Dine At These 12 Extremely Tiny Restaurants In Missouri That Are Actually Amazing

You could look at tiny restaurants as cozy, personalized and quaint. They only handle so many customers at a time, so you are sure to have service tailored to the customer. On the other hand, a popular restaurant with very few seats may require a long wait or a reservation. Here are a few tiny restaurants in Missouri that we feel are worth the extra trouble, especially since we'll be rewarded with a scrumptious meal.

1. LaBinnah Bistro, Hannibal

LaBinnah Bistro is a cozy 28-seat eatery in the Garden House Bed & Breakfast at 207 N. 5th Street in the enchanting town of Hannibal. The quaint restaurant serves delicious American dishes with an international twist. You'll enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere with attentive and personable service. Reservations aren't required.

Click here for the official website of LaBinnah Bistro, including its menu.

2. White Grill, Nevada

White Grill in Nevada is a local favorite that has been serving their signature hamburgers for 75 years. Credited with the invention of the "Suzie Q," a mass of quarter inch strings of potatoes that are deep fried, White Grill’s burgers and Suzie Qs easily become an addiction, and it's definitely worth a stop.

Seating is limited to counter stools and six or seven booths. Don't worry, however, if you have to wait a few minutes to snag a seat. The food definitely makes the wait worth it.

Location: 200 N Commercial Street

Click here for the official Facebook page for White Grill.

3. Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In, Crystal City

Gordon's Stoplight Drive-In is a small diner that bills itself as "serving the best hamburgers in the world since 1948." A "must-try" is their famous Jumbo burger, topped with slaw, chopped onions, and barbecue sauce. Their old-time atmosphere and friendly service, made to order fresh food, and hand-dipped milkshakes will not disappoint.

Although they only take cash, Gordon's Stop Light Drive In does have an ATM in the building. In classic diner style, they only offer counter seating on a first come first serve basis, but they do have a few tables outside and a walk up window for to go orders.

Click here for the official website of Gordon's Stop Light Drive In.

4. Strawberry’s BBQ, Holcomb

Strawberry’s BBQ in Holcomb has been said to have the best barbecued pork steak you will ever eat. It is a little haunt in the middle of nowhere, with a small town feel and charm. You can also buy their spice rub to take home to add to your own favorite dish. It’s amazing to find such a place in a town of 600 people. You will also have a hard time choosing from the amazing sides like baked beans, okra, and scalloped potatoes. Strawberry's BBQ is located at 107 Main Street.

Click here for the official website of Strawberry's BBQ.

5. Cook Shack BBQ & More, Osceola

This cute little restaurant located at Truman Lake offers casual home cooked dining at great prices. The Cook Shack serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a simple menu filled with traditional American dishes, barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.

Location: 8827 NE Hwy ZZ

Click here for the official Facebook page of The Cook Shack.

6. Catalpa, Arrow Rock

Tucked in a cute little red brick house in the enchanting little historic town of Arrow Rock, Catalpa is a fine dining restaurant with an eclectic, seasonal menu. Arrow Rock is a village of 56 people located on the Missouri River at the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail.

Catalpa has only eight tables in the dining room, one Chef’s Table in the kitchen, and a screened porch and brick patio, utilized when weather permits. Produce and meats are all sourced locally whenever possible, and the menu varies with the seasons. A fun, relaxed atmosphere and great food make it a popular place, so given the size, reservations are required.

Location: 510 High Street

Click here for the official website of Catalpa.

7. Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap, Fayette

This tiny restaurant in Missouri's Facebook page will tell you a visit to Emmet’s is "a pretty little drive to total satisfaction." This small but charming pub and restaurant serves delicious food made to order. You’re never going to have a bad meal at Emmet's, and a local favorite is their catfish filet. You can get it as an entree, a sandwich, or on a salad. Great service, a casual, friendly atmosphere, and great food combine to make Emmet’s worth the drive. Look for the blue awning.

Location: 111 N Main Street

Click here for the official Facebook for Emmet's Kitchen & Tap.

8. Ole Boy’s BBQ, Carrollton

Ole Boy’s BBQ is a small, locally owned restaurant that serves a variety of smoked meats, homemade sides, and various daily specials. Try their hand-breaded tenderloin accompanied by their delicious homemade French fries.

The tiny Missouri restaurant has a large selection of barbecue options including sandwiches, dinner specials, and ribs. You can get meat by the pound and family size sides through their catering service. A friendly atmosphere and great service complete the experience. They are located at 701 N. Mason Street.

Click here to view the official Facebook page for Ol' Boys Barbeque.

9. Mugs Up Drive In, Columbia

Mugs Up, a local staple, is a family owned and operated drive-in restaurant. They feature original recipe chili, hot dogs and burgers, along with root beer that is made fresh on the premises. The chili cheese dog is a skinny dog in a skinny bun with onions and chili. Try one of their zip burgers. They are small, so order two. Fries are steak fries. Make sure to bring cash. They don’t accept credit or debit cards or out-of-town checks. Mugs Up is located at 603 Orange Street.

Go here for Mugs Up Drive In's official Facebook page.

10. The Eagle Drive-In, Joplin

This local burger joint is a Joplin favorite. Try Joplin’s Spiciest Burger or The Bo Peep Burger, a ground leg of lamb with mixed greens, tomato, feta, red onion, and tzatziki sauce. All of their gourmet burgers are 1/3 pound, ground in-house, and served on a whole-wheat roll with one gourmet side. The special eagle sauce is a must-try, and if you are feeling adventurous you can substitute meat with bison, elk, or lamb for an additional price.

Location: 4224 Hearnes Boulevard

Check out The Joplin Eagle Drive-In's Facebook page here.

11. Joan’s Drive-In, Marshall

This local favorite is a tiny 12-seat diner that is only open for breakfast and lunch. The burgers are made with fresh ground beef. You might also want to try the popular pork tenderloin sandwich. However, if you're stopping by for breakfast, dig into a stack of pancakes or a traditional meal of bacon, eggs, and toast. Joan's Drive-In is located at 164 Court Street.

Check out the drive-in's Facebook page here.

12. The Bruncheonette, Joplin

This tiny, hard to find restaurant, located on the north end of main street in Joplin, quickly fills up with hungry patrons. With items like the Benny Harper, consisting of an English muffin layered with crunchy bacon, tomato, and avocado with two poached eggs on top, and a generous amount of rich hollandaise sauce over all of it, you really can’t lose.

The Bruncheonnette actually features four different types of Eggs Benedict, all unique, mouthwatering creations, along with the rest of the menu (pulled pork pancakes???). The only drawback to the Bruncheonnette is its size, being so small that it fills up quickly.

Location: 424 N Main Street

Click here for the official website of The Bruncheonnette.

Have you been to any of these places? What are some other tiny restaurants in Missouri you like? Join the conversation in the comments! Next time you've got a hankering for an old-fashioned country meal, head to one of these seven country restaurants in Missouri.