Dining Day Trips

There’s a whole lot of delicious food that’s served up outside of the Springfield city limits, and we made it our mission to find the very best of it. Equipped with growling bellies and full tanks of gas, we sent four writers on a mouthwatering multi-day journey from corner to corner in 417-land and beyond to find the tastiest, most inventive restaurants dotted throughout the Ozarks. On each and every one of these gut-busting day treks, we visited and taste-tested the towns’ best eateries to make sure they offer up plenty of deliciousness in exchange for a day’s drive. After we packed ourselves full of decadent French food, gourmet farm-to-table fare and a whole lot of tasty fish, wraps, sandwiches, steaks, pies, cakes and more, we all came to an agreement: Every one of these restaurants is dishing out food that is more than worthy of a couple hours behind the wheel. Ready for your own ambrosial adventure? Hop in the car, crank up the tunes and get hungry for a road trip.

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Waterfront Fare

​Eat
Head to the restaurant at Orleans Trail Resort and Marina (15828 S. 1525 Road, Stockton, 417-276-3566) to fuel up for a day on the water. Try the pork fingers (think chicken strips made with the other white meat) with white or brown gravy when you want something crispy and tender served piping hot. Then grab a tangy Cuban sandwich or a bacon cheeseburger piled so high you have to roll up your sleeves and grab extra napkins. Complete your meal with a homemade dessert, like blackberry cobbler or Butterfinger cheesecake. 

Enjoy the View
On a breezy, perfect-weather day, enjoy your meal on the balcony to watch the sailboats come and go from the marina while you plan your lake adventures. 

Stay to Play
Head across the lake to Stockton State Park Marina (18610 E. 2000th Rd., Dadeville, 417-276-5329) for sailing lessons. Make a weekend of it by enrolling in a two-day course for $625 for one person, or $550 per person for a couple. The fees cover all course materials and a one-year membership to the American Sailing Association. After passing the course, rent a sailboat from the marina with a discounted price and put your skills to use on the lake. For more information, call or email Harry Lefferts at info@stocktonstateparkmarina.com. 

A Steak Worth the Trek

Turning onto a bumpy gravel road, it’s easy to think you’ve made a wrong turn, but just down the way is Gobbler’s Roost. And it might just be Nevada’s best-kept secret. 

Only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, this steakhouse fills quickly with regulars who have long enjoyed the restaurant’s five-course dinners served on Friday and Saturday nights. Just turn into the property and continue past the two horses grazing out front till you reach the restaurant, which fits just 40 people comfortably. 

Nestled on 320 acres of sprawling farmland, the restaurant belongs to owners Kathy and Kent Abele, who have spent years raising beef. When the couple couldn’t find a great steak anywhere close by, they decided to grill their own, and just like that, Gobbler’s Roost became a hit. While the menu changes seasonally, the two steaks—the filet and the K.C. strip—are fixtures of the restaurant, and it’s easy to see why. And this is no typical portion of steak. They are carving up a huge cut of meat. It’s what Kathy used to serve the farm hands for lunch each day.

On my visit the meal also came with salad, soup, a chilled round of cucumber filled with a creamy pineapple dip, a side of gnocchi, garden-fresh vegetables and dessert. It’s clear that no one leaves Gobbler’s Roost hungry.

Five-course dinners are served Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. by reservation only. Call 417-448-4853 to reserve a table, and come hungry!

Homegrown Pub Fare

Owner Josh Stacy opened the first Public House Brewing Company (551 State Route B, St. James, 573-261-3333) in downtown Rolla, focusing on operating as a brewery and small pub selling everything they made in house right at the bar. When they outgrew the space, Stacy found a second location in St. James, right next door to St. James Winery. The full-production brewery and tasting room opened in November 2014, with a full kitchen and room to seat 250 people. 

The menu showcases what chef Alex Giger can do with locally sourced meat and produce. Customer favorites include the reuben, made with local beef cured in-house, and seasonal salads that change every month to ensure the freshest ingredients. Try the delicious smoked trout fritters that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with smoky trout. The real treat is in the garnishes: red onion slices and chunks of crispy, salty bacon top dollops of tangy remoulade sauce. When you’re in the mood for something briny, try the pickle plate. A mix of vegetables like cucumbers, okra and watermelon rinds take on a whole new sour flavor. 

Cap your meal off by ordering a fresh dessert, like the salty-and-sweet cinnamon-sugar sweet pretzel bites or a parfait blending seasonal fruits with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola. Don’t forget to pair your eats with some brews made by the experts in the back of the house. 

Great Dining with a Side of Art

10 a.m. Kennedy Coffee (above left)
If you leave 417-land in the morning, you’ll arrive in Bentonville just in time to grab a tasty cup of joe and a sweet mid-morning treat at Kennedy Coffee. Open for 12 years, the classic coffee shop roasts its own beans. But not just for Arkansans: It also sells these beans to wholesale buyers across the globe who got a taste while visiting for Walmart business and just couldn’t get enough. While you’re there, pair a creamy latte with a gluten-free blueberry scone. Delish.

11 a.m. 21C Museum Hotel
After your morning pick-me-up, head to the 21C Museum Hotel. It’s where you’ll rest your head at the end of the day. But for now, just drop off your bags and explore. Its beautiful modern design is accented everywhere with one-of-a-kind art that graces the lobby walls and fills gallery spaces. Exhibitions change every six months, so each visit could mean new art to explore. Be sure to check out the “Fat Bat” sculpture (of an overweight Batman) that hovers over the hotel gym. Peek out the window to see a Tree of 40 Fruits in bloom, or find a fun resting place for one of the famed green penguins guests can move around the hotel. 

Noon Crepes Paulette
Across the street from the 21C Museum Hotel is a sweet little food truck that backs up to a cozy patio full of bistro tables. It’s Crepes Paulette, and it’s hopping in the middle of the day. Brave the long line, though. The sweet and savory folded crepes are worth the wait. Find a breezy table, and indulge in a classic ham and cheese crepe before finishing your meal with one filled with sweet strawberries. 

1 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (above right)
Walking trails peppered with sculptures weave through the grounds at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the museum’s architecture alone is a sight to behold. But it’s the collection of American art housed inside this museum that is most impressive. From a portrait of George Washington from the 1780s to a towering pop art still life by Roy Lichtenstein from the 1970s, the collection hits all the high points from the past 200 years. There are also changing exhibits, educational programs for both kids and adults and delicious food at Eleven Restaurant.

4 p.m. Scott Family Amazeum
Just down the road from Crystal Bridges is the kid-centric Scott Family Amazeum, a perfect stop if you have little ones with you. Kids can explore science, technology and engineering in the 3M Tinkering Hub. They can do science experiments with candy in the Hershey’s Lab, paint the walls in the Art Studio, burn off some energy in the Canopy Climber, relax and daydream in the Cloud Theatre, explore the deep dark Cave and so much more. It’s a great place to tire them out! 

6 p.m. Oven & Tap (above left)
Stop for supper at Oven & Tap, a modern-rustic restaurant with a wood-burning stove where co-owners Mollie Mullis and Luke Wetzel and their staff whip up incredible wood-fired creations using local ingredients. The menu changes regularly depending on what’s in-season and available. Even the homemade lasagna is finished in the oven, creating irresistible crispy edges. Our favorite taste: The creamy burrata served over tender shaved summer squash and topped with bright mint, toasty sunflower seeds and nutty pecorino cheese.

8 p.m. The Hive (above right)
After dinner, head back to the 21C Museum Hotel. At The Hive, you can grab an after-dinner cocktail and some snacks at the lovely bar. Indulge in the Dusk Till Dawn, featuring Casamigos Repasado tequila and a strawberry-chervil shrub, and try an order of the oh-so-sticky sweet and spicy fries topped with local honey and cayenne and marash pepper. Yum!

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Table for Twelve

As we pulled our car into the driveway of Dawt Mill Resort, we listened to the gravel crunch under our tires and agreed it felt as if we were transported back in time. I was with my friend, Kaitlyn McConnell, and we were both happy to see the property after our two-hour drive. The spot is scenic, with the mill, established in 1897, still boasting an old-timey charm. 

We were there for dinner at The Chef’s Table, the fanciest restaurant on the property. A hand-hewn oak table built around a central kitchen takes center stage, and oversized windows and reclaimed wood preserved from other buildings on the property complete the intimate, rustic-modern atmosphere. It’s home to Chef Ryan Van Winkle’s elaborate dinners, which can seat as many as 12 guests for 3 to 12 courses. 

When we entered the restaurant around 4:30 p.m. for our 5 p.m. reservation, Chef Ryan was behind the counter working on prepping our 12-course meal. He had been at it since early that morning. Along with his culinary arts training, a plethora of hands-on experience and a vast knowledge of all things food, Chef Ryan is tall and handsome with an adorable smile to match. We were more than happy to have him as our host. 

Our 12-course meal was broken into five flights, each with a wine pairing. With each course, Chef Ryan explained where the ingredients were from and how he paired and prepared them. Much of what we ate came from the gardens on the property, and the few proteins and cheeses that didn’t come from right outside the door were sourced locally as well. Chef Ryan plans his menus based on what’s available, so there was a freshness with every forkful. His culinary talents shined with every plate, as he paired simple items like local country ham, pork jowl and sausage with locally grown delicacies like squash blossoms and lichen. It was unexpected, and it was out of this world. 

I definitely plan to go back and visit Chef Ryan again, and next time I might just stay and have more than one meal. A handful of cabins, a house and an inn offer plenty of lodging and make Dawt Mill Resort a perfect weekend getaway year-round.

Not much in this world sounds better than two consecutive days of Chef Ryan’s cooking. Who said dreams don’t come true? 

The Chef's Table Menu

1st flight paired with
Nobilo Savignon Blanc 2014
• Bass, Sorrel, Salt, Pepper, Thyme
• Country Ham, Pickles, Lichen, Eggs
• Cornbread, Pork Jowl, Maple Butter

2nd flight paired with
Charles Krug Chardonnay 2013
• Charred Beets, Parsley, Feta, Chimichurri, Pattypan Squash, Carrot
• Squash Blossom, Goat Cheese, Sausage, Okra, Chive Blossom

3rd flight paired with
Force of Nature Tempernillo 2013
• Flank Steak, Tomato Conserve, Chow Chow, Nasturtium
• Cantaloupe, Blackberries, Fennel Blossom, Shiso, Cucumber Ice

4th flight paired with
Root 1 Carmenere 2012
• Pheasant, Sassafras, Kale, Garlic, Bergomot
 •Skin, Bleu Cheese, Beets

5th flight paired with
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2012
• Peaches, Cream, Basil, Rice, Lavender
• Chocolate, Mint, Daylily, Whipped Cream
• Biscuit, Strawberry Jam, Sage

Destination Joplin

9:30 a.m. Mary Lee’s Café (Editor's note: This restaurant has closed since the publication of this article.)
This cozy house-turned-café was a suggestion from City Hall, and as soon as we walked into Mary Lee’s Café (712 W. 20th St., Joplin), I knew we had struck gold. Nine tables and 33 chairs are all that fit into the tiny, one-room café, and we were clearly the only out-of-towners around this morning. Everything here is homemade, including the assortment of pies: lemon meringue, chocolate, blueberry, cherry, apple and pumpkin in the fall. 

The biscuits and gravy are better than any I’ve ever had. Instead of cracking open individual biscuits, the kitchen here bakes one giant biscuit in a pie pan and cuts out enormous squares of warm, soft bread that are drowned in a delicious peppery white gravy. 

After finishing off my slice of lemon meringue pie, a forkful of hashbrowns and a slice of crisp bacon, I ordered a third cup of coffee and settled in for some quality people watching. 

11 a.m. Grand Falls (above left)
With a picnic basket loaded down with water, snacks and some light reading material, we ventured down the road to the Grand Falls waterfall. We weren’t the only ones at the falls. Several other groups of people had moseyed over for a quick dip in the cool water or to enjoy the view.
 

Noon: Midtown Pizza Kitchen (above right) (Editor's note: This restaurant has closed since the publication of this article.)
Already devout fans of Jason Miller’s creative eateries, Instant Karma and Eagle Drive-In, we knew we had to stop at his latest venture, Midtown Pizza Kitchen (1212 S. Main St., Joplin). Several of the pizzas are named after other Joplin restaurants, including the Bruncheonette, which we ordered. The pie features crispy-yet-chewy New York–style crust topped with a garlic cream sauce, coffee-rubbed slices of tenderloin, prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, provolone, fresh arugula and a fried egg. 

Oh, we also had the Burrata Cheese Fried, a mozzarella stick on steroids. To make this dreamy creation, an entire mozzarella ball is breaded and deep fried. Next it is artfully dropped in a pool of fresh tomatoes and beautifully drizzled with pesto aioli. There are no words to describe how incredibly delicious this thing tasted. 

2 p.m. Sweet Caroline's Creamery 
Pizza and ice cream? If there is a better combo out there, I don’t know of it. And lucky for us, Sweet Caroline’s Creamery (1027 S. Main St., Joplin) is located practically across the street from Midtown Pizza Kitchen. 

This vintage creamery has plenty of bright blue charm, and I ordered a double scoop of ice cream indulgence: pistachio and some sort of butterscotch, brownie and caramel swirl.

4 p.m. Downtown Shopping (above left)
Downtown Joplin is home to several boutiques that carry everything from women’s clothing and shoes to antiques, knick-knacks and home goods. And with everything within walking distance, this was a great way for us to burn off all the food we’d eaten. (I’ll walk just about any distance if it involves shopping.)

6 p.m. The Dining Car (above right) (Editor's note: This restaurant has closed since the publication of this article.)
For our last meal of the day, we popped into The Dining Car (1027 S. Main St., Joplin), a farm-to-table restaurant located inside the beautifully restored Gryphon building. You really can’t go wrong here. The Canyon Creek Pass Chicken is a crowd favorite, and after just a few bites, it became one of our favorites as well. This stack of deliciousness starts with a bed of peppery mashed potatoes and is followed by a juicy fried portobello mushroom, a pan-roasted chicken breast, sliced avocado, feta cheese and the house-made Gryphon sauce. With pinkies raised and our belts loosened, we ordered a shrimp cocktail with lemons and the Caesar salad with grilled chicken (which we thought would be a smaller size, but turned out to be enough to feed all three of us). By the end of our meal, we needed a forklift to haul us to the car.

9 p.m. Infuxn Boaka Bar (Editor's note: This bar has closed since the publication of this article.)
Half the fun of wandering through Joplin is talking with store and restaurant owners to learn which joints they would recommend, and the guys at Midtown Pizza Kitchen recommended we end our day at Infuxn Boaka Bar (530 S. Main St., Joplin). This vodka bar is unlike anything else you’ll find in Joplin, in part because it’s Joplin’s only ice bar. But it also has stunning décor, bright lights, deep blue leather booths and an inventive cocktail menu that all make it stand out from Joplin’s crowd of dive bars. To really finish our day out with a bang, we ordered a round of Moscow mules and watched the sun set over Main Street. 

Where the Flavors Flow

Once you step into the restaurant at Gaston’s White River Resort, you’ll notice rows of boat motors lining the ceiling. A few turns later, you’ll see dozens of vintage bicycles hanging over your head, and you’ll be greeted with an expansive dining room lined in windows that boast a fabulous view of the White River. The one-of-a-kind décor and breathtaking scenery make the location half of the fun.

The other half, of course, is the food. Gaston’s menu is large and features a range of fish entrees along with some traditional American dishes. Those in the mood for the ordinary can choose from an array of loaded burgers, sandwiches and salads, and hungrier guests have plenty of options with the Ozarks hickory smoked ribs, chicken fried steak, filet and ribeye. There’s even a handful of pasta options for those who crave Italian fare. 

If you only have one chance to eat here, though, we recommend you try the fish. The pan-seared rainbow trout with the house-made creamy supreme sauce is among the restaurant’s many favorites, or you can opt for fried trout, fried catfish, cod or salmon. And if you’re an eat-what-you-catch kind of person, you can do that, too: The restaurant will broil, pan-sear or fry your catch! No matter what you order, make sure to also make a trip to the Salad Boat, Gaston’s fully loaded salad bar overflowing with an abundance of fresh veggies, fruits, salads, cheeses and meats, all housed in an old wooden boat. Feasting on great food while taking in a fabulous view of the river? Yes, please.

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5 Must-Try Dishes by a Crazy Redhead

1. Start your day with a star-shaped Danish filled with cream cheese and seasonal fruit. The breads, sweets and other treats are all baked fresh daily here!

2. If you’re popping in for lunch, keep an eye out for the specials. We suggest you try the buffalo chicken salad sliders with mango pineapple salsa and tortilla chips on the side. 

3. When your stomach growls for a heaping lunch, grab the beef and blue wrap made with angus steak, gorgonzola cheese, lettuce, onion and tomato on an herb tortilla. It satisfies without overfilling you with carbs. 

4. On a cool day, warm up with a bowl of homemade soup. One of Heather’s specialties is the mulligatawny soup. For an extra treat, pair it with a seasonal salad and homemade bread for dipping.

5. Finish the whole thing off by giving in to your sweet tooth craving. All of the desserts are rich and to-die-for. The bakery case always houses something new, but keep an eye out for rum pecan pie chocolate cupcakes.

While you’re there: After getting your fill at That Crazy Redhead’s Bakery & Cafe, walk right down the street to Williams Creek Winery (310 S. Hickory St., Mount Vernon, 417-466-4076). Enjoy samples of wines made with Missouri-grown grapes, and take home a bottle or two for your next dinner party. Try the spiced apple wine; it’s perfect for the holidays. 

Finding France in Fordland

The Restaurant
Plopped right on the main drag in the small town of Fordland, La Gallette Berrichonne (143 E. Main St., Fordland; 417-738-2112) is a French bakery and café that has a definite leg up on other restaurants of its kind. While it’s located in a little 417-land town with a population of just around 800, people from all over the state travel here to enjoy the one thing that matters most when it’s time for a meal: the food. Open regularly for breakfast and lunch and offering special seven-course dinners on Friday nights, this gem is well known for its delectable French entrees and pastries made by the one-and-only French Chef Roland Parny. The restaurant itself is modest, with a metal building exterior and a handful of cozy tables and booths dotted throughout a main dining area.

The People
Chef Roland Parny attended Saint Amand-Montrond Cher culinary school in Central France at age 17. Next he attained 55 years of cooking experience in kitchens all around the world, and he was even instrumental in the inception and start-up of national bakery-café chain La Madeleine. Now he’s the star of the show at Fordland’s La Galette Berrichonne, where he works closely with his small staff that includes his sweet and charming wife, Elaine.

The Experience
An early morning breakfast here is sure to provide delightful conversations with the wait staff, and if you stop in for lunch, you’ll get a meal for a steal with dishes like beef burgundy, Chicken DuBois, seared salmon and more, all for around $10. But if you really want to treat yourself, we recommend calling and snagging a spot at one of Chef Roland’s seven-course French dinners on a Friday night.

Seven Courses of Decadence

The menu at La Galette Berrichonne changes each week. Here's what we had on our visit.

For these special events, the lights are dimmed, tables are dressed with linens and Chef Parny pulls out all the stops to create a memorable French meal. While the food differs each week depending on what Chef Parny finds on his shopping trips, you’ll often enjoy a crudité plate or a soup, a delectable protein, a sorbet palate changer, a cheese presentation and a mouthwatering French dessert. Speaking from experience, it’s all absolutely rich, indulgent and delicious, and it’s a steal at only $45 per person. A highlight of the event happens mid-meal, when Chef Parny comes out from the kitchen and chats with each table of guests. Oh, and if you’re new to French cooking, have no fear: Chef Parny is from the rural area of La Berry, France, and he describes his cooking as mom’s home cooking with a little flair.

The Town
If you head over for a meal off the regular menu on a Saturday, plan to go on a weekend when the Schofield + Gray outdoor market is in session. Once per month, the guys from Springfield’s Grayson Home transform an old Fordland homestead into an outdoor wonderworld with live music, grilled hot dogs and several visiting vendors who sell new home décor items and a huge collection of refinished furniture, antiques and collectables. Find dates on Schofield + Gray’s Facebook page.