In a previous post, we told you about some of the best small-town restaurants in Missouri. Have you visited any of those yet? Well, now we are back with a few more in this sprawling, midwestern state, many recommended by our readers in the best foodie towns in Missouri. With Missouri's great agricultural tradition, it is home to more than 100,000 farms, which cover two-thirds of the state's land. Some of the state's commodities include corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs, and turkeys. With such an abundance of farmers, it is easy to see why The Show Me State houses such great restaurants. Let's take a look.
1. Crane's Farmhouse, Shelbyville
Try the fantastic food at Crane’s Farmhouse. From the deep-fried pickle spears to mouth-watering Black Angus ribeyes, you'll find everything is cooked to perfection. And the staff here is genuinely glad to see you. For some yummy comfort food, order this hand-breaded pork fritter with white cheddar mashed potatoes and gravy, at one of the best small-town restaurants in Missouri.
2. Thee Abbey Kitchen - Arcadia Academy, Ironton
Thee Abbey Kitchen in the Arcadia Academy is just one feature of this historic destination tourist attraction. The former Ursuline Academy is now known as the Arcadia College Historic District, and has eight buildings, all from the mid-to-late 1800s. Besides the restaurant, it offers a bed-and-breakfast, a wedding location, a chapel, a gymnasium, and a theater. Walking and horse-drawn tours are also available.
The family-style restaurant includes a bakery and an old-fashioned ice cream shop with frozen custard made at the on-site creamery.
3. Aurora Family Restaurant, Aurora
This family-friendly eatery has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 2004. This clean restaurant has a hometown feel that keeps people coming back. Try the fantastic chicken and waffles, or this classic all-beef cheeseburger with fries. Whatever you order is a good choice at Aurora Family Restaurant, best foodie towns in Missouri
4. Iron Horse, Blackwater
Chef Tracy at the Iron Horse
combines her experience living in New Orleans and being trained in Italy to create a unique menu with Creole, Italian, Southern and American classics combined. For the lunch menu, gourmet sandwiches and burgers are served with Memphis-style coleslaw, sweet potato waffle fries, and sliced deep-fried pickles.
The dinner menu features such delicious entrees as shrimp Creole, Italian pasta, Mediterranean-style fish, and Kansas City strip steak. Unique starters include southern-fried cheese grits, fried stuffed ravioli, and fried green tomatoes.
5. Wentzville Family Diner, Wentzville
This family diner offers service with a smile. And while the menu has plenty of homemade goodness, pay attention to the daily specials that fill up the blackboard.
What about trying the creative combination of fried chicken and spaghetti? This is one of the best small-town diners in Missouri.
6. The Kozy, Bloomsdale
The Kozy was created for people to gather together and enjoy a big taste of a small town. This classic goodness of fried chicken and waffles is just one of the many entrees offered on this menu. This family-owned business has been feeding people since 2013.
7. Dimitris' Greek Gyros & Deli, Branson
offers spectacular Greek food in a family atmosphere. If you don't know what to choose from the generous menu selection, try the scrumptious appetizer combo platter, or share a gyros platter for two. Make sure to save room for the best cannolis in North Carolina.
8. Catalpa, Arrow Rock
Located in a cute little red brick house in the tiny historic town of Arrow Rock, Catalpa is a fine dining restaurant with an eclectic, seasonal menu. Arrow Rock is a village of 37 people located on the Missouri River at the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail. Catalpa has only 8 tables in the dining room, one Chef’s Table in the kitchen, and a screened-in 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.
9. Heroes Restaurant & Pub, Warrensburg
The delightful Heroes Restaurant and Pub opened in 1981 and has since expanded into four downtown storefronts seating 175 and a banquet room seating 60. Decorated with political, sports and movie memorabilia depicting heroes of the past and present, the food comes in American classics, such as burgers, hand-cut steaks, freshly cut fries and hand-breaded onion rings. Dinner entrees include steak, chicken, seafood, and pasta. Top it off with one of their delicious desserts.
10. Emmet’s Kitchen & Tap, Fayette
The 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 the catfish filet, which comes as an entree, 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.
11. The Ozark Café, West Plains
The Ozark Cafe has a traditional small-town atmosphere and is one of the best small town diners in Missouri. The staff serves traditional American foods, such as burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches like this huge Phillie. It is also a great place to get a good old-fashioned country breakfast.
What is your favorite small town restaurant? Are there any others that we still haven't covered? Please share in the comments below.
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