These 10 Amazing Missouri Restaurants Are Loaded With Local History

Before it became a restaurant, Hendel's was a specialty grocery and butcher shop. But in 1994, Ed Bennett purchased the building and turned it into a restaurant, keeping the Hendels' name.

599 St Denis St.
Florissant, MO 63031

This tavern is not only a part of the Arrow Rock State Historic site, but it's also the oldest restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Opened in 1834, it was a popular place for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail to stop and eat.

304 Main St.
Arrow Rock, MO 65320

Joe and Edwards opened this iconic restaraunt in St. Louis in 1974. In 1997 they opened the Duck Room where the famous Chuck Berry played monthly up until 2014.

6504 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63130

This little ice cream shop was named after Becky Thatcher, Sam's love interest in Mark Twain's book, "Huckleberry Finn." Becky was inspired by a girl named Laura Hawkins who grew up in Hannibal in the 1840s.

318 N Main St.
Hannibal, MO 63401

Established in 1919 by Vergene Dixon, Dixon's Famous Chili is still considered by many to be the best chili in the area. So good, that Dixon wouldn't even allow ketchup in his restaurant during the earlier years. One of Dixon's most notable customers was President Harry S. Truman in 1952.

9105 E US Hwy 40
Independence, MO 64055

Built in 1878, Concert Hall and Barrel featured a saloon on the first floor and an open hall for concerts, plays and dances on the second floor.

206 E 1st St.
Hermann, MO 65041

Arthur Bryant's played host to many visiting pro athletes during the 1950s through the 1970s. Considered to be the best barbecue in Kansas City by many, Bryant's continues to draw people from all over including some famous names such as Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson and President Obama.

1727 Brooklyn Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64127

This corner restaurant was established by August A. Busch, Sr. of Anheuser Busch, Inc. in 1914 and originally named Busch's Inn. From the losing money during the prohibition to almost being sold and knocked down to build a fast food joint, this place has had its struggles. However in 1993, Susan and Martin Luepker rehabbed the building and reopened it as The Feasting Fox.

4200 S Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63111