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Dining in Columbia

Columbia offers endless dining choices to University of Missouri students, as well as their friends and families. With everything from American and Chinese to Italian and Mexican, diners will find themselves with endless choices. Acknowledged as a site for abounding outdoor dining establishments outside of the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, Columbia guarantees a great night out with friends and family.

Within walking distance of campus are several eateries dear to Mizzou folklore. Since 1973, Shakespeare’s Pizza has served as a right of passage for new students and Columbia visitors. Whether it’s a slice or an entire pie, Shakespeare’s fresh ingredients make it one Columbia’s favorite pizzerias.

The no-frills atmosphere of Booches Billiards Hall is another stop in downtown dining excursions. Since the turn of the 20th century, Booches has served up fabulous cheeseburgers and top-notch snooker and pool tables. Booches was named as one of the top 10 burgers in America by USA Today in 2000.

Another tradition on the Mizzou campus is the Heidelberg Restaurant, also known as “The Berg.” Just a short walk from the Historic Columns, the Berg offers a casual dining environment, both inside the restaurant and on its rooftop patio. With everything from sandwiches to wings to burgers, the Berg opens its doors seven days a week, and, for the late night eater, keeps its kitchen open until midnight.

Ernie’s Café and Steakhouse has been in Columbia since 1934. A hometown favorite, specializing in omelettes, French, waffles and hash browns. Other favorites include the Ernie´s “Chopped Cow,” cooked to order KC Strip Steak, and several vegetarian selections.

It’s just an easy walk from campus to tempt your tastebuds! There are numerous coffee shops, ice cream parlors and cafes. Boone Tavern is situated next to the Boone County Courthouse. Flat Branch Pub & Brewing offers a diverse menu as well as a variety of hand- crafted beers. Bambino’s Italian Café has one piece of advice: “Use Your Noodle……Eat Some Pasta!” On top of its wide range of pasta choices, the restaurant offers pizzas, fresh salads and sandwiches. The Main Squeeze Natural Foods Cafe serves delicious natural foods prepared with local and organic foods whenever possible. Others include The Pasta Factory, Village Wine and Cheese, the International Café, Bangkok Gardens and Ninth Street Deli.

When venturing out of the downtown area, students will find even more dining options, such as Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Everett’s Restaurant, Tequila Mexican Restaurant, Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen, Gaucho’s Churrascaria and HuHot Mongolian Grill. Another local favorite is Murry’s, serving up excellent food and providing great jazz music since 1985. The affordable menu offers popular choices including the Tuna, Pesto and Feta Sandwich, J.P.’s Grilled Cheese, Green Pepper Rings, the Catfish Sandwich and, of course, Murry’s steaks.

And those in the market for some fresh food can find two Farmer’s Markets available in the area. The Boone County Farmer’s Market, located at the Market Place, is comprised of a host of vendors selling the freshest fruits, vegetables, plants, meats and more, while the Columbia Farmer’s Market offers only the best locally grown goods from mid-March through November.