Some pairings are simply destined: a crisp autumn day and a winding country road. A hearty appetite and a destination worth the drive. While we can’t guarantee perfect foliage on your journey, we can absolutely guide you to where the plates are piled high, the flavors sing, and the welcome feels like home. Because near Bates City, the best discoveries are often found just off the beaten path.
2nd Street Nutrition
$ | (816) 956-2958 | WEBSITE
2nd Street Nutrition in downtown Odessa is a cozy nutrition club with shakes that are definitely worth the stop. They blend them right behind the counter, and though they basically look like fancy milkshakes, they’re way healthier. Considering this place focuses on wellness, they’ve got a surprisingly great selection of loaded teas.
The crowd here looks like they all might have just finished a workout, and if you sit by the window, there’s a not-small chance someone will recommend the fruity pebbles flavor (that you will love).
PT’s
$ | (816) 690-7878 | WEBSITE
Getting a table at PT’s used to be a bit of a wait, especially on weekends. It’s since become more manageable, and honestly, it’s even better this way. Pretty much any afternoon or evening, you can walk right in, grab a booth or a seat at the counter, and order a double cheeseburger, a soda, and maybe some onion rings.
For being such a clean and well-managed spot, there’s a friendly – and often pretty chatty – group of regulars (including a few local business folks) sitting around during lunch rushes and dinner hours.
Broken Dollar Saloon
$ | (816) 653-2253 | WEBSITE
The Broken Dollar Saloon is a hidden gem in Bates City that offers an enjoyable dining experience. And since this is technically a burger-and-beer guide, we’ll tell you that their top-notch smash burger is very good. But if you want to branch out a bit, order the fried pickles. They’re somehow simultaneously super crispy, yet also light enough that you’ll still want to relax with another beer afterward.
Sit at a table with that nostalgic newspaper tray liner and chat with the friendly staff while you listen to the music.
Lone Jack Cafe
$ | (816) 566-2233 | WEBSITE
Considering that it’s basically in the heart of small-town Missouri, it’s sort of a miracle that Lone Jack Cafe manages to stay tourist-free. This cafe is one of the few spots in the area where people from the neighborhood actually go, and it’s an excellent place to spend an evening. Their Chicken Fried Chicken dinner is the platonic ideal of a comfort meal – home-cooked goodness and all.
The restaurant will always have that warm, inviting atmosphere, but chances are, the Wednesday pizza night won’t compare to the butterscotch pie that’s a must-try.
Tepoz Mexican Restaurant & Bar
$ | (816) 690-2664 | WEBSITE
In the midst of Oak Grove’s shopping centers and I-70 traffic is Tepoz – a surprisingly authentic Mexican spot. They have a fresh menu that usually includes a bunch of homemade dishes that go great with any of the margaritas. Our favorite is the shrimp street tacos – basically fresh shrimp with perfect seasoning – but you can’t really go wrong.
They’re also open for lunch and dinner, so even though you won’t be able to get the full bar experience at lunch, it’s still an excellent place to swing by once you’ve had enough of the highway.
Bates City BBQ
$ | (816) 625-4961 | WEBSITE
This beloved family-run BBQ joint in Bates City has plenty of delicious options on its menu, but a salad isn’t one of them. But it still makes our list because of the Burnt End Sandwich – a super-savory sandwich featuring the best parts of the brisket. Ask for it by name, and order a large side of fries, too. You’ll not only experience one of the best combos in town, you’ll get to feel like you’re part of a secret barbecue club.
La Hacienda
$ | (816) 249-3455 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for where the heart of authentic Mexican cooking beats in Bates City, make your way to La Hacienda. Tucked away as a true local’s secret, it’s a cozy spot in all the right ways, filled with regulars who remember when this place was definitely not on any ‘best of’ list. The fajitas aren’t anything you haven’t tried elsewhere, but it just feels perfect to be eating them in this warm, colorful space, alongside the fresh chips and salsa that start your meal.
Also worth mentioning: They serve those flavorful tacos and satisfying margaritas until they close, making it ideal for a relaxed dinner any night.
El Maguey
$ | (816) 690-3005 | WEBSITE
Oak Grove, in general, is not an ideal place to find authentic Mexican cuisine, but El Maguey is special. There’s no fancy valet service, but after you’re greeted and seated promptly, you can sit at a table with warm chips and salsa and watch families enjoy themselves all around you as you eat exceptionally seasoned dishes.
The menu is straightforward, but with portions this generous, you don’t want some overly complicated fusion plate to distract from it, so a simple combination platter is perfect.
Hunt Brothers Pizza
$ | (816) 625-3308 | WEBSITE
This pizza joint in Bates City is one of the more reliable quick-stop spots in the area. On a random weeknight, you’ll find a steady stream of customers grabbing a slice on their way home from work, even though they know full well they’ll walk out with a whole pie. They probably also know they’ll get the pepperoni pizza, because it’s surprisingly delicious – with quality ingredients and toppings included in the price.
The breakfast pizza is a solid option too, and if you’re looking to keep it simple, the pepperoni pairs perfectly with the $2 fountain drink.
Kyla’s Cakes N Bakes “Amazing Cheesecakes”
$ | (816) 230-8101 | WEBSITE
Deciding to pass by Bates City without stopping is like willingly skipping dessert at a five-course meal, which is why so many travelers on I-70 make the detour for a slice and a coffee at Kyla’s Cakes N Bakes. Even if you don’t live in Missouri, you should still visit – it’s a destination bakery that feels more like a local treasure, and has a very good cheesecake. The salted caramel toffee version is a must-try, and is the size of a small dinner plate.
Route 24 Farm Store & Bakery
$ | (816) 661-0512 | WEBSITE
Route 24 Farm Store & Bakery is right off the highway near Bates City, but it feels more like a hometown farm stand somewhere in the Midwest. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re there twice a week, the staff treats you like a regular. There’s a serious pizza selection that’s consistently excellent, so grab whatever looks good to go with one of the sandwiches.
Our favorite of the bunch is the pizza – customers describe it as the best they’ve ever had – but really, anything from the bakery like the wonderful chocolate cake or the world’s best carrot cake deserves your attention.
Godfather’s Pizza Express
$$ | (816) 625-3170 | WEBSITE
You can debate whether or not Godfather’s Pizza Express, a quick-service spot off the highway, really counts as a destination restaurant, but there’s no denying that it delivers satisfaction, and it hits the spot perfectly after a long family drive. Godfather’s has several locations in the region, but when you’re hungry and on the road, you can’t beat this Bates City stop.
It’s got a straightforward counter, a simple menu focused on value, and a redheaded staff member who’s ready to go above and beyond to make sure your family of four gets a satisfying meal – or whatever you want to call it.
JJ’s Down Home Cafe
$ | (816) 633-7227 | WEBSITE
Plain and simple, JJ’s Down Home Cafe has the best breakfast in Bates City. It’s an excellent lesson in comfort – just thick bacon, biscuits with gravy, and homemade apple butter. They’d be on this list even if all they served was coffee, but the broasted chicken dinner is way better – comes with mashed potatoes, green beans, salad bar, dessert, and a drink for $14.99.
The clean yellow-walled dining room is a good spot to talk with the servers, who somehow manage to maintain friendly conversations while keeping service timely and attentive.