Where is your favorite "non chain" place to eat in MO? (Springfield: prices, food)

[LemonYellow]

And why do you like it so much?

[cyrano]

Just in order of my familiarity with each--

1. Carlito's on the Business Loop here in Columbia, but you gotta know what to order. Stay away from the rice/beans/enchiladas usual Tex-Mex and order either carnitas tacos or beef rico tacos. The owner brought Mexican street food to the Midwest and it is GOOD. Closed weekends (!) and at 7 weeknights.

2. Lutz's BBQ in Jefferson City. Those trophies from the American Royal in his little place didn't just walk in there-- Mr. Lutz earned them. Their quality can be uneven and if you see their trailer at a function, don't bother ordering there-- it's just not the same. Also fine sides, including the semi-amazing scratch-cooked potato chips.

3. Stroud's in KC. Does having two locations qualify as being a chain? Not in my book. The best fried chicken in the universe, and sides of equal greatness.

4. Amighetti's on The Hill in StL (again, does having a second location make you a chain?). Again, don't get cute. Order the Special sandwich, share it with someone you love or at least like. Delightful.

5. O'Connell's Pub, also StL. Fantastic hamburgers, great roast beef, other goodness.

Chains are a necessary evil when I don't know the area well enough to seek out something good and local.

[muman]

Booche's in downtown Columbia. The Western burger is excellent.

[BethP]

Alex's Pizza Palace in Rolla. Their pizzas are fabulous, and I like their gyros, too.

[ozarksboy]

Originally Posted by BethP

Alex's Pizza Palace in Rolla. Their pizzas are fabulous, and I like their gyros, too.

I second that motion.

I also like the baked taters at what is now called Tommy's Tater Patch (formerly Joe and Linda's Tater Patch), in particular the barbecued pork tater.

Another good place is the Missouri Hick Bar-B-Q in Cuba.

[LemonYellow]

I will have to try out some of these! Thanks!

[firebll31]

Rose's Schnitzelbank on Hwy 43 just north of Joplin. It's about 7 tables and a kitchen attached to the side of a riding stable. There is one table next to the riding arena if you want to dine al fresco.Rose is the owner and cook, and
a blustery, hearty German woman just like you hope. The food is authentic German and she will come out to chat with the patrons if she isn't too busy. My favorite is rinder rouladen, with spaetzle to soak up the rich broth, followed by German chocolate cake (no coconut on hers). When you are done, she is happy to let you visit the horses in the stable if you want. I have heard the Oktoberfest there is great. Open Friday and Saturday nights from 5-9.

[stlcitygirl]

Mosiac-Washington Avenue, Downtown St Louis

[lifelongMOgal]

Emmett's in Fayette: not your average small town food and very reasonable prices.
http://www.emmetskitchen.com/

[Angelflyn2low]

Originally Posted by LemonYellow

And why do you like it so much?

I can't believe nobody put LAMBERT'S yet! There's one in Sikeston, MO and one near Springfield, MO (isn't it??)

Also, a little drive up dive called The Pig, in Fredericktown, MO. They have a sandwich called a "Combination" and they have reguar, double & triple, meaning, hot and hotter. It's smoked pork with hot cheese and hot sauce, smashed between 2 pieces of sandwich bread, toasted and they are SOOO good! "Triple combination and a large Pepsi with a little ice, thank you!" Bliss!