Top 10 Places to Eat in Columbia, Missouri

I moved to Columbia when I was 18 to attend college at Mizzou (AKA: The University of MO). I stayed in town and bought a house here because it is a great place to live. It's small enough that you can usually get anywhere in town in about 20 minutes, but there is still a great art and music community with so many interesting things to do. One of my favorite aspects of the city is the great selection of locally-owned restaurants! This article will introduce you to 10 of the most popular locally-owned spots, in no particular order.

1. Flat Branch Pub and Brewing: www.flatbranch.com 115 S. Fifth St. (Downtown)
With high ceilings and a beautiful patio, this restaurant is a favorite for all ages. Adults and college kids come for the excellent selection of home-brewed beers and delicious food made from high quality ingredients, while kids will love the famous Brick Oven Pizza, delectable desserts like the Stout Brownie Sundae, and homemade root beer or cream soda. You won't find any frozen pre-packaged food here! They make everything fresh, from the Italian Sausage to the salad dressings and hot sauce. Even their ice cream is made right here in town!

2. Booche's: 110 S. 9th Street (Downtown)
Don't expect any waiters in white gloves, but this downtown billiard hall and burger joint has been around as long as any Columbian can remember. Their burgers actually made it on USA Today's Top 10 Burgers in America list in 2000. Neither the decor nor the recipe appears to have changed since the early 20th century... with high ornate ceilings and an antique bar which serves beer in thick frosty mugs, you won't mind the fact that your sandwiches are served on wax paper. The price is right too: 2 people can split a pitcher of beer and eat 2 cheeseburgers and a bag of chips each for under 20 bucks.