11 Irresistible Restaurants That Define Missouri

There are certain things us Missourians say and do that people don’t quite get, but when it comes to great food, we couldn’t be any more straightforward. Here are 11 restaurants that are just so quintessentially Missouri, that out-of-town visitors should just skip the souvenir and add one of these dining experiences as a takeaway. Enjoy!

Sarah S./Yelp

Katherine P./Yelp

Missouri wouldn't quite be Missouri without BBQ. When it comes to food, it's what we're best known for. So of course, Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City merited a call out for their years of top notch BBQ delicacies.

Address:
1727 Brooklyn Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64127

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Dawn S./TripAdvisor

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Randall C./Yelp

Oh, Branson. The Las Vegas of Missouri. Everything in this vacation town is pretty flashy, so it should come as no surprise that they have a diner like Mel's. While dining at Mel's, you'll be waited on by singing servers. The food is delicious too, so think of the live music at your booth as an added bonus.

Address:
Grand Village Shops
2800 MO-76
Branson, MO 65616

jb230/TripAdvisor

jb230/TripAdvisor

Hwy 51 Roadhouse and Kitchen is so well-known, that even Guy Fieri from the Food Network had to make a visit and give praises.

Address:
34 S. Old Orchard Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63119

Wendy C./Yelp

Robin C./Yelp

Route 66 is the most historical highway in America and it passes through Missouri. A Slice of Pie is located just right off it, so be sure to pull over for a sweet treat rest stop. You won't regret it.

Address:
634 South Bishop Avenue
Rolla, MO 65401

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Shauna L./Yelp

Sally P./Yelp

What other restaurant do you know that throws dinner rolls to its guests? Probably, not a single one. That's what makes Lambert's in Sikeston so special. The place became such a hit, that they expanded and built a location in Ozark and one in Foley, Alabama.

Address:
2305 E. Malone Ave.
Sikeston, MO 63801

1800 W Hwy J
Ozark, MO 65721

Amanda Z./Yelp

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Ray T./Yelp

Known by locals as, "Mama's On The Hill", this red sauce Italian eatery serves up the best fried ravioli in St. Louis, which is an original staple of the city. It's located right in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, otherwise known as, The Hill.

Address:
2132 Edwards St.
St. Louis, MO 63110

Hao X./Yelp

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Rachael S./Yelp

Three words: Levee High Pie. The Blue Owl claims it to be world famous, and after one bite, you'll know why.

Address:
6116 2nd St.
Kimmswick, MO 63053

Kenn J./Yelp

Jana G./Yelp

Located in the Crossroads Arts District, Town-Topic has been around for years and can be spotted quite easily with its iconic neon-lit sign. The food is simple diner food, but it sure is tasty.

Address:
2021 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64108

Dan H./Ye;[

Gregg R./Yelp

Blueberry Hill first opened its doors in 1976, but it wasn't until 1982 that it started inviting live music acts in. Chuck Berry would have to be it's most notable guest and the diner helped create the live music vibe that makes St. Louis's Delmar Loop neighborhood so special.

Address:
6504 Delmar Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63130

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Picha M./Yelp

Picha M./Yelp

We live in Missouri, so of course, you're going to see some farms. What better way to celebrate the agricultural aspect of our state than by dining at a true farm-to-table restaurant in a rustic 100-year-old barn? That's exactly what you'll get when you score a reservation at Claverach Farm.

Address:
568 S. Lewis Rd. Eureka, MO 63025

Ryan F./Yelp

Lana D./Yelp

Not only does this place serve the best frozen custard in Missouri, but they even sell Christmas trees during the holidays. A somewhat random combination, but that's what makes it so unique. That, and the concrete frozen custard which won't fall out when you turn your cup upside down!

Address:
4224 S Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63111

Address:
6726 Chippewa St.
St. Louis, MO 63109

You’ll find amazing restaurants throughout the world, but these ones will always hold a special place in any Missourian’s heart. How many of them have you been to? We’d love to hear about your experience or fondest memories in the comment section below.