The restaurant business is a tough one. Often we see new places open up in town, only to close within a couple years. However, these 11 dining spots have surpassed all the obstacles of running a restaurant and have stayed open for decades.
- J. Huston Tavern - Arrow Rock
J. Huston Tavern/Facebook
J. Huston Tavern/Facebook Talk about staying in the game for years. J. Huston’s is the oldest operating restaurant in Missouri and once served as a popular rest stop for immigrants traveling west in the 1800s. Today, they serve some of the best fried chicken in Missouri.
Address: 304 Main St. Arrow Rock, MO 65320
- Arthur Bryant’s - Kansas City
Sarah S./Yelp
Katherine P./Yelp I’d consider Arthur Bryant’s the grandfather of BBQ in Missouri. It is the longest-running BBQ restaurant in Missouri and has drawn in the likes of President Obama, himself.
Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave. Kansas City, MO 64127
- Booches - Columbia
cardinal5/TripAdvisor
criticblock/TripAdvisor Booches was established in 1994 and, over the years, has become a staple in Columbia. Come for their delicious sliders and stay for a game or two of pool.
Address: 110 S. 9th St. Columbia, MO 65201
- Carl’s Drive-In - Brentwood
Sir Dennis B./Yelp
Kevin D./Yelp This Route 66-inspired diner is located right outside of St. Louis city limits. Don’t let its shack-like structure fool you, this diner serves up some of the best burgers in the area.
Address: 9033 Manchester Rd. Brentwood, MO 63144
- Dixon’s Famous Chili - Independence
Dixon’s Famous Chili/Facebook
Dixon’s Famous Chili/Facebook
Anna K./Yelp Established in 1919, Dixon’s Famous Chili is the oldest family owned restaurant in the Kansas City area. One of its daily specials includes all-you-can-eat tacos.
Address: 9105 E US Hwy 40 Independence, MO 64055
- Iron Horse - Blackwater
Iron Horse Hotel & Restaurant/Facebook
Iron Horse Hotel & Restaurant/Facebook Chef Tracy’s Memphis-Style Coleslaw, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, and slices of Deep-Fried Pickles are just a few of the mouthwatering delicacies served at this small town hotel restaurant.
Address: 101 Main St. Blackwater, MO 65322
- The Fred Restaurant & Lounge - Boonville
The Fred Restaurant & Lounge
The Fred Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook The Hotel Frederick is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and incudes its own restaurant, known as, “The Fred.”
Address: 501 High St.Boonville, MO 65233
- White Rose Cafe - Union
White Rose Cafe/Facebook
White Rose Cafe/Facebook White Rose Cafe is a local favorite in the small town of Union. They serve breakfast all day and host vintage auto shows from time to time.
Address: 208 E Main St. Union, MO 63084
- Hendel’s Restaurant
Kenny C./Yelp
Ben S./Yelp In 1873, Hendel’s was established as a grocery store and deli, but in 1994, was flipped into a full-service restaurant.
Address: 599 Saint Denis St. Florissant, MO 63031
- Blueberry Hill - St. Louis
Tony M./Yelp
Katie H./Yelp For years, Blueberry Hill has been the heart and soul of St. Louis. They first opened their doors in 1972 and brought in notable music performers, such as Chuck Berry.
Address: 6504 Delmar Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63130
- Concert Hall and Barrel - Hermann
business owner/Yelp
business owner/Yelp During the late 1800s,, Concert Hall and Barrel was the main social hub for residents. The upstairs used to host plays, concerts, lectures and dances.
Address: 206 E 1st St. Hermann, MO 65041
Do you remember going to any of these as a kid? What was your best memory? We’d love to know in the comments!
J. Huston Tavern/Facebook
Talk about staying in the game for years. J. Huston’s is the oldest operating restaurant in Missouri and once served as a popular rest stop for immigrants traveling west in the 1800s. Today, they serve some of the best fried chicken in Missouri.
Address: 304 Main St. Arrow Rock, MO 65320
Sarah S./Yelp
Katherine P./Yelp
I’d consider Arthur Bryant’s the grandfather of BBQ in Missouri. It is the longest-running BBQ restaurant in Missouri and has drawn in the likes of President Obama, himself.
Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave. Kansas City, MO 64127
cardinal5/TripAdvisor
criticblock/TripAdvisor
Booches was established in 1994 and, over the years, has become a staple in Columbia. Come for their delicious sliders and stay for a game or two of pool.
Address: 110 S. 9th St. Columbia, MO 65201
Sir Dennis B./Yelp
Kevin D./Yelp
This Route 66-inspired diner is located right outside of St. Louis city limits. Don’t let its shack-like structure fool you, this diner serves up some of the best burgers in the area.
Address: 9033 Manchester Rd. Brentwood, MO 63144
Dixon’s Famous Chili/Facebook
Anna K./Yelp
Established in 1919, Dixon’s Famous Chili is the oldest family owned restaurant in the Kansas City area. One of its daily specials includes all-you-can-eat tacos.
Address: 9105 E US Hwy 40 Independence, MO 64055
Iron Horse Hotel & Restaurant/Facebook
Chef Tracy’s Memphis-Style Coleslaw, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, and slices of Deep-Fried Pickles are just a few of the mouthwatering delicacies served at this small town hotel restaurant.
Address: 101 Main St. Blackwater, MO 65322
The Fred Restaurant & Lounge
The Fred Restaurant & Lounge/Facebook
The Hotel Frederick is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and incudes its own restaurant, known as, “The Fred.”
Address: 501 High St.Boonville, MO 65233
White Rose Cafe/Facebook
White Rose Cafe is a local favorite in the small town of Union. They serve breakfast all day and host vintage auto shows from time to time.
Address: 208 E Main St. Union, MO 63084
Kenny C./Yelp
Ben S./Yelp
In 1873, Hendel’s was established as a grocery store and deli, but in 1994, was flipped into a full-service restaurant.
Address: 599 Saint Denis St. Florissant, MO 63031
Tony M./Yelp
Katie H./Yelp
For years, Blueberry Hill has been the heart and soul of St. Louis. They first opened their doors in 1972 and brought in notable music performers, such as Chuck Berry.
Address: 6504 Delmar Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63130
business owner/Yelp
During the late 1800s,, Concert Hall and Barrel was the main social hub for residents. The upstairs used to host plays, concerts, lectures and dances.
Address: 206 E 1st St. Hermann, MO 65041
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 9105 E US Hwy 40 Independence, MO 64055Address: 9033 Manchester Rd. Brentwood, MO 63144Address: 1727 Brooklyn Ave. Kansas City, MO 64127Address: 304 Main St. Arrow Rock, MO 65320
