Chillicothe once offered little beyond classic diners and chain steakhouses. While those remain local staples, the real story today unfolds in unexpected corners—from a revived train depot to a repurposed feed store—where global flavors like Vietnamese pho, authentic Mexican birria, and artisanal Midwest barbecue quietly thrive.
Subway
$ | (660) 646-1110 | WEBSITE
This sandwich shop keeps it straightforward: the compact space fits neatly in a shopping center, with bright lighting, clean tables, and clear nutrition facts posted everywhere. Bring the family for a quick lunch (kids are welcome) or a solo stop for a foot-long sandwich and other fresh options. Though since they offer efficient service and a variety of choices, you could just as easily swing by with a friend or two who are up for a simple, satisfying bite.
P C’s Elkhorn Steakhouse
$ | (660) 646-2804 | WEBSITE
There are a few things you must do when you come to Chillicothe: visit the historic downtown, catch a show at the Grand River Historical Society, and, if you’d like to spend a reasonable amount for a truly satisfying meal, dine at P C’s Elkhorn Steakhouse. Ordering their exceptional steak—perfectly cooked cut served with generous sides—should also be on that list, and their breakfast offerings (they serve theirs with that nostalgic ‘good old days’ charm) are some of the best in town.
The restaurant is cozy and popular, so if you can’t find a booth to settle into with your friendly server, take the generous portions with you as you drive through the Missouri countryside. They also maintain that delightful dining experience every day with their reasonable prices and overall worthy recommendation.
KINGDOM Coffee Roasting Company
$ | (816) 514-0896 | WEBSITE
Kingdom Coffee Roasting Company is the standout morning spot in Chillicothe, opening earlier than other coffee shops in the area. There’s a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating where you can settle in and enjoy a peaceful start to the day, and a positive environment enhanced by worship music and caring staff who sometimes share encouragement or prayers.
The menu offers tasty treats like the highly recommended cinnamon sugar donut holes, along with a variety of snack and lunch options and refreshing raspberry lemonades. We hear a few more food items would be appreciated by some, but that doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Prices are reasonable, making it an attractive option for a wide range of customers seeking quality coffee, food, and a warm environment.
Corporal Blue’s Smoothie Shack
$ | (660) 247-5041 | WEBSITE
Chillicothe is known for its hearty diners and classic cafes, but some of its best spots are the ones you’ll find tucked away in unexpected places. One of the prime examples is Corporal Blue’s Smoothie Shack, a welcoming smoothie counter with a cozy neighborhood feel, that sits inside a local gym.
The shack works with fresh ingredients that are visible as they’re blended into smoothies that get flavor from every fruit and vegetable, so we usually focus on those, though there’s also coffee and snacks. It’s friendly, a little rustic (more farmhouse table than stainless steel), and an easy place where you can pop in for a post-workout treat, or settle in for a meal substitute.
Missouri Coffee Company
$ | (660) 240-5047 | WEBSITE
This coffee shop has been serving customizable drinks in the heart of Chillicothe since it opened. Come for a quick coffee and pastry while you check your phone and feel like a regular, or linger at one of the small tables for a cozy break. The menu is displayed on boards behind the counter and offers a wide array of flavors and toppings for a unique taste experience. Ask the helpful staff for recommendations to enhance your drink, or let them surprise you with their favorite combination.
Don’t leave without trying one of the sweet treats from the pastry case.
Blackwater Restaurant & Lounge
$ | (660) 707-0712 | WEBSITE
Very centrally located in Chillicothe, right near the main downtown area, you could drive straight from Kansas City and be at Blackwater Restaurant & Lounge in under two hours. The warmly designed dining space is in a converted historic building that was once a warehouse, and it’s a great place to dine when you want to be in the heart of Missouri’s food scene. It’s within walking distance to local shops and the charming surrounding neighborhoods.
The indoor and outdoor seating is spacious and inviting, and there’s a fire pit outside that’s worth visiting for a meal even if you aren’t dining here. The Chicken and Waffles are absolutely delicious, and the Mac and Cheese has that perfect creamy texture. While most items are reasonably priced, the steak and seafood dishes run around $30-40, which feels appropriate for the quality. The staff is exceptionally friendly and efficient, making sure every visit feels special.
Live music during warmer months adds that extra layer of enjoyment to an already wonderful atmosphere.
China Garden Buffet
$ | (660) 707-1200 | WEBSITE
China Garden Buffet serves up abundant Chinese-American food, which means a buffet focused on fresh grill items like Mongolian barbecue and sushi rolls, as well as hot options like General Tso’s chicken and lo mein. The restaurant is housed in a recently remodeled space full of clean lines and accessible pathways and is a great spot for a quick family dinner or a big group lunch.
Hicks Home Town Drive-In
$ | (660) 646-1008 | WEBSITE
This classic drive-in offers great diner-style food like chicken wraps, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches with friendly customer service. Despite being just off the main road, convenient for travelers and locals alike, Hicks Home Town Drive-In is a place you’ll want to return to.
There’s delicious chicken strips and shrimp baskets noted for their tenderness and perfect frying, the highly recommended limeades, and dessert options like a strawberry-banana sundae topped with hot fudge and an Andes Mint Hurricane blizzard. While the “Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sunday” can be overwhelming with too much peanut butter and hot fudge, the overall experience is positive.
And if you’re looking for generous portions at reasonable prices, this friendly spot with excellent service delivers just that.
Los Potrillos
$ | (660) 240-5058 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of great Mexican restaurants in Chillicothe, but Los Potrillos—which works just as well for a quick carry-out order as it does for a family dinner—feels unique. Located off a main road with a spacious parking lot perfect for big trucks and trailers, the casual dining room and friendly staff ooze with family-friendly warmth, but what really makes this place special is the consistently delicious food.
The Speedy Gonzalez meal might come with a beef taco and enchilada, chicken fajita nachos get served up crispy and loaded, and it all goes well with salsa that has the right consistency and chips that are always fresh. The same people are behind the excellent customer service and fast delivery that make this a very good place to visit again and try more of the menu.
Taco Bell
$ | (660) 646-1140 | WEBSITE
There are some things you don’t want to have to search for, like a clean bathroom at a fast food joint. But other times, the search is part of the fun. Taco Bell is tucked along a main road in Chillicothe, and you’ll feel both satisfied and like a regular once you pull into the drive-thru. This familiar spot—with its bright interior and quick service—has a classic menu and a huge selection of tacos, burritos, and crunch wraps.
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, the friendly staff, especially the young ladies at the window, are extremely helpful, kind, and always ready to help you figure out which combo will work with your craving for something crunchy.
Murray’s Buffet & Grill
$ | (660) 646-0047 | WEBSITE
Murray’s Buffet & Grill has been serving Chillicothe for years, but it feels like it’s been a local staple for even longer. Walk into this spacious dining room and you’ll think you’re at a classic American family restaurant that’s been perfected over generations. The space is centered around a generous buffet area and comfortable seating, where you’ll enjoy comforting favorites like fresh-baked rolls, tasty fried chicken, and soft serve ice cream. It’s hard not to appreciate this spot.
The Sip
$ | (660) 240-5008 | WEBSITE
The Sip is a cozy and unique wine bar that also offers craft beer, so it’s a great place to spend an evening. And since that evening should also involve food, try something from their limited but well-regarded menu, particularly the flatbread pizza. Other popular dishes include charcuterie boards, salads, wings, and appetizers, with the charcuterie board being a consistent favorite since they opened.
The flatbread pizza hasn’t left the menu since it became popular, but you don’t need us to tell you that flatbread pizza is going to be delicious—just order it. Service has generally been described as good, although friendliness can vary, and they often host special events that fill up quickly, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. With indoor and outdoor seating and convenient nearby parking, it’s worth a visit.
El Toro
$ | (660) 646-5427 | WEBSITE
Owned by a family team, El Toro is a true Chillicothe mainstay. This casual Mexican restaurant started modestly and has grown to become a local favorite with its authentic menu and welcoming vibe. Even with its popularity, the place has kept the warmth of a neighborhood spot, with a true community feel and the owners still running the show.
El Toro’s menu includes things like crispy Shrimp Nachos that are delicious and very fresh, really tasty Street Tacos with Carnitas, and other authentic dishes like Chorizo Quesadillas, Tamales, and a Mexican Salad—the kind of Mexican food we’d be happy to eat every day.
The Parlor Bakery & Cafe
$ | (660) 646-3333 | WEBSITE
With its cute decor and inviting atmosphere, The Parlor Bakery & Cafe is a warm and lovely place to try a couple of their fresh pastries and muffins from the bakery case. Though if you’re looking for something more substantial, grab a seat at one of their cozy tables, and switch to their carefully prepared dishes.
And since The Parlor is also recommended for special occasions with perfect wedding cakes, it’s the kind of place you go for a morning coffee and end up staying through lunch, enjoying the freshly ground brew and excellent service.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (660) 707-1222 | WEBSITE
If there’s one place in Chillicothe to go for a reliable family meal, it’s Applebee’s Grill + Bar. The restaurant is known for its friendly service, with Jerold noted for being very attentive and ensuring guests are well taken care of during their visit. They also have Mariah, a manager, who provides amazing service, with customers recommending the wings and expressing that the experience is less enjoyable when she is not present.
All of which are best with the kid-friendly atmosphere, with crayons and puzzles available for children. While some diners enjoyed the food and service, others were left disappointed. One customer found the sirloin steak tough and irregularly shaped, with salty broccoli and small portions. Another mentioned that the fried Cod was overcooked and rubbery, and the barbecue ribs were burnt and chewy.
There were some comments about the fries not being well-received and the music occasionally being too loud. Overall, Applebee’s Grill + Bar seems to have its ups and downs, but the service is often what diners hope to receive, being attentive and friendly.