How’s your year looking so far? Are you making – or sticking to – your resolutions? Resolutions can be tough to keep up with, no matter how good our intentions. However, those New Year’s resolutions can also be downright delicious. These are the 12 best restaurants in Missouri, one for each month of the year, promise that you’ll likely have the most delicious year yet.

  1. Fred & Red’s – Joplin

Google/Phil Petre Fred & Red’s, 1719 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64804, USA

Facebook/Fred & Red’s We start our list of the best restaurants in Missouri with Fred & Red’s, a tiny spot with just 23 seats, dishes up all of the classic diner dishes. However, you really have to try its famous Spaghetti Red, spaghetti noodles topped with chili. (Go for the jumbo portion, because the regular size is never enough.) The diner’s also famous for its tamales. For the ultimate meal, order the Overload, a combination of Spaghetti Red and tamales. Read more.

  1. Arnie’s Barn – Ridgedale

Trip Advisor/management Arnie’s Barn, 150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739, USA

Facebook/Big Cedar Lodge Dine in an historic barn that was transported from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Missouri and meticulously restored. Named after legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the enchanting restaurant offers jaw-dropping views and a scrumptious menu. Dig into such favorites as Arnie’s Famous Fajitas or KC strip steak. Keep reading.

  1. Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes – Various

Facebook/Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes Missouri, USA

Facebook/Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes Keep an eye out for Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes, a popular food truck in Columbia that dishes up - you guessed it - an assortment of scrumptious baked potatoes. If you’re not in the mood for a baked potato, opt for a hearty helping of nachos or a fresh, crisp salad. Continue reading.

  1. White Rose Café – Union

Facebook/White Rose Café White Rose Cafe, 208 E Main St, Union, MO 63084, USA

Facebook/White Rose Café Join countless Missourians who have made White Rose Cafe a favorite dining destination for more than nine decades. The darling cafe displays the day’s specials on an old-fashioned chalkboard and even has a jukebox. Try such menu favorites as a burger, roast beef, or spaghetti. Breakfast is also served all day. Read more.

  1. MacCheesy – Joplin

Facebook/MacCheesy MacCheesy, 2202 S Rangeline Rd B, Joplin, MO 64804, USA

Facebook/MacCheesy Mac and cheese is perhaps the ultimate comfort food. MacCheesy in Joplin dishes up some of the best in Missouri. Go for the classic mac and cheese, or try one of the more unique options - the burnt ends mac and cheese, for example. Or, if you’re a fan of mac and cheese and grilled cheese, order the grilled mac and cheese sandwich. Keep reading.

  1. Hick Bar-B-Que – Cuba

Facebook/Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que 913 E Washington St, Cuba, MO 65453, USA

Facebook/Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que Missouri’s all about barbeque, and you’ll find some of the best at Hick Bar-B-Que. The rustic restaurant serves everything from BBQ ribs to BBQ sandwiches. If you’re really hungry, order one of the platters, and don’t forget to stock up on Hick Bar-B-Que’s famous sauces, available to go. Continue reading.

  1. Creekside Grill – Echo Bluff State Park

Facebook/Echo Bluff State Park Echo Bluff State Park, 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466, USA

Facebook/Echo Bluff State Park Cap off a day at Echo Bluff State Park with a tasty meal at Creekside Grill. The restaurant offers sweeping views of the park, making it a prime spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kick off your meal with a Missouri classic, like toasted ravioli, or sink your teeth into a juicy burger. Creekside Grill also serves a variety of entrees. Read more.

  1. 1820, The Family Restaurant – Keytesville

Facebook/1820, The Family Restaurant 1820, The Family Restaurant, 414 W Bridge St, Keytesville, MO 65261, USA

Facebook/1820, The Family Restaurant You must have a reservation for your family-style meal at 1820 restaurant. The menu features two meals at two price points from which to choose. Both feature an entree, such as prime rib or roast beef (vegetarian options are available) that each diner orders separately. The table then shares a salad, vegetables, potatoes, and rolls. Kids have additional options. Keep reading.

  1. Tin Mill Restaurant – Hermann

Facebook/Tin Mill Restaurant Tin Mill Restaurant, 315 E 1st St #1115, Hermann, MO 65041, USA

Facebook/Tin Mill Restaurant Nestled in a former grain mill, Tin Mill Restaurant earns glowing reviews for its steak - like the prime rib. Even if you’re not in the mood for a steak, you have quite a few other options from which to choose, including grilled chicken breast and the Tin Mill Burger. Save room, too, for a decadent dessert - apple blossom, perhaps? Continue reading.

  1. Red’s Giant Hamburg – Springfield

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg Red’s Giant Hamburg, 2301 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg Experience a piece of Missouri’s culinary history at Red’s Giant Hamburg. The old-school diner dishes up everything you’d expect - burgers, hot dogs, and chili cheese fries. You’ll even find vegetarian options on the menu. Go hungry. Read more.

  1. Don’s Family Style Buffet – Huntsville

Facebook/Don’s Family Style Buffet Don’s Family Style Buffet, 315 State Hwy JJ, Huntsville, MO 65259, USA

Facebook/Don’s Family Style Buffet It doesn’t get much better than a buffet, especially when you’re really hungry. Take a mighty appetite with you to Don’s Family Style Buffet. The cozy buffet is perhaps best known for its fried chicken, definitely worth trying. Browse the buffet that also features a salad bar, main dishes like catfish, and hot and cold sides. Don’t forget to check out the desserts, too. Keep reading.

  1. Vig’s KC – Odessa

Trip Advisor/PennStateTim_24 Vig’sKC BBQ Restaurant, 100 S 2nd St, Odessa, MO 64076, USA

Facebook/Vigskc Treat yourself to some of the best burnt ends in Missouri when you stop by Vig’s KC. The tiny barbeque joint packs a huge, flavorful punch in all of its offerings - from the burnt end sandwich to the St. Louis rib plate. Continue reading. (Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Vig’s KC has permanently closed)

What are your favorites of these bucket list restaurants in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Add more fun to your year with a road trip to these seven hidden gems in Missouri.

Google/Phil Petre

Fred & Red’s, 1719 S Main St, Joplin, MO 64804, USA

Facebook/Fred & Red’s

We start our list of the best restaurants in Missouri with Fred & Red’s, a tiny spot with just 23 seats, dishes up all of the classic diner dishes. However, you really have to try its famous Spaghetti Red, spaghetti noodles topped with chili. (Go for the jumbo portion, because the regular size is never enough.) The diner’s also famous for its tamales. For the ultimate meal, order the Overload, a combination of Spaghetti Red and tamales. Read more.

Trip Advisor/management

Arnie’s Barn, 150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739, USA

Facebook/Big Cedar Lodge

Dine in an historic barn that was transported from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Missouri and meticulously restored. Named after legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the enchanting restaurant offers jaw-dropping views and a scrumptious menu. Dig into such favorites as Arnie’s Famous Fajitas or KC strip steak. Keep reading.

Facebook/Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes

Missouri, USA

Keep an eye out for Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes, a popular food truck in Columbia that dishes up - you guessed it - an assortment of scrumptious baked potatoes. If you’re not in the mood for a baked potato, opt for a hearty helping of nachos or a fresh, crisp salad. Continue reading.

Facebook/White Rose Café

White Rose Cafe, 208 E Main St, Union, MO 63084, USA

Join countless Missourians who have made White Rose Cafe a favorite dining destination for more than nine decades. The darling cafe displays the day’s specials on an old-fashioned chalkboard and even has a jukebox. Try such menu favorites as a burger, roast beef, or spaghetti. Breakfast is also served all day. Read more.

Facebook/MacCheesy

MacCheesy, 2202 S Rangeline Rd B, Joplin, MO 64804, USA

Mac and cheese is perhaps the ultimate comfort food. MacCheesy in Joplin dishes up some of the best in Missouri. Go for the classic mac and cheese, or try one of the more unique options - the burnt ends mac and cheese, for example. Or, if you’re a fan of mac and cheese and grilled cheese, order the grilled mac and cheese sandwich. Keep reading.

Facebook/Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que

913 E Washington St, Cuba, MO 65453, USA

Missouri’s all about barbeque, and you’ll find some of the best at Hick Bar-B-Que. The rustic restaurant serves everything from BBQ ribs to BBQ sandwiches. If you’re really hungry, order one of the platters, and don’t forget to stock up on Hick Bar-B-Que’s famous sauces, available to go. Continue reading.

Facebook/Echo Bluff State Park

Echo Bluff State Park, 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466, USA

Cap off a day at Echo Bluff State Park with a tasty meal at Creekside Grill. The restaurant offers sweeping views of the park, making it a prime spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kick off your meal with a Missouri classic, like toasted ravioli, or sink your teeth into a juicy burger. Creekside Grill also serves a variety of entrees. Read more.

Facebook/1820, The Family Restaurant

1820, The Family Restaurant, 414 W Bridge St, Keytesville, MO 65261, USA

You must have a reservation for your family-style meal at 1820 restaurant. The menu features two meals at two price points from which to choose. Both feature an entree, such as prime rib or roast beef (vegetarian options are available) that each diner orders separately. The table then shares a salad, vegetables, potatoes, and rolls. Kids have additional options. Keep reading.

Facebook/Tin Mill Restaurant

Tin Mill Restaurant, 315 E 1st St #1115, Hermann, MO 65041, USA

Nestled in a former grain mill, Tin Mill Restaurant earns glowing reviews for its steak - like the prime rib. Even if you’re not in the mood for a steak, you have quite a few other options from which to choose, including grilled chicken breast and the Tin Mill Burger. Save room, too, for a decadent dessert - apple blossom, perhaps? Continue reading.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Red’s Giant Hamburg, 2301 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA

Experience a piece of Missouri’s culinary history at Red’s Giant Hamburg. The old-school diner dishes up everything you’d expect - burgers, hot dogs, and chili cheese fries. You’ll even find vegetarian options on the menu. Go hungry. Read more.

Facebook/Don’s Family Style Buffet

Don’s Family Style Buffet, 315 State Hwy JJ, Huntsville, MO 65259, USA

It doesn’t get much better than a buffet, especially when you’re really hungry. Take a mighty appetite with you to Don’s Family Style Buffet. The cozy buffet is perhaps best known for its fried chicken, definitely worth trying. Browse the buffet that also features a salad bar, main dishes like catfish, and hot and cold sides. Don’t forget to check out the desserts, too. Keep reading.

Trip Advisor/PennStateTim_24

Vig’sKC BBQ Restaurant, 100 S 2nd St, Odessa, MO 64076, USA

Facebook/Vigskc

Treat yourself to some of the best burnt ends in Missouri when you stop by Vig’s KC. The tiny barbeque joint packs a huge, flavorful punch in all of its offerings - from the burnt end sandwich to the St. Louis rib plate. Continue reading. (Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Vig’s KC has permanently closed)

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food In Missouri November 29, 2022 William Suphan What are the most iconic foods in Missouri? These are the most iconic foods in Missouri:

St. Louis Style Pizza. Much like the pizza in Columbus, OH, St. Louis pizza has a thin crust and is cut into squares. The addition of Provel cheese makes it unique. Concretes. Extremely thick shakes that you can’t eat through a straw. You’ll need a spoon for these. St. Paul Sandwich. This semi-Chinese dish is egg foo yung with toppings between two slices of white bread. Slingers. Said to be good for hangovers, this is a concoction of eggs, chili, hashbrowns, and meat. 

Read more about these and more of the most iconic foods in Missouri.  What are the most historic restaurants in Missouri? The most historic restaurants in Missouri are:

Old Brick House. This was a brick house built in 1780 and was the first of its kind built west of the Mississippi. Now it is a fine dining restaurant. Crown Candy Kitchen. This old-fashioned soda fountain was built in 1913 and is the oldest one in St. Louis.  Town Topic Hamburgers. This Kansas City burger joint has been serving its delicious hamburgers since 1937. Booches. This is a restaurant and pool hall that has been around since 1884. The burgers are known to be some of the best in the nation.

Find out more about these and several more of the most historic restaurants in Missouri.   What are some hidden gem restaurants in Missouri? Hidden gem restaurants in Missouri include:

Il Lazzarone. This little nondescript restaurant serves hand-tossed, personal-sized pizzas with delicious bubbly crusts. Mary Jane Burgers & Brew. Located in Perryville, this restaurant has some of the best burgers in the state. Roadhouse Warsaw. Locals love this bar and grill that uses local beef and makes everything from scratch. The Rebel Pig. This Smyrna restaurant smokes its own pork and makes excellent pulled pork sandwiches and nachos.

Discover more about these and other hidden gem restaurants in Missouri. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food In Missouri

November 29, 2022

William Suphan

What are the most iconic foods in Missouri? These are the most iconic foods in Missouri:

St. Louis Style Pizza. Much like the pizza in Columbus, OH, St. Louis pizza has a thin crust and is cut into squares. The addition of Provel cheese makes it unique. Concretes. Extremely thick shakes that you can’t eat through a straw. You’ll need a spoon for these. St. Paul Sandwich. This semi-Chinese dish is egg foo yung with toppings between two slices of white bread. Slingers. Said to be good for hangovers, this is a concoction of eggs, chili, hashbrowns, and meat. 

Read more about these and more of the most iconic foods in Missouri.  What are the most historic restaurants in Missouri? The most historic restaurants in Missouri are:

Old Brick House. This was a brick house built in 1780 and was the first of its kind built west of the Mississippi. Now it is a fine dining restaurant. Crown Candy Kitchen. This old-fashioned soda fountain was built in 1913 and is the oldest one in St. Louis.  Town Topic Hamburgers. This Kansas City burger joint has been serving its delicious hamburgers since 1937. Booches. This is a restaurant and pool hall that has been around since 1884. The burgers are known to be some of the best in the nation.

Find out more about these and several more of the most historic restaurants in Missouri.   What are some hidden gem restaurants in Missouri? Hidden gem restaurants in Missouri include:

Il Lazzarone. This little nondescript restaurant serves hand-tossed, personal-sized pizzas with delicious bubbly crusts. Mary Jane Burgers & Brew. Located in Perryville, this restaurant has some of the best burgers in the state. Roadhouse Warsaw. Locals love this bar and grill that uses local beef and makes everything from scratch. The Rebel Pig. This Smyrna restaurant smokes its own pork and makes excellent pulled pork sandwiches and nachos.

Discover more about these and other hidden gem restaurants in Missouri. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

These are the most iconic foods in Missouri:

  • St. Louis Style Pizza. Much like the pizza in Columbus, OH, St. Louis pizza has a thin crust and is cut into squares. The addition of Provel cheese makes it unique.
  • Concretes. Extremely thick shakes that you can’t eat through a straw. You’ll need a spoon for these.
  • St. Paul Sandwich. This semi-Chinese dish is egg foo yung with toppings between two slices of white bread.
  • Slingers. Said to be good for hangovers, this is a concoction of eggs, chili, hashbrowns, and meat.

Read more about these and more of the most iconic foods in Missouri. 

What are the most historic restaurants in Missouri?

The most historic restaurants in Missouri are:

  • Old Brick House. This was a brick house built in 1780 and was the first of its kind built west of the Mississippi. Now it is a fine dining restaurant.
  • Crown Candy Kitchen. This old-fashioned soda fountain was built in 1913 and is the oldest one in St. Louis.
  • Town Topic Hamburgers. This Kansas City burger joint has been serving its delicious hamburgers since 1937.
  • Booches. This is a restaurant and pool hall that has been around since 1884. The burgers are known to be some of the best in the nation.

Find out more about these and several more of the most historic restaurants in Missouri.  

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Missouri?

Hidden gem restaurants in Missouri include:

  • Il Lazzarone. This little nondescript restaurant serves hand-tossed, personal-sized pizzas with delicious bubbly crusts.
  • Mary Jane Burgers & Brew. Located in Perryville, this restaurant has some of the best burgers in the state.
  • Roadhouse Warsaw. Locals love this bar and grill that uses local beef and makes everything from scratch.
  • The Rebel Pig. This Smyrna restaurant smokes its own pork and makes excellent pulled pork sandwiches and nachos.

Discover more about these and other hidden gem restaurants in Missouri.