16 Retro Places In Missouri That Will Take You Back In Time

The Bob’s Big Boy Franchise has been around for 75 years and they haven’t changed much. The Independence Big Boy, located at 12401 E US Hwy 40, is particularly retro. I have childhood memories of Big Boy stops on family road trips. We would look for them along the way! Visit Big Boy Burgers for merchandise, locations, and more!

Located at 1500 Grand Boulevard in Kansas City, Retro Inferno is the go-to spot for classic, vintage, mid-century modern furnishings! Stepping into their store is like going back in time. They are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit Retro Inferno.

Town Topic first opened in 1937 and pride themselves in staying true to yheir roots. According to their website, "At Town Topic Hamburgers, you can step back in time, if only for a little while." They are an authentic old-time American diner, complete with counter, hand-dipped malts, burgers, hot dogs, and much more. Their original store is located at 2021 Broadway Street in Kansas City, but there are also locations at 1900 Baltimore in Kansas City and 6018 Johnson Drive in Mission. Visit their website at Town Topic Hamburgers for more information.

Since 1958, Retro Bowl has been the place to go for family fun. They are not just a bowling alley, they also have a bar & grill, arcade, batting cages, and a DJ four nights a week! They are located at 906 W. Liberty Drive in Liberty. For more information, hours, and nightly specials, visit Retro Bowl.

The Golden Door is a moderately priced resort motel in Osage Beach near Lake of the Ozarks. They are family-owned and have a unique set up and atmosphere. There are 37 rentable units in 5 separate buildings, all overlooking their beautiful courtyard and pool. The grounds look like a park, and are a great place for a family picnic. In addition they have a game room and a playground. For reservations, rates, and more visit their website at The Golden Door Motel .

There’s nothing like a movie at a drive-in theater and Aurora Sunset has been providing quality entertainment since 1951. Open from Friday to Sunday, 7:00 p.m. to midnight, and featuring concessions (retro) and wireless internet (not so retro), they are located at 1601 Church Street in Aurora. Visit Sunset Drive-In.

Located at 400 S Jefferson, 1984 is a 1980’s themed arcade and hangout with 80 video games and 20 pinball games. Admission of $7.50 gives you unlimited all night play time. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m., and also host parties and have special events like an 80’s themed costume contests and pinball tournaments. Visit 1984 Retro Arcade for more information.

Sure, there are Steak N Shake Restaurants all over the Midwest, but the location on Route 66 in Springfield is one of only two restaurants who still have the standard design from the 1950’s and 60’s. This location opened in 1962 and still has many of its original features including the rooftop and street-side neon signs.

Also located on Route 66 in Bourbon, The Circle Inn Malt Shoppe is a family owned traditional American diner and ice cream parlor that’s been around since 1958. Besides diner food, they also serve hand mixed shakes and malts, sundaes, homemade pies, breakfast all day, and all-you-can-eat catfish on Fridays for $9.99. Follow them on Facebook at The Circle Inn Malt Shoppe.

Route 66 is also home to the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, your "home away from home". Built in 1946, and owned and managed by Bob and Ramona Lehman since 1971, Munger Moss features Route 66 themed rooms, and sports a recently restored neon sign. For more about their history, rates, and availability, visit Munger Moss Motel.

With a name originating with a chain of sandwich shops that started in 1935, Courtesy Diner has 3 Locations in St. Louis: 1121 Hampton Avenue, 3153 S Kingshighway Boulevard, and 8000 S Laclede Station Road. Locally owned and operated since 1997, they are known throughout St. Louis for their "St. Louis Slinger" which consists of a hamburger patty and two eggs your way topped with chili, hash browns, and optional onion, jalapeno and cheddar. Classic nostalgic atmosphere including a jukebox, old fashioned shakes and cream pies, as well as traditional diner fare. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more at Courtesy Diner.

Located at 15605 North State Hwy 21 in Cadet, Starlite has been in business since 1952. Open weekends only, they charge just $15 per car load for double features starting at dusk. For information about upcoming features, concessions and events, visit Starlite Drive-In.

Located at 1403 Vine Street in Poplar Bluff, Skate City is a family owned and operated business. Not only to they have a traditional skating floor, they also feature a Discovery Zone/Fun-Plex for kids and an arcade. They are open on weekends only. For hours, and upcoming events, follow them on Facebook at Skate City Fun-Plex.