Ah, Columbia, Illinois. Famously overlooked by food tourists rushing to St. Louis, it’s considered the best place to find hidden-gem comfort food and the worst to maintain a diet (according to your stretchy pants). After scrolling through endless ‘top restaurant’ lists for big cities, let this be your alarm clock reminder that culinary gold awaits just off the interstate.
Café on the Abbey
$ | (618) 281-4554 | WEBSITE
The gluten-friendly buzz, the wedding venue crowd, the brunch enthusiasts—they’ve all turned Café on the Abbey into a bit of a local favorite. It is what it is. But that doesn’t detract from the fact that Café on the Abbey is still one of the town’s best cafes. It’s also much cozier on weekday mornings. Its outdoor seating is the perfect spot to catch up with friends before the day gets busy and share hot green tea with honey, cinnamon rolls, and whatever fresh quiche is on the menu that day.
Donut Panic
It’s hard to argue there’s a more game-changing, neighborhood-altering donut shop than Donut Panic, a Columbia spot that put local sweets on the map. Their jelly donuts are some of the best in the area, a giant, always tempting selection we’d happily eat as a meal, but make sure to try the cream-filled, long johns, or some combination of the three to satisfy the rest of the craving.
Top Shooters Sports Bar
$ | (618) 281-0685 | WEBSITE
Tucked into Columbia’s sports scene, Top Shooters Sports Bar is a sprawling entertainment hub where you can catch every game while playing a round of virtual golf or tossing darts. The space is massive, prices are reasonable ($10-15 for most bar bites), and even if you’re there for multiple activities, you can easily spend hours without feeling rushed. And no matter how good the Pizza Quesadilla is, let us be clear—you should definitely be checking out everything else this place has to offer.
Whether it’s watching sports on dozens of screens while betting on slots or playing sand volleyball outside with friends, this is one of the most fun spots in town for sports fans.
Tiny’s Pub & Grill
$ | (618) 281-9977 | WEBSITE
A lively atmosphere, a friendly crowd, and perfectly paired beers are not (and should not) be saved for special occasions. All of those can be yours on a quiet Tuesday at Tiny’s Pub & Grill, Columbia’s German-influenced neighborhood spot. A reservation might be wise because this remodeled Brewhaus-style pub is hopping most evenings, but walk-ins can sample soup flights at the bar until a booth becomes available.
Your wait will be rewarded with some outstanding Guinness Fried Mushrooms and Bratwurst with potato pancakes.
Washy’s Pub
$ | (618) 281-9901 | WEBSITE
Much of the menu at this welcoming pub in Columbia hasn’t changed in years, and we hope it never does. There’s the classic cheeseburger cooked to juicy perfection, the hearty fried bologna sandwich that’s a tasty treat, and the blackened chicken that packs a lot of flavor—still one of our favorite versions in town.
Sure, a full meal here can get affordable, but that’s why we like using its clean, comfortably designed dining room as a weekend gathering spot for generous portions and a few rounds of beer with friends.
Imo’s Pizza
$ | (618) 281-5552 | WEBSITE
At Imo’s Pizza, a popular spot in Columbia, it’s all about the two-for-one special available all day. You’ll find a variety of meals, including sandwiches, salads, and pizzas, at fantastic prices like $12 for a medium pizza. The pizza is a highlight, with customers praising the flat crust, provel cheese, and pizza sauce.
This is primarily a sit-down operation with a casual, bright dining space, and though you can certainly order there, we recommend using the convenient drive-thru pickup or delivery options for quick and delicious meals.
Proving Ground Coffee Roaster & Café
$ | (618) 281-6652 | WEBSITE
If you and mornings have a complicated relationship, a satisfying breakfast can smooth things over. Head to Proving Ground Coffee Roaster & Café in Columbia, otherwise known as one of the area’s best overall cafés. Hungry professionals and local families sit side-by-side, digging into vegan match chorizo hash and savoring perfectly cooked eggs benedict.
The food is delicious, the service is incredibly friendly, and it’s the kind of place we unintentionally linger at because our helpful barista is always spot-on—another cup of their best-ever coffee and a fresh orange juice does sound perfect.
Reifschneider’s Grill and Grape
$ | (618) 281-2020 | WEBSITE
As anyone familiar with Columbia’s dining scene knows, finding a spot that balances quality food with genuine comfort can be quite the challenge. Not at Reifschneider’s. This lively, well-lit restaurant welcomes walk-ins and groups alike, plus a quality of dishes and service unmatched by most places in the area.
Sure, there’s some classic rock playing softly in the background, but even if you don’t normally go for that vibe, you’ll find that slowly but surely digging into their wood-fired pizza or steak sandwich in such comfortable surroundings is a satisfying experience not unlike settling into your favorite booth with friends on a Friday night.
Joe Boccardi’s
$ | (618) 281-6700 | WEBSITE
Joe Boccardi’s is a wonderful Italian restaurant that’s become a Columbia favorite, though only the main dining room accommodates large groups when the patio is closed. They serve classic dishes like their standout penne alla vodka in a rich, creamy sauce and some very generous-portioned pasta plates that could easily feed two. Of course, a visit to Joe Boccardi’s wouldn’t be complete without trying the pizza, which you should order when you arrive (opinions vary on this one.)
China Star
$ | (618) 281-8888 | WEBSITE
China Star is a Chinese restaurant in Columbia with some of the best general tso chicken in the area. Their crab rangoon is a must and comes as generous crispy wontons filled with creamy crab mixture served with sweet-and-sour sauce. Great food aside, come here to find a young girl at the register staying friendly amidst the chaos, families sharing massive plates, and people leaving with enough for lunch the next day.
Marie’s Ice Cream Shoppe
$ | (618) 477-7584 | WEBSITE
Everything about Marie’s Ice Cream Shoppe looks and feels like any other Columbia strip mall ice cream shop, but the surprisingly generous portions and polite service make it hard not to come back for more. The shop’s menu showcases a variety of treat options, including a double scoop in a cup that takes creamy, sweet, and satisfying to delightful levels.
Even the shakes, a simple blended dessert drink, are mixed and served so perfectly that they should be rebranded as liquid happiness in a glass.
Thai House
$ | (618) 281-2777 | WEBSITE
Head to Thai House if you’re craving authentic Thai flavors in a warm, family-friendly setting. The bright and welcoming Columbia restaurant falls into the Casual and Comfortable category in ambiance and has some standout (and flavorful) Thai classics on its menu. Think sweet and sour chicken with perfect tangy sauce, green curry with plump shrimp in creamy coconut milk, and a Thai iced tea with just the right sweetness.
The pork gyoza appetizers are crispy and satisfying, while the chicken satay comes with a rich peanut sauce that keeps you dipping. For vegetarians, the tofu dishes are thoughtfully prepared with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. You can customize the spice level on favorites like chicken pad Thai or kee mao noodles to match your heat preference. The staff is consistently patient and kind, making everyone from solo diners to families with kids feel right at home.
With a convenient pick-up window for quick orders and a separate dining area for leisurely meals, Thai House delivers exactly what you want from neighborhood Thai cuisine: delicious food, friendly service, and a consistently pleasant experience.
Sunset Overlook
$$ | (618) 281-7867 | WEBSITE
If some of the things you know about casual dining are that it’s typically laid-back, and it’s sometimes crowded, then you already know a lot about Sunset Overlook. There’s a $25 burger, served with a side of patience—ordered then prepared in a bustling kitchen that could be a small-town hotspot—as well as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and fries that are meant to taste like comfort.
The friendly staff and kind owner make the wait worthwhile, especially when they offer champagne for celebrations. Kids can play outside while adults enjoy the view, and the cozy heated igloos turn rainy evenings into special events. Overall, it’s a spot where good service meets delicious food at reasonable prices.
Roosters Health Store
$ | (618) 281-7177 | WEBSITE
This beloved Columbia institution isn’t just a health store – it’s a community hub. That means no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find knowledgeable guidance from their friendly staff, who go out of their way to help shoppers discover exactly what they need. Their smoothie bar also delivers standout drinks customers describe as “amazing” – the perfect pick-me-up when you’re running errands or just finished a workout and need something refreshing and nourishing.
Tequila Mexican Restaurant
$ | (618) 281-2188 | WEBSITE
Columbia’s reliable favorite is Tequila Mexican Restaurant, a casual counter-service spot serving quick, flavorful meals in a space brightened by beautiful murals. It’s run by the same friendly team that’s been welcoming visitors for years, simply because the staff is genuinely accommodating and knows how to make you feel at home. As far as the food goes, order the Pollo Mexicano—it’s tender, well-seasoned, and celebrated as the best dish on the menu.
Dear Diva Desserts Bake Shop
$ | (618) 281-8771 | WEBSITE
Dear Diva Desserts Bake Shop is a bakery/sweet shop hybrid – a delightful combination that’s surprisingly hard to find done this well. Whether it’s your first visit or your 20th, order the wedding cake sampler. At $45, this isn’t the world’s most affordable cake tasting, but after trying six generous slices of their signature flavors, plus scones, cookies, and dessert bars, you’ll feel like this experience has more than earned its price point.
Then chat with the owners, who will happily guide you through all the baked goods you need.