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…
Must-see restaurants in The Great Plains
Iowa
One of Iowa's farm-to-table pioneers, Alba has a great spot in the buzzy East Village neighborhood. Dine on inventive seasonal fare that's casual yet…
Nebraska
This classic Mexican bakery has dozens of fresh items you choose yourself using tongs and a platter. The traditional shortbread cookies are beloved by all.
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.
Nebraska
This ages-old diner downtown serves fabulous chili-covered hot dogs, malts, shakes, burgers and more. The red vinyl stools face an iconic lunch counter.
Kansas
Follow the pink neon to this classic drive-in, beloved for its cheeseburgers, homemade onion rings, malts and more. Save room for the famous apple pie.
Nebraska
Is it a coffeehouse? A chocolate shop? A cafe? A bar? This tasty downtown spot is all of the above. The menu includes breakfasts and sandwiches.
Kansas City
Just 4 miles east of the Country Club Plaza, the unadorned interior of this eatery does nothing to distract from Kansas City's best burnt ends.
Oklahoma
A Route 66 diner with flash and style, plus 20 microbrews on tap. Get your steak or sandwich with a locally grown sweet potato on the side.
Kansas
A retro diner made good, everything is better at this throwback, which has a fresh and tasty ethos. Seasonal fruit pies are the bomb.
Nebraska
Ultra-creamy ice cream in myriad flavors made fresh daily right before your very eyes. Vegans will enjoy the coconut-based creations.
Missouri
One of the original locations of this very popular chain of frozen custard stores. It's just creamier and better here.
Nebraska
The place to go for good IPAs and pizza; it's got a nice terrace and fine selection of house-made and guest beers.
Kansas
For legendary fried chicken, try Chicken Mary's, not far from where Route 66 crosses into Kansas.
Iowa
A kingdom of locally produced cheeses and smoked meats. Get your picnic supplies here.
Iowa
The place downtown for a great coffee and a tasty breakfast. Excellent baked goods.
Black Hills
With brick walls, wooden booths and plenty of taxidermy, you can easily get into the frontier spirit at this atmospheric 1890s-era saloon. It whips up…
North Dakota
With door handles made of pistols and walls plastered in scarlet-red wallpaper, this old-timey saloon will whip you back to the Wild West. The menu has a…
Oklahoma
Ike's has been serving chili for more than 110 years and its classic version is much loved. You can get it straight or over Fritos (a local sensation), a…
Oklahoma
Let the old road signs and classic advertisements take you back to the Oklahoma of yesteryear at this decent burger, steak and barbecue joint, housed in…
Oklahoma
Despite the name (and pervasive chicken-themed decor), this funky restaurant is all about hand-tossed pizza pies and submarine sandwiches. Its claim to…
Missouri
This atmospheric local favorite has wood furnishings, brick walls and casual comfort fare (think burgers, steaks, pasta, salads and wraps). It's steeped…
South Dakota
Let all of the billboards along I-90 lure you in to this faux frontier complex with its atmospheric restaurant full of wagon wheels and painted animal…
St Louis
Top ingredients separate this slick deli from humdrum sandwich chains. Its French dip is a case in point; laden with house-roasted beef. Get your Forest…
St Louis
Local chain Imo's, with over 70 locations across the metro area, bakes 'the square beyond compare.' It's the classic version of the thin, square St Louis…
Kansas
This Russian deli by the old Santa Fe main line has been serving up simple sandwiches since 1947. The chili (only served Monday to Thursday, September to…
Black Hills
This cheery little cafe with a blue bison on the roof is hopping from breakfast through lunch with a small but tasty menu of bagels, soups and grilled…
Kansas
Yes, you can get a cupcake here (and a gooey roll etc), but this multifaceted cafe also serves meals and good coffee, beer and other drinks. Hours are…
Black Hills
Fine burgers, sandwiches and salads star at lunch at this casually elegant downtown dining spot. At dinner, choose from superb steaks and other meaty…
South Dakota
Located in the heart of a gift shop selling South Dakota-made products, this family style bakery and cafe serves up hearty breakfasts and lunches with…
Kansas
This bright cafe in Old Town specializes in fresh organic dishes. There are numerous veggies plates as well as poultry and seafood options. There's also a…
North Dakota
Come for the location in the historic – and impressive – 1900 train station. There's seating outside, plus a large selection of comfort food and beers…
Kansas
This barn-like addition to the old train station is locally owned and serves good steaks, burgers and a smattering of Mexican dishes. There's a sports bar…
Black Hills
What separates this place from other family-filled pizza joints in the center is the great view from the second-floor dining area and long terrace. The…
Nebraska
Omaha is famous for steaks and this lavish low-lit restaurant won't disappoint with its seared meat. The excellent casual fare in the bar costs a fraction…
North Dakota
This hip breakfast and lunch cafe serves farm-to-table, premium-priced fare in a minimalist environment amid good tunes. Most of the food suppliers are…
South Dakota
This homey neighborhood cafe in Pine Ridge has an expansive deck and an array of intriguing coffees, as well as daily breakfast and lunch specials.
Nebraska
Classic local burger joint with a great neon sign and a few tables scattered inside and out. Everything, including the burgers, is ultrafresh.
Missouri
Little changed from when Truman got his first job working the soda counter. Come for ice-cream sundaes, homemade sodas and banana splits.
