A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Missouri

How's your year looking so far? Are you making or sticking to your resolutions? Resolutions can be tough to keep, 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

We start our list of the best restaurants in Missouri with Fred & Red's, a tiny spot with just 23 seats that serves all the classic diner fare. 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.

2. Arnie’s Barn – Ridgedale

Dine in a 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.

3. Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes – Various

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.

4. White Rose Café – Union

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.

5. MacCheesy – Joplin

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.

6. Hick Bar-B-Que – Cuba

Missouri's all about barbecue, 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.

7. Creekside Grill – 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.

8. 1820, The Family Restaurant – Keytesville

You must have a reservation for your family-style meal at the 1820 restaurant. The menu features two meals at two price points. 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.

9. Tin Mill Restaurant – Hermann

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.

10. Red’s Giant Hamburg – Springfield

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.

11. Don’s Family Style Buffet – Huntsville

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.

12. Blueberry Hill – University City (St. Louis)

Blueberry Hill is an iconic spot in the Delmar Loop. But here is the thing, this eatery isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a local landmark with character, history, and a menu full of favorites. What's more? It combines great food with live-music vibes and pop-culture nostalgia, adding variety to your list beyond classic diners and BBQ. When here, be sure to tryout their famous cheeseburger.

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.

Ready to turn this list into a year-round journey? The Only In Your State itinerary planner lets you chart your stops, bookmark your favorites, and organize your meals along the way.