Local Area Information
The tagline for Columbia is "the smart, innovative, artsy, eclectic, clever, savvy, vibrant, too-dynamic-to-fit-into-a-tagline city." We think that you'll find it to be all of that and more. For more ideas about entertainment in Columbia, visit the web site of the Columbia Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Fun Stuff to Do
Map of local fun stuff to do in Columbia
- Missouri Chestnut Roast - Saturday, October 17th, 10am - 4pm. Sample sweet Missouri-grown roasted chestnuts and other locally grown and made products in this family-oriented festival. Website includes driving directions!
- The Blue Note - Great local place for live tunes. (ticket prices vary)
- Bluestem Missouri Crafts features crafts made by midwestern artists. It is perfect for finding a unique gift.
- Columbia Public Library has interesting space, free wifi, and a coffeebar. The perfect spot to relax and catch up on your email. (free)
- Cosmo Park has a fabulous playground beloved by all children in Columbia. It also hosts a fairly unique skateboarding arena that is popular with teens. Bring a helmet! (free)
- Smile, chuckle, chortle, belly laugh. You'll do it all at Déjà vu Comedy Club. (ticket prices vary)
- Les Bourgeois Vineyards in nearby Rocheport is a gorgeous spot to enjoy the changing leaves, a view of the Missouri River, and a nice glass of wine. We recommend the picnic for two at the A-Frame and a walk on the Katy trail. (no cost to visit; prices for food and wine vary)
- Walk, jog or bike Columbia’s favorite exercise spot - MKT Trail or the Katy Trail. (free)
- Come see the Devil’s Icebox and the Rock Bridge at Rock Bridge State Park. This is a great place to take fall pictures as you enjoy the boardwalk stroll. Intrepid hikers and bicyclists will enjoy the more rustic trails. (free)
- Catch an indie flick at Columbia’s independent theater, the Ragtag. Intermission gives you a chance to sample tasty treats from Uprise Bakery or have a glass of wine or a beer. ($8 per ticket)
- A stroll through Shelter Gardens is always relaxing. Enjoy the colors of the Japanese maples. (free)
- Shryock’s Corn Maze is a blast for the entire family. Don’t miss out on the 3 story gumball machine inside the red barn!(ticket prices unpublished right now but less than $10)
- Stephen’s Lake Park features a really nice walking path around Stephen’s Lake and playground for kids. (free)
- At the Youzeum, it is all about you! (14 and older - $8.00, ages 4-13 - $5.00, children 3 and under – free)
Great Local Restaurants
Columbia is blessed with a large variety of excellent local restaurants, not to mention most major chain restaurants. Want to find a local restaurant review? Check out the CoMo Whine and Dine blog. Or you can use their random restaurant picker if you just can’t decide. When I tried it, it sent me to Teller’s. Hmmm… Teller’s. If you go there, try their crunchy sweet potato fries and lovely chocolate mousse.
63 Diner
A Columbia original. Poodle skirts, Elvis, and the best hand-dipped shakes ever. They also make a mean coconut cream pie.
5801 N Highway 763
Columbia, MO 65202-1016
(573) 443-2331
www.63diner.com
Addison’s
Worth it just to check out the artwork.
709 Cherry St
Columbia, MO 65201-4821
(573) 256-1995
www.addisonssophias.com/addisons
Bangkok Gardens
Fabulous food here. Try the Siam village rolls, Saam Ka-Sat, and hot Thai tea. Also has beautiful decor.
811 Cherry St
Columbia, MO 65201-4823
(573) 874-3284
www.bangkokgardens.com
Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
Word on the street is that the chicken duo entree and sweet cigar dessert are divine.
29 S 8th St
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 442-8220
www.bleurestaurantandwinebar.com
Booches
Can't beat the hamburgers at this Columbia hangout.
110 S 9th St
Columbia, MO 65201-4816
(573) 874-9519
Buckingham’s
Sing the blues while enjoying the best smoked meat ever. After this, Muddy Waters will make your mouth water.
3804 Buttonwood Dr
Columbia, MO 65201-3740
(573) 449-7782
D Rowe’s
A melty, gooey, yummy chocolate chip cookie accompanies every lunch at D'Rowe's. 'Nuf said.
1005 Club Village Dr
Columbia, MO 65203-4406
(573) 443-8004
www.drowesrestaurant.com
Flat Branch Pub
Unparalleled outdoor ambience and lovely microbrews. People come from miles around to order the 'Chokes 'n Cheese and to try the home brewed ginger ale.
115 S 5th St
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 499-0400
www.flatbranch.com
Heidleberg
Heidelberg has been a Columbia landmark for many years. Especially inviting is the patio seating up top and 1/2 price appetizers during happy hour.
410 S 9th St
Columbia, MO 65201-5091
(573) 449-6927
www.theheidelberg.com
Main Squeeze
Main Squeeze is all organic, vegetarian and DELISH! Try the Big Sky Burrito and one of their fresh fruit smoothies.
28 S 9th St
Columbia, MO 65201-4814
(573) 817-5616
Murry’s
Too many great dishes to name and a piano bar to boot. The steak sandwich is the best value in a steak in town and the green pepper rings are unique and tasty.
3107 Green Meadows Way
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 442-4969
www.murrysrestaurant.net
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Osaka inspires near cult-like devotion. Hibachi! Teriyaki! Sushi!
120 E Nifong Blvd # A
Columbia, MO 65203-3732
(573) 875-8588
Shakespeare’s Pizza
You must love a pizza joint that will let you add broccoli and artichoke hearts to your pizza. Best pizza in town and worth the wait. The kids will enjoy watching the dough being tossed around.
225 S 9th St
Columbia, MO 65201-4817
(573) 449-2454
www.shakespeares.com
Tellers Gallery & Bar
Great sweet potato chips and chocolate mousse. Also, a wonderful spot to people watch.
820 E Broadway
Columbia, MO 65201-4856
(573) 441-8355
Upper Crust
Divine breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Don't forget to order dessert. And, if you choose your seat well, you can watch as cakes are decorated in the bakery. Did I mention dessert? Cream puffs...mmm...
Ste 102
3107 Green Meadows Way, Columbia, MO 65203-3653
(573) 874-4044
http://www.theuppercrust.biz/