Location: Jefferson City
Top Restaurants in Jefferson City
Top Things to do in Jefferson City
- 1. Katy Trail State Park
- 2. Missouri State Penitentiary
- 3. Runge Conservation Nature Center
- 4. Missouri State Capitol
- 5. Governor's Mansion
- 6. Lewis and Clark Monument Trailhead Plaza
- 7. Museum of Missouri Military History
- 8. Missouri State Museum
- 9. Cole County Historical Museum
- 10. Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
Where to Eat in Jefferson City: The Best Restaurants and Bars
The Missouri State Capitol dominates a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and the bronze statue atop its 238 foot-high dome is the first thing that comes into view for visitors of Jefferson City. The same bluff was one of the first sites passed by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition, and the city is close to both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and KATY Trail State Park. The city is also home to the imposing Missouri State Penitentiary, the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.”
Things to do in Jefferson City
1. The Grand Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Carrcabin
A friend took me to Grand Cafe for my birthday lunch. We had the Cowboy Club... Do you like blt's? Do you like club sandwiches? Do you like BBQ pulled pork? How about put them all together? One of the most delicious sandwiches I have ever eaten!
2. Arris' Pizza Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By MarylinKK - Parker, Colorado
Historic Arris Pizza has been in business at the same location since the early 1960's, with great pizza, salads, gyros and more. Great for family, friends - they can accommodate large groups, but best to phone ahead. Fast, efficient and always good quality. It's directly across from the State Capitol Building - check it out on your visit to Jeff City.
3. Oscar's Classic Diner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Blondie1965 - Linn Creek, Missouri
This is the best place for breakfast that we've ever been to! We live an hour away but when we're in Jefferson City, we love to go to Oscar's for their pancakes - the best ever, hands down. Great atmosphere, excellent and fast service, and...MoreThanks so much for sharing your 5 star review "Blondie". We're so happy you enjoy your visits to Oscar's when you travel to Jefferson City and we're excited to pass your remarks along to all of our dedicated staff ~ Thanks again!!
4. Madison's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Madison's offers fine American, Italian and eclectic cuisine, casual, relaxed yet elegant dining in an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, seafood, appetizers, soup, sandwiches, pasta, desserts, a variety of distinctive, unique and tantalizing signature dishes, extensive Cellared Wine List and hand-crafted cocktails await your enjoyment. Our menu is continually updated, reflecting local, seasonable availability and original, imaginative fare, while also paying respect and homage to classics - combining both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Our Gluten-free Menu, whole wheat and rice penne pasta, and a wide variety of vegetarian fare pleases the most sensitive palate We strive to ensure that each visit to Madison’s is better than your last...where you are the center of our attention. We are proud to be a locally -owned, independent business. Come to Madison's to restore your spirit with family and friends...one delicious bite at a time.
Reviewed By SassyTraveler2 - Salem, Missouri
I had lunch with my exchange student after we visited the Capital. Lengthy menu, lots of Italian choices. Salads were fresh with artichoke dressing. My seafood noodle dish was a little heavy on the cream sauce. His ravioli was tasty. We shared a gelato dessert. Service was good but it was still pricey for lunch. Atmosphere was a bit subdued.
5. Paddy Malone's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By Ian W - Dumbarton, United Kingdom
we were staying nearby as we were in town for the eclipse, the restaurant isn't open on Sundays or Mondays but was open to try and cash in on the number of visitors in Jefferson City, we were seated fairly quickly after having a drink at the bar, but when we ordered we waited for over an hour before our waiter eventually came back and said that our food wouldn't be long, however there were 2 other tables that had been seated before us that were still waiting on their food also so we decided just to leave as we had a concert to go to. I'm not sure how many staff were covering the bar part but the restaurant obviously can't cope with just 1 waiter (there were at least 2 serving drinks, why couldn't 1 of them waited tables as well?)
6. Arris' Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By midmo465 - Jefferson City, Missouri
Enjoying celebrating my husband birthday recently at the Bistro. Had the Suvalki and Greek salad. Well presented and very tasty. Wait staff ok.
7. Prison Brews
Overall Ratings
4 based on 351 reviews
Prison Brews was opened in 2007 in a part of town that once housed the state penitentiary and is now experiencing residential / commercial re-growth. This has become a popular brewery with wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, etc. It has completely embraced the "prison" kitsch feel with bars between the bar & dining area and pictures of the 1800's penitentiary historical artifact lining the walls. The menu items and beers on tap are also incorporated into the theme. There is a large dining area as well as large outdoor seating on the adjacent patio complete with bocce ball. A unique experience in a growing area of town.
Reviewed By Shelbynoel - Denver, Colorado
We stopped here one evening when visiting my parents in Jefferson City. We didn’t order food, but we were very happy with our beer choice. We both ordered the IPA, which had a nice balance of hops and bitters. Also, the place was designed with...MoreShelbynoel, thank you for your fantastic review! We are proud of our Brews :D. Come back and give our food a taste!
8. Domenicos Italian Restaurant & Catering
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By chp12 - Maryland
This restaurant is not normally open on Sundays, but opened for all the "eclipsers" that were visiting, so this wasn't the normal staff. Our waiter was very young, but did a great job as we asked lots of questions! Food was terrific and the wine list is great. Would probably have been more crowded if more advertising had been done!
9. Das Stein Haus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By David H - Jefferson City, Missouri
This is a fabulous German Restaurant with the best sauerkraut around- and I know my sauerkraut! One of their specials was a full ham bone with sauerkraut and potatoes and it was delicious! The meat fell off the bone and there was so much I took the ham bone with ham still on it home, put it in a crockpot with new potatoes and green beans and had it for several meal. My wife got one of the German plates with several meats and it was fantastic too. We will be back soon!
10. Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Malinda U - Murfreesboro, Tennessee
We met family here for dinner. It was okay but we definitely had mixed feelings about our food. The ribs got good reviews as did the garlic bread. The Brunswick stew and baked potato were just okay. And they serve Pepsi instead of Coke, which is just yuck.
