When your Route 66 journey takes you through Missouri, your taste buds are in for an adventure as memorable as the Mother Road itself. Missouri’s stretch of Route 66 is more than just miles of scenic highways and iconic landmarks: it’s a culinary corridor filled with regional specialties and quirky eats that reflect the state’s diverse cultural heritage. From classic barbecue to sweet treats and surprising local creations, this guide will introduce you to 15 foods that define the Show-Me State’s flavor.
Imagine biting into a crispy, cheesy slice of St. Louis-style pizza while overlooking the Mississippi River or savoring toasted ravioli as you explore The Hill, St. Louis’s famed Italian-American neighborhood. And who could resist the smoky allure of Kansas City barbecue or the gooey decadence of a slice of butter cake that practically melts in your mouth?
Missouri’s Route 66 serves up plenty of surprises, from Springfield-style cashew chicken to the sweet and cheeky charm of Uranus Fudge Factory. Whether you’re craving something savory, sugary, or downright unexpected, there’s a dish waiting to make your road trip even more unforgettable.
In this post, we’ll take a delicious detour through Missouri’s tastiest bites. Each dish comes with its own unique backstory and recommended spots to try it for yourself. Buckle up and bring your appetite—it’s time to explore Missouri’s culinary treasures!
15 Foods to Try Along Route 66
1. St. Louis-Style Pizza
If you’re traveling Route 66 through Missouri, make sure to grab a bite of St. Louis-style pizza, a beloved regional specialty that’s as unique as the Gateway Arch. This thin-crust pizza is known for its cracker-like base, which skips the yeast for a delightfully crisp texture. It’s topped with a tangy tomato sauce, a blend of oregano and sweet spices, and, most importantly, Provel cheese, a gooey mix of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melts into a creamy, slightly smoky layer of cheesy perfection.
St. Louis-style pizza’s roots go back to the mid-20th century, with local legend Imo’s Pizza often credited for popularizing the style in the 1960s. The square-cut slices, nicknamed “party cuts,” make it easy to share with a crowd or snack as you drive.
For a taste of St. Louis-style pizza along Route 66, head to Imo’s Pizza in St. Louis, where it all began. With multiple locations throughout the city, it’s easy to find a slice while exploring Route 66 landmarks like the Chain of Rocks Bridge.
2. Toasted Ravioli
When you’re road-tripping through Missouri on Route 66, make sure to treat yourself to one of the Show-Me State’s most iconic creations: toasted ravioli. Don’t let the name fool you—these little pockets of flavor aren’t toasted; they’re breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. The dish features tender pasta filled with savory meat or cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and served piping hot with a side of marinara for dipping. One bite, and you’ll understand why this is a local favorite.
The origins of toasted ravioli are as legendary as the dish itself. Most stories point to St. Louis’s Italian-American neighborhood, The Hill, in the 1940s. As the tale goes, a happy kitchen accident led to ravioli taking a dip in hot oil instead of boiling water. That crispy mistake quickly became a culinary triumph, cementing its place in Missouri’s food scene.
To sample this crispy classic along Route 66, head to Mama Campisi’s or Charlie Gitto’s in St. Louis, where toasted ravioli was born. Both spots are just a short detour from the Mother Road, making them perfect pit stops on your culinary adventure.
3. Kansas City Barbecue
No road trip through Missouri would be complete without sinking your teeth into some Kansas City barbecue. Known for its smoky, slow-cooked perfection and finger-licking sauces, this iconic style of barbecue is all about variety—ribs, brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, and even smoked chicken, all served with a rich, tangy-sweet tomato-based sauce that often has a touch of molasses for extra depth.
Kansas City’s love affair with barbecue dates back to the early 1900s, when Henry Perry, often called the “father of Kansas City barbecue,” started serving smoked meats wrapped in newspaper from a trolley barn. His techniques and flavors inspired generations of pitmasters, making the city synonymous with world-class barbecue. By the 1930s, barbecue joints were popping up everywhere, and today, Kansas City is celebrated as a barbecue capital of the world.
While you can find numerous barbecue joints across Missouri Route 66, to really experience Kansas City Barbecue you’ll have to take a slight detour to Kansas City itself to experience iconic spots like Arthur Bryant’s or Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
4. St. Louis-Style Ribs
St. Louis-style ribs are trimmed down to a rectangular cut, giving them a uniform look that’s easier to cook evenly. But the real magic happens when they hit the smoker. Rubbed with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs develop a tender texture and a slightly crispy bark. They’re usually finished with a sweet, tangy glaze of tomato-based barbecue sauce that will have you licking your fingers and reaching for more.
The St. Louis-style rib earned its name in the 1930s, thanks to meatpackers in the Gateway City who standardized the cut to make it more appealing for both consumers and butchers. Over time, this style became synonymous with Missouri barbecue and is now celebrated nationwide as one of the best ways to prepare ribs.
To sink your teeth into some authentic St. Louis-style ribs along Route 66, stop by Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis. Known for their fall-off-the-bone ribs and mouthwatering sides, this spot is a must-visit for barbecue lovers. Another great option is Sugarfire Smoke House, which serves up award-winning ribs and a creative twist on classic barbecue.
5. Uranus Fudge
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in one of the quirkiest and tastiest stops along the Mother Road: Uranus Fudge Factory. This isn’t your average chocolate fix—Uranus Fudge Factory is famous for its creamy, decadent fudge made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients like butter, sugar, and rich chocolate. From classic flavors like chocolate walnut to adventurous varieties like rocky road, there’s a square (or two) to satisfy every sweet tooth.
The fudge itself is enough to draw crowds, but it’s the over-the-top fun and humor that make Uranus Fudge Factory a must-visit destination. Located in St. Robert, Missouri, this roadside attraction embraces its name with cheeky signs, quirky merchandise, and a staff that’s always ready to greet you with a hearty “Welcome to Uranus!” The fudge shop has become an essential Route 66 pit stop since it opened in the 2010s, offering travelers a chance to stock up on sweets and laughs. After all, where else can you say you had the sweetest time in Uranus?
6. Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken
Springfield-style cashew chicken is a unique culinary creation that blends Chinese flavors with a Midwestern twist. This dish starts with crispy fried chunks of chicken, smothered in a rich, savory brown sauce, and topped with crunchy cashews and a sprinkle of green onions. It’s typically served with steamed or fried rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for hungry road trippers.
The story of Springfield-style cashew chicken began in the 1960s with chef David Leong, a Chinese immigrant who wanted to introduce Chinese flavors to local diners. Knowing that fried chicken was a staple of Midwestern cuisine, he crafted this hybrid dish to appeal to local palates—and it was an instant hit. What started as a single restaurant specialty quickly grew into a regional favorite, solidifying Springfield’s reputation as the cashew chicken capital of the world.
To get your fill of this delicious dish on Route 66, head to Leong’s Asian Diner in Springfield, where the original recipe is still served. Or try it right on Route 66 at New House Chinese Food.
7. Pork Steak
When you’re eating your way along Route 66 in Missouri, don’t skip the chance to try a local favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious: pork steak. This humble yet flavorful cut of meat is a true Show-Me State specialty, made from the pork shoulder (also called a Boston butt). It’s typically marinated or dry-rubbed, grilled to juicy perfection, and then slathered with barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering finish.
The origins of pork steak as a Missouri staple trace back to the mid-20th century. This budget-friendly cut became popular in the backyard barbecues of St. Louis, where pitmasters discovered that slow cooking it over charcoal made it tender and packed with flavor. Add a brush of tangy barbecue sauce, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s become a cornerstone of Missouri cuisine.
While pork steak is a dish more familiar to a backyard barbecue than a restaurant’s pit, some barbecue joints serve it up alongside their ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. For a taste of authentic Missouri pork steak right on Route 66, stop at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba.
8. Doughnuts
No road trip is complete without a sugary treat, and on Route 66 in Missouri, doughnuts are the breakfast of champions. These fried rings of happiness come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, from classic glazed to indulgent cream-filled and colorful sprinkle-topped varieties. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter, they’re fried to golden perfection and often finished with a sugary glaze or dusting of powdered sugar.
Doughnuts have been an American staple since Dutch settlers brought their version of fried dough to the U.S. in the 18th century. By the 20th century, doughnut shops were popping up across the country, becoming a breakfast go-to and a beloved comfort food. Missouri’s doughnut scene is steeped in nostalgia, with local bakeries adding their own spin on this timeless treat.
For a classic Route 66 stop, head to Donut Drive-In in St. Louis, a beloved roadside gem serving up fresh, no-frills doughnuts since the 1950s. Their perfectly glazed and delightfully fluffy creations are a testament to timeless quality, making this spot a must-visit for doughnut purists. But if you’re looking for a creative twist, Hurts Donut in Springfield takes the doughnut game to wild new heights. Known for their over-the-top toppings and inventive flavors, Hurts serves up everything from cereal-covered creations to indulgent bacon-maple combos.
9. Gooey Butter Cake
Few treats represent the Show-Me State better than gooey butter cake. This St. Louis-born dessert is as decadent as it sounds, with a dense, buttery crust topped by a rich layer of cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and, of course, butter. Baked to perfection, it has a crispy, golden top and a soft, gooey center that makes every bite pure bliss.
Legend has it that gooey butter cake was created in the 1930s by accident. A German baker in St. Louis reportedly mixed up the proportions of butter in a cake recipe, resulting in a “mistake” that turned out to be a masterpiece. The cake quickly became a local favorite, and today it’s a hallmark of Missouri cuisine, loved for its simplicity and irresistible flavor.
For an authentic slice of gooey butter cake on Route 66, visit Park Avenue Coffee in St. Louis, where they serve up dozens of flavors, from the classic to creative twists like chocolate chip. Another great stop is Federhofer’s Bakery, a St. Louis institution that’s been serving traditional gooey butter cake for decades.
10. Frozen Custard
There’s nothing better than a scoop of frozen custard to keep you cool while cruising along Route 66. This rich, creamy dessert is like ice cream’s indulgent cousin, made with milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks for an extra velvety texture. Served fresh and often with a swirl, it’s a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
Frozen custard made its debut in the early 20th century, gaining popularity at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. It quickly spread to the Midwest, where St. Louis became a hub for this chilly treat. Missouri embraced frozen custard as its own, and today it’s a summertime (or anytime) staple that’s tied to the state’s food culture.
For some of the best frozen custard along Route 66, pull over at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. This iconic spot has been serving up their famous “concretes” (custard so thick you can turn the cup upside down) since 1929 and is a must-visit on your Mother Road journey.
11. St. Paul Sandwich
You might not expect a fusion of Chinese-American cuisine to end up as a regional sandwich favorite, but the St. Paul sandwich is a delicious surprise waiting for you in Missouri. This quirky creation consists of a crispy egg foo young patty (made with eggs, bean sprouts, onions, and sometimes meat like pork, shrimp, or chicken) served on white bread with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that somehow just works.
The St. Paul sandwich traces its roots to Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis. Created in the mid-20th century, it was named not for Missouri’s St. Louis but allegedly for St. Paul, Minnesota, where the chef’s friend hailed from. Over time, it became a staple of Missouri’s culinary landscape, beloved for its affordability, portability, and unique flavor profile.
For an authentic taste, stop by Old St Louis Chop Suey or Mai Lee’s Restaurant in St. Louis or one of the city’s many Chinese-American eateries that still serve this classic. Further west, you might find variations in Springfield or Rolla that capture the same spirit.
12. Fitz’s Root Beer
No road trip is complete without a cold drink to wash down all that delicious food, and in Missouri, Fitz’s Root Beer is the beverage of choice for thirsty travelers. This old-fashioned soda is crafted using a special blend of roots, spices, and herbs, giving it a rich, creamy flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate root beer float!
Fitz’s got its start in 1947 in Clayton, Missouri, when it quickly became a favorite at local drive-ins. The root beer was brewed in small batches and served fresh from the tap, making it a nostalgic treat that locals loved. After a brief hiatus, Fitz’s was revived in the 1990s, and the brand has since become a St. Louis institution, known for its vintage vibe and dedication to quality.
When cruising down Route 66, make a pit stop at Fitz’s Bottling Company in St. Louis. Watch the bottling line in action while sipping on a frosty mug of their root beer, or take a six-pack to go for the road. Fitz’s also offers a menu packed with comfort food, making it a great spot to refuel before hitting the highway.
13. Slinger
The Slinger is a St. Louis diner classic that consists of a glorious, piled-high plate of hash browns, a hamburger patty, and two eggs (any style), all smothered in chili and topped with shredded cheese and diced onions. For extra flair, many diners serve it with a side of toast or biscuits to soak up every last bit of that savory goodness.
The origins of the Slinger are murky, much like the chili that blankets this dish, but most stories trace it back to the 1970s in St. Louis. The dish was created as a hearty, no-frills meal that could satisfy late-night diner patrons and cure even the toughest hangovers. Over time, the Slinger earned its spot as a beloved staple on Missouri’s diner menus, celebrated for its gut-busting portions and unpretentious appeal.
For a taste of this iconic dish, swing by Courtesy Diner in St. Louis, a classic spot where the Slinger is practically a rite of passage. You’ll also find variations at other diners along Missouri’s stretch of Route 66, from Springfield to Rolla.
14. Catfish
Missouri’s rivers are the source of one of the state’s tastiest culinary treasures: catfish. This freshwater favorite is a staple of Midwestern cuisine, and it’s as much a part of Missouri’s food culture as the mighty Mississippi itself. Typically, catfish is filleted, coated in a flavorful cornmeal breading, and fried to crispy perfection. Served up with hush puppies, coleslaw, and a wedge of lemon, it’s a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and quintessentially Missouri.
The tradition of eating catfish in Missouri dates back centuries, with Native American and early settler communities relying on this abundant river fish as a dietary staple. Over time, catfish became a Southern and Midwestern favorite, celebrated at fish fries and family dinners. Missouri’s connection to its rivers has made catfish a natural part of the state’s culinary identity, blending history, tradition, and flavor in every bite.
If you’re cruising Route 66 in Missouri and craving this river delicacy, head to Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ in Lebanon for a plate of perfectly fried catfish and all the fixings. Other local eateries along the Mother Road often feature catfish on their menus, so keep your eyes peeled as you roll through Missouri’s small towns and cities.
15. Red Hot Riplets
If you’re craving a fiery, flavorful snack while cruising Route 66 through Missouri, grab a bag of Red Hot Riplets, St. Louis’ signature spicy ridged potato chips. These bold chips are coated in a distinctive blend of hot chili pepper and tangy barbecue seasoning, delivering a kick of heat with every crunch.
Introduced by Old Vienna of St. Louis in the 1980s, Red Hot Riplets quickly became a local favorite, earning their spot as a snack that screams “St. Louis pride.” The chips are a fusion of classic Midwestern potato chip crunch and Southern barbecue heat, reflecting Missouri’s position at the crossroads of American culinary traditions. Today, they’re a go-to snack for locals and travelers alike, adding a little spice to any road trip snack stash.
You can find Red Hot Riplets in grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience shops along Route 66 in Missouri, especially around St. Louis.
As you journey along Route 66 in Missouri, don’t just explore the landmarks—let your taste buds join the adventure, too. From iconic barbecue and gooey butter cake to quirky stops like Uranus Fudge Factory, this stretch of the Mother Road offers a delicious snapshot of Missouri’s culinary identity. So pull over, dig in, and savor every bite—because on Route 66, the food is as much a part of the story as the road itself.
Hungry for more of the best foods on Route 66? Check out the 66 Must-Eat Dishes on Route 66.
