Mixing Up Menus: Five Columbia, MO Restaurants That Take Trying New Things to the Next Level

Everybody has their favorite dish, but it can get boring having the same old, same old time and time again. If you’re a foodie like the folks at Savor Columbia, you crave something new and like to take chances when restaurants change it up. Lucky for you, numerous local restaurants and bars break the mold of traditional everyday menus and offer innovative dishes to keep things interesting. Try something new and exciting at these restaurants, then get ready for something completely different on your inevitable second trip, because once is never enough! 

Barred Owl Butcher & Table 

Looking for the ultimate charcuterie board to share with your friends and family at the table, paired with a glass of good old-fashioned bourbon? Barred Owl Butcher & Table creates an upscale experience like no other with premium cut meat, locally sourced produce, and a full bar for serving cocktails, wine, beer, and more. For years, they’ve been practicing whole-animal butchery to ensure nothing is wasted and all the flavors of the meat are savored as they should be. Driven by a passion for fresh, ethically made cuisine, Barred Owl’s menu changes with the seasons. Come in for a happy hour or make a reservation for a divine date night with your significant other! 

Cherry Street Cellar



Take yourself on a flavor journey of land, sea, and everything in between when you come to Cherry Street Cellar in downtown Columbia! Whether you’re just grabbing a bite or dining on a mindfully crafted seasonal entrée, this local culinary legend thrives on excellence. Their menu is farm-to-table from top to bottom, offering tender steaks, savory fresh fish, and plenty more gourmet dishes that raise the bar for what it means to eat well. One thing you can always depend on from Cherry Street Cellar? Delicious and rich oyster platters for the table! Order an appetizer and see what groundbreaking meals they have in store for you and yours.

Flyover


If you enjoy venturing out and sampling new flavors, you shouldn’t be restricted to just one plate. Indulge in a Midwestern twist on fine dining and take your party to Flyover on the south end of town! Specializing in small plates including regional ingredients, they put a unique spin on New American fare with amazing entrées like Midwestern Mac & Cheese or FO Meatloaf. Flyover is committed to reaching new heights in cuisine, to the point where the menu changes daily! These unforgettable dishes are made possible by the farms they partner with–Three Creeks Farm and Forest, Fiddle and Stone Bread Co, Stanton Brothers, and Patchwork Family Farms. At Flyover, everyone’s welcome to try a little bit of everything. 

Glenn’s Cafe


The history of Glenn’s Cafe dates all the way back to 1943 when it started as a humble gas station diner. Since then, the recipes have only grown more creative, more flavorful, and more diverse! Glenn’s Cafe gathers inspiration from a fusion of cultures, from Cajun roots to Southern Americana comfort food. You’ll be captivated by the restaurant’s rich atmosphere with shelves of vintage wine and beautiful chandeliers, but their experimental menu is where the true appeal lies. Try a certified classic like Shrimp & Grits or venture out on their latest special, and if you want to end on a sweet note, split a heavenly plate of Bread Pudding with house-made whiskey sauce and cinnamon spiced ice cream.

Sycamore Restaurant


Sycamore Restaurant is a peaceful place to stop for lunch between work hours or grab drinks and a fantastic dinner at the end of the day. Since 2005, this corner downtown spot has been mixing things up both in the kitchen and behind the bar. Their daily changing menu includes mouthwatering sandwiches, hearty pasta dishes, tasty salads, and more! To top it all off, Sycamore Restaurant serves an international wine list curated by a CMA-certified sommelier and ever-evolving cocktails that are sure to please. If you want to celebrate the world of food and never get the same thing twice, this is your destination.