The Great Debate: Missouri’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the heart of Missouri’s largest city, Kansas City has earned its legendary status with barbecue that draws aficionados from across the globe. About four hours south of St. Louis, Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District offers more than musical heritage; it’s home to iconic spots like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Nestled in a former gas station, Joe’s serves up ribs that are slow-smoked over hickory wood, boasting a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly balances char and tenderness. Visitors can wander the district after a meal, enjoying murals that celebrate jazz history and exploring the American Jazz Museum. Fall afternoons bring mild weather and vibrant street life, making it an ideal time to savor barbecue here alongside live music and cultural richness.
Heading northeast near the Mississippi River, the town of Ste. Genevieve, about 60 miles south of St. Louis, offers a different kind of culinary charm with its French colonial heritage that permeates its quaint streets. While not as famed for barbecue, Ste. Genevieve boasts some hidden gems in wood-fired pizza. At a rustic eatery overlooking the rolling hills of the Missouri wine country, thin-crust pizzas emerge from a 900-degree brick oven, topped with locally sourced cheeses and smoked meats. This spot’s charm lies in combining old-world techniques with local ingredients, creating a style that’s both artisanal and rooted in its river valley terroir. Spring and early summer offer the best conditions to enjoy an outdoor patio meal framed by blooming vineyards and historic architecture.
For seafood lovers, the town of Hannibal, about 100 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi’s western bank, serves as a surprising destination. Known primarily as Mark Twain’s boyhood home, Hannibal also hosts several riverfront restaurants specializing in freshwater fish like catfish and crappie. One standout is a family-run establishment near the Mark Twain Riverfront Park where the daily catch is fried golden and seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices passed down through generations. Diners can enjoy views of the river bluffs while sampling dishes that celebrate the bounty of the Mississippi. Late spring, when the river is high and the surrounding trees flush with green, creates a serene, evocative backdrop for a seafood feast.
Springfield, located in southwest Missouri about 215 miles from St. Louis, represents a crossroads of Ozark culture and culinary innovation. Here, visitors can explore the city’s downtown district, especially on Walnut Street, where a burgeoning pizza scene offers hand-tossed pies with inventive toppings like smoked brisket and jalapeño jelly. A particular pizzeria stands out for its use of a coal-fired oven, imparting a smoky char to the chewy crust that contrasts with the creamy cheeses and fresh vegetables. The city’s proximity to the scenic Ozark Mountains invites diners to pair a pizza outing with a visit to the nearby Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, a sprawling green space with botanical gardens and walking paths. Early fall, when leaves turn fiery hues and the weather crisps, enhances the experience with a touch of autumnal magic.
In Columbia, a lively college town nestled about 125 miles west of St. Louis, barbecue takes on a local flair with its focus on smoked pork shoulder and tangy vinegar-based sauces. The city’s historic downtown district buzzes with activity, and a few standout barbecue joints scatter around the town square. One such place offers an experience that extends beyond the plate: a casual, open-air patio setting perfect for enjoying slow-smoked meats alongside live acoustic music on warm summer evenings. Columbia’s setting near the MKT Trail, a popular multi-use route, allows visitors to combine a hearty meal with a scenic bike or walk through wooded landscapes and prairie views. Late spring evenings capture the essence of college town vitality and outdoor dining at its best.
St. Louis, about 250 miles northeast of Springfield, showcases a distinct style of pizza known as toasted ravioli pizza, a creative local twist born from the city’s Italian-American neighborhoods. The Hill District, famous for its Italian heritage, houses restaurants where these crispy ravioli appetizers are often served alongside thin-crust pizzas topped with Provel cheese—a processed blend unique to St. Louis that melts into a gooey, slightly tangy layer. Dining here means immersing oneself in a neighborhood alive with old-world charm, brick row houses, and cafes that spill onto sidewalks. Winter visits when the streets are festively lit offer a cozy atmosphere to enjoy these regional specialties while soaking in the warmth of community traditions.
Finally, for a taste of true river-to-table seafood, the historic river town of Cape Girardeau, roughly 115 miles south of St. Louis, offers fresh catfish and soft-shell crab dishes that highlight the culinary influence of the Mississippi. On the riverfront, a venerable seafood restaurant provides a panoramic view of the waterway, especially striking at sunset when the sky blazes with color. The kitchen’s signature approach uses a light cornmeal crust and careful frying techniques that preserve the delicate flavor of the fish. Pairing a meal with a stroll along the Riverfront Park Trail, visitors can enjoy tranquil views of barges and bargemen against a backdrop of gentle hills. Late summer evenings, when the river breeze carries hints of the warm season, create an ideal setting for savoring seafood in this vibrant river town.