Columbia, MO: Where to Eat, Sleep, & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Columbia for a University of Missouri football game? We've got you covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate! Image: Facebook / Mizzou
Welcome to Columbia, home of the Mizzou Tigers! If you’re visiting to catch a University of Missouri football game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: University of Missouri Tigers
- Coach: Eliah Drinkwitz
- Stadium: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
- 2026 Schedule: mutigers.com
- Fun Fact: The namesake of the stadium, Don Faurot, helped lay the original sod in 1926.
WHERE TO STAY IN COLUMBIA
Columbia offers hotel options for every type of traveler — including one with a very special rooftop space!
The Broadway Columbia
1111 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 875-7000
The Broadway Columbia, a DoubleTree by Hilton, offers 194 rooms near Mizzou’s campus and downtown, plus on-site dining at 11Eleven and rooftop drinks at The Roof. On game days, the rooftop opens early, making it an easy pre- or post-kickoff stop.
voco, The Tiger Hotel
23 South 8th Street, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 875-8888
Dating to 1928, voco The Tiger Hotel pairs historic character with a prime downtown location just steps from Mizzou’s campus. Game-day guests can stay close to the action while taking advantage of several on-site spots, including Glenn’s Café, Twain: Missouri BBQ & Taproom, and Vault, the hotel’s award-winning cocktail lounge tucked downstairs.
SB Tip: Columbia hotels book up quickly on game weekends, but options like Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Columbia, both within about 20 minutes of campus, may offer greater availability and more budget-friendly rates.
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN COLUMBIA
Whether you’re grabbing a bite before kickoff or stocking up on tailgate essentials — adult beverages included, of course — these spots near campus have you covered.
Barred Owl Butcher & Table
47 East Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65203 • (573) 777-9292
Barred Owl Butcher & Table centers its seasonal menu on whole-animal butchery, local produce, and sustainable sourcing. Thoughtful cocktails, small-production wines, and an extensive bourbon selection round out the upscale experience.
CC’s City Broiler
1401 Forum Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65203 • (573) 445-7772
CC’s City Broiler pairs hand-selected steaks and fresh seafood with an award-winning wine list in a relaxed fine-dining setting. Highlights range from classic filet mignon to Wagyu, Akaushi beef, and its signature surf-and-turf dishes.
CJ’s Hot Wings
704 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 442-7777
A Columbia favorite for more than 35 years, CJ’s Hot Wings serves never-frozen wings tossed in six house-made sauces, from Hot Honey Maple to the aptly named BYFO (Burn Your Face Off). With Mizzou memorabilia, black-and-gold walls, and a 200-inch screen, it’s also a spirited spot to catch the Tigers.
Irene’s
711B North College Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 508-0561
At Irene’s, barbecue “meats” Mexico with slow-smoked meats, live-fire cooking, house-made salsas, and build-your-own taco platters. The bar is just as curated, with craft beer, margaritas, and an impressive selection of tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits.
Murry’s
3107 Green Meadows Way, Columbia, MO 65203 • (573) 442-4969
Murry’s is a local institution serving a delicious American menu, including shareable appetizers, steaks, and sandwiches, alongside live jazz throughout the week.
Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co.
1204 Hinkson Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 447-6547
Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co. has been serving scratch-made buttermilk biscuits and Southern comfort food for over 10 years, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Its Biscuit & Bar near downtown Columbia serves brunch and dinner, with a full bar and spacious patio, while the original food truck still makes appearances around town.
Shakespeare’s Pizza
225 South 9th Street, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 449-2454
A Columbia tradition since 1973, Shakespeare’s Pizza serves signature pies and build-your-own favorites at three locations around town. The downtown original — once voted “Best College Hangout in the Nation” by Good Morning America — remains a must for a Mizzou weekend.
Sophia’s
3910 Peachtree Drive, Suite H, Columbia, MO 65203 • (573) 874-8009
Sophia’s serves globally inspired fare, from tapas and pizza to pasta and entrées, in a polished yet relaxed setting. An extensive wine list and inviting patio make it a favorite for dinner or a special occasion.
Twain BBQ & Taproom
23 South 8th Street, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 303-0033
A love letter to Missouri in barbecue form, Twain BBQ & Taproom serves house-smoked meats and scratch-made sides alongside a rotating lineup of Missouri beers, spirits, and wines.
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BARS IN COLUMBIA
If you’re looking for a pre- or post-game drink, these local hotspots are equally suited to celebrating a win or softening a loss.
The FieldHouse + Willie’s Pub & Pool + Bullwinkle’s
1107 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
Just one block from Mizzou’s campus, Willie’s, FieldHouse, and Bullwinkle’s have been Columbia nightlife staples since 1977, drawing students, alumni, and visitors for drinks, food, and daily specials.
Flat Bush Pub & Brewing
115 South 5th Steet, Columbia, MO 65201 • 573-499-0400
Columbia’s original brewpub, Flat Branch Pub & Brewing has been pairing scratch-made pub fare with award-winning house-brewed beers since 1994. In a historic brick warehouse with a spacious patio, it’s a tried-and-true spot for fueling up, and raising a pint, on game weekend.
Logboat Brewing Company
504 Fay Street, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 665-2628
Logboat Brewing Company is a Columbia favorite for locally brewed beer, laid-back vibes, and plenty of room to gather with a crew. The spacious taproom and outdoor Shipyard make it an easy stop for a cold drink.
Magnolia’s
920 Cherry Street Suite 101, Columbia, MO 65201 • 573-219-0139
Tucked inside downtown Columbia’s historic Niedermeyer Building, Magnolia’s Whisky & Wine Bar pairs globally sourced whiskys and wines with seasonal, chef-curated small plates. Consider it an elevated game-weekend detour for anyone who prefers a proper pour to a pitcher.
On the Rocks
1011 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 874-0680
On the Rocks is a martini bar known for low-priced martinis, signature cocktails, and its famous Jumbo Shots — billed as the largest in Columbia!
The Roof
1111 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 875-7000
Perched atop The Broadway Columbia, The Roof pairs panoramic city views with handcrafted cocktails, local craft beer, appetizers, and outdoor fire pits. Live local music and weekend DJs keep things lively, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shiloh Bar & Grill
402 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201 • (573) 875-1800
Housed in Columbia’s historic Katy Station building, Shiloh Bar & Grill is a longtime game-day favorite serving steaks, ribs, wings, and other pub fare. Its sprawling patio is outfitted with plenty of TVs to cheer on the Tigers.
Son of a Gun
16 North 9th Street, Columbia, Missouri 65201
In downtown Columbia, Son of a Gun mixes classic and rotating cocktails with beer, wine, and a cool vintage-meets-modern vibe. No kitchen, no problem — bar snacks are on hand, and outside food is welcome.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN COLUMBIA
Think classic parking-lot party for a Mizzou tailgate: pitch a tent, pack the cooler, add a few lawn games, and settle in with fellow Tigers.
Fans looking to go bigger can bring an RV or bus to Truman’s Landing, while REVELxp offers full-service setups for those who’d rather skip the heavy lifting. Some prime tailgating lots are reserved for Tiger Scholarship Fund members, and if you’d rather leave the car behind, Columbia Transit offers game-day shuttle service with multiple pickup and drop-off locations.
Go Tigers!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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