St Louis
Don't dare leave town without licking yourself silly on the super-creamy ice-cream-like frozen custard at historic Ted Drewes, west of the city center on…
Must-see restaurants in Missouri
Kansas City
This slick joint has fab service, great microbrews and some of the best meats to come off a grill in the region. The spare ribs are the best we've had and…
Kansas City
In 1949, when this riverfront strip was the site of the KC stockyards, the Golden Ox served its first steak. Over the years it became a local legend for…
Kansas City
Multiple-award-winning Bluestem has a casual elegance that extends from the bar to the dining room. Many stop into this Westport star just for a fine…
Missouri
Located by College of the Ozarks (and staffed by its students, who also make the ice cream), this is as close to fine dining as Branson gets. The setting…
Kansas City
This legendary joint is housed in a brightly lit old gas station and is the best reason to cross the state border (it's actually not far from the Country…
Springfield
This exceptional bakery and cafe makes some of the best sandwiches in southwest Missouri. Eat in or takeaway, the breads on offer are all housemade. Other…
St Louis
This popular bistro and wine bar fills an old shoe factory. Dinner mains have a Tuscan flair and farm-to-table vibe. Other options on the seasonal menu…
St Louis
Redolent of herbs, this family-owned Italian deli serves up fresh salads and sandwiches (get the meaty Hill Boy) to ravenous lunching crowds. The thin…
St Louis
Part bar, part live-music venue, but all restaurant, this joint jumps year-round. When the sun shines, people flock outside where they suck down crawfish…
St Louis
A South Grand stalwart, the Shaved Duck fires up its grills early in the day and turns out excellent BBQ, such as the signature smoked duck. Options…
St Louis
An authentic family-run soda fountain that's been making families smile since 1913. Malts (hot fudge, yum!) come with spoons, the floats, well, float, and…
Kansas City
The best ice cream in the Great Plains? Could be. Choose from 25 flavors of sensationally creamy ice cream, including the remarkable lavender honey. After…
Kansas City
Not far from the Jazz District (18th and Vine Sts), this famous institution serves up piles of superb BBQ. The sauce is silky and fiery, the staff…
Missouri
Brisket, pulled pork and that holy grail of barbecue, burnt ends, are the stars at one of the very best places to eat on the Strip. The pitmasters here…
Springfield
Taste (far) south-of-the-border flavors at this excellent and very popular restaurant in a vintage brick building on the vibrant Historical Commercial St…
Missouri
Pie! Who doesn't say they love it, but when was the last time you had a really good slice? Amid pervasive mediocrity, this family-run pie shop is a winner…
Ben Magoon's Famous Delicatessen
Missouri
This downtown tavern dates back to the 1920s, when the real Ben Magoon started serving what became much-loved sandwiches. The current owners carry on this…
St Louis
A treat unique to St Louis is the butter cake, a buttery treat that reminds one of a heavenly cross between cake and fudge. This small chain of local…
St Louis
The south side branch of legendary Ted Drewes is open during the summer. Enjoy the super-creamy ice-cream-like frozen custard and try the mash-up of…
Kansas City
City Market is a haven for small local businesses selling an idiosyncratic range of foods and other items. Ethnic groceries exude enticing smells and…
St Louis
Relax with a meal of comfort food (sandwiches, steaks etc) while you revel in the view of Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. The setting could not be more…
Missouri
'The first coffee shop west of the Mississippi' does not disappoint, with an assortment of coffees and teas, sandwiches for breakfast or lunch, and…
Kansas City
One of Kansas City's most innovative restaurants is housed in what was once a humdrum 1915 vintage hotel in the Crossroads Arts District. Today it's been…
St Louis
Named one of the nation's best joints for barbecue, Pappy's serves luscious ribs, pulled pork, brisket and smoked turkey. With fame, however, comes…
Missouri
Housed in an old factory, it's the American classics and creative home-brewed beers here that make this Hannibal's most popular spot. The chicken wings…
St Louis
This tres bon French-style brasserie has an alluring lineup of specialties including foie gras, steak frites, escargot and all the desserts and cheeses…
St Louis
More grocery than cafe, this corner Hill legend is renowned for its ravioli. Get an order toasted and enjoy it outside at a picnic table (it's table-free…
Missouri
The ever-changing selection of craft brews is listed on a screen at this inviting pub. The food hits every comfort note, and includes elaborate nachos,…
Springfield
Enjoy the roof deck atop this converted old brick factory downtown. Several varieties of beer are always on offer, including a very good citrus zinger ale…
St Louis
The soul of Soulard? The smoky meats here draw lines of people who tear into all the standards plus specialties such as prime rib. Extras, including the…
St Louis
This unassuming neighborhood bar and grill in Soulard turns out excellent local-style pizza (ask for Provel, the locally beloved cheese concoction). The…
Missouri
Follow the glow of the red neon sign in the window to this great diner a short drive from the Truman Home. The pot roast special draws diners from miles…
St Louis
A local treasure with a range of vendors selling regional produce, baked goods and prepared foods. Picnic or snack yourself silly. Dating from 1838, it's…
St Louis
Overlooking Tower Grove Park, this hangout for neighborhood activists, hipsters and generally cool folk buzzes day and night. Grab a coffee, a baked treat…
Kansas City
Cheery servers sling plates of top-notch burgers to families, hungover hipsters and more at this Country Club Plaza institution, which dates to 1940. Don…
St Louis
Legendary Charlie Gitto's makes a strong claim to having invented St Louis' famous toasted ravioli. On any night the weather allows, dine under the tree…
Missouri
Try the award-winning catfish blackened or fried in peanut oil (an Ozarks specialty) at this Route 66 staple, which oozes down-home country charm. Meals…
St Louis
On your way south out of town, do not pass this legendary donut shop without stopping. The cherry fritter is a crispy, crunchy, gooey parcel of fruit…
St Louis
Enjoy sandwiches, pizzas and pastas in the vast outdoor courtyard or inside the old-world bar. Watch and join the regulars on the busy bocce ball courts.
