Nebraska
The same family has been running this local legend of a steakhouse since 1922. The restaurant itself is a living museum of decor, with custom artwork…
Must-see restaurants in The Great Plains
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City's most storied restaurant, this Stockyards City institution has been feeding cowpokes and city slickers slabs of beef since 1910. Deals are…
Iowa
Good smells have wafted out of this traditional bakery since 1903. Savory choices include zelniks (buns filled with cabbage and caraway seeds). Another…
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…
Iowa
It took Michelangelo four years to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but it took Evelin 'Paco' Rosic just four months to make a half-sized…
Iowa
Inventive, fresh seasonal fare is the hallmark of this industrial chic eatery downtown. Always crowded, diners share large and small plates of the…
Oklahoma
A legendary barbecue joint where the star of the menu is the potentially deadly 'Badwich,' a bun-crushing combo of superbly smoked sausages, ham, beef,…
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…
Nebraska
Agriculture majors make the ice cream with milk from the university's own herd at this store on the East Campus. The results are amazingly creamy and come…
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…
Iowa
Located in the old Ames train station, this barbecue joint has tables overlooking the still busy tracks. The food is sensational, cooked by a crew of…
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…
Oklahoma
This former art deco flower shop is now an upscale cafe with excellent Southern- and Mexican-influenced fare. The menu changes seasonally and is locally…
Iowa
This converted grain mill draws folks from across the region with both its made-from-scratch Southern cooking and live blues and jazz music (Saturday and…
Kansas
One of many good places on Massachusetts St downtown, this is the first brewery in Kansas since temperance campaigner Carrie Nation got one closed in 1880…
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…
Black Hills
This top-notch bakery, cafe and coffee bar has a fun boho vibe. The food is tasty and healthy, especially the banana bread and the breakfast burrito on a…
Nebraska
West of downtown in Midtown, chef Clayton Chapman has challenged perceptions of Great Plains cuisine with his fiercely local and seasonal dishes. Winners:…
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…
Kansas
The model for diners everywhere. This bustling local downtown fave has fabulous chow, including corned-beef hash, banana-bread French toast and eggs…
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…
Nebraska
This fine Haymarket cafe in a fantastic bookstore serves excellent coffee, snacks and sandwiches throughout the day. Best of all, 100% of all coffee…
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…
South Dakota
Michael Haskett's retro cafe serves brilliant food throughout the day, from breakfast through dinner. The ever-changing menu draws inspiration from the…
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…
Oklahoma
The hamburgers at this outlet are lauded nationwide. The limited hours mean that crowds form to get a chance at one of the juicy masterpieces. Be sure to…
Iowa
Beloved donut shop that also sells cinnamon twists; the fresh fruit numbers are the bomb.
Iowa
This excellent restaurant serving hearty fare is out west near I-35/80 exit 125 and the Living History Farms. It's a bustling place that emphasizes top…
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…
Iowa
Generations of locals have feasted on homestyle Italian classics at this proudly family-run restaurant. Have an amazingly cheap mixed drink at the bar…
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…
Iowa
A classic that's had an open kitchen since before they were trendy. Succulent steaks (go for the prime sirloin) are perfectly grilled and come with sides…
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…
Black Hills
Carter or Reagan? Both statues are visible out front and you can ponder your preference while you savor the upscale diner fare at this slick downtown cafe…
