1. To Cheese Or Not To Cheese Is The Question At Shakespeare’s Pizza
Shakespeare’s Pizza
225 S 9th St
(573) 449-2454
Yelp: 4 stars, 199 reviews
When you name your pizza joint something like Shakespeare’s, you better offer up some serious classics. Luckily, that’s exactly what they do. They’re pies are so good, in fact, that they were featured on “Good Morning America” along with only four other pizza joints from across the country. With a variety of toppings and the choice of traditional or wheat crusts, you’ll never run out of ways to mix it up here.
But the pies aren’t the only reason to go, either. Their salads are top notch, served with a side of the best garlic bread around. One visit to Shakespeare’s, with it’s great food and awesome atmosphere, and you’ll understand why it has been a Columbia institution for generations.
2. Find The Bruncher’s Paradise At Café Berlin
Café Berlin
220 N 10th St
(573) 441-0400
Yelp: 4 stars, 90 reviews
Café Berlin boasts amazingly hand-crafted and organic breakfast, brunch and lunch along with a bar. Recently renovated, they’ve really stepped up their game, which was already pretty great to begin with. Definitely do not miss out on their brunch. Think pancake burritos, biscuits with homemade jam, and delicious roasted potatoes.
They also have a remarkable selection of vegetarian options including a veggie scramble and vegetarian sausage patties. To see just how big their portions are, order the waffles and hold it next to your head and see how little of a difference there is in size. The atmosphere is trendy but not over-the-top, creating the perfect breakfast vibe for Columbia.
3. Order Your Meal Carlito’s Way At Cabo
Carlito’s Cabo
12-A Business Loop 70 E
(573) 443-6370
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 10 reviews
It’s Tuesday. You want tacos. Then you’re obviously going to Carlito’s Cabo. It’s the best place to go in Columbia for a truly Mexican meal and is perfectly without a drive-through and mystery meat. Of course, if you’re looking for mock-Mexican on the go, you won’t find it here. Everything on this menu is authentic, fresh, full of flavor and delicious.
If tacos are in order, go for the beef or the carnitas. Do yourself a favor and order up the six pack, because there will be none left behind. Don’t let the unassuming exterior of the building fool you, as this will become your new favorite spot for Mexican this side of Cabo.
4. Kick Up The BBQ Heat At Shotgun Pete’s
Shotgun Pete’s BBQ Shack
28 N 9th St
(573) 442-7878
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 55 reviews
When you’re looking for the best barbecue in the city, head to Shotgun Pete’s. End of discussion. This place was crowned as the best barbecue in all of Missouri, so anyone who wants to argue that another place is better doesn’t really have a leg to stand on.
It probably has something to do with the slew of homemade barbecue sauces. There’s the Spicy Texas Pit sauce full of smokiness and just the perfect kick which is their staple sauce. Then you’ve got the Sweet Southern Mustard which mixes grit and crushed black pepper just right to amplify your burger. And then you’ve got the mother of all sauces: the Hellfire Habañero. One lick of this stuff and you’ll know that Shotgun Pete’s isn’t messing around.
5. Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café
Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café
28 S 9th St
(573) 817-5616
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 88 reviews
It doesn’t take much to make a vegetarian happy. Give them a place with high quality whole foods with inexpensive prices that they don’t have to wait half of the day for, and they’re in heaven. That’s why Man Squeeze Natural Café is the vegetarian haven in Columbia.
The food features locally grown and organic produce, with an emphasis on whole grain goodness. And then order yourself a Peasant Plate full of organic brown rice, seasoned organic beans, freshly steamed veggies topped with a creamy tahini sauce with a fresh juice on the side. Then call it a good day.
6. Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream
Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream
21 S 9th St
(573) 443-7400
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 83 reviews
Homemade ice cream places don’t usually need to get too heavy on the marketing, since homemade ice cream generally tends to sell itself. But Sparky’s made waves when they created a cicada-filled flavor available to the public. Yes, it was actually ice cream made of boiled cicadas covered in brown sugar and milk chocolate, dunked in a brown sugar and butter ice cream.
And the locals loved it so much, they couldn’t keep it in stock. But if you’re not interested in oddities in your ice cream, don’t worry – Sparky’s goes far beyond bug flavors. This locally-owned ice cream shop is an awesome accent to the city, with unique varieties of everyone’s favorite dessert that includes everything from the classics to imaginative alcoholic flavors.
7. Get In The Mediterranean Zone At Coffee Zone
Coffee Zone
11 N 9th St
(573) 449-8215
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 27 reviews
Without knowing any better, you might think that Coffee Zone is just a place to pick up a good cup of java in Columbia. And it is. The coffee here is unbeatable. But Coffee Zone is also a Mediterranean and Greek cafe where you will find, hands down, the best gyro in the city. This locally owned gem is one of the most surprising spots in Columbia.
The owners use family recipes that their mother handed down to them, while still keeping everything modern and innovative. You can order everything from omelets to hummus plates and pastries – all of which are delicious and never disappoint.
8. Grab The Best Burger And Beer Meal At Flat Branch Pub
Flatbranch Pub & Brewing
115 S 5th St
(573) 499-0400
Yelp: 4 stars, 184 reviews
Flat Branch walked away with the second place medal for best burger in all of Columbia in 2013. What the awards didn’t take into consideration is that Flat Branch is also one of the best spots to go for an amazing beer. So, when a beer and a burger are on your radar for tonight’s dinner, process of elimination proves that this is the place to go.
And if that wasn’t good enough, the fries alone will win you over with a perfect salty crispness that perfectly complements your burger and beer. But you can also find non-burger items here if you’re not in the mood, covering all ends of the palette spectrum from a juicy steak to a Hawaiian pizza.
9. Rise And Shine For Uprise Bakery
Uprise Bakery
10 Hitt St
(573) 256-2265
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 51 reviews
Fresh bread? Check. Delicious pastries? Check. Piping hot coffee? Check. Amazing sandwiches? Check. Free wifi? Check. A bar? Check and mate. Uprise Bakery literally has it all. They strive to make the freshest food possible by using as many local ingredients as possible.
It’s the perfect spot to grab your morning cup of coffee or latte with a muffin or your lunch in the afternoon for one of the best Reuben sandwiches you’ll ever bite into. So, come here for a great sandwich, a couple of cocktails and a cupcake before heading over for a night at the movies. An all-around perfect Columbia experience.
10. G & D Steakhouse
G & D Steakhouse
2001 W Worley St
(573) 445-3504
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 20 reviews
G & D offers one of the juiciest menus in town along with some of the best service you’ll find in the city, making it the perfect dining spot. The steaks are the shining star here – grilled to the perfect temperature of your choosing, and confident enough to remain subtle yet unbelievably delicious.
But you can also order up everything from top-notch gyros to delicious chicken nuggets. It’s also extremely affordable, which is why so many people love it for family dining. G&D’s is a no frills experience, but don’t let that fool you. It’s incredibly warm, welcoming and everyone here will go out of their way to accommodate you.
11. Sophia’s Takes You On An Italian Adventure
Sophia’s
3915 S Providence Rd
(573) 874-8009
Yelp: 4 stars, 34 reviews
If you haven’t gotten around to knocking a trip through Italy off your bucket list yet, then head over to Sophia’s for the next best thing. Or, at least, the closest-best thing. The menu here goes well beyond your standard Italian fare of spaghetti and meatballs and takes you on a journey of some truly unique and innovative dishes, taking traditional staples and vamping them up with modern flavors and flare.
Try the shrimp and asiago pasta or the scallop and strip steak pasta to start. Or maybe give the horseradish salmon a try if you like a little kick in your bite. They also have an extensive wine list to choose from, as all respectable Italian restaurants should, from which you can order by the glass or the bottle.
12. Hop Aboard A Sushi Boat At Geisha’s
Geisha Sushi Bar
804 E Broadway
(573) 777-9997
Yelp: 4 stars, 34 reviews
Who doesn’t love a sushi boat? No one, that’s who. But Geisha’s Sushi Bar has sushi boats that come out to you smoking. All novelty aside, you’ll get some of the freshest and best sushi in all of Columbia here at Geisha’s, which is why it’s the go-to spot for locals. But another reason everyone comes here is for their immaculately hand crafted cocktails which are just as fun as they are delicious.
Between the freshness of the food, the fun sushi boats it comes out on, and the colorful drinks, you’ll never want to go anywhere else when you’re looking for your rice sticky, your fish raw, and your meal awesome.
13. Every Hour Is Happy Hour At Coley’s American Bistro
Coley’s American Bistro
15 S 6th St
(573) 442-8887
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 36 reviews
Whether it’s happy hour or you’re just wanting a few hours to unwind, venture downtown for the best hangout corner with amazing food and drinks at Coley’s. Start your night off with the artichoke cakes or the pretzels with beer and cheese dip.
Try the Cajun Chicken Philly sandwich if you’re feeling adventurous, or order up a full plate of fine comfort food with a steak and the most amazing mashed potatoes in the city. They’re so good, you’ll be begging your server to give up the recipe. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, veering towards upscale without any pretentious overtones, making this a perfect spot for an evening with friends or a date.
14. A European Gastropub For Everyone At 44 Stone
44 Stone Public House
3910 Peachtree Dr
(573) 443-2726
Yelp: 4 stars, 56 reviews
From the décor to the food, this quaint gastropub is heavily influenced by the pubs of the British Isles but still stays rooted in American traditions. So feel free to come as you are to 44 Stone Public House, as you’ll be in good company and probably make a few friends. It’s comfortable and casual, with just the right amount of class.
Keep it American by ordering up one of their prized burgers, or immerse yourself in the European delights of their shepherd’s pie, Welsh Rabbit, or the always beloved fish and chips. And, as to be expected, your beer mug will runneth over.
15. Find The Best Kept Secret in CoMo at Sycamore
Sycamore
800 E Broadway
(573) 874-8090
Yelp: 4 stars, 55 reviews
Sycamore’s is committed to feeding Columbia with as much market-fresh food as possible. In other words, you won’t find reheated frozen foods here. The servers and staff are all highly informed on the menu and where the food comes from and are more than willing to answer any questions you might have.
Be sure to enjoy the fried green tomatoes, which are the best you’ll find anywhere within driving distance. They’re so good, you might want to order up an extra plate and forego your entrée all together. And the desserts are just as impressive, with options like a ginger mascarpone icebox cake and gooseberry elderflower truffle.
Feature Image Source: Flat Branch Pub & Brewing Facebook
What’s your go-to for grub in Columbia? Tell us in the comments below!
