Must Visit Spots in Columbia, Missouri: Food & Nature

Becs
May 6
7 min read

Updated: Aug 12

Planning a trip to Columbia, Missouri?? Are you currently a Columbia resident and you need a list of delicious food ideas and outdoors spots?? This list is for YOU!

Must Try Restaurants in Columbia, MO:

Sophia’s

I had the pleasure of working at Sophia’s for 4 years during college and loved trying every plate on the menu over the years. My absolute favorite appetizer is the shrimp & brie toast. An absolute must-try salad is the pancetta salad: served with a warm pancetta based vinaigrette. My favorite entrees are the brandy creme filet, the chicken mudega, the baked shrimp angel hair pasta, and the horseradish encrusted salmon. You cannot go wrong ordering any dessert! Sophia’s has an excellent brunch menu, a spacious patio, and an inviting bar area. Sophia’s is a “MUST VISIT” in Columbia, MO!

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing

Flat Branch Pub & Brewing is a wonderful american fare restaurant with delicious entrees and freshly brewed beverages. We love ordering the artichoke dip served in a warm bread bowl. Flat Branch serves a variety of specialty pizzas, tasty pasta dishes, juicy burgers, delicious appetizers, wonderful desserts, and more. Flat Branch specializes in house-brewed beer, so you have to try one of the pints or flights! There is plenty of seating in the main dining area, around the spacious bar, and on the inviting patio. Flat Branch Pub & Brewing is a “Must Visit” restaurant in downtown Columbia, MO.

Ernie’s Cafe & Steak House

Ernie’s Cafe & Steak House is a breakfast hotspot in Columbia, MO! This spot is so popular that you can expect a small wait on a weekend morning if you don’t get there early enough! The service is friendly and quick, which makes the wait time for a table shorter than you would expect! This spot is known for their steaks, but you have to try the biscuits & gravy or the stacked French toast! Honestly, you can’t go wrong ordering anything on the breakfast menu. If you are looking for a vintage vibe breakfast spot with spectacular entrees, visit Ernie’s Cafe & Steak House!

The Heidelberg

The Heidelberg is a popular American-German restaurant and pub for both locals and tourists. The Heidleberg is located downtown Columbia, right next to the University of Missouri campus. This spot has the best happy hour deals I have ever seen: buy 1 get 1 appetizers! I always order the toasted raviolis and breaded mushrooms when I am at Heidelberg! This spot also has amazing Rueben sandwiches! There is plenty of seating in the downstairs area, as well as the open patio! On a sunny day, enjoying a nice beverage and appetizers on the patio at the Heidelberg is a must!

Broadway Diner

The Broadway Diner, located in downtown Columbia, is a classic diner with a whole lot of history. Although quaint in size and space, this spot is an absolute must try in Columbia. They serve home-style breakfast dishes with an open-kitchen concept. There are a handful of tables inside the restaurant, as well as a bar-top that gives you the full classic diner feels and vibes. We always order the pancakes, biscuits & gravy while we are there! Because of the popularity, you can expect a line when you get there (unless you get there early). However, this spot turns tables pretty quick, so you can expect a small wait! If you are looking for a great breakfast spot in Columbia, make sure to stop by the Broadway Diner.

Hot Box Cookies

Some of the best cookies in Columbia, MO can be found at Hot Box Cookies. When I was attending college, we would go to Hot Box Cookies late at night to fix our sweet cravings! There is a good variety of fresh baked cookie flavors to choose from, but my favorite is the classic snickerdoodle. This spot also has tasty ice cream that you can make ice cream cookie sandwiches with. If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for a cookie spot in Columbia, stop by Hot Box Cookies!

El Rancho

Although this spot may not be a “Must Visit” recommended sit-down restaurant, El Rancho is a delicious spot for a late night bite in downtown Columbia, MO! We would go to El Rancho late at night quite frequently while attending college, and so do a lot of the current students because of the prime location across from the college bars. My “go-to” item is the grilled chicken nachos smothered in queso. El Rancho is known for making food quick and easy to grab & go.

Other Recommendations: CC’s City Broiler; Murray’s, Addison’s, G&D's, Shakespeare Pizza

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Spots to Enjoy a Beverage in Columbia, MO:

Tellers

Tellers is located downtown Columbia and is known for their fresh entrees as well as their awesome cocktails and mocktails. We would go to Tellers for happy hour all the time back when we were attending college! The salads are vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavors. The appetizers are ALL amazing as well. There are a few tables outside, if you are lucky enough to snag one on a beautiful day. Tellers is a wonderful spot to enjoy a beverage in downtown COMO!

Tropical Liquors

One of the BEST spots to enjoy a beverage in Columbia is at Tropical Liquors. This spot specializes in frozen cocktails that pack a punch! We loved going to “Trops” and playing games on rainy days when we were attending college at Mizzou. The best part about Trops? You can take your beverage TO GO! Try just one of the flavors or mix it up and try multiple in one cup. My favorite flavors are Sweet Tart and Strawberry Lemonade. There are a couple of Trops in the Columbia area…make sure you stop by at least one!

The Roof at the Broadway Hotel

Looking to enjoy a drink with a great view in Columbia, MO? You have to check out The Roof, a rooftop bar located at the Broadway Hotel in downtown Columbia. You do not have to be staying at the hotel to enjoy the rooftop and beverages! We went here for my 21st birthday when I was attending college because of its prime location and excellent vibes for a wonderful birthday party. You can find DJ’s and good music on the weekends! The Roof has tables inside (perfect for a rainy day) as well as outside! Don’t miss out on experiencing the downtown Columbia views…visit The Roof next time you are in Columbia, MO!

Campus Bar & Grill

Campus Bar & Grill (also known as Big 12 by previous college students) has some of the best happy hour deals and affordable beverages. When we were attending college, we would go to Campus Bar & Grill every Sunday for burgers and fries. There is an upstairs patio that is perfect to enjoy a beverage on a sunny day! This is a popular spot for college students to visit on the weekends and is usually pretty packed. If you are looking for affordable beverages in Columbia, check out Campus Bar & Grill!

The Heidelberg

As mentioned above, the Heidelberg may be known for their great food and happy hour deals…you have to stop by to enjoy a beverage on the patio!

Sophia's

As mentioned above, Sophia’s is a “Must Visit” for delicious entrees in Columbia, MO. Along with great food, Sophia’s has a large selection of wonderful wine and hand-crafted cocktails. Enjoy your beverage at the bar or on the spacious and lovely patio!

Must Visit Outdoor Spots in Columbia, MO:

Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is a long-stretching and expansive bike trail created from an old railway. The Katy Trail is a popular trail known by cyclists around the US. There are multiple trailheads found in and around Columbia. We like entering the trailhead near Eagle’s Bluff because of the complete seclusion. You can rent some bikes and hop on the trail (look on their website for rental spots), or bring your own bike. If running or jogging is more your thing, this trail is excellent for that activity as well!

Rock Bridge State Park for Devil’s Icebox

Rock Bridge State Park is one of my favorite Missouri trials because of the views and accessibility. This park is wonderful for people of all ages; especially for families! We love exploring the Devil’s Icebox Cave and the Sinkhole short trail. There are parts on the trail that are easily accessible by following the wood-planked walkway, but there are also “off the beaten path” trails and spots to ride your bike. Rock Bridge State Park is absolutely beautiful and is a “Must Visit” outdoor spot in Columbia, MO!

Eagles Bluff Wildlife Conservation

Eagles Bluff is a peaceful and wonderful conservation area with lots of creatures to look at: including eagles! Eagles Bluff has a lookout point, several trails, picnic tables next to the water, and a beautiful view of the constantly moving waters. I would go to Eagles Bluff all the time while attending college at Mizzou to get away from stressors and to relax outdoors. It’s a wonderful spot to study or read because of how peaceful it is! This is also a popular conversation area to go fishing (make sure to look at park instructions on fishing in the area). Check out Eagles Bluff on the outskirts of Columbia next time you are in the area!

McBaine Burr Oak Tree

Are you interested in seeing one of the largest Burr Oak trees in the US? You can see a stellar and massive Burr Oak tree on the outskirts of Columbia called the McBaine Burr Oak Tree. This spot is wonderful for picnics and for getting family photos. The tree is right next to one of the Katy Trail entry points and Eagles Bluff Conservation area. This is truly a massive tree that you should check out next time you are in the area!

Pinnacles Youth Park

Pinnacles Youth Park is a wonderful outdoor area that is enjoyed by people of all ages! There are climbable rock structures, several trails, and an abundance of beautiful nature to take in! I went to this park a ton of times with family and college friends back in the day. It is always a delight to stop back in and explore the area!

Capen Park Scenic Bluffs

Capen Park is more than just an outdoor area: it has walkable and bikeable paths as well as stunning scenic lookout points. You might see lovely engagement or family photos taking place at this spot because of the gorgeous views. The unique part about this trail is that you don’t have to travel far away and is found within Columbia city limits. There are countless college students that will walk to this trail to get away from school stressors! Capen Park is a “Must Visit” trail to experience next time you are in Columbia!

Peace Park at the University of Missouri Campus

The University of Missouri is a beautiful campus that has several little parks and walkable paths. Peace Park is a relaxing and calming park located near the columns on the campus. A lot of students and locals can be found relaxing on the benches or enjoying a small picnic.

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I will continually update this list when I revisit Columbia! Do you have recommendations on where people should go in Columbia, MO?! Add your recommendations in the comments on the Instagram posts!