Our first date was here! Bri and Alex sat together at a side table, as the rain poured, and their love story began. Both consider it to be the Best Burger in town. their aioli for their sweet potato fries is unmatched, and we love their cheese fries too! Alex's dad insists on going here every Friday his parents are in town for their burgers, beer selection, and plastic take home cups. Great place for a bite, beer, and some pool!

Alex's pizza obsession. Bri's lunch many times throughout college. By the slice or by the pie, but no indoor seating. Great to grab while exploring downtown. Ask for a salad too, and a side of ranch!

Best bagels in town. Their scallion cream cheese on the everything bagel is *chef's kiss*. Cute little shop downtown, in the center of everything. Their bagel oven was purchased from a closing shop in NYC, so they are very authentic. Grab a bagel and walk over to Mizzou and take a tour.

Two locations (one on the northside, one southside). Best established BBQ in town. Alex's favorite is the smoked then fried pork tenderloin sandwich and Bri loves the smoked turkey. They also have amazing onion rings.

Alcoholic slushie bar that is a staple of Mizzou. Alex and Best Man Jake have frequently bought the largest size and watched the World Series together. Bri had her first ever drink from Trops (totally 21 at the time). Weirdly enough, they let you buy one then leave the premises...

Andy's is an integral part of Bri's childhood, but has also become a favorite sweet treat for Alex as well. There are three locations, but real fans go to the original Columbia location on the southside. This is where Bri came after many a band concert in school, the last place she saw her best friend Kate before she moved to Sierra Leone, and a favorite place for her nephew. Alex and Bri took engagement photos with their dog at the Trimble Road location as well.

A great ice cream alternative to Andy's (since Andy's is not technically ice cream). Has great unique flavors, and a great dog mascot. Right on 9th street, so easy to then travel to The Columns with a cone.

Pasta la Fata is the best italian spot in town. They have a rotating hot menu with italian desserts available as well. You can order ahead and get it to go or order and sit in their small space inside. Better yet, take it to go and drink at Logboat!

44 Canteen, and their old sister restaurant 44 Stone, are Columbia staples. 44 Canteen's burger is one of Bri's favorites, and before 44 Stone closed was the place Bri and Alex went to celebrate their engagement with their families. Looking for a good burger or tacos, but also top notch dipping sauces with fries? Look no further. It is in the heart of downtown, close by The Atrium where we are having our wedding.

Alex's fanboy breakfast/lunch spot. They opened just before the pandemic and Alex frequented it for carry out lunch when doing virtual school. Ben (the owner) greets Alex by name and it makes him feel special. Sunday brunch is a new menu each week and their pastries can't be beat (homemade Pop Tarts?!). Very vegetarian friendly and a great foodie spot.

Much more approachable version of Beet Box. Owned and operated by the same people, the food is fantastic. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner. On the Southside, next to the Walgreens Bri grew up by and bought many boxes of candy to sneak into movies.

Started out as a food truck at the local farmer's market (which is nationally rated, by the way), and then they opened a brick and mortar a few years ago. Alex and Bri will go here every snow day, as they offer free mimosas to teachers. They're open for all meals, and you can never go wrong with their biscuits and gravy. Stevie B gives it 5/5 stars.

Shakespeare's pizza is synonymous with Columbia. When it was torn down in 2015 to build apartments on top, Bri and her friends went and got bricks from the original building to keep as mementos. Their pizzas are great, as well as their pours at the bar. Ask for a Stag and a pickle if you want a real Mizzou college experience. Probably the only place we know that uses towels instead of napkins.

Easily the best brewery in town. Recently renovated outdoor space and a great place to hang out. Bring a book or some games and stretch out on their beautiful lawn. Bri loves the semi-sweet cider and Alex can never decide what he loves the most. No food available, but you are free to order in or get delivery there (strongly recommend going to Pasta la Fata and bringing it to Logboat).

Bri's favorite coffee shop, but she normally gets an iced vanilla chai. Many locations around town, but the 9th Street location is the easiest to access while downtown.

A historic place on Mizzou's campus, and the only remains of Academic Hall in 1892. Located on "The Quad." they are one of the most photographed sites in Missouri. A great place to walk to on a beautiful fall day, and a site of many a memory for Bri when she went to Mizzou. Close by is The Tiger at Carnahan Quad, a Mizzou tradition, and Townsend Hall, the education building where Bri attended for her Bachelor's and Masters.

A great place to take in an independent movie. Hosts True False Film Festival every year. Get a beer, some popcorn, and relax on one of their couches.

A great place to take in the nature of Columbia. Home to Devil's Icebox, one of the longest caves in Missouri. Make sure to take some hiking shoes!