Columbia’s local businesses are lively and abundant, particularly in its assortment of restaurant options. For college students on a budget, putting your Tiger Cash away and digging into your wallet for a night out can feel like a gut punch. Fortunately, Columbia’s downtown district offers students first-rate dining worth dipping into one’s savings.
Shakespeare’s Pizza
Shakespeare’s Pizza is on the corner of Ninth and Elm. With the close location to Mizzou’s campus, many students stop by for a bite to eat. Photo by Cara Penquite
Any college town’s food scene would be laughably invalid without good pizza. Columbia provides various options for a delicious, comforting slice but none more iconic than Shakespeare’s Pizza. Though Shakespeare’s has three locations across Columbia, its pizzeria on 9th street is a favorite for students and locals every day of the week. As you step through its bustling atmosphere, there is a palpable sense of community that has turned this restaurant into a cult favorite. Shakespeare’s, with its thick, cheesy pizza, has been the definitive food staple of Columbia since 1973, serving generations of students who flaunt its cups, stickers and shirts with local pride. Enjoying its belly-warming food has become a rite of passage for all Missouri Tigers and will surely continue well beyond current students.
Pizza Tree
Costumers order pizza through the Pizza Tree window on Sunday, Aug. 7 in Columbia. Pizza tree serves pizza by the slice along with whole pizza orders. Photo by Cara PenquiteThough Shakespeare’s is undeniably iconic, the fresh flavors of Pizza Tree have caused a roaring debate over the superior Columbia slice. Located at 909 Cherry St., Pizza Tree provides a more modern, quirky menu assortment with its own exceptional reputation. The restaurant boasts a flavorful crust that owner John Gilbreth experiments with, with creative toppings redefining the pizza experience. From mac & cheese pie, kimchi pie or even a simple pepperoni, Pizza Tree offers a refreshing alternative for hungry students and locals alike. The shop, or “The Treehouse,” opened in 2014, building its own cult following in the process. Whether you’re stumbling out of Harpo’s, or hungry after a showing at Ragtag Cinema, Pizza Tree’s convenient location and window-service make its delicious slices nearly irresistible.
Cafe Berlin
Cafe Berlin is located on Tenth and Park Ave. Cafe Berlin serves brunch food and is within walking distance of campus. Photo by Cara Penquite
While pizza is essential for a true college diet, good breakfast is a perfect cure for those mornings when waking up is a challenge. Columbia provides a myriad of options for a memorable breakfast experience from quick bites, to authentic diners. An option you cannot skip is Cafe Berlin, located on 220 N 10th St. Its spacious, decorated interior and friendly staff provide a pleasant dining experience before customers receive a menu. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. everyday except Tuesdays, Cafe Berlin is the premium brunch destination for any hungry Columbia resident. Its menu includes alluring classics like huevos rancheros and biscuits and gravy, as well as large buttermilk pancakes — bound to make your mouth water. The charms don’t stop there as their menus, both breakfast and lunch, aim to give a fresh spin to typical dishes. Their spicy “Schyler Sandwich” and “Anonymous Tacos” are to die for. If its delectable menu is not enough, Cafe Berlin also doubles as a music venue, hosting live, local music throughout the month. When you see a line piled outside its doors, don’t be surprised – it is a restaurant well worth the hype.
Booches
Booches is located in the heart of downtown on Ninth Street. Booches is Columbia’s oldest restaurant. Photo by Cara PenquiteWhile fresh twists on classic menus are found throughout Columbia’s best restaurants, there is no shortage of exceptional food staples. A perfect example is Columbia’s oldest restaurant, Booches Billiard Hall. This historic restaurant, bar and billiard hall is ingrained into the city’s history, serving burgers under the Booches name since 1884 (its downtown location opened in 1928.) Located on 110 S. 9th St., it’s hard to pass its doors as burgers are flipped in the front window, alongside cheeky signs proclaiming “no spitting, no cursing, no lying (fish stories excluded.)” It is an atmosphere bursting with character. As customers sit upon small, wooden chairs, it only takes one scan of the room to notice the charm of this tasty time portal. Their menu remains cheap, simple and utterly satisfying. Booches has nearly perfected their craft; their burgers maintain remarkable quality at a modest price, which has left them with droves of regular visitors. For a restaurant approaching 140 years in business, Booches is more lively and inviting than many new burger joints in the area.
Cafe Poland
Just around the corner from Booches, is Cafe Poland located on Locust Street. Cafe Poland serves Polish dishes from their store window. Photo by Cara PenquiteColumbia may be a little pocket in the middle of Missouri, but those who live here know how truly diverse an atmosphere it is. While staples of American cuisine are well-represented, it is the vast array of international cuisine that makes this area special. From Syria to Thailand, the local food scene allows for bountiful palate exploration. A restaurant that provides such flavor diversity is Cafe Poland, located on 807 Locust St. Cafe Poland brings an authentic taste of Europe to Columbia residents. Its building, right off 9th street, is a relaxing, homely atmosphere reminiscent of your grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’ve visited before or not, there is a sense that you are family at Cafe Poland. It is a definitive small business, serving a simple menu of Polish classics like pierogies, goulash and crepes, run by owner Iwona Galijska and her eldest son. Their dishes are steeped in authenticity and at a price that leaves your pocket feeling good. In any restaurant you visit in Columbia, keep an open mind for exploration, and you’ll soon have a feast of new favorites.
Edited by Lucy Valeski | lvaleski@themaneater.com
The Columbia coffee tour
Fretboard Coffee
Fretboard Coffee is located on Walnut street. Fretboard serves coffee and pastries in their Rock n’ Roll themed shop. Photo by Cara PenquiteFretboard Coffee makes some of the smoothest espresso in Columbia. Their Cubano Latte, sweetened espresso and milk, provides a perfect caffeine boost whenever a busy student may need it.
Shortwave Coffee
Shortwave Coffee is located on the corner of Ninth Street and Cherry Street as well as in Alley A. Shortwave serves coffee and pastries from their in-house bakery. Photo by Cara PenquiteShortwave’s Iced Cardamom Latte provides the perfect study drink against the calm backdrop of Shortwave’s downtown locations. It’s the perfect flavored latte, balancing both sweet and spiced flavors.
Lakota Coffee
Lakota coffee is nestled into the row of shops on Ninth Street. Lakota serves a variety of coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Photo by Cara PenquiteLakota Coffee Company’s Chocolate Cold Foam Cold Brew is a delectable treat for the caffeinated sweet-tooth. Not shy on flavor, Lakota’s high quality ingredients pack a punch beyond your typical cold brew.