More Than Just a Liquor Store-Brown Derby International Wine Center

March 20, 2023 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

Searching for that perfect gift for a wedding or housewarming??? One of the best kept secrets in Springfield lies at 2023 S. Glenstone Avenue. Brown Derby International Wine Center boasts an excellent deli, gift shop and thousands of different bottles of alcohol including this gem from Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

**One of many offerings in the liquor department**

The Derby Deli (http://www.derbydeli.com) offers small plates, sandwiches, soup and salads along with a wine bar payable by the glass. I have personally sampled the Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich and the Asian Chicken Wrap. Both are fresh, delicious and served with a side, enough for two. The deli is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and if the food doesn’t call to you, the eclectic collection of books, tableware, and various other offerings will. Another note about the deli is that they serve locally made desserts and use locally made bread for their sandwiches when they are able. Tables are scattered around the deli area including a communal table, and an overflow area is also available towards the back end of the store. Brown Derby also offers event catering and bartending services.

Scattered throughout the north and east side of the store are shelves packed with an extensive array of elegant and useful objects that will impress any difficult to buy for family member or friend. Personally, I would choose from the variety of coffee table books or the novelty liquor choices.

Usually buying alcohol for me is a hasty, “I know what I want” proposition. I rarely stray from domestic beer and can easily find what I want in any store. The International Wine Center invitingly draws you in to wander around, browse the offerings, eat, drink, and probably spend more than you were planning to. Even if you abstain from drinking alcohol, check out the atmosphere in the deli and browse the gift areas. You may surprise yourself by coming back to the International Wine Center again and again.

TommyHawks Ax Throwing

February 26, 2023 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

TommyHawks 1631 W. College Avenue in Springfield Missouri is a veteran owned company and the largest ax throwing venue in the Midwest. Much more than ax throwing, TommyHawks boasts 2 corn hole games, foosball, ping pong, kid friendly games such as tabletop Jenga® and a massive Connect 4®. Tom and Kacey opened the 12,000 square foot facility, TommyHawks in 2018. Beginning his journey as an ax craftsman after leaving the service in 2015, Tom began crafting his products in 2016 selling to ax throwing enthusiasts and military personnel. He also designs all the cool T-shirts and other merchandise for sale up at the counter. The photo op area is one of the best I’ve seen and helps balance the large space, making it look less cavernous.

My coworkers and I headed over one Friday night (open at 6:00 p.m.) to give ax throwing a try. Let me tell you the folks who throw axes regularly make this sport look easy. It is anything but. I was concerned that I would waste my shoulders on this adventure and was hesitant about paying the fee for a full 2 hours of throwing a heavy ax at a target. Turns out the ax really isn’t that heavy and you use much more than your shoulders to be accurate. Whether you throw one handed or two, ax throwing is definitely a challenge. Kacey gave us all training and practice time to perfect our technique (LOL) before we were split into teams to compete against each other, 4 on each team. Lining up one by one with different weight axes and attempting to at least hit the wood around the target was an exercise in frustration and hilarity. We are not used failure.

Oh the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat

As I stood there watching my coworkers struggle knowing a few of them had actually done this before, I couldn’t help but think what a great date night this would make especially in the beginning stages of a relationship. I have always maintained the idea that doing challenging things on dates is the key to understanding your partner’s mindset and level of maturity. Ax throwing and how easy it is to be awful may just bring out the worst in that jerk who is not used to failing, or make you both laugh until you cry. Pick the mate that can laugh at themselves.

**There are tons of options while waiting for a lane.**

TommyHawks has some rules like no open toed shoes, no cash, and no standing in front of the tables when others are throwing. I recommend visiting the website: www.tommyhawks.net for full rules disclosure, understanding the waiver you are going to sign, and for hours as they vary by day/weekend. Also the alcohol policy was interesting. You may bring your own beverages and food, no hard liquor so malt type beers and wine coolers only. An alcohol monitoring fee of $5 is required for each person in your party, which is probably a good idea. Ax throwing, accuracy and alcohol did not go together for me anyway so you might choose to drink water or soda and actually hit the target more often.

This venue would be excellent not only for date night, but team building within organizations, a teen birthday party, or even a bet between friends. There are a lot of other free activities to take up time while waiting for a lane which I was impressed by. All in all, this was money well spent and I will be heading back with my tribe, maybe making a friendly wager beforehand betting on how bad they will be. Get out there, friends and challenge yourself.

Top Ten Places to Eat in the Ozarks Part 3

August 22, 2022August 22, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

Disclosure: Some of these restaurants are chain establishments, but were so good I had to add them to this list. I’m always looking for great places to eat with my husband and grown children, as well as good places to hang out with coworkers and friends. Check out my Instagram page at htdto2020 for other restaurants I’ve visited recently.

Bellacino’s-a chain restaurant that serves pizzas, grinders and other Italian fare. Two locations in Springfield Mo-one at 2856 S. Glenstone and 4560 S. Campbell. They have lots of different options but I really liked the blackened chicken grinder. The portions were big and that matters to me when I’m spending $14 average for a 9” sandwich. I was able to take half home for lunch the next day. Most of the time during my visit, the servers were attentive and quick, though I did notice that there was some confusion about who was supposed to be covering one of the tables.
Bambino’s Café is another Italian favorite of mine and has been a Springfield institution for many years. They also have two locations, one at 1141 E. Delmar in the heart of MSU territory and one at 2810 E. Battlefield at Lone Pine. Wine, bread with oil and garlic, pasta, salads and pizza make this a first choice Italian restaurant for me. They are always willing to support local schools with fundraisers and I love going for that reason as well.

**Bambino’s at Delmar in the heart of MSU country Springfield Mo**

Pampas Empanadas is a newcomer to Springfield at 3302 S. National Ste. F, tucked back on the northeast corner of the strip mall. I have never had an empanada before, but one of my coworkers recommended them especially the Nutella® empanada. Reminiscent of a pasty, empanadas are smaller and generally filled with meat but can be sweet as well. I had the chorizo, carnitas and Cuban and they were all phenomenal-again with leftovers for lunch the next day.
First Watch-again a chain restaurant with excellent food and service. I have eaten at both locations-2946 S. National and 3103 E. Sunshine in Springfield. This is a breakfast, brunch, lunch restaurant which opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m. each day so make sure you get there early in the day. I had the multigrain pancakes and Morning Meditation from the juice bar. It was heavenly. The last time I was there I sat at the bar as I was alone and the service was very quick and attentive.

**Morning Meditation at First Watch on E. Sunshine Springfield MO**

Daisy Queen outside Jasper Arkansas on Hwy 7 located at 8999 AR-7 Harrison Arkansas. For an old time burger joint feel, delicious burgers and fries this is the place to check out when you are down in Arkansas riding the Pig Trail, which is a scenic drive in the Natural State worth checking out. The kids and I ordered the strawberry sundae with 3 spoons and after eating our burgers still couldn’t finish the ice cream.

**Daisy Queen outside Jasper Arkansas on Hwy 7**

Hot Cluckers is located at 4406 S. Campbell in Springfield Mo. This Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant in South Springfield also serves catfish and is worth the trip. Make sure you check the heat list which features Nancy, 1 Cluck, 2 Cluck, Hot Mother Clucker and Shut the Cluck Up! I have been able to handle the 1 cluck, but can go no higher! 2 Clucks is too hot for this girl. Their chicken strips are big and meaty and their smoked Gouda mac and cheese is so yummy!
W.F. Cody’s at 3138 E. Sunshine in Springfield has some of the best bar food in town. Excellent burgers, piles of fried mushrooms with ranch, and beer! Whether for lunch or dinner, this joint wins my vote every time for best burger.

**Bar food and the best burger in town at W.F. Cody’s on East Sunshine**

Mr. Ed’s Drive In-at 3192 US-65 Urbana Mo is a lake or race day staple. Located east of Pomme de Terre Lake at NN and Hwy 65, this is the place for ice cream, curly Q fries and a fresh made to order burger. Order at the walk up window or have a seat in the small dining room. You won’t regret it.

**You can’t beat Mr. Ed’s after a long day at the lake!**

Early Bird Breakfast Pub located at 1717 E. Cherokee off Glenstone in Springfield Mo opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday they open at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. so make sure you time your visit wisely. Home of the best sweet potato tater tots I’ve ever had, a full bar for breakfast and lunch with a stout coffee my son loves and a great breakfast/lunch menu this is a must try next time you’re in the mood for breakfast and an adult beverage.

**Early Bird offers great food with a full bar for breakfast, lunch and brunch**

Longhorn Steakhouse-at 3121 S. Glenstone Ave in Springfield Mo is another chain restaurant I am recommending due to the fact that the staff was phenomenal, the food was great and reasonably priced. I had a $50 gift card which made it even better and was able to eat dinner there twice in one week and still tip the wait staff. The Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad was absolutely one of the best salad’s I’ve ever had in a restaurant and this was without dressing.

Eating out right now can be an expensive proposition. I agonized over this list because I wanted to give you the best I’ve had over the last 8 months or so, but still protect your wallet. The places I’m recommending this time around generally serve enough food to make 2 meals and right now that matters. With most restaurant tabs costing between $17 and $28 for one person including tip, value and quality are high on my list as far as the food served goes. So get out there my friends, the world has opened back up.

Andy B’s

January 22, 2022June 12, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

Looking for some indoor fun this winter??!! Look no further than the corner of National and Battlefield in Springfield MO. Andy B’s https://www.bowlandybs.com/springfield offers bowling, laser tag, a virtual reality experience and more. Their website is excellent and full of great information, prices, and menu options and also allows you to book a lane or plan an event online.

For my 51^st birthday in 2021, I decided to go bowling…because I can still bowl!! LOL. My husband was not amused. I think he’d rather hit is fingers with a sledge hammer than sit in a bowling alley with dozens of loud people including children having their own bowling birthday party. But he was my designated driver for the event and it’s not every day you turn 51. He gave in fairly gracefully.

Andy B’s on the corner of National and Battlefield, Springfield MO

I invited the usual suspects-the kids and my mom-to come along and join in the fun. On weekends it’s a good idea to reserve a lane for at least 2 hours. I had reserved a lane in the general bowling area for one and a half hours and it wasn’t long enough to bowl 2 games like I’d hoped. We had 5 people on the roster. Andy B’s also has a semi private 10 lane area with an attached private bar for a slightly higher price. They can also set you up with bumpers, lightweight bowling balls and bowling ramps if you have children or physical limitations.

Andy B’s offers lane side service and has a full restaurant and bar. I was impressed with the menu choices, though the service could have been quicker and more attentive. Again, it was a very busy Saturday afternoon and I was not unhappy with the service or the food.

I do want to share the best part of the experience though, and that was taking my 70 year old mom and getting her into the VR experience. Neither of us had any previous experience with virtual reality and this was very cool. We hopped onto a game with 2 young boys who picked the Zombie Attack (eye roll here, I hate Zombies) which turned out to be awesome because at some point the employees figured out one of the boys VR equipment was not working so we went through the scenario for extra time! Soooo cool!! They slipped the eye shield and headphones over my head and I was in a completely different world. I couldn’t hear the bowling alley noise AT ALL. They warned us to stay put on our spot and that we could turn but not to move too far. I would definitely pay to do this again and again, it was that much fun. If you want to check out the video of the kids VR experience, head over to the YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/0PnFt1BLKTI

I must admit, I did spend some money on this event, but I paid for a few drinks, appetizers, bowling, VR experience and shoes. Next time I go, I will scale it back a little. For my birthday, it was worth every penny. For a few people to share a lane for an hour or two, have a few drinks, it would be pretty affordable. So get out there and see what indoor adventures await in the Ozarks!

Check out the Facebook page How to do the Ozarks and Instagram htdto2020 for more pictures and places to visit!

Christy’s Top Places to Eat in the Ozarks Part II

March 21, 2021May 10, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

Excellent menu, delicious burgers and sandwiches. — **Worth a stop any time in the Eastern Ozarks-Cattlemen’s Steakhouse LLC**

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, LLC (417)252-2117 1208 E Main off Hwy 60 in Willow Springs Mo is worth the stop. Friendly staff, great food and the best leftover containers I’ve ever received from a restaurant. The Reuben was delicious and so big I had to take half home, same with the burger my husband had. Their happy hour looks fun with drinks like Stump Water, High Faultin, and Rattlesnake Rita; I recommend taking a look if you are ever in the Eastern Ozarks. They also have a location in Mountain Grove on the square.

**Plenty of space in Curly Que BBQ in Bolivar**

Curly Que BBQ, 507 E. Maupin Bolivar Mo (417)777-0004 curlyquecatering.com is tucked back down a small hill off Springfield Ave as you travel through Bolivar. They offer catering and are very popular for their ribs. If you want a side or two of ribs, it’s recommended you call ahead and pre order. The staff is super friendly and the restaurant is clean and well decorated. I love, love, love coleslaw on my BBQ sandwiches and theirs was tasty with my pulled pork sandwich with drink for only $8 (prices subject to change).

**Pre order your ribs!!! They sell out fast!!!**

Donut Palace 1022 W. US Hwy 54 Camdenton Mo (573)346-8377 was a short, unplanned drive thru stop as my husband and I headed to Eldon Mo. They had a great selection of donuts and breakfast sandwiches. One of my friends really likes the biscuits and gravy they serve at their Buffalo location at 204 N. Ash St. Worth a stop if you’re headed up to any of our famous lakes for the day.

**Delicious desserts and daily specials at Market House Café and Bake Shop!**

Market House Café and Bake Shop 113 N. 2^nd St. Ozark Mo (417)551-4370 is a cute breakfast and lunch café located on the square in Ozark. Their cake was awesome and their dessert case looked even better. They don’t have a website that I could access but their Facebook page was informative especially with their hours of operation. If you are headed down to Branson, check this place out before 2 p.m.

**Italian cream cake and fresh ice tea**

Lindbergs 318 W. Commercial Springfield Mo (417)868-8900 www.lindbergsbar.com has an excellent bar food menu. The oldest tavern in Springfield boasts a beautiful original oak and mahogany carved bar. There are lots of stories about Lindberg’s as it has been around for a long time. Try the Patty Melt with the special sauce for the fries. You won’t be disappointed. Lindberg’s does have a very active music scene if you are looking for more than food, check out their website for the weekly entertainment. There is a cover charge on some nights and that will be posted as well.

**The oldest bar in Springfield Mo-check out the history information on the walls and website.**

Amore Pizza Kitchen 5492 Hwy H Pleasant Hope Mo (417)267-0147 amorepizzakitchen.com has a very good sandwich selection and I really enjoyed their chicken parmesan sandwich. We had a hand tossed pizza and side salad this week and I really like their sauce and Italian sausage. The price was excellent for the pizza and the side salad. They are open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. I would definitely call ahead and have my order ready to pick up on my way home from work in Springfield. Ordering online was easy and you can pay inside.

**Amore Pizza Kitchen in Pleasant Hope**.

**Catfish, coleslaw and potato salad-The Catfish Café**

The Catfish Café 1210 S. Ash Buffalo Mo (417)345-1277 features an all American menu and excellent cobbler with ice cream. The catfish was good sized and the portions were perfect for the price. They do a brisk take out business as well and they are generally crowded for dinner whenever I have been there. Midafternoon is quieter but they are only open until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Their Facebook page lists their menu, but everything is reasonably priced and delicious. Check them out on your way up to Pomme de Terre or Lake of the Ozarks soon.

**Cobbler and ice cream at The Catfish Café**

The Healthy Edge located in Kickapoo Corners at 3604 S. Campbell Springfield Mo (417)501-8188 is like no other restaurant on this list. Their website: https://the-healthy-edge.business.site lists all their current flavors for protein shakes and teas and their Facebook page also gives special flavors like this month’s Shamrock Oreo. They specialize in meal replacement shakes and teas that give a great pick me up after any workout. The counter folks make great suggestions if you can let them know what you are after, for example: recovery after a long hike. Check them out and remember you’re replacing a meal. Trust me, I have eaten then gotten a shake and it was a mistake!

**The Healthy Edge for a protein shake or refreshing tea-or both!!!**

Carriage House Family Restaurant 1537 N. Glenstone in Springfield Mo (417)720-4487 https://www.springfieldcarriagehouse.com is our favorite breakfast restaurant. Located in an older building on Springfield’s north side, it caters to blue collar folks looking for hearty meals at good prices. They serve breakfast any time. My husband loves their gyro meat when they’ve got the good chunky stuff in stock. I love the skillets and I’d eat any one of them on any day. The wait staff is fun and will take good care of you. It can get busy on weekend mornings so get there early or wait until a little later in the day to go. They’ve always got a few specials on the board and their desserts look amazing. I’m generally too full to order dessert there-ever and my waitress knows to bring me a box as soon as I order my breakfast.

The last year has been especially hard on our local restaurant friends in the Ozarks. We can all help out by supporting our local eateries and looking for new places to love, so get out there!

Check out the Facebook page How to do the Ozarks and Instagram htdto2020 for more pictures and places to visit!

Sunday Drives: February 2021

February 22, 2021June 12, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / 1 Comment

Disclaimer: Some areas of the Ozarks require masks, some do not. Please keep a mask available and please wear it if requested.

What a month!!! Nothing but ice then snow here in the Ozarks so far this past two and a half weeks! Luckily, the ice melted off before the snow began to fall on Valentine’s Day, locking down the already pandemic weary population hereabouts with about 6” of snow. I was able to make it out of my driveway and to work each day though not always able to make it back into my garage without help.

So when the opportunity to take a drive presented itself, I dangled the carrot of ice cream in front of my husband and made the hour and a half drive north to Eldon, just past Lake of the Ozarks, home of the Ice Cream Factory. We both work hard every day and have to remind ourselves that taking time to do something that doesn’t involve remodeling our houses, chopping wood, or working for money is still important.

Of course, in February, the drive up 73 to 54 is less than spectacular. Snow covered the ground and the wind blew my little Kia Optima around the highway, but Tim enjoyed the chance to check out the scenery while I drove-a rare treat for him as he generally has to be in the driver’s seat. Since this was my idea, he was more than happy to let me take the reins and guide us through what little traffic we encountered and the hilly terrain of the Lake of the Ozarks region.

We stopped at Donut Palace in Camdenton for a quick bite before moving toward Eldon, our final destination. I had the sausage and egg croissant while Tim devoured a chocolate covered Bavarian cream donut declaring it delicious. A good friend of mine also likes their biscuits and gravy. We also made a stop at a little drive thru/eat in diner with the quaint name of Eldon Drive In. Tim figured some real food before eating more sugar might be a good idea. The locals certainly seem to frequent the place and the deep fried mushrooms were as good as any I’ve had elsewhere.

On to the Ice Cream Factory! https://www.icecreamfactoryco.com/

A small town success story, this locally owned factory sells its product in various grocery store chains around Lake of the Ozarks and beyond. The Eldon location has a small dine in area as well as a drive thru. I had to try the Gooey Butter Cake in a waffle bowl and it was a delicious as anything I could ask for. Tim had a vanilla sundae with chocolate syrup but, unfortunately the cooler the ice cream had been stored in had not kept the ice cream as rock hard as usual. He ended up with a soft serve consistency sundae, which while still good, was not as delicious as my Gooey Butter Cake. I am tempted to get a pint at our local Harter House and see if it tastes better. When we are in the area again, we will definitely be back to try another flavor or the sampler which gives you the option of choosing smaller portions of 4 different flavors.

Though one of us was a little disappointed with the ice cream treat the overall experience was one we desperately needed. Marriage takes work, time and sacrifice. Tim had planned to work on Sunday but I convinced him we needed the break and he capitulated. I treated him to everything he wanted and even drove him around so it was almost like he was King for a day. We talked, laughed, and he badgered me on how to frame my shots for this article. We got to reconnect and see something different. It was a win-win. So get out there my friends, alone, with your significant other, with friends or family-time moves ever so quickly.

Check out the Facebook page How to do the Ozarks and Instagram htdto2020 for more pictures and places to visit!

Date Night with Mom at Getaway Golf

July 12, 2020June 12, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

United States Course

Looking for a fun and somewhat educational activity?! Getaway Golf on East Sunshine in Springfield Missouri https://www.getawaygolf.com/ may be what you’re looking for. Recently, I took my oldest son, Bruce and his girlfriend, Cheyenne out for a quick 18 holes of mini golf. We had a great time though I didn’t realize it would involve so much profanity on Bruce’s part. With the possibility of small children playing near us, even at that time of the evening, we shushed him pretty quickly. Unable to swear like the Army veteran he is, he had fun tossing his putter around when he couldn’t make par.

A trip throughout the US with fun facts at each hole.

Open ‘til 10 p.m., Getaway Golf has two courses. The United States course is the easier option and The International is the more challenging. We stuck with the United States as it had been years since any of us had putted our way around any obstacle. I liked the option of going later in the evening as it is cooler. The course closes promptly at 10 p.m. so it would be a good idea to get there by 9 p.m. to begin play and have enough time to get your money’s worth. There were also fewer children to trip over or wait for.

The course is challenging enough to cause a lot of ribbing about needing more than 6 tries (6 is the limit to decrease the likelihood of holding up other players) for a few of the holes and they are interestingly displayed. The Statue of Liberty, Old Faithful, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few of the well thought out obstacles winding around the park. Cheyenne managed a hole in one, which was impressive as it took her close to six to sink most of the others.

Getaway Golf, Springfield Missouri

Adults are $10.50 for one course and $18.50 for two. Children 12 and under are $8.50 for one course and $14.50 for two. Kids 2 and under are free and they may enjoy batting the ball around some. Knowing my 4 year old granddaughters, and how little they were likely to enjoy mini golf, we left them home with a sitter. They are both at the age where if they can’t get something right the first try they are more than likely to just give up and sit in a corner to sulk. Or dive into the water obstacles that dot the playing field.

Mini golf is one of those date nights that can give great insight into your current romantic partner’s reaction to challenge! If they sulk, swear or throw their putter at you, it may be time to rethink this particular relationship! Bruce and Cheyenne laughed at each other, me and most importantly, at themselves throughout the course. It was great fun and I will be back!

Check out the Facebook page How to do the Ozarks and Instagram htdto2020 for more pictures and places to visit!

Christy’s Top Places to Eat in the Ozarks Part I

April 9, 2020June 12, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / 1 Comment

Due to Covid 19 I have added phone numbers or websites to assist with ordering curbside or delivery.

Mr G’s Chicago Pizza and Pub Branson Mo

Mr. G’s Chicago Pizza and Pub (417-335-8156) located at 202 N. Commercial Street in Branson Missouri is the home of Chicago Pizza in the Southwest Ozarks. We drive 40 miles to this spot for the best Chicago style pizza this part of Missouri has to offer. Thick or thin crust, the sausage is awesome and the service is usually on point. When they get busy, you may have a wait. Or get it to go and eat down at the Branson Landing while people watching, just bring plenty of napkins.

Jose Locos with 2 locations in Springfield, Missouri. Located at 853 N. Glenstone (417-831-1300) and 300 East Battlefield ((417-885-9097) they have great specials, fishbowl margaritas, and excellent service. I have been eating at restaurants owned by this family since 1994 and have never been disappointed. The Cancun Burrito is a special favorite.

Jose Locos N. Glenstone Springfield MO

Deb and Lou’s Café Gainesville (417-679-0048) located in the heart of downtown Gainesville Missouri at 345 S. Main. Old fashioned Formica tables, metal chairs and great food. Their cake is homemade and the frosting is fantastic. Downtown Gainesville is also home to some cute shops so you might want to spend the afternoon browsing in this quaint town. It’s a beautiful ride down Hwy 14 to Ava then south on Hwy 5 to Gainesville.

Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes in Downtown Springfield (417-319-5905) and Chesterfield Village (417-368-0227) is a must try. There is also a Black Sheep ASAP on East Sunshine (417-351-3595). The burgers are HUGE and the shakes are delicious and made with our own Andy’s Frozen Custard. I seem to always want the Cowboy Carl burger and the Sugar Daddy or Elvis shake. Share some fries with truffle dipping sauce and you will not want to move from your stylish seat for quite some time.

El Rodeo (417-777-7020) located off the square in Bolivar Missouri at 306 E Jackson is a sprawling Mexican restaurant that has earned its place in the hearts of Bolivar residents. They have an excellent menu and their service has always been on point whenever I have visited. My mom and her husband visit them at least once a month and are always satisfied. Warning: no alcohol sales at this restaurant.

Mickeys 76 Drive In (www.Mickeys76drivein.com) located in Branson West on Hwy 76. Just look for the big Vienna wiener out by the street. Mickey’s has excellent chocolate shakes, beefs, Vienna hot dogs and more. Just what northern transplants look for in their Drive In restaurants. Outside seating only.

Rosie Joes in Ozark (417-581-6047) serves some of the best fried catfish I have ever had. Located on 1711 South 15^th St. in Ozark Missouri, you will not leave hungry. Portions are large and meals come with 2 sides and bread including cornbread. They have moved into this location and have more room in a newer building so look them up on Maps if you haven’t been down to visit them in a while.

The Boathouse (417-276-5361) in Stockton Missouri on Hwy 39 is temporarily closed due to Covid 19, but when they open it is worth the drive to check out their fried chicken, huge rolls, and eclectic décor. Plan to take a walk around the dam after you eat, because you may not be able to resist the desserts.

The Boathouse Stockton Mo

Flat Creek Restaurant in Republic (417-732-5441) is an off shoot of the original restaurant in Cape Fair. Catfish is their claim to fame as well as good service and interesting Ozark décor. I had a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on the sandwich (don’t knock it til you’ve tried it) and fries which could have fed two people. They also have daily specials that are reasonable. Expect a wait on weekends.

Flat Creek Restaurant Republic Mo

Whole Hog Café-224 W. Sunshine ( WholeHogCafe.com)-has an excellent selection of BBQ sauces on the table all of which I tried. Their pulled pork sandwich (coleslaw on the side this time) was delicious served with fresh potato salad and my favorite burnt end cheesy corn. Delicious!

Whole Hog Cafe E. Sunshine Springfield Mo

Your favorite, or new favorite restaurant is counting on your support during these troubled times. Please do what you reasonably can to support their efforts to stay in business as this illness runs its course through our world. I encourage you to safely get out, enjoy a car ride, limit your physical contact with others, and support your community.

C-Street City Market Opening

April 23, 2017June 12, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

On April 22 2017, the C-Street City Market had their annual opening with merchants selling an eclectic mix of handcrafts, plant starts, and early vegetables. Located on Historic Commercial Street in Springfield Missouri, C Street has been gradually making a comeback from rundown, empty buildings to bustling shopping district. C Street has their own Facebook page at: Historic C-Street, C-Street City Market as well as a mailing list through email admin@historiccstreet.com.

After stopping at Big Momma’s Coffee for a café au lait to ward off the cold wind, I stopped by the main stand to buy some wooden chips with my debit card to use as currency. Most of the booths have the ability to slide your card, but I like the chips. They are different and I can keep myself under control better when I have $10-20 in chips rather than swiping my card on everyone’s phone all morning. EBT cards can also be used to trade for the wooden chip currency, a nice feature for those who need it.

Lacey Mitchell’s stand is selling reusable bags, wood carriers, and aprons made from feed sacks. She’s got a good mix of different types of bags, all of which are sturdy and sell for about $10. What a great way to reuse those darn plastic dog food bags. Her Facebook page is: Mitchell’s Dutchess of Pork totes. She operates out of Oldfield and is at C Street on Saturdays.

Paul Spangenberg and his family have a mix of wood toys and crafts as well as an Etsy page. Visit Nightcire toys on Etsy.com to take a look at his different products. He also sells unfinished models so you can paint them as you like or make a project of it with the kids.

Smiling Sun Gardens had an excellent selection of native wildflowers and herb starts including medicinal herbs. If you are at all interested in bringing bees and butterflies to your yard, you need to visit this gentleman. His website is smilingsunllc.com and he will be at C Street next Saturday. He let me know he may not always be available to set up every weekend so give him a shout out on his website to find out where he will be when you are ready to plant.

Another interesting exhibitor was a woman who made fused glass jewelry. Her Etsy website is The chromatic rabbit @ etsy.com. Look her up, the jewelry was awesome and Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Hint hint, kids.

All in all it was a good visit. I like supporting local business much more than supporting big box stores. If the prices are right, I’d rather spend my money with them. Other stores are open down on Commercial Street and they are worth a look as well, especially if you are looking for something unusual and fun. Chabom Tea and Spice, Hakaar’s Bazaar, and Artivities are just a few. Signing up for the twice monthly C- Street newsletter lets’ you in on what new stores are coming in and what’s going on with the nightlife as well. Shop on my friends.

J. Parrinos-Queen City Deli

April 17, 2017April 4, 2022 / howtodotheozarks / Leave a comment

Queen City Deli on Sunshine near Glenstone-Springfield MO

Originally my husband and I are from up north near the Chicago area. The one thing we are always on the lookout for is Chicago style pizza, beefs, and good Mexican food. Last week, my husband asked me to run to Queen City Deli, because they have the best beef and sausage combo he has found yet in Springfield Mo. I ordered the pastrami on rye. The price for both sandwiches, no drinks, no sides was $20. But! The sandwiches were big enough for two meals especially if I’d paired them with a salad or soup from home. The meat was very good, piled high, and the bread for the beefs was spot on Chicago-style Italian bread.

J Parrino’s has always been known around here for their pasta which is what I will be trying next time I stop in. You have the option to eat in their dining room after ordering at the counter or getting take out like I did. Beer and wine is available as well. At the counter, you’ll also find a few specialty Italian grocery items that you may want to pick up for the home pantry.

If you’re looking for the best Chicago beef Springfield has to offer, check these guys out. I was in the store looking for their website menu and got hooked into some sketchy site so just stop in and take a look at the menu. If you’re looking for Italian, they’ll have something for you. Happy Eating!

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J. Parrinos-Queen City Deli