All restaurants have a theme to some degree - the pizza place, the diner, the French bistro... But these restaurants take the theme to an entirely different level. Whether it comes from the building they are in, the food they serve, or the atmosphere they create, they all leave you feeling like you have had a real dining experience rather than just a meal.
1. Stefanina’s, Troy
Stefanina’s has been around since 1981, but this unique incarnation began in the spring of 2001. Dan and Linda Breen, daughter and son-in-law of the original Stefanina, bought the vacated Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 180 Main Street in Troy. They converted the old church and opened Stefanina’s Pizzeria and Banquet Center in October of that year. The site features the original stained glass windows and the lobby is adorned with pictures from weddings that happened in the church.
Location: 180 Main Street, Troy
2. Missouri Hick Bar B Que, Cuba
Missouri Hick Barbecue is a kitschy, bi-level barbecue joint on Route 66 near Cuba. The unique country setting at Missouri Hick Barbecue features beautiful woodwork, a water wheel on the outside, and the feel of a rustic old barn. Handmade tables and bucket lights along with great down-home barbecue eats complete the experience.
Location: 913 East Washington Street, Cuba
Here’s an awesome video!
3. Prison Brews, Jefferson City
Prison Brews in Jefferson City is a brewpub with a prison theme. The decor includes an area sectioned off with prison bars, and the menu features craft beers with names like "Go To Jail Ale." Food items include appetizers like Jailhouse Fries and The Warden’s Favorite, a warm buffalo chicken dip served with tortilla chips, carrots and celery. Or try a Prison Burger with fries, or the Prison Brews Club Sandwich, with shaved ham, turkey and prime rib topped
with bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle
mayo on toasted multi-grain bread.
Location: 305 Ash Street, Jefferson
Website: prisonbrews.com
4. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, Crown Center, Kansas City
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant has been a local Kansas City family favorite for decades. You order your food by telephone and it's brought to your table by an overhead train. Kids love it! Besides the novelty of the railroad, Fritz’s is also famous for their old-fashioned hamburgers, made with 100% choice ground beef, grilled onions seared in the meat and toasted buns, all cooked to order.
Location: The Crown Center complex, 2450 Grand Boulevard, KC
Website: fritzskc.com
Watch the train in action!
5. Twisted Ranch, St. Louis
It may seem like an odd concept but every item on Twisted Ranch’s menu incorporates ranch dressing at some point during the preparation phase. Their slogan is, "Always Fresh, Always Delicious, and Always Twisted with Ranch." The extensive menu includes 18 different types of homemade Ranch dressings like Cheesy Bacon Avocado, Sunny in Fetadelphia, and Kemowasabe. Try the Cajun Chicken Sandwich - grilled with Cajun spices, sautéed peppers and onions, topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Cajun ranch.
Location: 1730 S. 8th Street, St. Louis
Website: twistedranch.com
6. Heart of Nashville, New Bloomfield
Missouri's ONLY meat & three restaurant. What is "meat and three," you ask? It is a Southern-style tradition in which the customer picks one meat from a daily selection of 3–6 choices (such as fried chicken, country ham, beef, country-fried steak, meatloaf, or pork chop). Then they pick three side dishes from a list that may include up to a dozen. Besides this unique feature, they are also a Nashville-themed restaurant with singing servers, line dancing, and live entertainment. The menu rotates daily and signature items include Music City Hot Chicken, Jalapeno Mac N Cheese, and Southern Fried Catfish
Location: 8285 State Road J, New Bloomfield
Website: heartofnashvillemo.com
7. Hook and Ladder Pizza Company, Hollister and Ozark
This firehouse-themed pizza place has locations in Hollister and Ozark. It’s a great place for kids. They can try on real fireman hats, boots and jackets, or play on the fire truck parked outside. The pizzas are hand-tossed and prepared with quality ingredients, their own special sauce, with crusts made fresh daily.
Locations: 26 Downing Street in Hollister and 1487 W. South Street in Ozark
Website: hookandladderpizza.com
8. R.T. Weiler’s, St. Charles
This dog-friendly and dog-themed restaurant is located in beautiful historic downtown St. Charles. The family owned restaurant and bar has everything from Dad's BBQ and Mom's fried chicken to hand cut steaks and homemade desserts. They offer lots of beer choices with 20 drafts and over 105 bottles. All over the restaurant you will see actual photographs of dogs provided by the customers. If you bring in a photo of your family dog, they’ll hang yours too!
Location: 201 N Main Street, St. Charles
Website: rtweilers.com
9. The Royal Dumpe, St. Louis
The Royal Dumpe is a Renaissance-themed restaurant and show. Join King Henry VIII and his flock of wenches for a riotous night of merrymaking and song as you are transformed back to Medieval times. One of the longest running shows of its kind, the show is in its fourth decade. Located in historic Laclede’s Landing, reservations are required and must be made by telephone at 314-621-5800. Be aware, the shows regularly sell out, so plan ahead! Menu items include bread or rolls with sweet creamy butter, heart soup poured at the table, savory baked chicken breast, an oven baked potato, and seasonal vegetables served family style. Finish things off with Luscious Dessert Bites.
809 North Second Street, St. Louis
Website: royaldumpe.com
Check out this video!
10. Bombshell Bar and Grill, St. Charles
Another themed restaurant in historic St. Charles is the Bombshell Bar and Grill. It has a pin-up theme and an old time saloon feel. Unique drink options like Apple pie Moonshine and Fireball Bombshells (Fireball and Red Bull) and delicious food like their signature burger make your first experience at Bombshell most definitely not your last. A friendly staff, daily drink specials, entertainment, and a comfortable atmosphere complete the experience. Whatever you do, don’t forget to ask for a side of Bomb Sauce. Delicious!
Location: 221 N Main Street, St. Charles
Facebook Page: Bombshell Bar and Grill
11. Pasghetti’s, Branson
Pasghetti’s is an Italian restaurant that is actually an attraction, and a unique dining experience. The Italian-theme is carried out in great detail, all while serving classic Italian favorites made from exclusive recipes. With giant vegetables, a 15-foot meatball topped with a heap of noodles, and a giant 50-foot fork all outside, you certainly can’t miss the building. Inside, you’ll find a 1920s Italian streetscape with seven themed dining areas on two levels.
Themes include the Old Factory, Rooftop, and the Trolley Car, all with the vibe and buzz of Old Town and Neighborhood Party atmospheres. For a quiet, romantic experience, try the Speak Easy and Fine Dining areas. The Wine Cellar offers tastings and perfect pairings for your meal. The Trolley Bar is a fun street setting to enjoy before or after your meal. Don’t miss the Little Coney Island area, complete with arcade games and an indoor, working ferris wheel!
Location: 3129 W 76 Country Boulevard, Branson
Website: pasghettis.com
12. Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill, Lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach
Looking for a pirate-theme? Look no further than Lake of the Ozarks’ Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill and Buccaneer Bay Resort. Captain Ron’s started as an old 1960s mobile home park, and was transformed into Captain Ron’s and opened its doors in November of 2006. By 2008 they had 700 feet of lakefront, seven rental homes, two beaches, tiki bars, and a two beach volleyball courts. They host several events including a Crappie Masters State Tournament and the Marine Dealers Fall in the Water Boat Show. They even have their very own pirate ship, The Gypsy Rose, available seasonally for adventures, and treasure hunts on Cannonball Beach led by their very own Pirates.
Location: 82 Aloha Lane, Lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach
Website: captainronsatthelake.com
13. The Majestic, Kansas City
The Majestic is a classic Kansas City Steakhouse and Jazz Club located in the historic Fitzpatrick Saloon Building. In their main dining room alongside a grand bar dating back to 1910, enjoy a delicious steak and fine wine. Or try out the lower level, where the jazz club is the site of an actual speakeasy during prohibition, featuring some of the city’s best jazz musicians seven nights a week. The Pendergast Club is their private cigar and whiskey club and it is located on the third floor of the restaurant.
931 Broadway Blvd, KC
Website: majestickc.com
14. Mile 277 Tap and Grill, St. Louis
Mile 277 is an upscale motorcycle-themed restaurant and nightclub. Named for its location just off I-44’s exit 277 in Sunset Hills, it opened in 2011 and became one of St. Louis’ hottest new entertainment venues. Hosting the area’s top musical talents and featuring "Classic Roadhouse Fare with a Route 66 Twist," it is a relaxed place that even features local art. Try the signature Iron Horse Steak Chili, the Rock and Ride Steak Nachos or the Route 66 Prime Rib sandwich with pepper jack cheese, creamy horseradish sauce and crispy onion straws served on Texas toast.
Location: 10701 Watson Road, St. Louis
Website: mile277.com
15. The Bayou Bar & Grill, Pocahontas
The Bayou Bar & Grill is a Cajun-themed restaurant established in 2005. It is located in the tiny town of Pocahontas, but draws a regular customer base from the surrounding areas, essentially doubling the amount of people in the town of 120 residents on any given evening. Serving Cajun favorites like whole crawfish, fried green beans, frog legs and fried catfish, they also feature burgers, chicken and pulled pork. Even more authentic dishes include gumbo and red beans & rice.
Location: 6611 CR 532, Pocahontas
Website: thebayoubarandgrillpocahontas.com
Have you been to any of these restaurants? Did you see any that you want to try? Are there any other themed restaurants you could recommend? Please feel free to share in the comments below.
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