A burger, fries, and a milkshake probably earn a spot on the list of all-time favorite American meals. After all, what could be more tasty or more filling? While we can usually fill up on the traditional meal at just about any fast food joint or brand-name restaurant, we won't really find better than those at Missouri's homegrown burger joints. This drive-in in Missouri, for example, has been a favorite for decades, and you have to taste why.
If you live in or travel through Crystal City, you've probably driven right past Gordon's Stoplight Drive-In, a neighborhood staple since 1948.
The cozy old-school restaurant, in fact, bills itself as "serving the best hamburgers in the world since 1948." However, have you judged it for yourself yet?
Have you been to this drive-in in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For more good eats during an unforgettable getaway, plan a stay at this one-of-a-kind hotel in Missouri.
This Missouri Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.
This vibrant St. Louis eatery serves a fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino flavors, featuring handmade noodles and inventive dishes. With a warm atmosphere and commitment to fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder this spot has garnered national acclaim.
When you think of great American food cities, what's the first one you think of? New York, right? And if not New York City, you might even consider Chicago or Los Angeles. However, one surprising city has been turning heads, and it’s right in the heart of Missouri.
St. Louis, better known for its tangy barbecue and sweet gooey butter cake, has a noodle house that’s been called one of the best restaurants in the country: Nudo House. With two St. Louis locations, this restaurant has elevated the local dining scene with its rich, flavorful bowls of noodles, vibrant broths, and thoughtful twists on traditional Asian cuisine.
At the core of this dining experience is an obsession with quality. Every bowl served here starts with broth that’s simmered for hours—sometimes upwards of 24—to extract every ounce of flavor. The result is a base that’s so deep and layered that it could stand alone, but the restaurant doesn’t stop there. Add some perfectly cooked noodles, a few tender slices of pork belly, or a slight bite of Thai basil, and each dish becomes a symphony of tastes and textures... and it's all customizable. You and your dining companion could order the same meal, but by the time you each put the finishing touches on your noodle bowls, they could taste significantly different.
The ramen isn't the only thing that shines at this St. Louis restaurant. Nudo House also offers a variety of other dishes that pack just as much flavor. The flavors are bold yet balanced, from salads and spring rolls to crispy chicken gyoza and the cleverly named YOLO Mein.
Take the banh mi, for example. This magical little sandwich is the stuff of dreams: braised pork shoulder, chicken pate, garlic aioli, cucumber, jalapeño, pickled carrot, and cilantro. Or maybe you’ll be drawn to the tamarind fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with a dipping sauce that takes it to the next level. The creativity doesn’t end there, however!
Nudo House has a way of fusing traditional techniques with modern flair, making each visit feel like a new adventure. The dishes are constantly evolving, with seasonal ingredients and innovative ideas from the kitchen. One day, you're likely to find a ramen special featuring local produce; another, you'll find a bowl combining unexpected flavors from different cuisines. No matter what you order, you're definitely in for a culinary delight.
St. Louis is probably not the first place you think of when it comes to world-class ramen; however, that's what makes this restaurant that's tucked away in a city known for its toasted ravioli so special.
Nudo House has carved out a niche, and its reputation has only continued to grow. You might come for the noodles, but you’ll leave with a new appreciation for what a truly great bowl of ramen can be.
Next time you find yourself in the St. Louis area, you know where to bring anyone who considers themselves a lover of good food. Once you’ve experienced the rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and inventive dishes of Nudo House, it’s easy to see why it's getting national attention.
Sometimes, going off the beaten path when looking for a restaurant in Missouri yields the best, most delicious results.
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Let me paint you a picture. You wake up one morning looking for a culinary adventure, having no real agenda or plan. You're just looking to try something new, something tasty, something different. At the start of your adventure, you're dreaming of white tablecloths and fine dining or maybe even a new-to-you waterfront spot with fresh seafood and cold brews.
You probably wouldn't expect to be eating the most flavorful food of your life in a building that used to be a gas station... would you?
And yet, this is precisely what Bixby Country Store is. This adorable, off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Missouri is located in Bixby, about a two-hour drive from St. Louis. This gas station-turned-restaurant is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Anyone who's eaten here will tell you that it is 100% worth the drive.
Now, the locals don't only visit Bixby Country Store to eat incredible food. This hidden gem in Missouri still operates as a general store! So you're just as likely to encounter a local picking up some supplies as you are another diner! Or getting gas outside, since this cute spot also has two working gas pumps.
If eating food so good it tastes homemade amid the hustle and bustle of a shop doesn't sound like the relaxing meal you had in mind, don't worry. The owners of Bixby Country Store have also turned the caboose next door into a dining room. Simple benches and tables line the log walls of this small dining room. I recommend snagging one of the tables near a window so you can watch the world go by.
If you're looking for down-home cooking, Bixby Country Store is the place for you. Comfort food reigns, with creative daily specials and staples that the regulars can't stop raving about. Word on the street is that the club sandwich at Bixby Country Store is second to none.
The regular menu of cold sandwiches at this adorable Missouri eatery also keeps the locals coming back. There's something comforting about having someone else make you a sandwich that makes it taste just a little bit better, you know?
This is also an excellent stop for breakfast, where biscuits and gravy are the first thing on the menu. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't have to look any further before I chose my morning meal: I love biscuits and gravy, y'all.
No matter what meal you decide to visit Bixy Country Store, I recommend stopping at the dessert case before you head back home. Everything looks delicious. However, if home-baked desserts are not your thing, you're in luck. One of the benefits of being a general store/restaurant is a wonderful selection of road snacks... including candy!
