Restaurant and Bar Reviews for Columbia, MO

How are these ranked? This page is updated fairly frequently, and I usually list the establishments in the order of how frequently I find myself going there.

The Pasta Factory

Beautiful flora graces one of the best patios in Columbia. Enjoy a great wine list while waiting for your generous portion of pasta to arrive. Recommendations include Tutta Mare ($12.50) and Shrimp Scampi ($11.95). Their happy hour specials are possibly the best in Columbia: Monday and Wednesday from 4pm-close, get $1 mugs (12oz) of Bud Light or Michelob, or $1.75 mugs of Boulevard Wheat, Blue Moon, 1554, and Schlafly Pale Ale.  As a bonus, they generally have great coupon specials in the weekly publication The Ad Sheet.  (1020 E Broadway # F, phone icon(573) 449-3948, www.thepastafactory.net.  Open Su-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sa 11am-10:30pm.) 

El Maguey

Show up around 7pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to enjoy $1 margaritas or $2 "super-beers": 32 ounces of Bud Light in a huge, frosty, mug! Sunday all bottles are $1, even Mexican imports such as Dos Equis, Pacifico, and Corona.  (901 E Nifong Blvd, phone icon(573) 874-3812.  Open Su-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sa 11am-10:30pm.)

Addison's

Though they've recently raised their prices, they're still one of the best values around with $2.50 pints during their happy hour from 10-12 every night of the week.  Brews on tap include Blue Moon, 1554, Guinness, Newcastle, Sunshine Wheat, and Boulevard Wheat, among others. After a few rounds, the "small order" of Nachos Bianco really hit the spot, too.  (709 Cherry St, phone icon(573) 256-1995, www.addisonssophias.com. Open M-Sa 11am-1:30am, Su 11am-1am.)

Casablanca

This family-owned Mediterranean restaurant will not disappoint. The best pita bread and hummus in Columbia complement a wide variety of Grecian and Turkish dishes (and don't worry about making a mess - the paper tablecloths clean right up). Recommendations include the Gyro ($3.75) or Chicken Kabob ($4.75).   (3907 Peachtree Dr., phone icon(573) 442-4883.Open Su-Sa 11am-9pm.) 

Noodles & Company

Though a national chain, Noodles boasts some of the healthier grub in town, and it's always prepared fresh while you wait. Favorites include Inonesian Peanut Sauté and Bangkok Curry (try either with shrimp). Sign up for their Noodlegrams online to receive buy-one, get-one coupons and a free dish every year on your birthday. (406 S. 9th St, phone icon(573) 442-6580, www.noodles.com.  Open Su-W 11am-10pm, Th-Sa 11am-10pm.) 

Houlihan's

Yes, it's a chain. But that doesn't mean it's bad. And in this case, it actually helps because their volume discount gets you some of the lowest drink specials in town. Every night after 9pm sit down for your choice of $5 appetizers (try the 'Shrooms) and 8 varieties of Long Island Iced Tea for only $3.25 (try the Texas: it has the most alcohol, something the taste doesn't let you forget). (2541 Broadway Bluffs Dr, phone icon(573) 815-7210.  Open M-Sa 11am-1am, Su 11am-12am.)

McNally's

A Columbia favorite, and a great special every night of the week. Kenny, Seth, and the rest of the wait staff remember your name and your drink.  Head in on Monday for $1 pints of Coors or Killian's, or check out Ladies' Nite on Wednesday and have your girl buy all your drinks to get special prices. $6 pitchers on Fridays, and Saturday gets you $2 Boulevards.  (7 N. 6th St, phone icon(573) 441-1284, www.mcnallys.biz.  Open M-Sa 4pm-1:30am.) 

Bambino's

One of Columbia's only locally-owned Italian restaurants, their family recipes and generous portions are sure to satisfy.  Try out the Shrimp Antipasto ($7.50) to get started, or as a main couse, the delicious Pasta alla Zia ($8.50) .  For the budget-minded, check out daily lunch and dinner specials ($6.95/$7.95), or try one of their low-carb dishes for guiltless dining.  Every Friday and Saturday, stop by in the evening to take in live music on the covered patio while enjoying one of their many imported wine selections. Happy hour specials 4-7 daily or late night from 8-10 M-Th.  (203 Hitt St, phone icon(573) 443-4473, www.bambinositaliancafe.com. Open M-Sa 11am-10pm, Su 12pm-9pm.) 

Flat Branch Pub and Brewing

Columbia's oldest microbrew has the best craft beers in town, and possibly the country. With a permanent selection that's always refreshing, and rotating seasonal brews to keep things original, Flat Branch has been one of Columbia's favorites since 1994.  Three must-trys are the Green Chili, Hefeweizen, and Oil Change Stout.  If you've got the patience, get on the waiting list for an outdoor table during those lazy summer nights, or become a fixture at the bar indoors and sample some of their excellent small-batch bourbons.  Happy hour every day from 4pm-6pm ($3 for an 18oz draught) and then again from 10pm-close.  (115 S. 5th St, phone icon(573) 499-0400, www.flatbranch.com. Open 11am-12am Su-Th, 11am-1am F-Sa.)

Truman's

One of the newer establishments in town, this is the place to go during football season. With a variety of specials every night and over 40 TVs in the house (6 bigscreen), you're guaranteed of seeing your team play on Sunday...from any seat in the house. Football's not all they offer, however, with two pool tables, Golden Tee, Silver Strike, and a several-hundred-gallon aquarium full of exotic fish in the center of the dining room.  All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Sundays ($7.95) runs from 9am-2pm and includes hand-cooked omelettes from the owner himself.  A little-known tip: he usually drops the buffet to half price after 12:30 or so to get rid of the food, so head in around that time to cash in (you need to ask your waitress for this special, though:  it's definitely not advertised).  Nightly specials, inluding the super-satisfying $4 quesadillas (chicken or steak) on Thursdays, and a full complement of draft beers including Boulevard, Blue Moon, and Lienenkugel's Sunset Wheat.    (3304 Broadway Bus Park Ct., phone icon(573) 445-1669, www.trumansbar.com.  Open M-Sa 6:30am-1:30am, Su 10am-12am.)

Johnny's Beanery

Nothing special about this bar, but it is kept decently clean, and on Wednesday nights you can get $1.50 pints of any of their draft beers. The selection is decent, with Boulevard Wheat, 312, Bare Knuckle Stout, and Grolsch on tap, but beware that a "full beer" here is about two fingers below the top of the glass. Be sure to try out the "Boxer" game way in the back (works better if you've had a few drinks first), or head outside to the patio and watch the game on some of the only outdoor TVs in Columbia.  (212 E Green Meadows Rd # 2, phone icon(573) 442-0212, www.johnnysbeanery.com.  Open M-Sa 11am-1:30am, Su 11am-11:30pm.)

Peking Restaurant

Possibly the best-kept secret on the south side of Columbia, Peking offers delicious, generous portions and great lunch specials.  For those who can't decide, try the "Triple Delight," a mixture of chicken, beef, and shrimp, mixed with broccoli and water chestnut.  Lunch specials $4.75 & up, includes rice, choice of soup, and egg roll or crab rangoon.  (212 E Green Meadows Rd # 4, phone icon(573) 256-6060.  Open M-Sa 11am-2:30am, 4:30pm-9:30pm, Su 11am-3:00pm, 4:30pm-9pm.)

Jimmy John's

Some of the best drunk food available. Quick delivery, quick walk-in, and quick drive-thru at the south location. My personal favorite: The Sorry Charlie (or, after a recent copyright suit, the Totally Tuna).  (1019 E Broadway, phone icon(573) 815-0043, www.jimmyjohns.com.  Open M-Sa 11am-2am, Su 11am-12:30am.)