Missourians know a whole lot about good food. After all, we live in a state that’s positively brimming with unique eateries — pizza joints, burger stands, classic Italian restaurants, wineries, and traditional steakhouses. And, of course, we’re famous for some of the most crave-worthy cuisine in the country — toasted ravioli, finger-lickin’ barbecue, and the world-famous gooey butter cake… we’re in a food coma just thinking about it. Our point is: the food scene in the Show-Me State is amazing, and you’ll also find some of the most unique restaurants in the country right here in Missouri, too! We’ve shared some of our favorites before, but here are seven more unique restaurants sure to give you an unforgettable dining experience. Bon appetite!
- Undercliff Bar and Grill, Tipton Ford, Joplin
Yelp/ J.P.
Yelp/ Joe H. One of the most unique restaurants in Missouri, dining at Undercliff Bar and Grill is an experience. Besides the unique location under a cliff, this made-to-order burger joint is special for many other reasons. They are not fast food and take pride in taking time with your order to make it perfect. While you are waiting, you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere and have a few drinks with friends. They make their own chips fresh with each order, and besides standard American fare, they also have specialties like Frito Chili Pie and Spaghetti Red. Both dishes are made with their signature house chili. Undercliff Grill & Bar, 6385 Old Hwy 71, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
- Carl’s Drive-In, Brentwood
Yelp/ Claire W.
Yelp/ Kevin D. This classic Route 66-themed burger joint is a place where time stands still. Despite being extremely small, it is usually filled beyond capacity during peak hours, and definitely worth fighting the “crowd.” Everything is up close and personal, with food cooked to order within inches of those lucky enough to have snagged a stool. Don’t leave without trying their custom-brewed root beer, which they claim to be from the original IBC recipe. Oh, and the burgers? Out-of-this-world good! 9033 Manchester Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144, USA
- Spencer’s Grill, Kirkwood
Yelp/ Teresa G.
Yelp/ Sean B. A hometown favorite located in the heart of downtown Kirkwood, Spencer’s Grill has been serving Kirkwood diners from that same spot since 1947. Best known for their traditional breakfast items, Spencer’s cooks up pancakes and omelets and all the rest with consistent tastiness – and these delicious dishes are available all day long! This Route 66 eatery also offers lunch with a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Pro tip: get “The Isabel” – it’s downright delicious! Spencer’s Grill, 223 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122, USA
- Lamberts, Sikeston
Yelp/ Joy A.
Yelp/ Alicia R. You’ve probably heard about Lambert’s Cafe, home of the “throwed rolls.” But this list of unique restaurants in Missouri would simply not be complete without their inclusion. They have three locations, the most well-known being the original one in the town of Sikeston. People come from all over to dine on generous servings of food, all while having some fun and allowing people to throw rolls at them! 2305 E Malone Ave, Miner, MO 63801, USA
- Kehde’s BBQ in Sedalia
Kehde’s Barbeque/Facebook
Kehde’s Barbeque/Facebook Family-owned for three generations, this barbecue spot is located in a classic 1920s train car! Besides barbecue, they also serve croissants, sandwiches, burritos, and their famous Posh potatoes. Dining at Kehde’s Barbeque is a total, only-in-Missouri experience. Kehde’s Barbeque, 1915 S Limit Ave, Sedalia, MO 65301, USA
- Blueberry Hill, St. Louis
Facebook/ Blueberry Hill
Facebook/ Blueberry Hill This St. Louis landmark is most famous for Chuck Berry performances on the third Wednesday of each month in the Duck Room. He once played every single month from 1996 through his 88th birthday week in October 2014. Besides Chuck Berry and the Duck Room, the restaurant is also famous for its décor, its cheeseburgers, and its darts room. Since opening in 1972, the restaurant has expanded into the adjacent spaces to the east and the west, and it now occupies an entire block of Delmar Boulevard. Outside the restaurant, you’ll find the St. Louis Walk of Fame by Joe Edwards, lining the sidewalks on both sides of Delmar, and made up of bronze stars and informative biographical plaques honoring St. Louis-area natives who have made major national contributions to American cultural heritage. 6504 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, USA
- The White Rose Café, Union
Facebook/ White Rose Café
Facebook/ White Rose Café A Union downtown landmark for more than 75 years, the family-owned and operated White Rose Café originally started as a single-pump gas station! It has changed and grown over the years into the 116-seat café it is today, serving home-style country food, breakfast all day, and evening specials. Most interestingly, they celebrate their anniversary each year with a car show held on the first Sunday of every June. Unlike a lot of car shows, everyone is invited to participate! There are motorcycles, old and new cars, trucks, classics, and everything in between. White Rose Cafe, 208 E Main St, Union, MO 63084, USA
There sure are some wholly unique restaurants in Missouri. Have we missed one of your favorites? Give them a shout out by nominating them to be considered for an upcoming Only In Missouri article!
Yelp/ J.P.
Yelp/ Joe H.
One of the most unique restaurants in Missouri, dining at Undercliff Bar and Grill is an experience. Besides the unique location under a cliff, this made-to-order burger joint is special for many other reasons. They are not fast food and take pride in taking time with your order to make it perfect. While you are waiting, you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere and have a few drinks with friends. They make their own chips fresh with each order, and besides standard American fare, they also have specialties like Frito Chili Pie and Spaghetti Red. Both dishes are made with their signature house chili.
Undercliff Grill & Bar, 6385 Old Hwy 71, Joplin, MO 64804, USA
Yelp/ Claire W.
Yelp/ Kevin D.
This classic Route 66-themed burger joint is a place where time stands still. Despite being extremely small, it is usually filled beyond capacity during peak hours, and definitely worth fighting the “crowd.” Everything is up close and personal, with food cooked to order within inches of those lucky enough to have snagged a stool. Don’t leave without trying their custom-brewed root beer, which they claim to be from the original IBC recipe. Oh, and the burgers? Out-of-this-world good!
9033 Manchester Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144, USA
Yelp/ Teresa G.
Yelp/ Sean B.
A hometown favorite located in the heart of downtown Kirkwood, Spencer’s Grill has been serving Kirkwood diners from that same spot since 1947. Best known for their traditional breakfast items, Spencer’s cooks up pancakes and omelets and all the rest with consistent tastiness – and these delicious dishes are available all day long! This Route 66 eatery also offers lunch with a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Pro tip: get “The Isabel” – it’s downright delicious!
Spencer’s Grill, 223 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122, USA
Yelp/ Joy A.
Yelp/ Alicia R.
You’ve probably heard about Lambert’s Cafe, home of the “throwed rolls.” But this list of unique restaurants in Missouri would simply not be complete without their inclusion. They have three locations, the most well-known being the original one in the town of Sikeston. People come from all over to dine on generous servings of food, all while having some fun and allowing people to throw rolls at them!
2305 E Malone Ave, Miner, MO 63801, USA
Kehde’s Barbeque/Facebook
Family-owned for three generations, this barbecue spot is located in a classic 1920s train car! Besides barbecue, they also serve croissants, sandwiches, burritos, and their famous Posh potatoes. Dining at Kehde’s Barbeque is a total, only-in-Missouri experience.
Kehde’s Barbeque, 1915 S Limit Ave, Sedalia, MO 65301, USA
Facebook/ Blueberry Hill
This St. Louis landmark is most famous for Chuck Berry performances on the third Wednesday of each month in the Duck Room. He once played every single month from 1996 through his 88th birthday week in October 2014. Besides Chuck Berry and the Duck Room, the restaurant is also famous for its décor, its cheeseburgers, and its darts room. Since opening in 1972, the restaurant has expanded into the adjacent spaces to the east and the west, and it now occupies an entire block of Delmar Boulevard. Outside the restaurant, you’ll find the St. Louis Walk of Fame by Joe Edwards, lining the sidewalks on both sides of Delmar, and made up of bronze stars and informative biographical plaques honoring St. Louis-area natives who have made major national contributions to American cultural heritage.
6504 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, USA
Facebook/ White Rose Café
A Union downtown landmark for more than 75 years, the family-owned and operated White Rose Café originally started as a single-pump gas station! It has changed and grown over the years into the 116-seat café it is today, serving home-style country food, breakfast all day, and evening specials. Most interestingly, they celebrate their anniversary each year with a car show held on the first Sunday of every June. Unlike a lot of car shows, everyone is invited to participate! There are motorcycles, old and new cars, trucks, classics, and everything in between.
White Rose Cafe, 208 E Main St, Union, MO 63084, USA
Missouri really is a paradise for foodies. For a full primer on the best our state has to offer, you’ll want to read our Ultimate Guide To The Best Restaurants In Missouri, which includes some of the best pizzas, tacos, ice cream in the state, and so much more! In it, we share some of our favorite eateries across the state, all of which belong on your Missouri bucket list! Have you visited any of these spots before? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
unique restaurants in Missouri October 27, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best restaurants in Missouri? One of the best restaurants in Missouri is:
Pasghetti’s in Brandon
We love all the different eateries here, but Italian food has a special place in our hearts. You know: authentic Italian food is just so good for the soul – and the stomach! Pasghetti’s in Branson, a destination Italian restaurant, is one of those restaurants you really have to experience to appreciate. Make your way through the World’s Largest Meatball, which leads into the restaurant that boasts seven themed dining rooms, including an Italian village. The menu features delicious appetizers and classic Italian dishes. Can you pass up, for example, the traditional spaghetti with a giant meatball? Or do you prefer eggplant Parmesan or lasagna? You’ll find so many delicious dishes on the menu that you’ll probably want to come back again and again to try them all. What foods is Missouri known for? Foods that Missouri is known for include:
St. Louis pizza Kansas City Barbecue Butter Cake Toasted Ravioli Hot Salami Sandwich Roast Beef Sandwich Meatball Sandwich
Missouri’s contributions to the culinary scene are numerous: St. Louis pizza, Kansas City barbecue, gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli, and Italian foods of all varieties. Our Italian game is strong in the Show-Me State – and if you want to really savor those Old World flavors, check out one of our numerous delis! Because you’ll find some of the best Italian sandwiches here in Missouri. One of our favorite spots is Gioia’s Deli in St. Louis. A city staple since it opened in 1918, the popular corner deli is perhaps best known for its one-of-a-kind, scrumptious hot salami sandwiches. One of the biggest selling points of the hot salami sandwich is the salami stays delightfully warm from the time it’s cut until it’s added to your sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the other popular sandwiches, too, including the roast beef and the meatball sandwiches. They’re all amazing! Where can I find the best pizza in Missouri? The best pizza in Missouri is at:
Reeds Spring Pizza Company
If you’re craving pizza, you’ve come to the right state! Missouri’s known for its pizza and, in particular, its famous St. Louis-style pizza, but what pizza joint makes the very best? That’s probably up for debate no matter whom you talk to, but one pizza joint certainly stands out as one of the best. Reeds Spring Pizza Company offers a delicious selection of pizza, all made with its scrumptious homemade pizza dough. You can, of course, order the traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza. However, if you like an extra zing to your pie, try such favorites as the Greek-style Athens pizza. It comes topped with mozzarella and feta cheese, spinach, and olives. We’re salivating just thinking about it. What’s the most surprising food I’ll find in Missouri? One of the most surprising foods in Missouri is:
Mexican cuisine
You may be surprised to learn that Missouri is home to some killer Mexican cuisine. (We know, we just finished singing the Italian praises of the state, but Missouri is full of surprises!) One of our favorite Mexican restaurants – and arguably the best in the state – is Tres Toritos. Tucked in the tiny town of Saint Clair, Tres Toritos packs a whole lot of punch into its tiny, colorful interior. The authentic Mexican restaurant is so popular, in fact, that you’ll likely face a wait for a seat. However, that wait is well worth it for the flavorful, authentic meal that awaits. Mexican shrimp soup or Mexican chicken soup is the perfect way to start your meal, which you can then follow with a classic dish like burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The menu boasts two dozen meal combinations, so you have plenty of choices. Vegetarian dishes and kid’s favorites are also on the menu at this must-visit spot.
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique restaurants in Missouri
October 27, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best restaurants in Missouri? One of the best restaurants in Missouri is:
Pasghetti’s in Brandon
We love all the different eateries here, but Italian food has a special place in our hearts. You know: authentic Italian food is just so good for the soul – and the stomach! Pasghetti’s in Branson, a destination Italian restaurant, is one of those restaurants you really have to experience to appreciate. Make your way through the World’s Largest Meatball, which leads into the restaurant that boasts seven themed dining rooms, including an Italian village. The menu features delicious appetizers and classic Italian dishes. Can you pass up, for example, the traditional spaghetti with a giant meatball? Or do you prefer eggplant Parmesan or lasagna? You’ll find so many delicious dishes on the menu that you’ll probably want to come back again and again to try them all. What foods is Missouri known for? Foods that Missouri is known for include:
St. Louis pizza Kansas City Barbecue Butter Cake Toasted Ravioli Hot Salami Sandwich Roast Beef Sandwich Meatball Sandwich
Missouri’s contributions to the culinary scene are numerous: St. Louis pizza, Kansas City barbecue, gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli, and Italian foods of all varieties. Our Italian game is strong in the Show-Me State – and if you want to really savor those Old World flavors, check out one of our numerous delis! Because you’ll find some of the best Italian sandwiches here in Missouri. One of our favorite spots is Gioia’s Deli in St. Louis. A city staple since it opened in 1918, the popular corner deli is perhaps best known for its one-of-a-kind, scrumptious hot salami sandwiches. One of the biggest selling points of the hot salami sandwich is the salami stays delightfully warm from the time it’s cut until it’s added to your sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the other popular sandwiches, too, including the roast beef and the meatball sandwiches. They’re all amazing! Where can I find the best pizza in Missouri? The best pizza in Missouri is at:
Reeds Spring Pizza Company
If you’re craving pizza, you’ve come to the right state! Missouri’s known for its pizza and, in particular, its famous St. Louis-style pizza, but what pizza joint makes the very best? That’s probably up for debate no matter whom you talk to, but one pizza joint certainly stands out as one of the best. Reeds Spring Pizza Company offers a delicious selection of pizza, all made with its scrumptious homemade pizza dough. You can, of course, order the traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza. However, if you like an extra zing to your pie, try such favorites as the Greek-style Athens pizza. It comes topped with mozzarella and feta cheese, spinach, and olives. We’re salivating just thinking about it. What’s the most surprising food I’ll find in Missouri? One of the most surprising foods in Missouri is:
Mexican cuisine
You may be surprised to learn that Missouri is home to some killer Mexican cuisine. (We know, we just finished singing the Italian praises of the state, but Missouri is full of surprises!) One of our favorite Mexican restaurants – and arguably the best in the state – is Tres Toritos. Tucked in the tiny town of Saint Clair, Tres Toritos packs a whole lot of punch into its tiny, colorful interior. The authentic Mexican restaurant is so popular, in fact, that you’ll likely face a wait for a seat. However, that wait is well worth it for the flavorful, authentic meal that awaits. Mexican shrimp soup or Mexican chicken soup is the perfect way to start your meal, which you can then follow with a classic dish like burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The menu boasts two dozen meal combinations, so you have plenty of choices. Vegetarian dishes and kid’s favorites are also on the menu at this must-visit spot.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of the best restaurants in Missouri is:
- Pasghetti’s in Brandon
We love all the different eateries here, but Italian food has a special place in our hearts. You know: authentic Italian food is just so good for the soul – and the stomach! Pasghetti’s in Branson, a destination Italian restaurant, is one of those restaurants you really have to experience to appreciate. Make your way through the World’s Largest Meatball, which leads into the restaurant that boasts seven themed dining rooms, including an Italian village. The menu features delicious appetizers and classic Italian dishes. Can you pass up, for example, the traditional spaghetti with a giant meatball? Or do you prefer eggplant Parmesan or lasagna? You’ll find so many delicious dishes on the menu that you’ll probably want to come back again and again to try them all.
What foods is Missouri known for?
Foods that Missouri is known for include:
- St. Louis pizza
- Kansas City Barbecue
- Butter Cake
- Toasted Ravioli
- Hot Salami Sandwich
- Roast Beef Sandwich
- Meatball Sandwich
Missouri’s contributions to the culinary scene are numerous: St. Louis pizza, Kansas City barbecue, gooey butter cake, toasted ravioli, and Italian foods of all varieties. Our Italian game is strong in the Show-Me State – and if you want to really savor those Old World flavors, check out one of our numerous delis! Because you’ll find some of the best Italian sandwiches here in Missouri. One of our favorite spots is Gioia’s Deli in St. Louis. A city staple since it opened in 1918, the popular corner deli is perhaps best known for its one-of-a-kind, scrumptious hot salami sandwiches. One of the biggest selling points of the hot salami sandwich is the salami stays delightfully warm from the time it’s cut until it’s added to your sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the other popular sandwiches, too, including the roast beef and the meatball sandwiches. They’re all amazing!
Where can I find the best pizza in Missouri?
The best pizza in Missouri is at:
- Reeds Spring Pizza Company
If you’re craving pizza, you’ve come to the right state! Missouri’s known for its pizza and, in particular, its famous St. Louis-style pizza, but what pizza joint makes the very best? That’s probably up for debate no matter whom you talk to, but one pizza joint certainly stands out as one of the best. Reeds Spring Pizza Company offers a delicious selection of pizza, all made with its scrumptious homemade pizza dough. You can, of course, order the traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza. However, if you like an extra zing to your pie, try such favorites as the Greek-style Athens pizza. It comes topped with mozzarella and feta cheese, spinach, and olives. We’re salivating just thinking about it.
What’s the most surprising food I’ll find in Missouri?
One of the most surprising foods in Missouri is:
- Mexican cuisine
You may be surprised to learn that Missouri is home to some killer Mexican cuisine. (We know, we just finished singing the Italian praises of the state, but Missouri is full of surprises!) One of our favorite Mexican restaurants – and arguably the best in the state – is Tres Toritos. Tucked in the tiny town of Saint Clair, Tres Toritos packs a whole lot of punch into its tiny, colorful interior. The authentic Mexican restaurant is so popular, in fact, that you’ll likely face a wait for a seat. However, that wait is well worth it for the flavorful, authentic meal that awaits. Mexican shrimp soup or Mexican chicken soup is the perfect way to start your meal, which you can then follow with a classic dish like burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The menu boasts two dozen meal combinations, so you have plenty of choices. Vegetarian dishes and kid’s favorites are also on the menu at this must-visit spot.
