You could look at tiny restaurants as cozy, personalized and quaint. They only handle so many customers at a time, so you are sure to have service tailored to the customer. On the other hand, a popular restaurant with very few seats may require a long wait or a reservation. Here are a few tiny restaurants in Missouri that we feel are worth the extra trouble, especially since we’ll be rewarded with a scrumptious meal.
- LaBinnah Bistro, Hannibal
Yelp/ Steve A.
Yelp/ Travis T.
Yelp/ Steve A. LaBinnah Bistro is a cozy 28-seat eatery in the Garden House Bed & Breakfast at 207 N. 5th Street in the enchanting town of Hannibal. The quaint restaurant serves delicious American dishes with an international twist. You’ll enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with attentive and personable service. Reservations aren’t required.
Click here for the official website of LaBinnah Bistro, including its menu.
- White Grill, Nevada
Yelp/ Jeff H.
Yelp/ Catherine S.
Facebook/ White Grill White Grill in Nevada is a local favorite that has been serving their signature hamburgers for 75 years. Credited with the invention of the “Suzie Q,” a mass of quarter inch strings of potatoes that are deep fried, White Grill’s burgers and Suzie Qs easily become an addiction, and it’s definitely worth a stop.
Seating is limited to counter stools and six or seven booths. Don’t worry, however, if you have to wait a few minutes to snag a seat. The food definitely makes the wait worth it.
Location: 200 N Commercial Street
Click here for the official Facebook page for White Grill.
- Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In, Crystal City
Yelp/ Kitty W.
Yelp/ K M.
Yelp/ Kitty W. Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In is a small diner that bills itself as “serving the best hamburgers in the world since 1948.” A “must-try” is their famous Jumbo burger, topped with slaw, chopped onions, and barbecue sauce. Their old-time atmosphere and friendly service, made to order fresh food, and hand-dipped milkshakes will not disappoint.
Although they only take cash, Gordon’s Stop Light Drive In does have an ATM in the building. In classic diner style, they only offer counter seating on a first come first serve basis, but they do have a few tables outside and a walk up window for to go orders.
Click here for the official website of Gordon’s Stop Light Drive In.
- Strawberry’s BBQ, Holcomb
Facebook/ Strawberry’s/ Jim Allensworth
Yelp/ Christie B. Strawberry’s BBQ in Holcomb has been said to have the best barbecued pork steak you will ever eat. It is a little haunt in the middle of nowhere, with a small town feel and charm. You can also buy their spice rub to take home to add to your own favorite dish. It’s amazing to find such a place in a town of 600 people. You will also have a hard time choosing from the amazing sides like baked beans, okra, and scalloped potatoes. Strawberry’s BBQ is located at 107 Main Street.
Click here for the official website of Strawberry’s BBQ.
- Cook Shack BBQ & More, Osceola
Yelp/ The Cook Shack BBQ & More
Yelp/ Pamela W. This cute little restaurant located at Truman Lake offers casual home cooked dining at great prices. The Cook Shack serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a simple menu filled with traditional American dishes, barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.
Location: 8827 NE Hwy ZZ
Click here for the official Facebook page of The Cook Shack.
- Catalpa, Arrow Rock
Facebook/ Catalpa
Facebook/ Catalpa Tucked in a cute little red brick house in the enchanting little historic town of Arrow Rock, Catalpa is a fine dining restaurant with an eclectic, seasonal menu. Arrow Rock is a village of 56 people located on the Missouri River at the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail.
Catalpa has only eight tables in the dining room, one Chef’s Table in the kitchen, and a screened porch and brick patio, utilized when weather permits. Produce and meats are all sourced locally whenever possible, and the menu varies with the seasons. A fun, relaxed atmosphere and great food make it a popular place, so given the size, reservations are required.
Location: 510 High Street
Click here for the official website of Catalpa.
- Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap, Fayette
Facebook/ Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap
Facebook/ Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap This tiny restaurant in Missouri’s Facebook page will tell you a visit to Emmet’s is “a pretty little drive to total satisfaction.” This small but charming pub and restaurant serves delicious food made to order. You’re never going to have a bad meal at Emmet’s, and a local favorite is their catfish filet. You can get it as an entree, a sandwich, or on a salad. Great service, a casual, friendly atmosphere, and great food combine to make Emmet’s worth the drive. Look for the blue awning.
Location: 111 N Main Street
Click here for the official Facebook for Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap.
- Ole Boy’s BBQ, Carrollton
Facebook/ Ol’ Boys Barbeque
Facebook/ Ol’ Boys Barbeque Ole Boy’s BBQ is a small, locally owned restaurant that serves a variety of smoked meats, homemade sides, and various daily specials. Try their hand-breaded tenderloin accompanied by their delicious homemade French fries.
The tiny Missouri restaurant has a large selection of barbecue options including sandwiches, dinner specials, and ribs. You can get meat by the pound and family size sides through their catering service. A friendly atmosphere and great service complete the experience. They are located at 701 N. Mason Street.
Click here to view the official Facebook page for Ol’ Boys Barbeque.
- Mugs Up Drive In, Columbia
Yelp/ Lesli W.
Facebook/ Mugs Up Drive In Mugs Up, a local staple, is a family owned and operated drive-in restaurant. They feature original recipe chili, hot dogs and burgers, along with root beer that is made fresh on the premises. The chili cheese dog is a skinny dog in a skinny bun with onions and chili. Try one of their zip burgers. They are small, so order two. Fries are steak fries. Make sure to bring cash. They don’t accept credit or debit cards or out-of-town checks. Mugs Up is located at 603 Orange Street.
Go here for Mugs Up Drive In’s official Facebook page.
- The Eagle Drive-In, Joplin
Yelp/ Wade M.
Yelp/ John H.
Yelp/ Mike G. This local burger joint is a Joplin favorite. Try Joplin’s Spiciest Burger or The Bo Peep Burger, a ground leg of lamb with mixed greens, tomato, feta, red onion, and tzatziki sauce. All of their gourmet burgers are 1/3 pound, ground in-house, and served on a whole-wheat roll with one gourmet side. The special eagle sauce is a must-try, and if you are feeling adventurous you can substitute meat with bison, elk, or lamb for an additional price.
Location: 4224 Hearnes Boulevard
Check out The Joplin Eagle Drive-In’s Facebook page here.
- Joan’s Drive-In, Marshall
Facebook/ Joan’s Drive In
Facebook/ Joan’s Drive In This local favorite is a tiny 12-seat diner that is only open for breakfast and lunch. The burgers are made with fresh ground beef. You might also want to try the popular pork tenderloin sandwich. However, if you’re stopping by for breakfast, dig into a stack of pancakes or a traditional meal of bacon, eggs, and toast. Joan’s Drive-In is located at 164 Court Street.
Check out the drive-in’s Facebook page here.
- The Bruncheonette, Joplin
Yelp/ Dianna S.
Yelp/ Carly N.
Yelp/ Summer C. This tiny, hard to find restaurant, located on the north end of main street in Joplin, quickly fills up with hungry patrons. With items like the Benny Harper, consisting of an English muffin layered with crunchy bacon, tomato, and avocado with two poached eggs on top, and a generous amount of rich hollandaise sauce over all of it, you really can’t lose.
The Bruncheonnette actually features four different types of Eggs Benedict, all unique, mouthwatering creations, along with the rest of the menu (pulled pork pancakes???). The only drawback to the Bruncheonnette is its size, being so small that it fills up quickly.
Location: 424 N Main Street
Click here for the official website of The Bruncheonnette.
Have you been to any of these places? What are some other tiny restaurants in Missouri you like? Join the conversation in the comments! Next time you’ve got a hankering for an old-fashioned country meal, head to one of these seven country restaurants in Missouri.
Yelp/ Steve A.
Yelp/ Travis T.
LaBinnah Bistro is a cozy 28-seat eatery in the Garden House Bed & Breakfast at 207 N. 5th Street in the enchanting town of Hannibal. The quaint restaurant serves delicious American dishes with an international twist. You’ll enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with attentive and personable service. Reservations aren’t required.
Click here for the official website of LaBinnah Bistro, including its menu.
Yelp/ Jeff H.
Yelp/ Catherine S.
Facebook/ White Grill
White Grill in Nevada is a local favorite that has been serving their signature hamburgers for 75 years. Credited with the invention of the “Suzie Q,” a mass of quarter inch strings of potatoes that are deep fried, White Grill’s burgers and Suzie Qs easily become an addiction, and it’s definitely worth a stop.
Seating is limited to counter stools and six or seven booths. Don’t worry, however, if you have to wait a few minutes to snag a seat. The food definitely makes the wait worth it.
Location: 200 N Commercial Street
Click here for the official Facebook page for White Grill.
Yelp/ Kitty W.
Yelp/ K M.
Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In is a small diner that bills itself as “serving the best hamburgers in the world since 1948.” A “must-try” is their famous Jumbo burger, topped with slaw, chopped onions, and barbecue sauce. Their old-time atmosphere and friendly service, made to order fresh food, and hand-dipped milkshakes will not disappoint.
Although they only take cash, Gordon’s Stop Light Drive In does have an ATM in the building. In classic diner style, they only offer counter seating on a first come first serve basis, but they do have a few tables outside and a walk up window for to go orders.
Click here for the official website of Gordon’s Stop Light Drive In.
Facebook/ Strawberry’s/ Jim Allensworth
Yelp/ Christie B.
Strawberry’s BBQ in Holcomb has been said to have the best barbecued pork steak you will ever eat. It is a little haunt in the middle of nowhere, with a small town feel and charm. You can also buy their spice rub to take home to add to your own favorite dish. It’s amazing to find such a place in a town of 600 people. You will also have a hard time choosing from the amazing sides like baked beans, okra, and scalloped potatoes. Strawberry’s BBQ is located at 107 Main Street.
Click here for the official website of Strawberry’s BBQ.
Yelp/ The Cook Shack BBQ & More
Yelp/ Pamela W.
This cute little restaurant located at Truman Lake offers casual home cooked dining at great prices. The Cook Shack serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a simple menu filled with traditional American dishes, barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.
Location: 8827 NE Hwy ZZ
Click here for the official Facebook page of The Cook Shack.
Facebook/ Catalpa
Tucked in a cute little red brick house in the enchanting little historic town of Arrow Rock, Catalpa is a fine dining restaurant with an eclectic, seasonal menu. Arrow Rock is a village of 56 people located on the Missouri River at the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail.
Catalpa has only eight tables in the dining room, one Chef’s Table in the kitchen, and a screened porch and brick patio, utilized when weather permits. Produce and meats are all sourced locally whenever possible, and the menu varies with the seasons. A fun, relaxed atmosphere and great food make it a popular place, so given the size, reservations are required.
Location: 510 High Street
Click here for the official website of Catalpa.
Facebook/ Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap
This tiny restaurant in Missouri’s Facebook page will tell you a visit to Emmet’s is “a pretty little drive to total satisfaction.” This small but charming pub and restaurant serves delicious food made to order. You’re never going to have a bad meal at Emmet’s, and a local favorite is their catfish filet. You can get it as an entree, a sandwich, or on a salad. Great service, a casual, friendly atmosphere, and great food combine to make Emmet’s worth the drive. Look for the blue awning.
Location: 111 N Main Street
Click here for the official Facebook for Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap.
Facebook/ Ol’ Boys Barbeque
Ole Boy’s BBQ is a small, locally owned restaurant that serves a variety of smoked meats, homemade sides, and various daily specials. Try their hand-breaded tenderloin accompanied by their delicious homemade French fries.
The tiny Missouri restaurant has a large selection of barbecue options including sandwiches, dinner specials, and ribs. You can get meat by the pound and family size sides through their catering service. A friendly atmosphere and great service complete the experience. They are located at 701 N. Mason Street.
Click here to view the official Facebook page for Ol’ Boys Barbeque.
Yelp/ Lesli W.
Facebook/ Mugs Up Drive In
Mugs Up, a local staple, is a family owned and operated drive-in restaurant. They feature original recipe chili, hot dogs and burgers, along with root beer that is made fresh on the premises. The chili cheese dog is a skinny dog in a skinny bun with onions and chili. Try one of their zip burgers. They are small, so order two. Fries are steak fries. Make sure to bring cash. They don’t accept credit or debit cards or out-of-town checks. Mugs Up is located at 603 Orange Street.
Go here for Mugs Up Drive In’s official Facebook page.
Yelp/ Wade M.
Yelp/ John H.
Yelp/ Mike G.
This local burger joint is a Joplin favorite. Try Joplin’s Spiciest Burger or The Bo Peep Burger, a ground leg of lamb with mixed greens, tomato, feta, red onion, and tzatziki sauce. All of their gourmet burgers are 1/3 pound, ground in-house, and served on a whole-wheat roll with one gourmet side. The special eagle sauce is a must-try, and if you are feeling adventurous you can substitute meat with bison, elk, or lamb for an additional price.
Location: 4224 Hearnes Boulevard
Check out The Joplin Eagle Drive-In’s Facebook page here.
Facebook/ Joan’s Drive In
This local favorite is a tiny 12-seat diner that is only open for breakfast and lunch. The burgers are made with fresh ground beef. You might also want to try the popular pork tenderloin sandwich. However, if you’re stopping by for breakfast, dig into a stack of pancakes or a traditional meal of bacon, eggs, and toast. Joan’s Drive-In is located at 164 Court Street.
Check out the drive-in’s Facebook page here.
Yelp/ Dianna S.
Yelp/ Carly N.
Yelp/ Summer C.
This tiny, hard to find restaurant, located on the north end of main street in Joplin, quickly fills up with hungry patrons. With items like the Benny Harper, consisting of an English muffin layered with crunchy bacon, tomato, and avocado with two poached eggs on top, and a generous amount of rich hollandaise sauce over all of it, you really can’t lose.
The Bruncheonnette actually features four different types of Eggs Benedict, all unique, mouthwatering creations, along with the rest of the menu (pulled pork pancakes???). The only drawback to the Bruncheonnette is its size, being so small that it fills up quickly.
Location: 424 N Main Street
Click here for the official website of The Bruncheonnette.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 207 N 5th St, Hannibal, MO 63401, USAAddress: 200 N Commercial St, Nevada, MO 64772, USAAddress: 500 Bailey Rd, Crystal City, MO 63019, USAAddress: 107 Main St, Holcomb, MO 63852, USAAddress: 8827 State Hwy ZZ, Osceola, MO 64776, USAAddress: 510 High St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, USAAddress: 111 N Main St, Fayette, MO 65248, USAAddress: 701 N Mason St, Carrollton, MO 64633, USAAddress: 603 Orange St, Columbia, MO 65203, USAAddress: 4224 Hearnes Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804, USAAddress: 164 Court St, Marshall, MO 65340, USAAddress: 424 N Main St, Joplin, MO 64801, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tiny Restaurants In Missouri March 03, 2020 Beth Price-Williams Are there other small restaurants in Missouri worth trying? We’ve all heard that old saying that the best things come in small packages. The same holds true for some of the best restaurants in Missouri. If you like good, old-fashioned barbecue, head over to Strawberry’s Barbecue in Holcomb. The tiny, unassuming restaurant is known for its famous and huge pork steak. However, if you’re craving authentic tacos that will leave you happy and full, you’ll definitely want to sit down at Tinga Tacos in Springfield. The tiny Mexican restaurant boasts a delightfully delicious menu that features nearly a dozen types of tacos. What are the best restaurants in Missouri? Best can certainly be subjective. We all have our own favorite restaurants that we consider the best of the best. Blue’s City Deli in St. Louis, for example, earned a nod as one of the Top 100 Places to Eat by Yelp. Pull up a chair at the quaint restaurant, where you might want to indulge in a traditional Po’ Boy. If it’s steak you’re craving, stop by Catalpa in Arrow Rock, considered one of the best steakhouses in Missouri. The enchanting restaurant serves such scrumptious dishes as filet mignon and lobster tail. What are the favorite local restaurants in Missouri? You’ll find a long list of scrumptious local restaurants in Missouri. If you like a piping hot bowl of macaroni and cheese, you’ll love the selection at MacCheesy in Joplin. The local restaurant serves such tasty mac and cheese dishes as pizza mac and cheese and taco mac and cheese. You can eat in or take out. While you’re in Joplin, fill up at Stogey’s Coney Island. A popular restaurant for more than four decades, Stogey’s Coney Island serves some of the best cheeseburgers, chili, classic dogs, and chili cheese dogs around. You might also want to try the Philly cheesesteak or the chicken tender platter.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tiny Restaurants In Missouri
March 03, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
Are there other small restaurants in Missouri worth trying? We’ve all heard that old saying that the best things come in small packages. The same holds true for some of the best restaurants in Missouri. If you like good, old-fashioned barbecue, head over to Strawberry’s Barbecue in Holcomb. The tiny, unassuming restaurant is known for its famous and huge pork steak. However, if you’re craving authentic tacos that will leave you happy and full, you’ll definitely want to sit down at Tinga Tacos in Springfield. The tiny Mexican restaurant boasts a delightfully delicious menu that features nearly a dozen types of tacos. What are the best restaurants in Missouri? Best can certainly be subjective. We all have our own favorite restaurants that we consider the best of the best. Blue’s City Deli in St. Louis, for example, earned a nod as one of the Top 100 Places to Eat by Yelp. Pull up a chair at the quaint restaurant, where you might want to indulge in a traditional Po’ Boy. If it’s steak you’re craving, stop by Catalpa in Arrow Rock, considered one of the best steakhouses in Missouri. The enchanting restaurant serves such scrumptious dishes as filet mignon and lobster tail. What are the favorite local restaurants in Missouri? You’ll find a long list of scrumptious local restaurants in Missouri. If you like a piping hot bowl of macaroni and cheese, you’ll love the selection at MacCheesy in Joplin. The local restaurant serves such tasty mac and cheese dishes as pizza mac and cheese and taco mac and cheese. You can eat in or take out. While you’re in Joplin, fill up at Stogey’s Coney Island. A popular restaurant for more than four decades, Stogey’s Coney Island serves some of the best cheeseburgers, chili, classic dogs, and chili cheese dogs around. You might also want to try the Philly cheesesteak or the chicken tender platter.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We’ve all heard that old saying that the best things come in small packages. The same holds true for some of the best restaurants in Missouri. If you like good, old-fashioned barbecue, head over to Strawberry’s Barbecue in Holcomb. The tiny, unassuming restaurant is known for its famous and huge pork steak.
However, if you’re craving authentic tacos that will leave you happy and full, you’ll definitely want to sit down at Tinga Tacos in Springfield. The tiny Mexican restaurant boasts a delightfully delicious menu that features nearly a dozen types of tacos.
What are the best restaurants in Missouri?
Best can certainly be subjective. We all have our own favorite restaurants that we consider the best of the best. Blue’s City Deli in St. Louis, for example, earned a nod as one of the Top 100 Places to Eat by Yelp. Pull up a chair at the quaint restaurant, where you might want to indulge in a traditional Po’ Boy.
If it’s steak you’re craving, stop by Catalpa in Arrow Rock, considered one of the best steakhouses in Missouri. The enchanting restaurant serves such scrumptious dishes as filet mignon and lobster tail.
What are the favorite local restaurants in Missouri?
You’ll find a long list of scrumptious local restaurants in Missouri. If you like a piping hot bowl of macaroni and cheese, you’ll love the selection at MacCheesy in Joplin. The local restaurant serves such tasty mac and cheese dishes as pizza mac and cheese and taco mac and cheese. You can eat in or take out.
While you’re in Joplin, fill up at Stogey’s Coney Island. A popular restaurant for more than four decades, Stogey’s Coney Island serves some of the best cheeseburgers, chili, classic dogs, and chili cheese dogs around. You might also want to try the Philly cheesesteak or the chicken tender platter.
