This Buzzy Missouri Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well

There’s a scene in the TV show Friends where Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel, decides to try going out to a restaurant by herself. Whenever I head out to dine on my own, I feel like that character. A little bit of social anxiety springs up, but I quickly remind myself that if Rachel Green can do it, so can I!

So on a warm summer evening in Columbia, Missouri, I headed out of my hotel to try the most popular dish at the Broadway Brewery for a casual meal.

The brewery does have a second location, the Broadway Brewery Taproom on 9th, but I planned to dine at the East Broadway location. To enter, you go down a set of stairs to find the brewery in the lower level of the building. After reaching the bottom of the stairs, I opened the door to the brewery and was immediately welcomed by cozy pub vibes. As a lover of craft beer, I quickly thought to myself, “Now, this is my type of place.” My light social anxiety was immediately gone as the bartender welcomed me in and told me to grab a seat anywhere I was comfortable. You'll find a variety of classic restaurant seating, but since I was dining alone, I took a seat at the bar.

I settled into my spot, browsed the extensive drink menu, and ordered an NA beer. Non-alcoholic beer seems to be rising in popularity everywhere, and I love it. Before arriving, I had chatted with one of my pals and fellow writers who happens to be from Columbia, Missouri. I asked him what I needed to try for dinner at this classic local establishment, and he pointed me in the direction of the flank steak that came as part of a steak and arugula salad dish. It did not disappoint.

The spicy arugula, mixed with dried cherries, a sherry vinaigrette, and (my favorite) blue cheese crumbles, was something to write home about. Other recommendations included the chicken salad sandwich, mushroom curry, wagyu burger, and BBQ platter. Of course, their house beers, such as Success for Breakfast and the Summer Cut Berry Berliner, pair great with a meal.

In a state that finds itself caught between being a part of the Midwest and the South, Columbia delivers an impressive food scene that mixes the best of both worlds. My flank steak from Broadway Brewery was delicious and is well worth repeating the next time I find myself in this college town. While I visited the brewery early on a weeknight, its location is perfect for hanging out on a Friday or Saturday night. Right on the main drag of town, you’re just a short walk from the University of Missouri and other great nightlife spots to enjoy.

Broadway Brewery is a must-visit spot to fill your belly in Columbia. It perfectly combines flavorful dishes, a cozy atmosphere, and a prime location in this energetic college town. Whether you’re indulging in its perfectly cooked flank steak or sampling the local craft beer, the experience is a quintessential Columbia vibe. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Missouri trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

Cait was hosted by Visit Columbia MO as part of their trip to Columbia, Missouri. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this content are their own.