12 Hole-In-The-Wall Missouri Restaurants That Only Locals Know About
Missouri is full of hidden dining gems that most tourists never stumble upon. Beyond the big-name BBQ spots and familiar chains, the Show-Me State holds onto cozy eateries rich with history, character, and flavors that locals treat like family heirlooms.
They may not dazzle on the outside, but inside you’ll find unforgettable meals and experiences that capture the true heart and soul of Missouri cooking.
1. Carl’s Drive-In: Time-Frozen Burger Haven
Tucked away in Brentwood, this miniature roadside gem has been serving crispy-edged smashburgers since the 1950s.
The vintage counter seats just 16 lucky diners at a time, creating an intimate experience where you can watch your patties sizzle on the flattop grill.
Their house-made root beer arrives in a frosty mug that locals swear tastes better than any commercial brand.
The double cheeseburger paired with that signature root beer creates flavor memories that bring generations of St. Louisans back again and again.
2. Blues City Deli: Sandwich Symphony in Benton Park
Blues music posters blanket the walls of this narrow sandwich shop, where the New Orleans influence runs deep. Lunch crowds form lines down the block for their legendary po’boys and muffulettas piled high with quality meats and cheeses.
The tiny space buzzes with energy, especially during Thursday evening blues sessions when musicians set up in the corner.
Folks arrive early to claim the few tables, but the muffuletta – stacked with salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone – makes any wait worthwhile.
3. Crown Candy Kitchen: Century-Old Soda Fountain Magic
Walking into Crown Candy Kitchen feels like stepping through a time portal to 1913. The vintage soda fountain, wooden booths, and candy counter remain virtually unchanged.
I still remember my grandfather bringing me here as a child, watching in awe as the server assembled a BLT with what seemed like an entire pound of bacon.
Their chocolate malts arrive in the original metal mixing cup alongside your glass, essentially providing two servings in one.
The heart-stopping BLT has appeared on food shows nationwide, but locals know it’s the house-made candy that’s truly special.
4. LC’s Bar-B-Q: Smoke-Infused Kansas City Institution
Hidden in a humble cinder block building, LC’s smoky interior gives away its treasure before you even order. The burnt ends – twice-smoked cubes of brisket point with a perfect bark-to-meat ratio – are the stuff of Kansas City legend.
Sauce bottles sit ready on formica tables while the staff wraps sandwiches in butcher paper with minimal fuss.
Regulars know to arrive by 11:30 am or risk finding their favorite items sold out, especially those caramelized burnt ends that have defined Kansas City barbecue for decades.
5. Town Topic: Round-the-Clock Burger Bliss
The neon glow of Town Topic’s sign has been a beacon for late-night Kansas City revelers since 1937. This 24-hour diner keeps its griddle sizzling non-stop, turning out thin, crispy-edged burgers that haven’t changed in generations.
The Broadway location features a horseshoe counter where you can watch short-order cooks work their magic inches away. My favorite midnight tradition involves ordering their double with grilled onions and a slice of homemade pie.
Something about that combination at 2 am makes everyday troubles melt away faster than American cheese on a hot patty.
6. Vietnam Cafe: Columbus Park’s Hidden Pho Paradise
Nestled in Kansas City’s historic Columbus Park neighborhood, this unassuming eatery serves steaming bowls of pho that locals line up for regardless of the weather.
The tiny dining room fills quickly with aromatic steam from the kitchen, where three generations of family members work in harmony.
Their broth simmers for 24 hours before service, creating a rich, complex foundation for the tender rice noodles and thinly sliced beef.
Regulars know to order extra bean sprouts and mint with their pho tai, customizing the bowl to their preference while chatting with the owners who remember everyone’s order.
7. Kitty’s Cafe: Tempura Tenderloin Temple
Blink and you’ll miss this cash-only window joint that’s barely bigger than a food truck. Kitty’s claim to fame is their unique pork tenderloin sandwich – not the pounded-flat Midwestern style, but a trio of tempura-battered strips stacked on a soft bun with hot sauce.
The Korean-influenced creation defies categorization but has earned a devoted following among Kansas Citians.
The limited menu and brief operating hours only add to the mystique of this midtown treasure, where regulars know exactly how to customize their sandwich (pro tip: add the egg).
8. Booches Billiard Hall: Burger Sliders in a Time Capsule
Since 1884, this Columbia institution has served burgers on wax paper, never plates, while pool balls crack in the background. The tiny sliders arrive with zero fanfare: just griddled patties on soft buns with melted cheese, onions, and pickles.
Nothing has changed here in decades, including the cash-only policy and the worn wooden floors that have supported generations of Mizzou students. I once brought an out-of-state friend who scoffed at the humble appearance until his first bite.
The immediate wide-eyed silence told me everything – another convert to Booches’ simple perfection.
9. The Bruncheonette: Joplin’s Morning Masterpiece
Mornings in Joplin sparkle brighter thanks to this petite breakfast nook, where creative spins on classics draw devoted regulars.
The Garden Benny, their signature eggs Benedict with seasonal vegetables, changes subtly throughout the year, showcasing the chef’s commitment to freshness.
Their cozy interior holds just a handful of tables, creating an intimate atmosphere where conversations flow between neighboring diners.
Savvy locals know to arrive early, especially on weekends when the tiny restaurant often sells out of everything before the clock strikes one.
10. Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que: Route 66 Smoke Shack
Perched along the iconic Mother Road in Cuba, this rustic log cabin smokehouse captures the essence of Ozark barbecue traditions.
Hand-hewn wooden benches and tables create an authentic backdrop for plates piled high with hickory-smoked ribs and pulled pork. The smokers out back work continuously, perfuming the air for miles around with sweet wood smoke.
Travelers following Route 66 might stumble upon it by chance, but Missourians make deliberate pilgrimages for their perfectly barked ribs and homestyle sides that taste like grandma’s Sunday best.
11. Kehde’s Barbeque: Railroad Car Dining Experience
Barbecue tastes better when enjoyed inside an authentic vintage railcar – at least that’s what Sedalia locals believe about Kehde’s unique dining room. The converted train car creates an atmosphere unlike any other barbecue joint in Missouri.
Their burnt ends develop a perfect outer bark while maintaining juicy tenderness inside, representing the best of Missouri’s diverse barbecue traditions.
Kids love the novelty of dining in a real train, while parents appreciate the consistently excellent smoked meats that have kept this family operation chugging along for decades.
12. Myrtle’s Place: Southern Bootheel Comfort
Poplar Bluff locals start their day right at this downtown institution where breakfast platters emerge from the kitchen at remarkable speed. The daily lunch specials, often traditional Southern plates like chicken and dumplings or meatloaf, sell out regularly.
Handwritten menus and cash registers that actually ring maintain the nostalgic charm that bigger cities have largely lost. The waitresses remember regular customers’ orders without asking and pour coffee refills before cups reach empty.
This kind of genuine hospitality explains why Myrtle’s has remained a cornerstone of Poplar Bluff’s community for generations.