off with one of their delicious desserts.
10. Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap, Fayette
Emmet's Kitchen & Tap/Facebook
Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap/Facebook
The Facebook page will tell you a visit to Emmet’s is "a pretty little drive to total satisfaction." This small but charming pub and restaurant serves delicious food made to order. You’re never going to have a bad meal at Emmet's, and a local favorite is the catfish filet, which comes as an entree, sandwich, or on a salad. Great service, a casual, friendly atmosphere, and great food combine to make Emmet’s worth the drive. Look for the blue awning.
11. The Ozark Café, West Plains
Ozark Cafe/Facebook
Ozark Cafe, 662 Missouri Ave, West Plains, MO 65775, USA
Ozark Cafe/Facebook
The Ozark Cafe has a traditional small-town atmosphere and is one of the best small town diners in Missouri. The staff serves traditional American foods, such as burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches like this huge Phillie. It is also a great place to get a good old-fashioned country breakfast.

What is your favorite small town restaurant? Are there any others that we still haven’t covered? Please share in the comments below.

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More to Explore

best small town restaurants in Missouri

Carolyn Harmon | October 07, 2022

Where is another one of the best small-town restaurants in Missouri?

Dowd's Catfish & BBQ, in Lebanon, Missouri, is a southern bayou-themed restaurant with the hospitality to match. If you're in the mood for some delicious southern fried catfish and other mouth-watering barbecue dishes, this is the place to go. In addition to the locals, lots of visitors straggle in from Interstate 44 or Route 66. Some of the appetizers include fried dill pickles and pig skins. Family dinners feed four to six people and include the famous hush puppies, sides of pinto beans, cole slaw, and a choice of potato with a main dish choice of catfish, fried shrimp, chicken strips, or a combination of all three. Whether you're on the road, or just tired of cooking, you can't go wrong with Dowd's, one of the best small-town diners in Missouri.

Where is another one of the best small towns in Missouri?

One of the easiest ways to find some amazing small towns in Missouri is to take a road trip. The cozy town of Hermann is on the list. The village resembles Germany with its interesting, 19th-century brick buildings. The town boasts excellent restaurants and gorgeous views of the river, making it perfect for a romantic getaway. From wine companies to distilleries, there are plenty of opportunities to take a sip along the way. Later, take a walk through the historic district where you can do some shopping in the quaint boutiques. And if there's time, visit the Historic Hermann Museum.

Where is the best bed-and-breakfast in Hermann, Missouri?

While you are in Hermann, be sure to spend the night at Murphy's Bed and Breakfast. Located in the breathtaking Missouri River Valley, the location is perfect for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solitary escape. Built in 1869 by a well-known winemaker, the Federal-style inn was renovated in 2021. The exclusive guest suites offer a much-needed respite with private baths and a glass of wine on the outdoor patio. And if you are coming in by bicycle from the Katy Trail, there is a secure area for storing the bicycles.

 

 

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Featured Addresses
The Kozy, 710 US-61, Bloomsdale, MO 63627, USA
Dimitri's Greek Gyros, 111 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Heroes Restaurant & Pub, 107 W Pine St, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA
Emmet's Kitchen & Tap, 111 N Main St, Fayette, MO 65248, USA