- Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
- Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources
Branson
Black Oak Grill–601 Branson Landing Blvd. (American) Open Daily. Locally sourced meat makes this a good choice, according to reviewers. Pot roast and chicken fried steak are favorites. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Botanas–3515 W. Hwy 76 (Mexican) Open Daily. Flavorful Mexican food that emphasizes authentic recipes (this is not a Tex-Mex restaurant). Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Farmhouse–119 W. Main St. (American) Open daily 7 am to 8 pm. Popular for a traditional American style breakfast or for items such as chicken fried steak, pork loin, etc. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Gettin’ Basted–2845 W. Hwy 76 (BBQ) Open Daily. Said to be good for St. Louis ribs and burnt ends. Some say the sauce is too sweet and the sides are not very good (corn brulee is said to be good, though). Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
India Clay Oven–2005 W. Hwy 76 (Indian) Open daily (closed from 2:30 to 5:00pm). Some think the food is a little bland, but most agree it is good and by far one of the best restaurants in Branson. Some also comment that the flavor is improving (not as bland as when it first opened). Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen–545 Branson Landing Blvd. (Southern) Open Daily. Reviews tend to range from the food being very good to food that is ordinary, but most seem to like it. Sometimes there is a long wait to get in, and the price seems to be a little high. Based on the reviews I would say the best dish is the chicken and dumplings. Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Thai Thai–1615 W. MO-76 Country Blvd. (Thai) Open daily (closed from 3 to 4:30 pm). The best recommendation for this restaurant comes from the many reviewers who say it is “good” and not just “good for Branson” (some have even been to Thailand and say the food here is good). The dish with the most negative reviews, though, seems to be the pad thai. Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Vasken’s Deli–3200 Gretna Rd. (Mediterranean) Open daily 11 am to 8 pm. A healthy alternative to many of Branson’s restaurants. Specializes in wraps and Middle Eastern style sandwiches (gyros, Italian beef, etc.) but also has more American style sandwiches such as reuben and pastrami. Side dishes such as hummus, tabouli, etc. are available. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Cabool
Shetler’s Cafe–200 Industrial Park Rd. (American) Tue & Wed 11 am to 2 pm; Thu-Sat 11-8. I am sure there are dozens of good country cafes but this stood out because of the ratings. It has the usual fried food but non-fried items also get good reviews (BLT, BBQ brisket, baked potato, soup, etc.) Has a buffet all day Tue, Fri & Sat. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Cape Girardeau
Chan’s–1159 N. Kingshighway St. (Chinese) Closed Mon. Popular because it has an authentic Chinese menu (people say the Americanized menu is nothing special). Authentic food includes spicy dishes such as ma po tofu. Map (Dining room is open 12-19-21)
Katy O’Ferrell’s–300 Broadway St. (Irish) Closed Sun. Irish pub with good food (the usual Irish favorites). Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Little Kitchen–1036 N. Sprigg St. (Chinese) Closed Sun. Serves authentic Chinese food (apparently is Cantonese style). Seems very good, but there are so few reviews I can’t confirm this. Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Rice Noodle Cai–1017 Independence St. (Chinese) Closed Sun. Has several styles of authentic Asian noodles, as well as some not so authentic non-noodle dishes (General Tso’s chicken, etc.). Noodles are cheap, and seem to give a good taste of Chinese comfort food. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Note: Some restaurants seem to have excellent food but are in a higher price range. These include 36 Restaurant and Bar (New American) and Celebrations (Regional and seasonal food). (6-19-21)
Carthage
El Quetzal–129 S. Main St. (Guatemalan) Closed Sun. The “core” cuisine is Guatemalan, but also serves food from Mexico and El Salvador (pupusas, etc.). Very good reviews by people who seem to know the difference between authentic and Americanized food. Also has a bakery (pan dulce, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Caruthersville
Cole Moma’s–2521 County Rd. D (American). Located in the countryside south of Caruthersville, it has few reviews but they all speak highly of the food. Serves steak, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, and shish kabobs (and has breakfast). Most people go for the catfish, though (i don’t think it is available all the time but is always served on Fri night). Note: for a similar but more “mainstream” restaurant you can check out Mama’s Boys Restaurant in Caruthersville. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)
Chillicothe
El Toro–108 Washington St. (Mexican) Open Daily. Serves Mexican food with real red and green sauce (not American style). People love the flavors, and say the steak burrito and the chicken are good choices. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Nico’Z–612 2nd St. (New American) Lunch Tue-Fri; dinner Fri only. The menu doesn’t sound like anything special, but reviewers say it is the way the food is prepared that makes it popular. Mostly serves sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Friday night dinner is more upscale and reservations are required. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Clinton
Peniku Japanese Hibachi–1107 S. 2nd St. (Japanese) Closed Sun evening, closed Mon. Has good reviews, and looks like it has an Asian flavor. I think hibachi grill is not authentic Japanese food, but apparently it is good quality and reviewers like it. Also has sushi. Map (Dining room is open 9-20-22)
Shawnee Mound BBQ–112 W. Rives Rd. (BBQ) Lunch Tue-Sat; dinner Wed-Sat. Customers say it is great barbecue in a little shack. Pulled pork, sloppy joe, brisket, and ribs are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 9-20-22)
Smiths Restaurant–1719 E. Ohio St. (American) Open 11 am to 3 pm (closed Tue); open to 6 pm on Sat. Serves typical Midwestern food, mostly fried (pork tenderloin sandwich and chicken are popular). Serves BBQ but it’s not as popular as the regular food. Pie is what people like best here. Also has frozen custard. Map (Dining room is open 9-20-22)
Columbia
44 Stone Public House–3910 Peachtree Dr. (Gastropub) Closed Mon & Wed. Styled after a British pub with food from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Fish & chips are popular. They have banh mi and tandoori chicken (both of which are said to be very good. They have 50 kinds of beer, and some like to go just to try the different ones. Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Bamboo Terrace–3101 W. Broadway (Chinese) Closed Tue (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm weekdays). Apparently it has some authentic dishes (reviewers say it has an authentic Chinese menu). Apparently a lot of Chinese students eat here. Some say the seafood is not fresh, though. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Bangkok Gardens–811 Cherry St. (Thai) Closed Sun & Mon (and closed from 2 to 5 pm). It is said to have the complex flavors found in good Thai food. Some say skip the pad thai and try the curries. Some also say the spice level is not quite there if you get the default version. Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
Cafe Poland–807 Locust St. (Polish) Closed Mon & Tue; closed Wed evening. Pierogi are popular, but has all the popular Polish dishes. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
FlyOver–212 E. Green Meadows Rd. (New American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). Small plate restaurant that has its own recipes for dishes (mac & cheese, country fried steak, etc). It looks as if it is a unique experience that people enjoy. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Nourish Cafe–1201 E. Broadway (Health Food & Smoothies) Open daily (breakfast & lunch only). Organic and locally sourced food. Some items are a little pricey but reviewers say it is fresh and delicious. Both breakfast and lunch menus are served all day. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Pho Quan–1301 Vandiver Dr. (Vietnamese) Closed Sat & Sun (and closed from 3 to 4 pm). Some say the pho does not have the depth of flavor found in big city restaurants, but other items on the menu are generally better. Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Seoul Taco–1020 E. Broadway (Korean) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Supposedly it has both traditional Korean food and Korean fusion (such as the taco). The gogi bowl is the most Korean dish served, but tacos and burritos with Korean flavors are also offered. Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
Fulton
China Palace–512 Court St. (Chinese) Dinner only (closed Sun). Food is American style, but reviewers say it has a very good flavor. Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Fontenot’s Po’boys–600 Commons Dr. (Cajun) Closed Tue & Wed; closed Sat lunch (and closed from 2 to 4 pm). Reviewers like the food and say it very good for Cajun food this far north. Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Fulton Cafe–529 Court St. (Cuban) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). Voted a readers’ choice for rural Missouri restaurants. From photos food looks very fresh (not fried or fast food style). Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Hoshi Japanese Express–510 US 54 Business (Japanese) Closed Sun. Looks as if it has solid Japanese food such as hibachi plates, fried rice plates, and noodles (as well as sushi). Map (Takeout only 7-18-22)
Hannibal
Jet’s Palace–2905 Palmyra Rd. (Chinese) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Mon). Americanized Chinese food, but reviewers think the twice cooked pork is as good as authentic food. Map (Dining room is open 9-25-22)
LaBinnah Bistro–207 N. 5th St. (Mediterranean) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). The name is Hannibal spelled backwards, and the menu seems hard to categorize but reviewers say the food is very good. Has steaks, seafood, African, Turkish, and other types of food. Map (Dining room is open 9-25-22)
Mark Twain Dinette: Maid-Rite–400 N. 3rd St. (American) Lunch daily; Dinner Thu & Fri. Seems to be a kitschy tourist restaurant next to the Mark Twain boyhood home. Food does not have very high ratings unless you have nostalgia for their signature loose meat (ground beef) sandwich. Some say the horseshoe sandwich is good (a local specialty in Ill. and eastern Mo. with a hamburger patty topped with french fries and cheese sauce). The home made root beer gets a universal thumbs up, though. Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Wayne BBQ–218 N. Main St. (BBQ) Open 11 am to 4 pm–closes 3 pm on Sat (closed Sun & Mon). Customers say brisket is the specialty and is very good. Ribs may be a close second (or to some, it is first). Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Harrisonville
Thai Pepper–2010 N. Hwy 291 (Thai) Closed Mon (and closed from 2:30 to 4 pm weekdays). Reviewers say the default food is Americanized and too sweet, but ask for it spicy (and Thai style if you want) and it will be good. Map (Dining room is open 9-25-22)
Jamesport
Gingerich Dutch Pantry–118 S. Broadway St. (Mennonite) Lunch only; Breakfast on Sat (closed Sun)–in summer has dinner on Mon & Fri. Amish style home cooked food. Has several buffets for breakfast, lunch, (and dinner in summer), but the menu includes a large choice of items (also serves daily specials). Mon evening in summer serves Mexican food. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Jefferson City
Das Stein Haus–1436 Southridge Dr. (German) Dinner only (closed Sun). The menu is limited but the Wienerschnitzel, Jagerschnitzel, and cabbage roll are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Paddy Malone’s–700 W. Main St. (Irish) Dinner only (Closed Sun & Mon). Popular Irish pub–fish and chips are said to be very good. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Sawaddee Thai–2215 Missouri Blvd. (Thai) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Sun). Reviewers say it has good food, but it is not anywhere close to Thai spicy (they still enjoy the flavor though). Some on Urbanspoon said it has big city quality Thai food. Note: has better ratings than the city’s Vietnamese restaurant from those who are familiar with Asian food. Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Sweet Smoke BBQ–127 E. High St. (BBQ) Open daily except Sun evening. Very good reviews. Fatty brisket is recommended. Meat has a dry rub–has 4 sauces you can add including KC sauce and Carolina sauce). Also has good recommendation for the I Love Texas Tacos with Carolina BBQ sauce and roasted corn relish. Other locations on Country Club Dr. and in Osage Beach. Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
Joplin
Carmine’s Wood Fired Pizza–524 S. Joplin Ave. (Pizza) Dinner Tue-Sat; lunch Fri & Sat. Reviewers say it is true Neapolitan style pizza. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
MEs Place–1203 Broadway St. (Soul Food) Open Fri only, takes vacations, and it could be hard to find them open. While this is not an upscale restaurant, the setting is very nice and reviewers say the food is better than is typically found with this type of restaurant. Fried chicken and ham are the most recommended items. Map (Dining room is open 9-20-22)
Mythos–1306 S. Range Line Rd. (Greek) Closed Sun. A Greek restaurant that has traditional dinners such as moussaka and kabobs (not just a gyro place). Note: M&M Bistro has similar food and gets similar reviews (but specializes in Middle Eastern food in general and is not a Greek restaurant). Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Thai Time–1804 E. 32nd St. (Thai) Closed Tue (and closed from 3 to 4 pm). Looks good. Reviews don’t say it uses MSG (but they point out that other Thai restaurants in town do). Pad ga-prao, pumpkin curry, mango curry. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Kirksville
Kababesh Grill–1101 E. Normal Ave. (Indian) Closed Mon (and closed from 3 to 5 pm). Serves Indian and Pakistani food. Has a buffet, and apparently you can only get the buffet and can’t order from the menu. Reviewers say the food is good, it is well priced, and some of it is spicy (something not available at any other restaurant in the area). Has another restaurant in Overland Park, KS, so it sounds as if it is big city quality. Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
Mi Casa–512 S. Baltimore St. (Mexican) Open Daily. Reviewers say this is the only restaurant in the area where the food tastes as if it is actually Mexican. Has red and green sauce, and serves a pork soft taco with onions and cilantro (seems to be the way street tacos are made). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Lake Ozark
Baxter’s Lakeside Grille–2124 Bagnell Dam Blvd. (American) Closed Mon. From what I have read about it, this seems to have a good balance of good food (but not too high end and expensive), a good view of the lake, and casual dress (but is still a nice restaurant). Some popular items include filet mignon, scallops, halibut, and gooey butter cake. For a cheaper dinner you can get a burger or pasta and still enjoy the sunset view. Lunch menu adds sandwiches and apparently smaller portions of some dinner items. Map (Dining room is open 7-22-22)
Wok-N-Roll–1359 Bagnell Dam Blvd. (Thai) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun & Mon). Thai restaurant that says it is authentic (and it may be). Reviewers say if you order it spicy it will be that way. I’m impressed with the menu and it looks as if it could be very good (reviews are not all that good but I think many people in this area are not very familiar with Thai food). Map (Dining room is open 7-22-22)
Lebanon
Bandana’s BBQ–1015 S. Jefferson Ave. (BBQ) Open Daily. Reviewers say it has good BBQ (up to Kansas City standards). Ribs, brisket and chicken are good. Note: Several locations throughout Missouri. Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Sushi House–747 S. Jefferson Ave. (Japanese) Closed Sun. This seems to be the best Asian restaurant in town. Sushi and bento boxes are both popular. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Lincoln
Charley’s Buffet–23785 County Rd. B (Mennonite) Open 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm Fri & Sat only. Amish home cooked style food served in a buffet (so bring an appetite!). Save room for dessert–cake, pie, cookies, cinnamon rolls, etc. Lincoln is located south of Sedalia on US 65. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Neosho
Pad Thai–204 N. Neosho Blvd. (Thai) Closed Sat, closed Sun dinner. This seems to cater to local tastes but those who like “real” Thai food say that the food is very healthy although lacking in flavor. I think this can be partially or wholly remedied, though, by asking for the food to be more Thai style, and especially that they make it more spicy. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
The Bar B Q Joint–410 S. Neosho Blvd. (BBQ) Open Mon-Fri 11am to 3pm. Reviewers say this is a “destination” restaurant for BBQ in SW Missouri. Brisket and ribs are said to be the best items (with pulled pork getting some people’s votes). They many times run out of one or more of the BBQ items before closing time. Seating inside the restaurant is limited. Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
Nevada
White Grill–200 N. Commercial St. (American) Open daily except Sun evening (serves breakfast). This was the No. 1 rated diner in Missouri on Urbanspoon. Ingredients are fresh. Onion burgers are popular. People also like the vanilla Coke. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Nixa
Morning Day Cafe–105 S. Main St. (American) Open daily 7 am to 4 pm. This is really a breakfast restaurant but is open until 4 pm. Recipes are unique (the way they make pancakes, muffins, etc.) and is said to be very good. Also has drinks (mimosa, Bloody Mary, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Yi’s–312 N. Massey Blvd. (Korean) Open 11 am to 8 pm (closed Sun). Small eatery that gives a good taste of Korean food. I don’t see that they have all the side dishes I normally see in Korean restaurants, but food here seems to be good. Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Osage Beach
Zen–5203 US 54 (Chinese) Open 11 am to 7:30 pm (closed Sun & Mon). This is the Asian restaurant in the Lake of the Ozarks area that has the best reviews and seems as if people like the food. It is mostly Chinese with some Thai and Japanese dishes. The Singapore noodles look good, and there are a couple more (mostly Thai) that I would at least ask about to see if they do not seem too Americanized. Note: also see Wok-N-Roll in Lake Ozark. Map (Dining room is open 7-22-22)
Ozark
Lambert’s–1800 W. County Rd. J (American) Open Daily. Touristy place with home cooking style food (I don’t see many raves for the food but they say it is solid). Barbecue is one of the options for meat (others are chicken fried steak, chicken and dumplings, etc). It is geared for people who want all you can eat (including their Pass Arounds). Smaller meals are available but may not be worth it. Used to have breakfast, but discontinued after the pandemic. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Mundos Latin Kitchen–5493 N. 17th St. (Puerto Rican) Open daily except Sun dinner. Serves Puerto Rican food and Mexican items (including chips and salsa that come with meals). Mofongo is very popular on the Puerto Rican side, and street tacos on the Mexican side. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Point Lookout
The Keeter Center–1 Opportunity Ave. (American) 10:30 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat; 10 am to 2 pm Sun. Located just s. of Branson off of US 65. Michael Stern of Roadfood said that it was sophisticated country fare served with expertise and enthusiastic hospitality. He recommended the peachy pig (pork and ham in peach glaze) and of course the desserts. Food is served by students from the College of the Ozarks (where the restaurant is located). The restaurant’s web site says you can have “a casual lunch” or “an intimate dinner” (this probably means dinner is more expensive). It can’t be too expensive or the Sterns would not have put it on Roadfood (or else they went for lunch). Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
Poplar Bluff
Bread+Butter–2586 N. Westwood Blvd. (New American) Closed Sun evening. Food is fresh and healthy (bread is freshly baked). The bacon is said to be thick cut and much better than average. Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
Hanuman Express–111 S. 5th St. (Thai) Open 10 am to 3 pm (closed Sat & Sun). Small restaurant with some Thai dishes that look good (such as prik king and laab salad) and I think some Americanized ones as well. Good reviews (I’m not including it on the list just because it is Asian). Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
The Wine Rack–1212 N. Westwood Blvd. (New American) Dinner Mon-Sat; Lunch Fri & Sat (closed Sun). Has items such as veggie burgers and Tuscan herb chicken. Has a good selection of drinks (wine, coffee, etc). Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Republic
Village Pottery Cafe–127 S. Walnut Ave. (American) Lunch Wed-Sat; Dinner Thu-Sat. Good place to eat if you want something healthy and are tired of fried food (wraps are popular). Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Saint Joseph
Il Lazzarone–1628 Frederick Ave. (Pizza) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Wood fired pizza– many think it’s worth a drive from KC or Omaha to eat here (although there is another Il Lazzarone in KC). The pizza is certified by VPN as being authentic Neapolitan pizza, so it really is one of the best. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)
The Cabbage Roll–2641 Lafayette (German) Lunch only (closed Sat & Sun). Apparently they serve very authentic German food with some Polish items between 11 am to 2 pm weekdays. Friday evening there is apparently a buffet which is the most popular time with customers (they request reservations since the food is fresh and they need to know how much to cook). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Saint Robert
Bulgogi House–1018 Missouri Ave. (Korean) Closed Sun. There are several Korean restaurants around Fort Leonard Wood, but this one seems to be the most authentic and the favorite of Korean people. Suggestions include champong (their specialty dish), soft tofu soup, chajangmyung, bulgogi. Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
Ichiban–240 Marshall Dr. (Japanese) Closed Mon (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm weekdays). Mostly known for sushi, but cooked dishes are good as well. Map (Dining room is open 7-22-22)
Mama Mia’s–101 Comfort Inn Blvd. (Mediterranean) Closed Sun. Good food with authentic Mediterranean flavor (according to reviews). Gyro and chicken gyro are popular. (This is mostly a Greek restaurant) Map (Dining room is open 7-22-22)
The Hub–106 VFW Rd. (German) Lunch Wed-Fri; dinner Wed-Mon. My take from the reviews is that it is not a place to find out how food tastes in Germany, but enough people like it that I’m confident the food is good. (This restaurant serves full meals, in contrast to Ursula’s in Waynesville that is a German sandwich/ deli restaurant). Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Sedalia
Ivory Grille–317 S. Ohio Ave. (American) Dinner only (closed Sun & Mon). This has the best reviews of any place in town. Fine dining restaurant (serves steaks, fish, seafood, stuffed chicken breast, etc.). Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Sikeston
Lambert’s Cafe–2305 E. Malone Ave. (American) Open daily 10:30 am to 9 pm. Recommended by Roadfood as having freshly made and good tasting food (so good that buses frequently stop here, putting a further strain on a frequently crowded restaurant). Some recommended items are catfish, chicken fried steak, and pork chops. Has “pass-arounds” including rolls, okra, and fried potatoes. They do not accept credit cards (but do take checks). Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
Springfield
Asia Express–2462 S. Campbell Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun. They start cooking the pho at 5:30 am, and reviewers say it makes a difference in the flavor (tofu pho is also recommended). Vermicelli bowls are also popular. Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Bao Bao–2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd. (Chinese) Closed Sun evening and Mon. Said to have authentic Chinese food (with a Chinese menu and a regular menu). One recent reviewer, though, said the chef has changed and some of the food is not the same. Now has both five star and one star reviews, so I think the food is the same but the execution is inconsistent, so in that sense it is not always the same as before. Map (Dining room is open 12-9-21)
Braum’s–3020 E. Sunshine St. (Ice Cream Shop) Open Daily. I think this is the most easterly location of one of my favorite places for ice cream (including the sundaes and some of the two-scoop cone combinations such as chocolate and orange sherbet). The raisin bread is one of my favorite items from the grocery store. Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Buckingham BBQ–2002 S. Campbell Ave. (BBQ) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Reviewers say the barbecue is excellent (much more than just good for Springfield). Burnt ends are especially recommended. Baked beans are the most recommended side item. There are several locations throughout Missouri. Map (Dining room is open 9-20-22)
Cafe Cusco–234 E. Commercial St. (Peruvian) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. Good reviews. They seem to have food that people consider to be delicious and authentic. Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Casper’s–601 W. Walnut St. (American) Lunch only (closed Sun). Chili, milk shake (this is a diner from the 1960’s). Map (Temporarily closed 3-19-23)
City Butcher and Barbecue–3650 S. Campbell Ave. (BBQ) Open daily 11 am to 7 pm. This may be the best BBQ in town, and some say it is the best in the state. Food is served on butcher paper. Recommended that you go early because they run out of items. Burnt ends and brisket are recommended. Apple pie is a must try. This is a Central Texas style BBQ place (seasoned with just salt and pepper). Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Farmers Gastropub–2620 S. Glenstone Ave. (Gastropub) Closed Sun & Mon. This looks like a good healthy alternative to the predominant fried and country style food. Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
Hong Yen–2926 S. Campbell Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Wed. This seems to be the place to come for a greatly expanded Vietnamese menu (has bun bo hue). Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Karai Ramen–640 W. Republic Rd. (Japanese) Closed Sun (and closed from 2 to 4:30 pm). Reviewers say it is both authentic and delicious. It looks as if it is worth a try. Map (Dining room is open 3-23-24)
La Habana Vieja–220 E. Commercial St. (Cuban) Dinner only (closed Sun). Fairly upscale restaurant with good reviews. Cuban sandwich is popular, but those who explore the menu give good reports about the food. Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Leong’s Asian Diner–1540 W. Republic Rd. (Chinese) Closed Sun evening. This is the original place for Springfield cashew chicken, and according to the web site the family still operates the restaurant. From what I can see of the menu, though, there is nothing I would call authentic Cantonese. Map (Dining room is open 9-25-22)
Pho Kim–3433 S. Campbell Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Tue & closed Sun evening. Recommended place for pho and banh mi. Like Hong Yen, said to be very authentic with a wide choice of menu items. Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
Thai Express–948 S. Glenstone Ave. (Thai) Open 11 am to 8:30 pm (closed Sun). People who are concerned about authenticity as well as flavor seem to think this is possibly the best Thai restaurant in the city. This is a small restaurant with low prices (this is a bonus, but the food is the real attraction). Map (Dining room is open 12-19-21)
Thailand Station–1730 E. Republic Rd. (Thai) Closed Sun (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). This is one of the newer Thai restaurants and has good reviews. It is very popular, but I cannot tell if it is because it is real Thai or Americanized with the food many are used to eating. It does look, though, as if items such as ginger stir fry are very good (I’m not sure about the curries because they might be too sweet). Map (Dining room is open 7-18-22)
That Lebanese Place–338 E. Commercial St. (Lebanese) Dinner only Tue-Sat; Sun 11 am to 3 pm. Has all the standard dishes, but also serves Lebanese “street food” (Pepper Joe, made with ground beef and veggies on pita). Falafel is apparently very authentic. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Tortilleria Perches–1601 W. Sunshine St. (Mexican) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Authentic Mexican food (or at least the closest you will probably find in Springfield). Some comment that some dishes are spicy (implying that the other restaurants do not have any spicy dishes). Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Triple Eight’s–1710 S. Kansas Expwy. (Chinese) Open daily 11 am to 9:30 pm. Has an authentic menu, and this seems to be the place where the Chinese university students frequent to get food from home. Xiao long bao is recommended. Specializes in Taiwanese and Sichuan cuisine. Map (Dining room is open 3-19-23)
Strafford
Wildseed–305 E. Chestnut St. (American) Closed Sun & Mon. Located just e. of Springfield at the I-44 interchange, this looks interesting because it is upscale food without the upscale setting (so you don’t get high prices). Reviewers mention the strawberry salad, buffalo (spicy) chicken, Route 66 burger, meatloaf, and the chicken curry (a family recipe). They have several spicy items if you want it that way, but the curry seems to be the best. Has steaks and very good looking salads. Is family friendly with seemingly good prices for the quality you are getting. Apparently the eclectic menu is because it has three owners who all contribute their type of cooking to the menu. Map (Dining room is open 12-2-21)
Washington
Sugarfire Smoke House–512 W. Front St. (BBQ) Open daily 11 am to 9 pm. This is a branch of one of St. Louis’ premier barbecue restaurants. Pulled pork and ribs are recommended at this location. Sides are said to be some of the best in the BBQ world. Map (Dining room is open 9-15-22)
Waynesville
Purn’s Thai–304 US Route 66 (Thai) Dinner only (Wed-Sat only). Reviewers like everything here, including the curry. I think the only problem here is the limited hours. I think when reviewers say the food is delicious that this is really true. Map (Dining room is open 12-26-21)
Ursula’s Schnitzelhaus–311 North St. (German) Open 9 am to 5 pm (closed Sun). Deli and sandwich shop specializing in schnitzels and German side dishes. Note: The Hub in St. Robert serves full German meals. Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
West Plains
Ozark Cafe–662 Missouri Ave. (American) Open 6 am to 7 pm; 6-3 Sat (Closed Sun). Seems to be all the typical food that is not particularly healthy but tastes very good. Breakfast looks particularly good (reviewers say not to miss the biscuits). Map (Dining room is open 2-2-22)
Sapz Thai Kitchen–929 Preacher Roe Blvd. (Thai) Closed Sun & Mon. Said to have fresh flavors and no MSG. Soup is recommended by several people (including coconut soup). Map (Dining room is open 7-8-22)
- For additional explanation of this list see Index
- Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.
Lake of the Ozarks Restaurants with a View
Top Restaurants Listed from a Bing Search
- J.B. Hook’s–Lake Ozark
- Baxter’s Lakeside Grille–Lake Ozark
- Bentley’s Restaurant & Pub–Lake Ozark
- Paradise Tropical Restaurant & Bar–Sunrise Beach
- Redhead Lakeside Grill–Osage Beach
Sources:
Branson Shows (Branson Landing Restaurants)
Chowhound (former web site)
Culture Trip “Missouri’s 10 Best Restaurants”
Culture Trip “The Top 10 Restaurants in Cape Girardeau, Missouri”
Google Maps
Urbanspoon.com (former web site which I used for preliminary research)