Places we love to eat + drink at in CoMO

It’s the season of love so we’re sharing all the local places we love! 🫶🏼

One of the most asked questions we get is about local places to eat and drink here in Columbia. And let me tell you we have no shortage of options available to us!

So what better time to share some of our forever favorites and what we recommend!

Here in CoMO, we have a TON of great local places to eat + drink. These are just a few of our forever favorites and some current go-to’s right now!

If you’re not already hungry, you’re about to be….

☕️ The Grind Coffee House

Welcome to my second home! But really…. I’m almost always here - and for good reason!

First - the coffee is the best in town. My absolute favorite is their Madagascar Vanilla Nut. Depending on the weather and what I’m feeling, I typically get this hot or iced, with extra ice. (they have the good nugget ice so extra ice is key!) If I’m feeling like I want a special treat, I typically go for a vanilla latte (hot or iced), the iced Aucky or a spiced chai latte (hot or iced).

TOWNIE TIP: They almost always have a fun secret menu available in their shops! Right now, they even have one for Valentine’s Day!

Another thing I appreciate about The Grind - their drinks are handcrafted. They don’t just push buttons and use pre-made mixes like some coffee shops. The baristas there do it all and the drinks are high quality.

And last but not least - the atmosphere and employees. I love going to The Grind for all the things - business meetings, solo work sessions, breakfast with the fam, to catch up with friends, etc. It’s quiet enough to get in the zone and work. But there’s also enough noise that you can talk to other people and not feel like you’re bothering others or that other people are becoming part of your conversation simply because they’re there. It really is a 10/10!

TOWNIE TIP: Their playlists in the shops are a “thing”. They have some really good throwbacks, popular hits, super random songs…. basically what I’m getting at is that the music is part of the experience at The Grind. And if you forget your headphones at home, it will all be okay!

Stop by and visit them at one of thier 4 locations throughout town:
The Grind - South (4603 John Garry Dr)
The Grind - North (2601 Range Line St)
The Grind - Forum (1412 Forum Blvd)
The Grind - Campus (311 S 9th St - Inside the Journalism School)

🌱 Nourish Cafe + Market

Another one of my regular spots that feels like home! It’s hard to say what my favorite thing about Nourish is but if I had to pick, it would probably be their quality of food and the standards they hold themselves to. Their entire menu is free of gluten, soy, corn, refined sugar, preservatives and inflammatory oils. It’s organic food made with intention and love. And the best part? It’s actually DELICIOUS!!

Typically when I hear a list of things like the above, I’m not excited as I expect it to taste like cardboard. But Nourish has changed that for me and I so appreciate them for it.

Bonus - they support many of our local farmers here in town. LOVE that!!

Something else I love about Nourish - the people. There’s just something about feeling like a regular - like when you call in to place a pick-up order and they answer phone knowing it’s you calling. Or when you walk in to eat and the entire team welcomes you in by actually saying your name because they care and remember you. It’s not just the high quality food that makes you feel good when you eat here.

The vibe of the restaurant is not something to leave out. Walking in to Nourish, the natural light fills the cafe and it truly just feels like a breath of fresh air. It instantly lifts your mood from the minute you walk in!

TOWNIE TIP: Not only do they have delicious and nourishing food, they also have the cutest little market section…. which among many other things, includes their selection of biodynamic wines! They’re THE BEST!! I don’t buy wine anywhere other than Nourish!

Located at: 1201 E Broadway Blvd, Unit B, Columbia, MO 65201

🍗 D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar

A classic on our list of local restaurants. Honestly, I feel like D. Rowe’s is a little underrated. This is one of my go-to’s for lunch but we also love to have dinner here for a casual date night. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is 10/10.

Something to note - they have THE BEST smoked wings. They have the perfect amount of smokey flavor to them, but not too much where you feel like you’re choking on it. And there’s actually a good amount of meat to them! Most places when you get wings, there’s not much to them. These are truly the best wings there are! (and if buffalo wings are more your preference, they have those too!)

TOWNIE TIP: Visit them for lunch during the week. At the end of your meal, they’ll ask if you want a warm cookie. The answer is always yes!! Coming from someone who isn’t a big sweets person, that is one that’s worth having!

Located at: 1005 Club Village Dr, Columbia, MO 65203

🍹 Room 38 Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

One of our favorite places to go for a date or with friends! They have the BEST appetizers and sharing plates in CoMO. We like to go and order a variety of them and share them with the table. They also have amazing bartenders! Not only do they make delicious and creative cocktails, they also mix up some beautiful, yummy mocktails!

The vibe is super unique - the inside is a littler bit dark (like a lounge) and has tall, chic booth seating. They also have a patio in the back that has a brighter, more natural, modern feel. Something I love about their patio? It can be enjoyed in all types of weather! When it’s a nice, bright day, they have it open like a true patio. When it’s raining or cold, they have their patio covers closed and they even have heaters!

Room 38 is an experience you must check out and enjoy!

TOWNIE TIP: If you want to avoid the college crowd, you’ll want to come here earlier than later. We personally love going for happy hour!

Located at: 38 N 8th St, Columbia, MO 65201

🧆 Casablanca Mediterranean Grill

One of our go-to lunch spots that we’re obsessed with! Casablanca used to be a staple restaurant here in downtown CoMO before the area got taken over by student housing. Now, they’re back in food truck form!

They cook and serve true, authentic Mediterranean food Monday - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the lunch hours.

TOWNIE TIP: Plan a little extra time when coming here - for the best reason… everything is made fresh to order! It does take a little longer than a fast, grab + go option but the food is sooooo worth the wait!