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"The Biased Local's"

Dining and Entertainment Guide to
McDonald County, Missouri

Where to find the good eats n' drinks hidden in the hills...


Unlike "professional food critics" I won't pretend that I'm totally unbiased in my reviews. But I try to be fair!

To make this easier for visitors to our lovely county, establishments are grouped by AREA of the county, so you can find what's available near your campground or hotel.
Read This! The hours listed for each location change most every season, and with the whims of the owners, so I highly recommend that you call ahead and check to make sure before you go out of your way to a particular place. Also, businesses naturally come and go, (even more so since the economy tanked) so there is always a chance that this list is out of date, even if it was updated recently...
LAST UPDATE: April 2012

If I've missed your dining/snack/entertainment place, or if you feel like I've given your favorite place a raw deal, please email me at: webmaster AT 4noel DOT com



CENTRAL McDONALD COUNTY AREA:
(Includes Anderson and Pineville)

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson
Business
 name:
Big R's
Type: Take-out, also with a seating area available
Location: 201 N. Hwy. 59
Hours Open
 [read this!]
11am-8pm, Mon-Sat
Telephone: 417-845-7777
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking.
Review:  New for Spring 2012! Excellent smoked BBQ & a fun atmosphere (though seating is very limited). Sandwich w/one side averages $7-$8. Plates with 2 sides run $11-$21. Kids menu $4. Great Take-out menu selection for dinner back at your campsite: Slab of ribs $20. Bag of burgers $10(5 1/5th lb. burgers w/garnishes). Sides $4/pint. (Prices current as of Spring 2012 & of course are subject to change.)

Area: CENTRAL - Pineville
Business
 name:
Burger Time
Type: Mostly take-out, also with a small seating area available
Location: Jct. of Business 71 and "EE" / Jesse James Road (north Pineville)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: (?)
Tourist
Friendliness:
Excellent
Smoking: Non-Smoking inside, outside seating available.
Review:  Burger time makes excellent hamburgers, but that's not all. They have different specials most every day, and they are usually as good as "homemade." The desserts are equally outstanding - don't pass up the various fruit cobblers whenever they are available!
Recommended.

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson
Business
 name:
Coopers Cafe
Type: Restaurant
Location: Business 71 (north Anderson)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Tuesday -Saturday: 6 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 3 PM
Telephone: 417-845-2402
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review:  Some folks really like the food here... They get good reviews about their hamburgers. Everything else I tried was a bit bland for my own personal taste, but hey... Everyone is different. Seems to be popular with the after-church crowd and senior citizens.

Area: CENTRAL - Pineville
Business
 name:
Hunt Brother's Pizza
Type: Take-out only
Location: Inside the Country Market convenience store on south Business 71.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-223-4689 (Country Market)
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking - No seating available - Take Out Only.
Review:  Hunt Brothers's Pizza is found in many convenience stores all over the place. The pizza is good and fairly priced. If you want pizza in Pineville, this is it!

(Note that the Country Market is a small grocery store, so there are just about all kinds of snacks and drinks available. This is a good place to stock up for your campout...)

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson
Business
 name:
The Bake Shop
Type: Cafe & Desserts
Location: 100 E. Main Street, near the railroad crossing
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast & Lunch
Telephone: 417-845-6224
Tourist
Friendliness:
OK
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review: If you're hankering for some old-fashioned country cooking, this is the place! There are daily specials in addition to a limited menu of sandwiches and soups. The specials are home-cooking at its best, and the pies and other desserts are extra-good.
This is a favorite local gossip spot.

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson
Business
 name:
Los Mariachis
Type: Restaurant
Location: 716 Hwy. 59, Anderson - near the County Market
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; Sunday 11am-3pm
Telephone: 417-845-1300
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review:  "Fairly authentic" Mexican food, adjusted somewhat for American tastes. A huge menu to select from, and the food is pretty good. Most all dishes are not spicy-hot at all, if that's what you like. Delicious homemade Salsa & Chips.

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson
Business
 name:
MaryDean's Family Restaurant
Type: Cafe / Restaurant
Location: Jct. Business 71 & Cedar Road (old Missouri Hwy. 76).
Across from the McDonald County High School.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast & Lunch
Telephone: 417-845-7475
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. Non-Smoking area is available - but be forewarned that you may still leave smelling of smoke no matter where you sit.
Review:  Mary Dean's is a classic country "greasy spoon" - you'll find some very tasty food, but don't expect fine dining & linens... (I recommend the breakfast omlettes.)
Lots of locals abound, but they tolerate tourists well enough - which is good, since this is also the main local bus stop for the county!

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson area
Business
 name:
Mazzio's
Type: Pizza & Pasta
Location: Jct. US 71 & Missouri Hwy. 76
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-845-1505
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Smoking permitted at outside patio area. Non-Smoking Inside.
Review:  Good Pizza, Pasta, Dippin' Fries, Lunch buffet, and more. There's also the outdoor patio with plenty of seating and a nice view of the Indian Creek valley. 

Area: CENTRAL - Pineville
Business
 name:
Pineville Grill
Type: Cafe / Restaurant
Location: NW Corner of the Pineville Square. (On Hwy. "W")
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast & Lunch (until 1:45) (Closed Tuesdays as of Winter 2009)
Telephone: 417-223-4154
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. Non-Smoking area is available - but be forewarned that you may still leave smelling of smoke no matter where you sit.
Review:  The Pineville Grill is also one of our classic "greasy spoon" cafes - with some very tasty food, of course... (I highly recommend the breakfast omlettes and the "Pineville Burger.")
Lots of locals abound, but they tolerate tourists well, especially during the canoe season. Service is usually very friendly, but they usually don't have enough waitresses during busy times, so be prepared for a possible wait.

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson
Business
 name:
Sonic
Type: Drive-In
Location: North Business 71 in Anderson
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-845-7029
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: It's a Drive-In... You make the rules for your own car!
Review: Ah, the ever-present Sonic... Practically mandatory for all cities I suppose. You've probably been there before, and you know what they have to offer. If not, where are you from? You better go ahead and stop by and see what you've been missing!

Area: CENTRAL - Anderson area
Business
 name:
Subway
Type: Fast Food Served
Location: Jct. US 71 & Missouri Hwy. 76
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-845-1515
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Smoking permitted at outside patio area. Non-Smoking Inside.
Review:  A Subway is a Subway is a Subway... If a Subway sandwich is what you're looking for, you'll find it here. And there is an outdoor patio with plenty of seating and a nice view of the Indian Creek valley.

Area: CENTRAL - Pineville
Business
 name:
Tom's BBQ
Type: Cafe
Location: The basement of the Christian Church, one block south of the square on Main street. Park and enter around back. (Look for the little sign.)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
limited - call ahead for details
Telephone: 417-223-4066
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking.
Review:  (Open once again! As of Spring 2011) This is one of those hidden out-of-the-way places that usually only locals know about... But thanks to this guide, now you do too! Not the easiest place to find, but worth the effort if you want some excellent BBQ sandwiches in Pineville. There is usually a daily special of some sort of exceptionally good home-cooked dish. If you're sick of the stereotypical franchise food place, you can't get much further from it than Tom's BBQ!
Cash Only.



EASTERN McDONALD COUNTY AREA:
(Includes Longview, Powell, and Rocky Comfort)

Area: EASTERN - Longview
Business
 name:
Longview Corner Cafe
Type: Cafe / Restaurant
Location: Jct. Missouri Hwy. 76 & Hwys. "CC" & "D"
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-628-3668 (?)
Tourist
Friendliness:

Smoking:
Review:  Country-style diner. The "salad bar" is very limited as far as the toppings selection goes... But to make up for that they have a self-serve soft ice cream machine, and the ice cream is included with most of their dinner entrees. If you're on the east side of the county, this really is your only option - fortunately the food is quite good!




NOEL AREA:
(Includes Noel, Lanagan, and Ginger Blue)

Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
Annie's Pizza
Type: Pizza Parlor / Lunch Buffet
Location: 309 Main street
Hours Open
 [read this!]
11-8 Mon-Thurs, 11-9 Fri & Sat, closed Wed and Sunday
Telephone: 417-475-6188
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review:  (Previously Five Star Pizza / All Star Pizza) Once again operated by the original "All Star Pizza" owners. Very good Pizza & Stromboli. Small buffett at lunchtime, and they also offer excellent HUGE cinnamon rolls on it.

Area: NOEL - North Noel
Business
 name:
Cedar Crest Cafe
Type: Cafe / Restaurant
Location: Jct. Missouri Hwy. 59 and Hwy. "DD" - near the chicken plant
Hours Open
 [read this!]
?
Telephone: 417-475-3515
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking:
Review:  A very nice little cafe. Good food at good prices.
Note: The Cedar Crest Cafe used to be the old "Dari Lane" - a Noel tradition for decades. The new owners have completely remodeled, so you'd hardly recognize it if you remember the old Dari Lane... But it is fixed up nicely.

Area: NOEL - North Noel
Business
 name:
Cotton-Eyed Joe's Barbeque
Type: Restaurant
Location: Jct. Missouri Hwy. 90 west and Hwy. "TT", across from the Golf Course.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-475-3742
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. Non-Smoking room is also available.
Review:  For years Cotton-Eyed Joe's has been considered Noel's finest restaurant, and perhaps the best in the entire county. The BBQ is excellent, and all the home-style sides are prepared right. There is occasionally a buffet available with a great selection of meats, sides, and desserts; and if this is your first visit I'd recommend it so you can sample all they have to offer. The place is nicely decorated, with a comfy country atmosphere. Very family-friendly, and tourists are welcome too. Also a favorite for entertaining business clients with our "country charm" and for business lunch meetings (a large room is available). A personal favorite.

Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
Kathy's Kountry Kitchen
Type: Cafe
Location: 220 Main Street
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast
Telephone: 417-475-4066
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. "Non-Smoking area Un-available"
Review:  Another classic country cafe with surprisingly good food. Also a very popular gossip spot for he locals, so expect everyone to know everyone else - except for you. They are tolerant of campers dragging themselves in off the river in whatever ragged clothes they have, so that is a plus if you find yourself in that condition. Just don't expect a hug!
Area: NOEL - North Noel
Business
 name:
Lurue's 19th Hole
Type: Club - Beer & Liquor Served
Location: Jct. Missouri Hwy. 90 west and Hwy. "TT", at the Golf Course.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
?
Telephone: 417-475-6709
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. "Non-Smoking area Un-available"
Review:  This is the "Country Club Bar" but it is open to the public. Pool tables. Friendly local watering-hole atmosphere.

Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
The Hog Shop
Type: Sandwiches
Location: 221 W. Main Street
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-475-4404
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very good
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review:  Good & fresh Sub-type sandwiches. Biker-themed with unique decorations, real motorcycle seat-stools. Ya don't haveta be a scooter tramp to enjoy these sandwiches... Everybody welcome.

Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
Main Sweets
Type: Desserts
Location: West Main Street, next to Riverside Station
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Mon-Fri 7 am - 5 pm; Sat 8 am - Noon
Telephone: 417-475-7550
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very good
Smoking: No
Review:  Even though this isn't a dining spot, its included here for those with a sweet tooth craving dessert after their meal. Main Sweets makes incredibly good cookies, cakes, and other confections.  It is probably the cutest little shop in Noel, too. If you're in the area, you own it to yourself to stop in and try something sweet!

Area: NOEL - North Noel
Business
 name:
Paisa's
Type: Mexican Cafe 
Location: 305 Main St.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-475-5150
Tourist
Friendliness:
¿Usted habla español? 
Smoking: Smoking permitted at outside patio area. Non-Smoking Inside.
Review:  Authentic Mexican food, perhaps even more so than Rosa's. And the prices are very inexpensive.
The authentic tacos are excellent! Best El Pastor Tacos in the area. Topped with onions, cilantro and nothing else - except a lime wedge to squeeze over it all to bring out the flavor... Mmmmmmmmmmmm Good! If you've never had these, give them a try... Even though they're very different from what we've become used to as Americanized "tacos." (Like your food spicy? Try the red or green sauce they supply with most orders!)
CASH ONLY.
  A personal favorite.

Area: NOEL - Noel area
Business
 name:
Red Barn
Type: Bar & Grill
Location: South Hwy. 59 - approx. one mile from state line.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
?
Telephone: 417-475-7150
Tourist
Friendliness:
?
Smoking: Smokers welcome. "Non-Smoking area Un-available"
Review (by Kristina Hartley in Jay, OK - June 09, 2008) :  "If you like a cold beer, and a great burger or the best steak in the three State area, prepared by Charlie, then the Red Barn is the place for you. This establishment is Very Biker Friendly, a great place to relax, and get a good laugh. The local patrons are friendly, funny, decent folk, always ready to give a hand. You will not find a better place to take a break on your bike, or car, get a bite, laugh, and make friends for life than the Red Barn, in Noel Mo."
Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
Riverside Station
Type: Cafe
Location: West Main Street
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-475-6302
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: No
Review: Riverside Station is a convenience store, with an attached dine-in cafe overlooking Elk River. This is an excellent place to sit and watch the river flow by - it has a very nice view. The food is the standard "burgers and fries" sort of thing that you'd expect from a convenience store cafe. I'm going to be honest and say that I've found the quality of the food to be "inconsistent" - sometimes good, sometimes not. But if you just want a comfortable place to look at the river when its too hot (or cold) outside, and need a little something to eat while you're doing it, this fills the bill.

Area: NOEL - North Noel
Business
 name:
Rosa's Mexican Restaurant
Type: Mexican Cafe
Location: Missouri Hwy. 59 in North Noel,
(Across from the chicken plant and a short walk from River Ranch Resort)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-475-6888
Tourist
Friendliness:
ok
Smoking: Non-Smoking Inside.
Review:  Authentic Mexican food. A large menu to select from. A buffet is available for those in a rush, and it has some interesting selections you won't find most anywhere else. Most all of the dishes are not very spicy-hot at all, if that's what you like. (Be prepared: Some of the wait staff speak good English and some don't - so ordering can be tricky on occasion.)

Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
Shadow Lake
Type: Club - Beer & Liquor Served
Location: The west end of Main Street, at the Butler Creek bridge & the bluffs.
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Open Friday and Saturday nights during the season
(Roughly from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.)
Telephone:
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good - (18+ to Enter - 21+ to drink beer/alcohol)
Smoking: Yes - (it is an open-air pavilion so the smoke doesn't build up.)
Review: Shadow Lake is a Noel tradition going back about 75 years. It has changed many times over, from an old-fashioned resort to the night-club hot-spot is is today. Shadow Lake is one of the biggest party spots in the 4-State area, and is something of a "meat market" for youngish, drunken campers to mingle and dance with youngish, drunken visitors from all over the area. If you are looking for "the wild party place" you've heard of in Noel, this is it.

Area: NOEL - Noel
Business
 name:
Snack Wagon
Type: Carry-out / Open air seating
Location: West Main St. Noel, next to Shadow Lake
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
(Seasonal - closed during cold weather)
Telephone: 417-475-4396
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Yes - (it is open-air / tent seating so the smoke doesn't build up.)
Review:  Hot dogs, hamburgers, Breakfast Burritos & more. The "Fair Burger" is delicious... A huge hamburger piled high with grilled onions, and your choice of the usual options. Definately something that must be experienced to be appreciated! Recommended.




NORTHERN McDONALD COUNTY AREA:
(Includes Goodman)


Area: NORTHERN - Goodman
Business
 name:
Redneck Restaurant
Type: Restaurant
Location: Business 71
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast-Lunch & Dinner (Closed some days*) (as of Spring 2009)
Telephone: 417-364-7787
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review:  Never mind all the "You might be a Redneck if..." jokes scratched on the wall in Sharpie marker, 'cause you'll find the Redneck Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in the county. It is not a fancy place by any means... Sometimes they have a buffet with lots of good southern-style choices, such as: Fried Chicken, Pork Chops in gravy, Fried Catfish, and more, with all the salad and sides you'll need. The quality of the food is exceptional, and the desserts are truly wonderful. (Best Banana Puddin' in the county!) There is usually a selection of Sugar-Free desserts too, for those that need 'em.
And even though most of the patrons are local, you'll find the service friendly no matter who you are. Even Yankees are tolerated if they keep their traps shut and don't try to tell anyone "how they do it up nawth!"
*Not open every day, and not open for dinner some days. Call ahead!
Recommended. Bring your sense of humour!




SOUTHERN McDONALD COUNTY AREA:
(Includes Jane, Caverna/"State Line" area)


Area: SOUTHERN - Jane area
Business
 name:
HOTS Gentleman's Club
Type: Exotic Dance Club - No Minors - Limited Food Menu
Location: US 71 south, across from Jukebox Bar & Grill
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone:
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good - Adults ONLY.
Smoking: Smokers welcome. "Non-Smoking area Un-available"
Review: An exotic dance club with scantily-clad ladies performing for tips. Full service bar. They also serve bar food (limited menu). Two large professional-sized pool tables for the serious pool players, and four standard-sized pool tables available. (All coin-op.) Gentlemen are welcome to bring their spouses/girlfriends/dates with them. If this is the kind of fun you're looking for, it's the only club of its kind in the county.
There is a dress code that is enforced: No tank tops, cut-off jeans, or do-rags.

Area: SOUTHERN - Jane/Caverna/State Line area
Business
 name:
Jim's Razorback Pizza 
Type: Pizza Parlor
Location: 91 Macadoddle Ln. Suite #3 - Jane, Missouri
Jct. US 71 south & Hwy "O"
(In the Macadoodle's Plaza)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner
Telephone: 417-226-0488 & 479-696-8918
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review: Visitor's from Arkansas will recognize this name at first glance... Jim's Razorback Pizza is an Arkansas tradition & favorite for over 30 years. Now they've crossed the border (just barely) into Missouri, bringing the same great pizza, pasta & sandwiches that we've all come to know and crave. There's a big flat screen TV to watch the game on, while you enjoy your pizza. (Or salad & tea, if you prefer - they have a variety of salads including regular, chef, shrimp, and chicken breast salads.)
Limited delivery area (Bella Vista, Arkansas and Jane area south of Hwy,. 90).

Area: SOUTHERN - Jane area
Business
 name:
Jukebox Sports Bar & Grill
Type: Club - Beer & Liquor Served - Limited Food Menu
Location: US 71 south
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Telephone: 417-226-5883
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. "Non-Smoking area Un-available"
Review: Fairly typical small sports bar, with better-than-average food. Several pool tables, Karaoke some nights.

Area: SOUTHERN - Jane area
Business
 name:
Legends Bar & Grill
Type: Club - Beer & Liquor Served - Food Menu
Location: US 71 south, next to Boonslick Lodge
Hours Open
 [read this!]
?
Telephone: 417-226-2337
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: Smokers welcome. "Non-Smoking area Un-available"
Review: (Formerly "The Tap Room") Nice, clean sports bar with big screen tv's and a pool table.

Area: SOUTHERN - Jane/Caverna/State Line area
Business
 name:
Macadoodle's Deli / Champs Chicken
Type: Counter Deli with dine-in
Location: Jct. US 71 & Hwy. "O" just north of the Arkansas state line
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Telephone: 417-226-4436
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good
Smoking: No. (But there is a fine cigar shop with a humidor room next door.)
Review:  This is a unique and interesting little "deli" - in fact, it is more of a cafe/convenience store than a traditional deli. They also offer the Champs Chicken (franchise menu). You can order some types of meat here, but if you are looking for exotic deli cheeses, fine wines and liquors, you'll have to go next door to the main Macadoodles liquor store (check the wine section for the fine foods).
The food here at the deli is well above average for the most part. Fried chicken, Burgers, BBQ, various sandwiches, fries, tots, fried okra, mashed potatoes... Very tasty smoked ribs are available by the rack or half-rack to take to your campsite.
I'll go ahead an give Macadoodles a free plug... Forget Wally-World for your booze - go to Macadoodles if you're looking for a better selection of beers, wine, and liquor - at better prices, too! They also have a discount store next door where you can buy cases of beer, wine and liquor for even less yet. (A pretty good deal if you don't need your booze pre-chilled, and need it by the caseload.
(Also, to be fair, I'll add that across the road The Jug Store offers competitive prices, though not as huge a selection...)

Area: SOUTHERN - Jane/Caverna/State Line area
Business
 name:
McDonald's
Type: Fast Food Served
Location: US 71 south, just north of Wal-Mart Supercenter
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Telephone: 417-226-0860
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: No.
Review:  Yep, everyone knows McDonald's...  This is one of those new smaller-sized units, and the lobby can get very crowded at peak times. No children's play area, either. But hey, they've got "free" Wi-Fi (with purchase).  Note: If you want totally free Wi-Fi & Public Internet access, go to either the Pineville, Noel, or Southwest City Public Library.

Area: SOUTHERN - Jane/Caverna/State Line area
Business
 name:
Taco Bell
Type: Fast Food Served
Location: US 71 south, just north of Wal-Mart Supercenter
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch & Dinner (open late).
Telephone: 417-226-0636
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: No.
Review:  Yep, as of 2011 now we have a Taco Bell too...  No review necessary... You know Taco Bell: Love it or Hate it or just Ignore it... Think outside the franchise. ;)




WESTERN McDONALD COUNTY AREA:
(Includes Southwest City and Tiff City)

Area: WESTERN - South West City
Business
 name:
Family Malt Shop & Cafe
Type: Cafe & Desserts
Location: 205 Main Street (Hwy. 43)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Telephone: 417-762-3248
Tourist
Friendliness:

Smoking:
Review: Do you long for the nostalgia of the old-fashioned malt shop, but are putt off by the shiny chrome retro-reproductions of malt shops that are commonly found in most tourist-trap areas? Well, stop by the Family Malt Shop & Cafe in SWC for a genuine old malt shop that hasn't changed too much with the times.
Disclaimer: It has been a few years since I made it all the way over to the Malt Shop. I'll revisit it and update this review sometime soon.

Area: WESTERN - South West City
Business
 name:
Los Palmeras Mexican Food
Type: Cafe
Location: Near Jct. of Hwy. 43 & Hwy. 90
Hours Open
 [read this!]
?
Telephone: 417-762-5890
Tourist
Friendliness:
?
Smoking: ?
Review: ?
Disclaimer: I haven't had the opportunity to try this place yet, but I'll update this when I do.

Area: WESTERN - South West City
Business
 name:
Southwestern Cafe
Type: Cafe
Location: Near Jct. of Hwy. 43 & Hwy. 90
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Breakfast & Lunch
Telephone: 417-762-4210
Tourist
Friendliness:
Good
Smoking: ?
Review: Good traditional rural country cafe. If you're out on this side of the county and want some comfort food, give this place a try!



NEARBY THE McDONALD COUNTY AREA:
(Unique places worth mentioning, that are in neighboring counties)


Area: NEARBY - Grove
Business
 name:
La Casita De Martin
Type: Mexican Restaurant - Beer & Liquor Served
Location: NEW LOCATION: 23 W 3rd St (US Hwy. 59)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
Lunch "Highchair & Booster Seat Available"
& Dinner "Intimate Adult Dining" (Children must be old enough to occupy their seat unassisted)
Telephone: 918-787-7994
Tourist
Friendliness:
Very Good. ("Rowdy" children are discouraged at dinnertime!)
Smoking: Non-Smoking
Review:  This is one of my favorite places to eat. This new location is beautifully decorated, with exceptionally good mexican food, and a full bar. (Good mexican beer selection too.)  Don't leave without trying the "margarita ice cream" - it is amazing! (Even people that would never drink or enjoy tequila discover they love this lime-sherbert-based delight - it isn't always listed on the menu, tends to be available only in summer months, so ask if its available.)
Despite what you might think from the name, you won't have any trouble ordering here, as everyone speaks perfect (native) english.  Recommended.

Area: NEARBY - North of Neosho
Business
 name:
Undercliff Grill & Bar
Type: Restaurant - Beer & Liquor Served
Location: 6385 Old Highway 71, near Tipton Ford (between Neosho & Joplin)
Hours Open
 [read this!]
"Normal" hours (varies seasonally) Wednesday through Friday 11 AM - 9 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 9 PM, Sunday 9 AM - 3 PM. Closed Mon. & Tue.
Telephone: 417-623-8382
Tourist
Friendliness:
Exceptionally Good.
Smoking: Non-Smoking inside.
Review:  This is one of the most unique places to eat in the area. I include it here for those visitors travelling back north, to Joplin, K.C. and thereabouts... Because it is the place to stop on your way home. (And your way back here!)
As the name suggests, this place is built literally "under a cliff" - and the back wall is the exposed, uneven rock face. (There used to be several such places in our area, but this is the last one still in operation that I'm aware of.)  It is a memorible place to eat, and you'll find yourself taking your friends with you when you go back to show it off to them. The decor is "ecletic" - most of these interesting items nailed all over the walls and ceiling were donated by customers, so there's plenty to gawk at while you're there.
What keeps this place going strong when similar places have failed is the food. Excellent speciality burgers and sandwiches, interesting entrees (from spagetti red to a broccoli-rice plate); and I've never had a "bad" meal there - nor has anyone else I've ever heard of. Undercliff's "Texas Toothpicks" are my favorite appetizer ever. There is a full bar and fairly good beer selection.
Don't be surprised to see a line of bikes parked outside, especially on Wednesday's "Bike Night" and most warm weekends. This is a favorite destination for area bikers, as the scenic backroads in this area are primo riding lanes!
Pictures speak a thousand words... For photos, menu and a map see: undercliff.net.
Recommended.



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