We all have that favorite neighborhood spot we bring our out-of-town friends to for a delicious meal. Here are just a few local favorites all over Missouri that we invite you to check out if you’re in the area.
1. Justus Drugstore - Smithville
Don't be fooled by its name. Though the restaurant building used to be a pharmacy in the '50s, it now serves up some of the best food north of the Missouri River. Rest assured that the ingredients are always fresh, as this is a farm-to-table restaurant with an extensive wine list.
Address:
106 W Main St.
Smithville, MO 64089
2. Bambino's Cafe on Delmar - Springfield
Voted the best Italian food in Springfield, you'll find Bambino's tucked away in the Phelps Grove neighborhood. Locals loved it so much that Bambino's opened a second location to feed the masses.
Address:
1141 E Delmar St.
Springfield, MO 65807
2810 E Battlefield Rd.
Springfield, MO 65804
3. Abigail's - Rocheport
Located along the Katy Trail, Abigail's has become an instant favorite for cyclists and runners alike. But even if you're not on the trail, don't have that stop you from coming in to enjoy their seafood ravioli or toasted coconut pie.
Address:
206 Central St.
Rocheport, MO 65279
4. Blue Koi Noodles & Dumplings - Kansas City
If the guy standing in front of Blue Koi in the photo above looks familiar to you, that's because he probably is. Guy Fieri from the Food Network was so impressed with their mouth watering dumplings, that he featured the restaurant on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
Address:
1803 W 39th St.
Kansas City, MO 64111
5. Sybill's - Saint James
It may look like a home, but it'll be unlike any home you've ever visited. Enjoy upscale American cuisine for brunch, lunch and dinner and head to the gift shop after for a souvenir.
Address:
1100 N Jefferson St.
St James, MO 65559
6. Shakespeare's Pizza - Columbia
Good beer and even better pizza...no wonder Shakespeare's is a favorite among Mizzou students. Check out any of the three locations for the best pizza in Columbia.
Address:
Downtown:
225 S. Ninth Street
Columbia, Missouri 65201
West:
3304 Broadway Business Park Court
Columbia, Missouri 65203
South:
3911 Peachtree Drive Columbia, Missouri 65203
7. Dowd's Catfish & BBQ - Lebanon
Nothing like some fresh catfish and good ol' Missouri BBQ. We recommend going with the Papa's Combo, where you'll get a sampling of catfish, ribs and chicken strips along with two sides.
Address:
1760 W Elm St.
Lebanon, MO 65536
8. Emmet's Kitchen & Tap - Fayette
Their burgers were already pretty darn good, but tucked inside a toasted pretzel bun? Well, that's a game changer.
Address:
111 N Main St.
Fayette, MO 65248
9. The Shaved Duck - St. Louis
Venture into the Tower Grove East neighborhood of St. Louis for some of the best soul food in the city.
Address:
2900 Virginia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118
10. The Classic Cookie - Kansas City
Not only do they serve cookies, but they also whip up a pretty mean breakfast and lunch menu. As a bonus, when you order lunch, you'll get free mini muffins and cookies beforehand as an appetizer. Dessert before your meal? Now that's a progressive idea we can support.
Address:
409 W Gregory Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64114
Where would you take an out-of-towner to eat in your neighborhood? We’d love to hear some of your favorite local spots in the comments below.
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