417 Magazine | Coffee Culture | December 2024

COFFEE

cover image shot by Brandon Alms.

December departments

Social Life

GLOW Light It Up

417MAG.COM

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year: Christmas lights time! Every year we round up the best places to see some truly spectacular holiday displays. Whatever kind of light show you’re looking for, you can nd the details at 417mag.com/christmaslights.

Have Someone Else Light It Up

417MAG.COM

Want to create your own at-home holiday cheer to share with your neighbors? Decorating your home with lights is a time-honored tradition for many, but it’s also a lot of work. And around the holidays when the weather’s unpredictable and there’s more than enough other stu to do, “a lot of work” becomes an upsetting amount of work. Fortunately, there are local companies that you can use to do the heavy lifting for you— nd out more online at 417mag.com/homeholidaylights.

Show Us Your Setup

INSTAGRAM + FACEBOOK

Want to share your home’s holiday decor or favorite 417-land holiday light display? We’re always happy to see your photos and videos, so don’t forget to tag us @417mag on all the socials.

GIVE

Give the Gift of 417!

417MAG.COM

Give the gift of 417 Magazine with our Holiday BOGO o er! Give the gift of 417 this holiday season by subscribing and getting another subscription free.

SIGN UP

Ladies Who Launch

BIZ417.COM

Ladies Who Launch, presented by Forvis Mazars, is leveling up to a dynamic regional retreat designed for women leaders, executives and entrepreneurs looking to take bold steps. The evolution includes a new location, Branson Convention Center for July 2025. Find out more at biz417.com/lwl.

TRY IT

Hit the Slopes

417MAG.COM

The holidays aren’t just about twinkling lights and cozy indoor celebrations. If you have kids (or a taste for an adrenaline rush) then it also means it’s time to hit the slopes! Well, if it snows, anyway. Fingers crossed! If we are lucky enough for a White Christmas (or January, or… maybe March?), you can nd the best places to take your sled at 417mag.com/sledding.

The Plan for Your Plants

417MAG.COM

It might be a little early to be thinking about how to get rid of your Christmas tree, if you’ve invested in a real one this year. But the more you plan now, the easier it’ll be when it comes time to take it down and free up all that extra space in your living room again. We’ve got a list of local places that will take your old trees—visit 417mag.com/recycletrees.

DON’T MISS A THING

Visit 417mag.com/ newsletters to sign up for the best local newsletters. Table Talk brings you don’tmiss food news every Tuesday, Datebook o ers the top weekend events every Thursday, and House of 417 is your monthly passport to inspired living.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

It’s that time of year again—February marks our annual Best of 417 issue. See who our readers have voted as their favorite local restaurants before anyone else by subscribing at 417mag. com/subscribe.

WE LOVE 417-LAND

We are a proud member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, the Branson Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City and Regional Magazine Association, the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce, the Home Builders Association of Springfield and the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce.

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KATIE POLLOCK ESTES editor@417mag.com

MANAGING EDITOR & BUSINESS EDITOR DORI GRINDER dori@417mag.com

RESEARCH EDITOR JO JOLLIFF jo@417mag.com

CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER JORDAN BLOMQUIST jblomquist@417mag.com

EDITORIAL INTERN MAURA CURRAN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR SARAH PATTON sarah@417mag.com

ART DIRECTOR JORDAN DYKSTRA jordan@417mag.com

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER BRANDON ALMS brandon@417mag.com

EDITORIAL DESIGNER GRACE CHIPLEY-THOMPSON grace@417mag.com

PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER KATY ST. CLAIR kstclair@417mag.com

EDITORIAL DESIGN INTERN HALLE JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN ARDEN DICKSON

DIGITAL EDITOR JAMIE THOMAS jthomas@417mag.com

DIGITAL COORDINATOR ELIZABETH VANFOSSON evanfosson@417mag.com

CONTRIBUTORS ADSMITH MARKETING & ADVERTISING, JOSHUA BEECHER, TESSA COOPER, DESIGNING INDIE, JUSTICE GLOVER, HEATHER KANE KOHLER, MEG WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY, MORGAN LEA PHOTOGRAPHY, KRISTIN SHARP, TARYN SHORR-MCKEE, LEAH STIEFERMANN, ELLA TATTERSHALL, MARY VAN WINKLE

BUSINESS

PUBLISHER LOGAN AGUIRRE logan@417mag.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AND CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS MEGAN JOHNSONmjohnson@417mag.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGY AND SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AMMIE SCOTTMOTES ascott@417mag.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JAMI WIGHTMAN jami@417mag.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JANELLE HAIK janelle@417mag.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE KAITLYN MESSINA kaitlyn@417mag.com

OFFICE MANAGER BERNADETTE PRY bernadette@417mag.com

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR ERIN PAYNE epayne@417mag.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR ANNAH CROW annah@417mag.com

STRATEGIC MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER ALEX OSREDKER aosredker@417mag.com

ACCOUNT SERVICES MANAGER KATHY GRIEVE kathy@417mag.com

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR NICKI SHERWOOD nicki@417mag.com

ADVERTISING DESIGNER KATIE BATLINER kbatliner@417mag.com

ADVERTISING & BRAND DESIGNER MCKENZIE KEY mckenzie@417mag.com

FOUNDERS

GARY WHITAKER gary@417mag.com

JOAN WHITAKER joan@417mag.com

417 MAGAZINE 2111 S. EASTGATE AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65809 417-883-7417 • FAX 417-889-7417

Editor’s Note

DRINK IT UP

My kids are 12 and 8 years old, and they both still fall sleep with the white noise machines we used to coax them into slumber when they were babies. Their lullaby is a looping track of nighttime insect sounds—as if it’s always summertime and twilight in their bedrooms. It’s a pleasantly droning cacophony, I guess. The most sleep-inducing sound for me is the rumble of an airplane engine. I am not kidding when I say I’m out like a light before takeoff almost every time I fly. But although that sound knocks me out with reliable consistency, it is definitely not my preferred white noise. That would be the sound of a bustling coffee shop. Ever since I first started hunkering down in coffee shops to study in college, they have been my favorite places to go when I need to lose myself in writing but still want to feel like I’m part of the world. That’s because even though a good coffee shop offers comfy places to work, well-placed outlets and excellent caffeinated drinks—it also

never stops buzzing with the perfect level of background noise. I love the clink of spoons stirring coffee in ceramic mugs, the steamy hiss of the espresso machine, the low murmur of dozens of conversations. Instead of lulling me to sleep, this combination of sounds energizes me. You would not believe how fast I can type at a coffee shop. It’s like magic. And, I swear, it’s not just the caffeine.

Although I often work remotely or meet up with freelance writers to chat about their stories at coffee shops, I rarely have a chance to go for the sole purpose of relaxing there. After reading this issue’s feature about Coffee Culture (p. 78) by writer Tessa Cooper, however, I have a new mission to leave the work at home and spend time exploring the quirks, the atmospheres, the drinks and the tasty bites at some of the spots where I haven’t yet spent much time. Our local coffee scene is packed with personality, and each coffee shop offers something a little different. You certainly don’t have to be a coffee aficionado to appreciate what’s out there—but you won’t be disappointed if you are.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR KATIE@417MAG.COM

TALK TO US

Beauty Shop Chatter

I’m at my hair appointment, and we were just commenting on how pretty the 417 cover is. Every client has commented on how cool it is!

HOLLY STENGER

Apparently the hot goss at the beauty shop is all about 417! In case you wonder which cover they were admiring, it was the November 2024 cover featuring a bowl of Vietnamese pho from Pho Kim. It was dramatically lit with neon for a super-cool-looking colorful glow. Editorial Designer Grace Chipley-Thomas directed the shoot, and Senior Photographer Brandon Alms snapped that perfect pic. We’re glad readers are loving it, and we couldn’t possibly love this sweet note more!—Editor

Eight Arms, All Heart Octavia is my favorite 417-lander. JENNIFER SWENSON

We posted an Instagram Reel featuring footage from our photoshoot with Octavia, the octopus at Wonders of Wildlife. She got a lot of love from viewers, including this sweet little note from Jennifer Swenson, who wrote Octavia’s story for our November issue!—Editor

To send us feedback or story ideas, email editor@417mag.com.

We wrote about local musician Claire Herzog in the “Oh, One More Thing” story in the October 2024 edition. Her photo was labeled as “courtesy of Claire Herzog,” but it should have been attributed to Guerilla Creative. In the “Fly Away Home” story in the November 2024 edition about Jacki Moseley’s home, we spelled Ana Walle’s name incorrectly. We regret the errors.

Contributors

e Holiday Table

IS THERE A TRADITION OR SPECIFIC action you take that signals to you that the holidays are here? For me, it’s swapping out my everyday dishes for my Christmas dishes and then setting my dining room table with my Christmas china. If you’re keeping count, yes that’s two sets of Christmas dishes!

One set is our everyday Santa plates that I’ve had for years. These suckers have lived through multiple house moves and one cross-country trip to Colorado for the year we spent Christmas on the slopes. That year I also packed my holiday placemats and napkins because I wanted to make sure it felt like Christmas in our little AirBnB. The other set— that one is special. I started collecting Christmas china when I got married and each year my mom would buy me a few more pieces until I had service for eight. Growing up, my

mom always had the dining room table set for Christmas and I love to do the same. It brings me joy to walk by and see it all fancy and festive.

This year, our kids insisted we kick o the holiday season early. I’m talking, Christmas lights ipped on the day after Halloween when we still had pumpkins on the porch and an in atable pirate dinosaur in our yard. So, out came the dishes.

Whether it’s decorating your home to full Griswold lights, cutting your own tree, visiting real reindeer or pulling those dishes out of storage, I hope this issue inspires you to embrace all the joyful holiday goodness.

PUBLISHER LOGAN@417MAG.COM

How It’s Made

Wondering how we made those cute little spot illustrations in the “Co ee Culture” feature (starting on p. 78)?

Those were hand-painted by Editorial Designer Grace Chipley-Thompson. Her medium? Freshly brewed co ee with a dash of cream. Working with co ee was a unique experience. “When you first paint with the co ee, it shows up really light but gets darker as it dries and oxidizes,” she said. The best part of the process was not having to worry about mixing up her drink with her paint water.

PHOTOS BY KATY ST. CLAIR, SARAH PATTON

BEHIND THE SCENES

100% CHANCE OF SNOW THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Something Magical is Coming to the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex

Get ready to experience Christmas like never before at JINGLE! Holiday Spectacular, Springfield's newest and most exciting Christmas attraction for 2024! Located at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex, this dazzling event invites you to celebrate the season in a new, old-fashioned way, blending the nostalgia of classic holiday traditions with modern-day thrills.

JINGLE! promises unforgettable fun for the whole family. Step into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, enchanting decorations, and festive cheer at every turn. Glide across the 1/2 mile ice rink, enjoy exhilarating snow tubing runs, and warm up with seasonal beverages and snacks. And of course, no holiday event would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus—ready to hear your wish list and take photos with your loved ones!

Nov. 22 – Dec. 31

Field from the

Past Meets Present

Je and Lindsay Seifried of Blackwells Fine Men’s Clothiers, bring new tech to a shop steeped in local history.

BY MAURA CURRAN

Original to the store and passed down from previous owners, this antique cash register is a perfect nod to the past.

HIDDEN GEM

From e Field

WITH TWO YEARS UNDER THEIR BELT, JEFF AND LINDSAY SEIFRIED have fully transitioned into their role as owners of Blackwells Fine Men’s Clothiers. The pair are the third owners of Blackwells since it first opened in 1896 under the name Braithwait’s in Bolivar. The Seifried’s bought the store from Rex Blackwell in September of 2022. “We wanted to own a unique small business that had a lot of history, and a lot of legacy, and Blackwells checked all of those boxes,” Jeff says. “Once we met Rex and got to visit the store, we could see the passion and energy he put into

Owners Je and Lindsay Seifried stay true to Blackwells long history while also using new tech for a unique tting experience.

the business, and we could see ourselves being the next generation to take it to the next level.”

Having years of experience as entrepreneurs but not much experience in the world of men’s clothing, the Seifried’s benefited from Rex temporarily working in-store with them as they learned the ins and outs from his 40 years of experience with the shop.

While the Seifrieds strive to stay true to Blackwells’ origins, down to the antique cash register from the original shop, they are also always looking for new, innovative ways to help their customers. One of the many ways they are currently accomplishing this is by maintaining their made-to-measure custom fitting services, but elevating it to a whole new level with an automated 3D customization process. Wanting to add a more modern twist to the traditional custom fitting process, the Seifrieds had Formcut’s 3D body scan technology installed in their custom fitting room to scan measurements in seconds.

of the business that the Seifrieds conserve, and they offer extensive custom fitting options for their guests in their Made-2-Measure fitting room.

They offer traditional made-to-measure custom suiting and shirting with a sales associate, where you get to choose your custom materials and your measurements are taken and kept on file for future use. Costumers can also take advantage of consultations, where a sales associate can go over options and pricing with you, and even pre-select options and style you.

“It has just been so cool to meet these men who play an instrumental role in their jobs and lives, and getting to help them with things like weddings or suits for big job interviews. It’s really special.”

“That personal touch and high level of customer service is a really cool experience, so we’ve leaned into that,” Lindsay says.

Additionally, the Seifrieds have continued to prioritize quality brands since they took over ownership of the shop. Currently, they have expanded to over 35 designer brands, most of them originating from Europe and other countries all around the world.

Blackwells has a shelf filled with a variety of different fabrics, colors and patterns for each piece of your custom outfit. After you pick out your desired color and fabric for each piece of clothing, the automated program tells you where and how to stand and does a 3D scan of your body, providing exact measurements. Then the measurements and fabric choices are sent to garment makers where they are custom-made with the label “Blackwells Custom” and are then shipped to customers within three weeks.

Despite the new technology, traditional custom fitting still remains a big part

They work to have top-tier products and keep up to date with current trends to provide their customers with the best quality experience all the way from fitting to check out.

“It has just been so cool to meet these men who play an instrumental role in their jobs and lives, and getting to help them with things like weddings or suits for big job interviews,” Lindsay notes. “It’s really special.”

Blackwells offers men’s sportswear, suits, shoes and accessories. Along with their new 3D customization process, the store also offers complimentary tailoring, alterations, gift wrapping and delivery for its customers.

From e Field

MIDWEST NICE

A Place To Rest

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE’S VOLUNTEERS WORK HARD TO MAKE SURE LOCAL KIDDOS HAVE COMFY BEDS AT HOME.

BY JO JOLLIFF

LL CHILDREN DESERVE a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads, but that basic need is not met in many households across the Ozarks and United States as a whole. This is why Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer-driven nonpro t, made it their mission to build and deliver handmade, fully furnished beds to children in need.

Sleep In Heavenly Peace was founded in 2012 and has now grown into a charity spanning 44 states with more than 300 chapters. Currently, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has 18 chapters throughout the state of Missouri, including their Marsh eld, Rogersville, Spring eld and Table Rock Lake chapters.

Spring eld Chapter President Larry High ll has led for ve years. “I’m really passionate about it,” High ll says. “I’m a retired re ghter, retired EMS and retired teacher, so you know kids are near and dear to my heart.” Although he plans to pass the torch this year, High ll says he’ll still partake in their community bed builds and help in any way he can. “Sleep In Heavenly Peace is about taking care of the kids who

can’t help themselves,” he says. “We always say it’s all about the kids. It’s all about the kids.”

The Rogersville chapter extended into the Ozark zip code this year and has been able to deliver more than 30 beds in the last two months to children in need. Rogersville Chapter President Caleb Rodabaugh says they saw an increase in requests after promoting the program throughout local school systems. “We are working to create awareness so that families who might need beds know how to apply,” he says. “As well as making the community aware of a need that exists in our community so businesses and individuals can help.”

To help support Sleep In Heavenly Peace’s mission—“No kid sleeps on the oor in our town”—you can donate new twin-size sheets, pillows and bedding or partake in one of their community bed build events. Participants in the bed build help with sanding, drilling, assembling, staining and branding twin beds in preparing to deliver them to homes with children ages 3-17 in need. Each chapter hosts bed builds at different times; you can nd these and more information on their website shpbeds.org.

PROFILE

On Dasher! On Dancer!

HEAD TO THE PRESCOTT FAMILY FARM, HOME TO ADORABLE REINDEER, CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES, CRAFTS AND HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.

BY MAURA CURRAN

WALKING AROUNDTHE Prescott family’s farm in Vanzant, you can see reindeer basking in an abundance of twinkling string lights that give them a magical glow. The crisp air whips around, adding a brisk element to the warm atmosphere of the holiday season. The reindeer sit by patiently, as eager to meet the guests as the guests are to meet them. After months of hard work preparing and decorating, the Prescott

family has incorporated the best aspects of the holiday season: activities, decorations, treats, and of course, meeting Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer.

Sara and Michael Prescott and their three kids Madison, Emma and Carter took it upon themselves to carry on their family tradition of farming, but with a bit of a twist. And so the Prescott Family Reindeer Farm was born, a fully Christ-

Michael and Sara Prescott and their kids have a crew of reindeer on their farm.

mas-themed reindeer farm, where families can get up-close and personal with the reindeer, learn about them and get into the Christmas spirit. Heading into their fourth Christmas season, Sara Prescott says the looks on kids’ faces when they round the corner never get old. With reindeer being so hard to come by in the lower 48 states, Prescott says it took her family ve years of research and preparation before they were able to

purchase their rst reindeer, Noel and Tinsel, who were only six months old at the time. “You can’t just go to a sale and pick one up,” she says.

The Prescott Family prepares for the Christmas season year-round, making sure their reindeer are well taken care of through spring and summer and that the property is tended to. Sara, Michael and their three young kids have all taken on the role of reindeer caretakers as a full-time jobs. It’s truly a family a air.

After tending to the reindeer all year, the decorating begins. “We start putting props together and painting and doing all that stu in July,” Sara says. “It’s a lot of work, and we do a lot of things because we want it to be a great experience for people. We built this farm as an extension of our family, and we’ve had a lot of amazing people come back, so it’s just fantastic.”

Aside from being home to ve reindeer and two calves—Noel, Tinsel, Winter, Snow ake, Mistletoe, Blitzen, Comet and Chet—the farm houses other animals too. There are horses, llamas, mini horses, mini donkeys, alpacas and chickens.

The farm has several Christmas-themed photo opportunities around the property, along with games like Reindeer Guess Who, Search and Find Christmas Items, Ring Toss Antlers and a game called Up on the Housetop, where you help Santa get his presents down the chimney in time for Christmas. They also provide $1 craft kits and a “Christmas Village” themed area of the farm where, no matter the weather, guests can partake in snowball ghts made with fake snow.

Additionally, they provide horse-drawn carriage rides through the farm pastures; the gift shop featuring farm merchandise and Christmas-themed gifts and toys; Mrs. Claus’ Bakery o ering soup, chili, hotdogs, cookies, hot chocolate and cider; and the chance to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Visit prescottfamilyreindeerfarm. com for more information.

OZARKS

/ BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

A Postmark Tradition

THE SMALL TOWN OF NOEL, MISSOURI, HAS CARRIED ON A CHRISTMAS STAMP TRADITION FOR 92 YEARS.

EACH YEAR, TENS OF thousands of Christmas cards are sent to Noel, Missouri, before reaching their nal destination. Volunteers spend hours stamping the cards with festive red and green Christmas tree or wreath designs before sending them on their way.

This tradition has been going strong since 1932. During the Great Depression, Frenchman and Postmaster Edward T. Roussett, knowing that “Noel” means “Christmas” in French, teamed up with townspeople to o er a special Christmas postmark from the only town in the country named Noel (pronounced “nole”)—a tradition that continues today. “People cherish these special traditions,” says Mark Inglett, strategic communications specialist for the United States Postal Service.

Here’s how it works: Package your cards together and write “Christmas Cards” on the outside. Address the package to the Postmaster at 318 S. Main St., Noel, MO 64854. These Christmas stamps do not replace postal stamps, so make sure each

card is addressed and has the correct postage. Volunteers begin stamping the day after Thanksgiving and continue through the rst week of January. Once they’re stamped, the post o ce sends the cards to their nal destinations. “We have gotten packages from as far as China,” says Noel Postmaster Patricia Coggin.

In the ’50s and ’60s, more than half a million pieces of mail arrived at the Noel post o ce in the days before Christmas, awaiting their special stamp, from all 50 states, Mexico and Canada. “It’s had some up and down years, mostly it’s supported pretty well,” says Mayor Terry Lance. Today, with the help of community volunteers, Noel stamps more than 65,000 letters and 500 packages each year, working alongside postal employees to mark each card and package as it arrives. Volunteers are treated to fresh cookies, candies, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider as they stamp. “They work so hard keeping up with the volume,” Inglett says.

Noel also embraces Christmas with a parade and decorations; however, the Christmas stamp tradition remains a favorite.

VIBES

Expanding Expertise

For 50 years, PARKCREST DENTAL GROUP has been a cornerstone of dental care in Southwest Missouri, proudly serving 417-land since 1974! What started as a collaboration between eight dentists has grown into a multi-specialty practice that o ers a comprehensive range of services, from restorative and cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics and pediatric care. With a board-certi ed orthodontist and pediatric dentist on sta , Parkcrest ensures that patients of all ages receive expert care. Over the decades, Parkcrest Dental Group has continuously evolved. A signi cant expansion in 2017 added 6,000 square feet, bringing the total to 20,000 square feet, complete with dedicated pediatric and orthodontic wings and state-of-the-art technology like the X-Guide Implant system. Today, Parkcrest serves over 40,000 patients each year.

Parkcrest’s commitment to its community is clear, not only in the care it provides but also through charitable e orts, employee engagement and the hosting of a dental assisting school. The business’s motto, “Glad to do it,” re ects their dedication to patient care and employee satisfaction. As they celebrate this exciting milestone, Parkcrest Dental Group looks forward to continuing to create beautiful smiles for the whole family in one convenient location, for generations to come. 417-887-1220

Back row: Steven Sponenberg, DDS; Daniel Fannin, DDS; Stuart Scott, DDS; Joseph Dills, DDS Front row: Steven Harrison, DDS; Jason Hall DDS; Chanin Ropka, DDS; Allie Dunton, DDS

WE TRIED IT

Edit Wrecks It

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

RAGE ROOMS OFFER THE perfect escape for those with stressful lives—or those just having a bad day—providing a safe outlet to just let it all out, a space to smash just about anything without worrying about the mess or consequences. However, for me, outwardly expressing my feelings is out of my comfort zone. While I experience stress and anxiety like anyone else, I tend to bottle things up, and I actually prefer it that way. But when the 417 editorial team visited The Rage Room (1850 S. Glenstone Ave., Spring eld), it sounded too good to pass up.

The Rage Room is located in the Plaza shopping center and o ers packages for couples or individuals, groups of three to four and groups of ve to 16. Their packages range from $120–600, depending on the group size, and last between 20 minutes and an hour and 15 minutes. The Rage Room allows you to bring your own items to smash, although all items must be approved beforehand and could result in additional fees and charges.

Let me set the scene: Our group included Editorial Director Katie Pollock Estes, Managing Editor and Business Editor Dori Grinder, Digital

Editor Jamie Thomas and me. To put it simply, we’re not typically a rage- lled bunch, so this was venturing into unfamiliar territory. However, we were ready to embrace something new.

The out t requirements were minimal, just closed-toed shoes and pants—The Rage Room provides everything else. Upon arrival, we lled out waivers and were taken to the back to get suited up. We joked about how the suits resembled hazmat gear or what the characters wore in Ghostbusters. The nal touches included a full-face shield and thick gloves. Next, we selected our weapons of choice. Katie

THE 417 EDITORIAL TEAM VISITED THE RAGE ROOM TO SEE WHAT THE BUZZ WAS ALL ABOUT.

The 417 editorial team took a trip to give The Rage Room a try.

quickly grabbed a bat, Dori chose a sledgehammer (although she seriously considered a crowbar), Jamie went for a bat and I opted for a golf club. The team at The Rage Room gave us an overview of the space and some “what not to do” tips, mainly advising us to avoid throwing things directly at the walls or each other (noted!).

“To put it simply, we’re not typically a rage-filled bunch, so this was venturing into unfamiliar territory. However, we were ready to embrace something new.”

When we walked into the windowless, half-cement room, we were met with dozens of glass bottles, an old car door—which you could throw things at—a large tire, TVs and a few other miscellaneous glass items. There were many bottles balancing on top of each other, creating glass towers throughout the room just asking to be struck.

We started o slow, taking turns and watching each other’s smashing techniques. We balanced empty alcohol bottles on the big tire and hit them with a bat, and we tossed beer bottles into the air like baseballs and whacked them mid- ight. I enjoyed teeing up the bottles like golf balls, practicing my swing with a gratifying POP that followed each hit.

As it turns out, the edit team may have had some pent-up rage that needed to be released after all. Dori was so rage-y that she broke my golf club! After about 30 minutes of raging and dozens of shattered items, The Rage Room team turned o the music and knocked on our door to let us know our session had come to an end. We removed our gear and brushed the straggling glass from our shoes and were on our way out, feeling a little lighter than when we rst arrived.

A New Way To Christmas

Christmas exploded onto the scene in Ozark this year with the arrival of Jingle!

A new immersive event arrived this holiday season. Jingle! has locations in Kansas City and St. Louis—and now there’s one in Ozark at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex.

So, what the heck is it? In short, it’s a winter wonderland. Paths wind through glittering trees, under lighted archways and around other festive décor throughout the whole complex.

Jingle! is organized into themed “neighborhoods” that

all o er something a little di erent. At the Polar Park, you can fly down snow tubing hills on real snow or go ice skating along a winding path through twinkling lights. In the Jingle! Village, there are millions of holiday lights, including a light maze. The AprésSki neighborhood is where you can sip warm drinks or warm your hands by a fire. And of course there’s The North Pole too with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

While you’re there, you can shop and snack too. You can find grown-up drinks at the Tipsy Tree Lodge, plus lots of other snacks and sips. There’s even a sing-a-long piano bar. Plus, the Jingle! Village area features local vendors, artists and handmade products—perfect for holiday shopping. Visit jingleholiday. com to purchase event tickets. Skating, snow tubing and preferred parking are all add-ons.

HOT TICKET / BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

Attend a wreathmaking workshop at Cassidy Station; read more on p. 40.

December Calendar

The agenda this month: nonstop holiday fun. Fill your days with the season’s best local events.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

CELTIC ANGELS CHRISTMAS

December 2

See the Celtic Angels singers take the stage with the Celtic Knights Irish step dancers and the Trinity Band Ensemble in a performance steeped in holiday favorites and Irish tradition.

6:30 doors, 7:30 show; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Spring eld; gillioztheatre.com

REINDEER AT THE FARM

December 4

Have you ever seen Dasher, Dancer and the crew in person? You can see real-life reindeer at Cassidy Station this year, while you also enjoy ice skating, hot chocolate, re pits with s’mores and an event outdoor Christmas movie.

4–7 p.m.; Cassidy Station, 5176 N. Fremont Road, Nixa; cassidystation.com

GIRL NAMED TOM: JOY OF CHRISTMAS

December 5

This sibling trio is known as the only group to win NBC’s The Voice. They’re known for their covers, as well as their original holiday tune “One More Christmas,” and they supported Pentatonix on tour.

6:30 doors, 7:30 show; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Spring eld; gillioztheatre.com

WHEN FIRE STRIKES, WE STRIKE BACK

At Clean Green Restoration, we have the expertise and equipment to handle any fire damage situation in the Ozarks. We follow the highest standards and best practices in the industry. We also care about the environment and your health, so we use eco-friendly products and methods whenever we can.

FIRE WATER MOLD

From e Field Calendar

$100 & UNDER MARKET

December 6

Hosted by the Springfield Regional Arts Council, this event features the work of local artists, crafters and makers.

5 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield; hammonshall.com

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

December 6–8, 12–15

This Tony Award–winning musical tells the story of a girl who is rescued from a storm on a Caribbean Island by four gods: Asaka, Agwé, Erzulie and Papa Ge. The music features Caribbean instruments and tells the story of the aftermath of colonization.

Showtimes vary; The Historic Fox Theatre, 157 Park Central Square, Springfield; springfieldcontemporarytheatre.org

EHLERS ESTATE WINE DINNER

December 7

Head to Big Cedar Lodge for a special five-course wine pairing dinner hosted by Eric Swindle, who shares about his Napa Valley Estate with guests.

6–9 p.m.; The Worman House Bistro, Big Cedar Lodge, 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale; bigcedar.com

HOLIDAYS WITH THE SYMPHONY

December 7

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is having its annual matinee performance. And it’s sure to expel any bah-humbugs and get you into the holiday spirit. There’s a carol sing-a-long and lots of jolly tunes.

2:30 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield; springfieldmosymphony.org

IMAGINE

December 7

You don’t want to miss this beloved Ozarks tradition. Local bands and artists come together to perform songs by John Lennon and The Beatles. Spring for the VIP tickets for a T-shirt, sticker, early entry and more.

6:30 doors, 7:30 show; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

IN THE MOOD

December 7

Hear the Spring eld Symphony Orchestra, featuring the Mid-America Singers, perform familiar holiday favorites.

7:30 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield; hammonshall.com

Trees Everywhere You Look

Branson’s most festive designation is a Christmas-lover’s dream come true.

Did you know that Branson is known as America’s Christmas Tree City? It’s something the city and local businesses take seriously, and throughout the town you can find huge and creatively decorated Christmas trees in every theme you can think of. Aside from the ones you may already know about (the eight-story-tall Town Square tree at Silver Dollar City and the 50-foot tree at Branson Landing), there are lots of others to spot around town. A few worth noting: Dick’s 5 & 10 has all their usual kitsch plus two trees. The 18-foot tree at Fritz’s Adventure is made of welded metal. At Sight & Sound Theatre, you’ll find a little surprise scene if you look under the branches of their 52-foot tree. And the Butterfly Palace features a tree made entirely of red poinsettias that the butterflies love. Find a map of all the places where you can see over-the-top trees at bransonchristmas.info.

WINTER MARKET

December 7

Visit lots of local vendors’ booths as you shop for holiday presents at this charming market. There are also pictures with Santa, cookie decorating for the kids and more.

10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Cassidy Station, 5176 N. Fremont Road, Nixa; cassidystation.com

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

December 7, 14, 21 & 24

Santa picks one child at each ceremony to help light the Christmas tree. Kids also get to meet Santa and receive a gift at this ongoing event.

4:45 pre-show, 5:15 show; Big Cedar Lodge, 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale; bigcedar.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL

Through December 8

See Ebenezer Scrooge get a new lease on life after he’s visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in this musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic by Springfield Little Theatre.

Showtimes vary; The Landers Theater, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield, springfieldlittletheatre.org

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

December 8

Admission is free to the Gillioz Theatre’s annual showing of a beloved holiday classic: It’s a Wonderful Life.

2 p.m.; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

JIM BRICKMAN COMFORT & JOY

December 8

Solo pianist Jim Brickman brings holiday sounds to the Ozarks. Brickman has had 22 No. 1 albums, several Grammy nominations and lots of awards, including two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards.

4 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield; hammonshall.com

Stay Connected

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEARING. Schedule an appointment today for a complimentary hearing evaluation.

STAVE OFF DEMENTIA. REDUCE YOUR HEALTH CARE COSTS WITH CLIENT-FOCUSED CARE. ARE MEDICATIONS AFFECTING YOUR HEARING?

STAY CONNECTED WITH THOSE YOU LOVE.

From e Field Calendar

COOKIE DECORATING WORKSHOP

December 11

Help celebrate part of the Estes Farms legacy at this sweet event. Guests get to decorate three cookies made with recipes from Cookie Grandma, the last Estes to live in the farmhouse. She was wellknown for her cookie-sharing traditions. 6:30 p.m.; Cassidy Station, 5176 N. Fremont Road, Nixa; cassidystation.com

CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP

December 12

Guests get to use fresh greenery as they learn step-by-step directions for building the perfect festive wreath.

6:30 p.m.; Cassidy Station at Estes Farms, 5176 N. Fremont Road, Nixa; cassidystation.com

BARN DANCE

December 13

Head to Sycamore Creek Family Ranch for their monthly barn dance that features two-stepping, line dancing and more. Even kids and beginners can get in on the fun!

7 p.m.; Sycamore Creek Family Ranch, 2657 Sunset Inn Road, Branson; sycamorecreekfamilyranch.com

BLIPPI: JOIN THE BAND TOUR

December 13

If you have a Blippi fan in your household, you’ll want to see this music-filled and Blippi-centric show. Along with onstage musicians, Blippi explores rhythms, instruments, sounds and more.

6 p.m.; Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy., Springfield; hammonshall.com

MYSTERY HOUR HOLIDAY

SPECTACULAR

December 13

Fans of The Mystery Hour should definitely snag tickets to this event, where host Jeff Houghton and others will do interviews, perform live music and more.

Little Full, Lotta Sap

There are lots and lots of tree lots in 417-land, but there are only a handful of places where you can actually cut down your own tree. We rounded up some of our favorites. (Oh! And make sure you go early in the month before they sell out.)

Johnson Family Farm

Webb City, Missouri, facebook.com/ TheJohnsonsfamilyfarm

You-cut: Scotch pine

Pre-cut: White pine, Fraser fir, Douglas fir, concolor balsam, spruce

Delaware Town Christmas Tree Farm

Nixa, Missouri, facebook.com/ Delawaretownchristmastreefarm

You-cut: Norway spruce, white pine, Scotch pine, pitch loblolly pine

The show returns to the Gillioz Theater this year, after selling out Pythian Castle the past two years. Snag tickets early to ensure a seat!

7:30 p.m.; Gillioz Theater, 325 Park Central E, Springfield, gillioztheatre.com

THE GRAND OL’ CHRISTMAS SHOW

December 13

There’s tons of fun to be had at this musical comedy in the style of a retro radio program produced by The Grand Ol’

Ozark Valley Christmas Tree Farm Southwest City, Missouri, ozarkvalleychristmas.com

You-cut: Scotch pine

Pre-cut: white pine, firs

Wonderland Tree Farm

Pea Ridge, Arkansas, wonderlandtreefarm.com

You-cut: Virginia pine, Scotch pine, Leyland cyprus, white pine, Turkish fir

Pre-cut: Fraser fir

Production Company. It features sketch comedy, Christmas classics and more.

7 p.m.; Aetos Center for the Performing Arts, 514 S. Nicholas Road, Nixa; aetoscenter.net

IT’S A WONDERFUL NIGHT— THE FINAL ACT!

December 13

It’s the final year for Community Partership of the Ozarks’ annual lipsynch contest. There will be lots of great

BY

PHOTO

KYLE DAVIS

eats, lots of music and dancing, and of course lots of hilarious lip-synching—all for a good cause!

6–10 p.m.; Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield; cpozarks.org/wonderful

SPRINGFIELD CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 14

What’s better than a festive parade in the crisp winter air? Watch as creative floats, excellent marching bands and even Santa himself make their way through the streets of downtown Springfield. This year’s theme is “A Trip Down Gingerbread Lane.” The parade first runs down South Avenue (starting at Elm Street) before circling Park Central Square and then continuing east. Get there early to snag the perfect spot for this beloved annual tradition.

2 p.m.; downtown Springfield; itsalldowntown.com/christmasparade

A CHRISTMAS DINNER & SYMPHONY

December 15

Head to Finley Farms to hear holiday music from 417 String Quartet. They’ll be playing favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” and lots more. There’s also an optional pre-symphony upgrade: a five-course prix fixe meal at The Garrison. Register in advance.

5 p.m. dinner upgrade, 7 p.m. concert; The Garrison, Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark; finleyfarmsmo.com

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN ACOUSTIC

CHRISTMAS

December 15

Christian music fans will enjoy this holiday show from Steven Curtis Chapman, a decorated artist who has won 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five Grammy awards, an American Music award and more.

7 p.m.; Aetos Center for the Performing Arts, 514 S. Nicholas Road, Nixa; aetoscenter.net

From e Field Calendar

CHRISTMAS COOKIES & STORYTIME

WITH MRS. CLAUS

December 19–20

Dress your littles in pajamas and bring them to a super-sweet evening event with Mrs. Claus herself. Each kiddo in attendance gets to decorate three tasty cookies before hearing Mrs. Claus tell a holiday story.

6 p.m. or 7:45 p.m., The Workshop, Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark; finleyfarmsmo.com

THE NUTCRACKER

December 19–23

Tirzepatide Injections starting at $295

Semaglutide Oral Drops starting at $110

If you haven’t seen this Springfield holiday tradition yet, make sure you do this year! Every December, Springfield Ballet performs the classic ballet featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King and of course the familiar and beautiful music of Tchaikovsky that is the embodiment of Christmastime. Showtimes vary; Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield; springfieldballet.org

Semaglutide Injections starting at $165

Begin your weight loss journey!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: A SPYRES

FAMILY HOLIDAY CONCERT

December 20

Ozarks Lyric Opera presents a special performance featuring the super-talented and world-renowned Spyres family (a.k.a. Springfield’s First Family of Opera) accompanied by the music of a live orchestra.

6:30 doors, 7:30 show; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

BREAKFAST WITH

SANTA CHARITY EVENT

December 21

In addition to the resort’s weekly Brunch with Santa events, Chateau on the Lake also hosts one special Breakfast with Santa Charity Event that supports a local organization: Imagine Technical Institute. ITI provides vocational training and employment services to southwest Missourians with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So you can

Say Cheese!

Pics or it didn’t happen. These are the three best places to snap a picture with Santa this holiday season.

At the Store

The jolly old St. Nick that you’ll find at Bass Pro Shops’ Santa’s Wonderland is unbeatable. He looks perfectly old-fashioned and super-authentic, for those oh-sosweet holiday pictures with the kids. Book a time in advance at basspro. com for this popular Santa meet-up.

On the Go

Did you snag tickets to The Polar Express at Branson Scenic Railway before it sold out? If so, you’re in for a treat when it comes to encounters with Santa. He walks around the train during its trek, greeting all the kids and posing for pics.

For Your Pup

Oh we know your dog is on the nice list! Take him to Whiskers and Wishes (1 p.m., December 7, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park) for a chance to meet Santa at the farm and snap a pic. Register at parkboard.org/events. Proceeds benefit Cruse Dog Park.

dig into delightful brunchy goodness with Santa Claus and do a little bit of good at the same time!

9 a.m.; Chateau on the Lake, 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson; chateauonthelake.com

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Sundays in December

Munch on a tasty morning meal, visit with Santa Claus and enjoy some fun kid-friendly entertainment at one of Chateau on the Lake’s weekly Brunch with Santa events. They are happening on Sundays all month long.

10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; Chateau on the Lake, 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson; chateauonthelake.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturdays and Sundays in December

Get your photo taken with Santa, meet Mrs. Claus and decorate a Christmas stocking at this event. It includes a breakfast buffet with Belgian waffles, French toast and cupcake wall and other tasty options.

7–11 a.m.; Big Cedar Lodge, 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale; bigcedar.com

A CHRISTMAS STORY DINNER SHOW

Through December 26

Fill up on Christmas nostalgia this year as you tuck into a comforting meal of holiday food (turkey, ham and all the fixings). Meanthile on stage, you can watch Ralphie’s quest for a Red Rider BB gun live on stage. All your favorite characters will be there from the beloved Christmas movie of the same name.

Showtimes vary; Shepherd of the Hills, 5586 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson; theshepherdofthehills.com

NORTH POLE ADVENTURE

Through December 28

Before dark, guests at North Pole Adventure can try out the ropes course, fly along Copperhead Coaster and participate in lots of other outdoor activities. After dark, hop on the Christmas lights hayride or walk through a sparkling lights display. There are chances to meet Santa, hop around on a jump pad or ride a tube slide, hear live music and more.

10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Shepherd of the Hills, 5586 West 76 Country Blvd., Branson; theshepherdofthehills.com

JINGLE!

Through December 30

This immersive seasonal experience surrounds guests with sparkling lights and lots of Christmas joy. There’s an ice skating trail, a village filled with fun vendors, great food and drink, indoor sledding and lots more.

Hours vary; Ozark Mountain Sports Complex, 4400 N. 19th St., Ozark, jingleholiday.com

Banking with a Purpose

GINGERBREAD HOUSES AT CHATEAU ON THE LAKE

Through December 31

Visit Chateau on the Lake to see gigantic (and almost entirely edible) gingerbread structures, set up as a wintry village. The gingerbread houses are all created by the resort’s pastry chefs.

Chateau on the Lake, 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson; chateauonthelake.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE MARDI GRAS

December 31

Ring in the new year at the Gillioz Theatre with this Mardi Gras–themed party. There is a dance party, lots of live music (from Damsel, The Dirty Saints and Deejay Platinum), and a masquerade mask contest.

9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. event; Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield; gillioztheatre.com

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Ongoing

Learn about all the aspects of Springfield’s civic history, including leadership, voting rights, activism, citizenship and more. This exhibition runs through January 5, so be sure to visit this month before it’s gone.

History Museum on the Square, 154 Park Central Square, Springfield, historymuseumonthesquare.org

STAND-UP COMEDY

Ongoing

Need a good laugh this month? Blue Room Comedy Club has some great stand-up comedians coming to town in December. First up on December 6–7 is Jim Tallent. Then David Lucas will perform December 13–14. Greg Hahn is December 20–21, Justin Smith is December 27–28, and TJ Miller is December 30–31.

Showtimes vary; Blue Room Comedy Club, 420 W. College St., Springfield;

The Big, Big Lights

When a drive through your neighborhood to peep residential lights displays just won’t cut it, nab a ticket to see one of the region’s over-the-top displays.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

Head to the most serene garden at the Nathanael Greene/ Close Memorial Park to enjoy the annual Gardens

Aglow event (select December dates; friendsofthegarden. com) . It has 225,000 lights throughout the garden’s paths, plus fire pits, warm drinks, snacks and more.

Silver Dollar City

There are a whopping 6.5 million holiday lights set up all around Silver Dollar City during the annual An Old Time Christmas festival (through December 30; silverdollarcity. com). Come to see the lights, ride the rides, and take in fes -

tive live shows and delicious treats. We’r eon team wassail. How about you?

Big Cedar Lodge

At Big Cedar Lodge, you have a couple options for seeing their holiday lights. The Holiday Tram Ride (daily through December 30; bigcedar.com) features bridge crossings and beautiful views with a soundtrack of holiday music. Plus you can snack on hot chocolate or cider and a s’more on a stick. Or you can opt to do the same thing in your own vehicle with the DriveThrough Christmas Lights Tour (daily 5–10 p.m. through December 30; bigcedar.com)

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

Every year, RutledgeWilson Farm Park gets dressed up for the Candy Cane Lane drive-through lights display (Fridays through Sundays December 6–22; parkboard.org/ farmpark) . Listen to holiday music as you explore 100,000 lights set up in farmthemed displays.

Top

of the Rock

Here you can hop on a golf cart to drive the Lost Canyon Cave Nature Trail. It’s a 2.5-mile trek that has waterfalls, bridge crossings and a cave all year long—plus gorgeous lights displays during the winter holidays. Nature at Night (daily

through January 5) also includes some warm drinks.

Promised Land Zoo

It’s all about the twinkling lights at the Let There Be Lights! drive-through display (through December 31; plzoo.com/lights)

Live reindeer and Santa himself will be there too, along with musical trees, sweet Christmas treats, a gift shop and lots of other holiday fun.

Shepherd

of the Hills

Drive through the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills to see the Trail of Lights displays (through January 4; theshepherdofthehills.com). Many of them are themed or animated.

Branson

The Lights of Joy drive-through Christmas lights display (through January 5; lightsofjoydrivethru. com) features 250 displays to see from the comfort of your car. On weekends, guests can sip cocoa and take a photo with Santa.

The Whole Shebang

If you want to catch several displays in one festive night, go with the Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour (bransonlimoservice.com) . It takes you through downtown Branson, Branson Landing, Big Cedar Lodge’s Winter Wonderland, Lights of Joy and lots more.

COSMETIC SURGERY

PROFILES

Looking for a refresh? Not sure where to start? Begin with our Cosmetic Surgery Pro les. These professionals can help guide the way to a more radiant, con dent you!

The Center for Plastic Surgery at CoxHealth was founded on the belief that aging is a treatable condition, not a foregone conclusion. Their approach to slowing, preventing and even reversing the signs of aging is through early detection and appropriate intervention, combining state-of-the-art plastic surgery with scienti cally proven anti-aging therapeutics and products.

The Center for Plastic Surgery is dedicated to providing patients with individualized and effective plans. While ensuring the highest quality result, they strive to make your experience comfortable, convenient and effective. The doctors have more than 50 years’ combined experience.

Dr. Shaw is an international expert on facial aging and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Price is the originator of endoscopic plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Barnes has trained with world-renowned plastic surgeons and takes a “primary care approach.”

The Center for Plastic Surgery is proud to have a doctor in every 417 Magazine Top Doctors’ plastic surgery category.

BY

PHOTO

KATY ST. CLAIR

Carl Price, MD; Connor Barnes, MD; Robert Shaw, MD

Swann Dermatology Partners is dedicated to their patients and the highest standards of care. With fellowship training in laser and cosmetic dermatology, dermatologist and practice director Mike Swann, MD, is an international speaker and instructor and winner of numerous awards. He leads a team of highly trained and talented board-certi ed dermatologists devoted to advanced surgical procedures and complex dermatology, as well as a range of effective and safe cosmetic treatments. Along with Dr. Swann, Drs. Brett Neill and Michael Kremer have a devoted team to educate you on the many services they provide, including face and neck lifting, laser resurfacing with UltraClear and CO2, injectables and a myriad of the most proven technologies available. Each patient’s plan is built speci cally for them, with personalized care designed to deliver results that maximize both beauty and health. Ready to learn more about the Swann Dermatology Partners team and practice? Tour their newest facility across from Cox South Hospital and discover why patients choose them for care in southwest Missouri.

Standing Left to Right: Maria Gonzalez MS RT, Elisha Kaffenberger Cosmetic Director, Manon Klein RN, Cydney Herndon LE, April Loehr LE,Veronica Burch eld RN, Autumn Bertholdi PA-C,Lori Miller NP-C, Celynda Jeffreys RN, Clinical Manager, Brooklyn Fort NP-C, Hannah Lee FNP-BC, Patricia Duggan PA-C, Jade Brown LE, Heather Hawk Integrative Manager

Seated Left to right: Michael Kremer MD, Michael Swann MD, Brett Neill MD

BY KIENSTRA

417-887-3223 VOS-BEAUTY.COM 1965 S. FREMONT AVE., SUITE 120 SPRINGFIELD

Eperience matters—but so do you.

The longstanding legacy held by Dr. Kienstra and the team at Vos speaks for itself. Their exclusive training and years of experience in the face and neck continue to make them Spring eld’s provider of choice for facial aesthetics. But while experience is part of your decision— and certainly worth mentioning—their focus is abundantly clear.

You are the heart of Vos. In fact, the name “Vos” is Latin for “you.”

Vos is predicated upon understanding each patient’s unique story while ensuring every service is tailored to enhance your appearance and overall sense of self.

Dr. Kienstra and the team at Vos offer a wide range of facial procedures—including rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery, brow lifts, laser skin resurfacing, photo rejuvenation and Botox and llers.

Your uniqueness should be celebrated, and your journey toward self-assurance is their shared commitment. If you are looking to increase your con dence, reveal more luminous skin or reverse the signs of aging, give their team a call.

The team at Vos is passionate about helping you achieve a con dent, natural beauty that’s uniquely–you

PHOTO

Cindy; Rikki; Beth; Veronica; Stacy; Matthew A. Kienstra, MD, FACS; Melissa Belk, NP; Danielle; Becca; Shelley; Jen; Samantha; Suzie; Sarah

SHAH PLASTIC SURGERY

417-742-7424 | SHAHPLASTICSURGERY.COM

1530 E. BRADFORD PARKWAY, SPRINGFIELD

At Shah Plastic Surgery, the patient experience is the top priority. Each procedure is uniquely tailored to an individual’s needs. Maximum results can be achieved by combining procedures such as breast augmentation and lift, tummy tuck and liposuction, as well as incisionless neck lift and eyelid surgery. Dr. Shah also provides a unique line of treatments speci cally for men, such as hair restoration, testosterone treatments, and comprehensive sculpting of the chest and abdomen using advanced high-de nition liposuction techniques. Patients can enjoy the privacy of a VIP surgical experience in their accredited surgical suite. Experience Excellence. Call today.

Dr. Bharat Shah

TheLongWay

Reaching the Top Together

This past summer, Spring eld fth grader Elliott LaBarr and his dad, Cameron, took on the challenge of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. WHERE TO WANDER

BY TESSA COOPER

e Long Way

MOUNT

Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing moun-

tain above sea level. Just like any great experience with some risk involved, there are some restrictions on who can climb the mountain. One of them is that you have to be at least age 10.

Just a handful of weeks after his 10th birthday, Elliott LaBarr became one of the youngest ever to summit the 19,341-foot mountain. Along with his dad, Cameron, and a group of eight friends, they spent more than seven days climbing a total of 42 miles.

Any sight you see while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is rare, but spotting a kid attempting the feat was one of the most unique for several hikers. During the trek, Elliott was practically a celebrity for anyone they’d cross paths with or meet at camps, and many wanted their photo taken with him.

Although we can all agree he’s earned the bragging rights, Elliott isn’t one to boast about the achievement of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at such a young age. However, he joked about starting to charge for these encounters. He even came up with a very reasonable pricing structure. “Fist bumps were $2, high ves were $5, and then a picture was $15,” he says. “Videos were $30.”

The experience led them through ve ecological climate zones with vastly di erent landscapes. Elliott has a strong love of wildlife and the outdoors, stemming from his experiences at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife summer camps. One of his favorite parts of the experience was seeing di erent species of animals, like the black-and-white colobus monkeys that look like skunks and the white-necked ravens.

Elliott LaBarr holds the journal he used to document his trip up Mount Kilimanjaro.

While it certainly felt like summer at the base of the mountain, the temperatures dropped as they progressed, and they started seeing fewer animals. To remind the group to preserve their energy, the guides often chanted

PHOTO

“pole pole,” which translates to “slowly, slowly” in Swahili.

On day three, the elevation started to get to Elliott, and he got sick and threw up. At that point, Cameron asked Elliott how he felt about the next few days and reminded him there was no pressure to continue. He simply replied, “Well, what are we going to do? Not do it?”

After watching Elliott struggle but realizing how determined he was to nish, Cameron pulled the lead guide aside and asked for feedback on the next steps. He asked how Elliott was doing compared to other kids his age. The guide, who has led around 250 expeditions up Kilimanjaro to date, said that he had never taken a kid as young as Elliott on the hike before, so he didn’t have a reference point. However, he assured Cameron he thought Elliott was doing ne and that they could take it day by day and re-evaluate.

THE ELEMENT SPRINGFIELD

“It seemed like there was a threshold that Elliott went through, and the guides worked through it with us,” Cameron says. “Really, everybody in the group had their own physical and mental breakthrough. When you got past it, things were much better.”

Family Tradition

Cameron and Elliott took their first trip together to occupy Elliott’s break between pre-school and kindergarten. They have done it ever since. Here are the places their travels have taken them.

2019: Table Rock Lake, Dogwood Canyon and the Glade Top Trail in the Mark Twain National Forest

2020: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park

2021: Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks

2022: Admiralty Island, Tongass National Forest, and Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska

2023: Glacier National Park and the challenging Crypt Lake Trail in the Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada

GATHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH BRYAN PROPERTIES

Increasing flexibility and convenience for groups, Element’s

e Long Way

WE FOUND THREE LOCAL SPOTS WHERE YOU CAN ICE SKATE OUTSIDE IN THE CRISP WINTER AIR THIS SEASON.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

ICE SKATING JUST hits different when you do it outside. There’s just something so festive and comforting and special about bundling up in your favorite scarf and mittens, and feeling the brisk December breeze as it nips at your cheeks. Plus, a hot mug of something warm never tastes better than it does

BAD WEATHER ALERT!

Okay, we know the weather won’t be conducive to outdoor skating every single day. When you have the itch to skate but can’t do it outside, head to Brightspeed Ice Park in Spring eld for year-round indoor ice skating.

after an activity like that. (There’s a reason why some people enjoy the cozy aprés ski experience even more than skiing, after all.) This season, head to Ozark, Nixa and Branson to take part in this cozy-fun outdoor winter tradition.

In Nixa Cassidy Station (cassidystation.com) has gone all

out this holiday season with loads of fun family events—including Christmas Ice Skating. This outdoor rink is situated on the scenic Estes Farms and is open through December 31. A 30-minute skate session is $12 and includes skates. And when you’re finished skating, you can head over to the Mercantile to do a little bit of holiday shopping, or stick around at the farm for one of their many other holiday season events, like cooking making, wreath making, a live reindeer experience, a Christmas market, a lot filled with Christmas trees and so much more. They’ve gone big for the holidays this year!

In Branson

At Big Cedar Lodge (bigcedar.com) , an ice rink has been set up for the season in the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn area of the resort. Skating is $15 for overnight resort guests, but non-guests can join the fun too for $20. There’s a twinkling Christmas tree at the center of the rink, and every evening features a music and light show. Big Cedar’s all-weather synthetic ice rink is open through February 8. In December, you can skate from noon–9 p.m. daily, and throughout January and February it’s open 4–9 p.m. daily.

In Ozark

This one is less a big, round rink and more a scenic path. If you attend the Jingle! event (jingleholiday.com/springfield) in Ozark this season, you can add an ice skating ticket and spend a little time gliding down a path that winds through loads of twinkling Christmas lights. Read our full story about everything happening at Jingle! on p. 29.

MAKE YOUR 2024 WORTH IT

Make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year.

Support Resurrection Church’s Day of Caring by making a monetary donation. Our goal is to raise $35,000 to fund initiatives that aid local schools and families in need. Every gift, large or small, is appreciated and tax-deductible, providing both community impact and a benefit to you. Join us in continuing our mission of care and compassion through your generosity.

Donate today by scanning the QR code or send donations to PO Box 9343, Springfield, MO 65801

IMAIN STREETS

Beat the Winter Blues in Lebanon

FROM STATE PARK HIKES AND CASTING A LINE TO BOUTIQUE SHOPPING AND FANCY DINNERS, EXPLORE LEBANON’S HIDDEN GEMS AND YEAR-ROUND FUN.

BY TARYN SHORR-MCKEE

F IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU last visited Lebanon, it’s time to make another trip. The small town has seen major revitalization in the past couple of years, particularly downtown, and there’s more to explore than ever before. No matter how chilly it gets, Lebanon offers a perfect day trip from anywhere in 417-land, with plenty of opportunities for cozy fun.

Hike & Fish

Best known as a warm-weather trout fishing destination, the serene Bennett

Spring State Park offers plenty of winter adventures, too. From November through February, the park allows catchand-release fishing Friday through Monday. Its five hiking trails are accessible year-round. The 300-foot-long namesake feature on the long-ish but easygoing Natural Tunnel Trail showcases the Ozarks’ distinct karst topography—and keeps little ones entertained.

Grab a Bite

“Café” may be in its name, but don’t dismiss Café Jude’s as just a place to get a

Bennett Springs State Park offers great hikes and beautiful scenery.

cup of coffee (while you’re here, though, try the Honey Cardamom Latte). After a recent move into a historic State Savings Bank building downtown, Jude’s expanded its food offerings to include breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy a surprisingly well-curated selection of Missouri beers and wines, thanks to owner Matt Starnes’ background working at wineries. Playing even more on that experience, the cafe hosts free wine tastings on Mondays, monthly wine pairing dinners and out-of-the-box culinary workshops, as well as open mic nights, trivia and concerts.

Play a While

The popular Springfield-based restaurant Big Whiskey’s opened a location in Lebanon last summer, introducing “Whiskey’s Yard,” a concept that was several years in the making. The “yard” features cornhole and other outdoor games, plus fire pits, so you can enjoy some friendly competition even when it’s cold out. Inside, enjoy the elevated sports bar fare Big Whiskey’s is known for, plus weekday happy hour, weekend brunch and—what else?—whiskey flights.

Retail Therapy

Dozens of boutiques, bakeries, thrift stores, antique shops and unique, only-in-a-small-town businesses (we’re looking at you, Vintage Flower Market and Massey’s Comics) line Commercial Street, Lebanon’s main thoroughfare. You can easily spend an afternoon shopping, eating and drinking your way through downtown. Don’t miss First Friday, and off the main strip, check out the massive Heartland Antique Mall and Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets.

EN

ROUTE

Old-Fashioned and Super-Festive

THE HISTORY-STEEPED TOWN OF ST. CHARLES GETS VERY, VERY INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON. PLAN A TRIP TO VISIT THIS MONTH AND TAKE PART IN ALL THE FESTIVE FUN.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

Watch

The Santa Parade is a big draw during the holiday season, and it takes place every Saturday and Sunday at noon during the month of December. It features di erent historical Santas from around the world marching down Main Street, as well as carolers decked out in Victorian garb and belting holiday tunes.

PHOTO BY MARY VAN WINKLE

Eat

On Saturdays and Sundays after the parade, stick around in downtown St. Charles for a bite to eat. You can snack on chestnuts that have literally been roasted on an open re as street vendors demonstrate how to make the traditional snack. Or, pop into a local restaurant like Magpie’s Café. There you can get atbread pizza, sandwiches, pasta and more in a building that was built in 1812.

Party

Head to St. Charles for the Santa Parade through Main Street or the freshly roasted chestnuts.

The Krampus Karnival takes place every Wednesday and Friday in December and is inspired by lore from around the world. There’s Krampus, the furry, horned folkloric gure who visits kids on December 5 and is not-so-nice to the naughty ones. There’s Mari Lwyd (the skeletal horse from Welsh culture), Greek trolls, Gryla the Ice-

landic ogress, Kallikantzaroi Christmas goblins and more. There’s a creepy, macabre and carnival-eque atmosphere at this quirky event.

Stay

If you’re traveling with your whole family, opt to stay at The St. Charles Guest

House, a renovated house that sleeps up to nine people. It has a game room with shu eboard, old-school Nintendo consoles and more to keep the kids entertained. For a couple, try Boone’s Colonial Inn, with rooms that hearken to the 18th century but feature modern amenities and package options with charcuterie boards, French aperitifs, chocolate and prosecco and more.

Explore

Just wandering around town is an activity lled with moments of holiday joy. Pop into Covent Garden, a Victorian Marketplace in St. Charles’s Berthold Square that is meant to emulate the vibe of street vendors in 19th-century London. While you’re there, visit Eight Maids Wassail Tavern for some spiced cider.

Lawn Care Pride in

Reliable, regular attention for a healthy lawn, all year long.

At Home

This Home Is a Mood

The Shelton family’s historic Midtown home is the scene for holiday fun.

BY HEATHER KANE KOHLER

PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATY ST. CLAIR

ARTFUL SPACES

WHEN KATIE SHELTON ISN’T PERFORMING with her band The Mixtapes or working at her shop, Springfield Mercantile Co. (326 E. Commercial St., Springfield) , you can probably find her at home with her family. Along with her husband and band partner, Johnny, she gathers with their two daughters, Poesy

Katie Shelton has reworked several spaces in her older home to make the rooms work for her family. Installing a fireplace has been a muchloved addition.

The Sheltons’ colorful home has lots of little bits of joy, like a cute skunk collection.

At Home

(13) and Hope (22), around a table full of pancake stacks. “I love making huge breakfasts for the family,” says Katie. “My youngest daughter is a pancake master, and we love creating big, beautiful spreads to gather around!”

Life is busy for the Sheltons but they are always keeping things interesting.

Color is a big part of the Sheltons’ home, with beautiful hues throughout every room.

Katie loves to entertain, throwing parties and dinners. One of those is an annual mashed potato party. Guests bring a dish of mashed potatoes, gravy or a side, and then they eat mashed potatoes until they’re about to burst.

The Shelton family also loves the slow-down of winter and partaking in cozy activ -

“I love making huge breakfasts for the family. My youngest daughter is a pancake master, and we love creating big, beautiful spreads to gather around!”

ities at home, like songwriting, baking and crafting.

Katie’s home is a historic gem nestled in Midtown with a large wrap-around porch and plenty of that “old home quirkiness.”

The family has embraced the home’s uniqueness over the years and has learned to create the space and storage they need based on the demands of their lives at that moment. “I have four doors in my bedroom, and not one of them is a closet,” says Katie. “We converted an extra room into a closet room, and it has been so much easier to keep things organized.”

Before she acquired a craft studio outside of her home and her Commercial Street shop, the space also functioned as a crafting space.

The family also turned the study into their main living space, allowing for a music room in the original living room. “It lives in various degrees of disarray, depending on the time of year, but it is wonderful to have a dedicated space for instruments,” says Katie. “In the slower months we get more of a chance to write music, sometimes even with our 13-yearold daughter, who has quite the gift for melody and lyrics.” And that’s no sur -

At Home

“It is no secret that I love to surround myself with color.”

are the perfect touch for everything from beverages to home decor.

prise, knowing how talented her musical parents are.

Some of Katie’s favorite DIYs were adding fireplaces to their bedroom and what is now their living room. The unique shape of the living room and its non-functional door in the corner were challenging to work around. “We had an entertainment center sitting in front of it for a few years, but finally had the idea to build a wall in front of it and create more of a focal point with the fireplace,” says Katie. “The fireplace we added to our bedroom really brings the cozy when it’s rainy or chilly out.”

When it came to decorating their older home Katie embraced color—including using pink in her living room to evoke a comforting feeling that’s also playful. “It is no secret that I love to surround myself with color,” says Katie.

She describes her personal home style as fun and eclectic, and she always takes her time and decorating with unique items and decor that bring a sentimental element to the space. Her decorated shelves, stacks of blankets and porch full of plants all tell a story.

Dealing with an older home and its quirkiness is just part of living in the Midtown area. “We have unique restaurants and shops on Commercial Street, as well as beautiful historic homes all around us,” says Katie. “We love it here.”

The Joy of Juniper

Discover all the amazing ways to use juniper berries in your home this season.

Juniper berries are well known for their calming fragrance, so they are good for any creations that involve relaxation and stress relief as well. “Evergreen coniferous trees have a wonderful shelf life, even without water,” says Kim James, owner of Frizzle Flower Farm. James forages juniper berries and branches from her property to create custom wreaths and evergreen arrangements throughout the fall and winter seasons.

She recommends stripping any greenery o the stem that will be touching the water when creating fresh arrangements in your home and adding in other branches with berries to create more interest. “I love making juniper garlands and swags with dried oranges to hang around the house as well,” she says.

Edible juniper berries have a pine-like taste, which makes them a popular ingredient for seasoning recipes and infusing

beverages. Keep in mind that there are many types of junipers, and not all are edible. The juniperus communis is what is safe to cook with and is commonly found in the Ozarks area. The berries will be so and easily drop from the branches when you shake them. Juniper berries are the primary flavoring for gin but can be used for so many other things than just gin. Many restaurants use juniper berries as a seasoning.

IN THE GARDEN / BY HEATHER KANE KOHLER

Juniper berries

At Home

A True Ozarks Experience

THE SPEED FAMILY HAS CREATED A UNIQUE AND RUGGED AIRBNB ON THEIR PROPERTY NEAR THE FINLEY RIVER.

BY HEATHER KANE KOHLER

SOMETIMES THE Ozarks just call to you. At least that was the case for April and Paul Speed. After decades of working as creative directors in the Chicago advertising scene, the two decided to move closer to family in the Ozarks and start a family of their own. “The Ozarks is such a rugged, beautiful place and rich in history,” says April. “I have experienced

a lot of places but there is just something uniquely ‘Ozarks’ about the Ozarks.”

In 2006 the couple stumbled on an old parcel of land in Ozark next to the Finley River. It was a rare nd: a wooded property with a water feature in the middle of a historic town with convenient access to Highway 65. April knew this was where they wanted to raise their sons.

Tax records on the land date back to 1833, about the same time the Ozark Mill was established. The property had a

100-year-old Craftsman home and an old barn. They immediately began renovations. “Being preservationists, the restorations on the historic house and structures were just another creative outlet for us,” says April. “We also restored and repurposed the barn as a commercial photography studio, complete with all the modern amenities.”

Many years later the Speeds became the proprietors of the huge ea market, Camp

The Speed family’s renovated barn serves as a cozy AirBnB alongside the Finley River.

Flea Antique Mall and Antique Market, at 900 W. Elm St. in Ozark. Their new endeavor seemed to align perfectly with April’s deep love for the Ozarks. “I like the history and the campy playfulness of this region,” says April. “It’s got a sense of humor.” As business boomed at Camp Flea, the barn they used as the photography studio wasn’t getting much use. It was then that April’s sister-in-law, Jennifer Jackson, recommended they turn the barn space into a short-term rental. Jackson, owner of the Spring eld Business Journal, also owns several successful Airbnbs in the Spring eld area and mentored the Speeds on getting started. “It was a great suggestion,” says April. “We’ve been fully booked since opening last March.”

When the Speeds converted the barn into a studio back in 2006, they had wanted a wide-open oor plan with high ceilings. They took out a majority of the expansive

hayloft but left about a third of it for an o ce. That space is now used as a bedroom, and they retained the narrow wooden staircase leading up to it. “When you are high up among the original rafters, you are completely surrounded in aged barn wood and beams,” says April. “It is here that you feel the most connected to the barn.” April especially loves being in the hayloft while it

“Being preservationists, the restorations on the historic house and structures were just another creative outlet for us.”

—April Speed

As proprietors of Camp Flea Antique Mall and Antique Market the Speeds leans into the history of the Ozarks region both on the job and through their decor.

rains. They also added a stateof-the-art kitchen to be used for food photography.

The furnishing and the decor of the barn have a Joshua Tree Motel vibe. April says she did a photo shoot for Nintendo in Joshua Tree National Park in the 1990s, and there was only one motel in the area for the crew to stay in—and it was in the middle of nowhere. Her room had trippy roadside interior and a buzzing ice machine glowing neon green outside her window. The aesthetic left an impression. “I think that experience along with spending the summers at my parents’ 1960s Table Rock Lake cabin was the visual catalyst for most of my designs,” she says.

Naturally, a good portion of the barn’s kitschiness has been found at Camp Flea.

“Above the main cocktail lounge in the barn, we hung an enormous vintage electric moving waterfall scene, complete with chirping birds and a babbling brook,” says April.

“Funky details like this help tell our story.”

Layers of other elements give the barn a campy style, like piles of vintage Pendleton camp blankets and brightly colored crocheted granny afghans that guests are able to use. April says everything in the space is functional and has a purpose, yet it is intended to make you smile.

From housing cows and hay to being the hot spot for the Speeds’ hootenanny parties and photography sessions, the old barn has lived many lives. The Speeds are happy to share their little slice of heaven with guests near and far.

GIVING BACK PROFILES

Non pro t organizations play a vital role in enriching the community. From supporting local education initiatives to providing essential services for vulnerable populations, these local organizations demonstrate a deep commitment to improving the community. Their dedication and collaborative e orts make for a stronger, more compassionate city.

Ways to give back

Donate Financial donations provide scholarships for campers and contribute to the overall sustainability of the organization. campbarnabas.org/donate. Camp Barnabas welcomes physical donations such as food, camp/sports equipment, and other items that help o set the cost of camp.

Volunteer

• Counselors (15–29 years) experience the week side-byside with a camper.

• Barnstormers (13–14 years) serve food and clean during the week.

• Cabin Parents (30 and up) provide extra support and encouragement for cabins.

• Nurses and physicians play a crucial role as Med Team members.

• Service groups come year-round to keep the camp looking beautiful and ready to serve campers.

Changing Lives Through Disability Ministry

CAMP BARNABAS offers a life-changing week for individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses in a safe, fun and caring environment. Campers build lasting friendships, experience the adventure and exhilaration of camp, and leave changed by the transformative power of the Gospel.

Camp Barnabas is a week full of water slides, shing, canoeing, archery, ziplining, devotions, parties and so much more. Every activity is fully adapted, ensuring all campers, regardless of ability, can participate. Campers are paired with trained student volunteers (counselors) to receive the care and support they need.

This year, Camp Barnabas celebrated 30 years of ministry and welcomed 1,489 campers with 143 unique diagnoses, and more than 2,600 volunteers from across the country.

Getting involved at Camp Barnabas offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of individu -

als with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Whether through volunteering or giving, every contribution helps make Camp Barnabas a place of love and inclusion for all.

To nd out more, visit www.campbarnabas.org or email info@campbarnabas.org.

CAMP BARNABAS

417-476-2565

CAMPBARNABAS.ORG 901 TEAS TRAIL, PURDY, MO 65734

Ways to give back

Donate Codefi’s work is funded through grants and charitable donations, enabling them to o er startup services, programs, and adult so ware developer training at no cost. This support also helps keep youth coding education a ordable for schools. Additionally, they rely on word of mouth and personal referrals to connect with the individuals and communities they aim to support.

Impact Nearing $100 million economic impact:

• 80 startups launched.

• $45 million follow-on capital.

• 600 trained adult so ware developers.

• 400 new jobs created.

• 4,000 student participants in youth coding education.

• 500 co-working members.

• $2 million annual wage increase.

• $30 million revenue generated.

Innovation Should Not Be Limited

CODEFI is dedicated to bridging the digital divide between larger metropolitan areas and the smaller communities of southern Missouri. Founded by Dr. James Stapleton and Chris Carnell in November 2014, Code began as a co-working space and tech incubator in Cape Girardeau, driven by a personal mission to create opportunities in regions often overlooked by the digital economy.

At the heart of Code ’s mission is the belief that opportunities should not be limited by one’s zip code. Through partnerships with local organizations, Code builds innovation ecosystems that educate and train digital workers, nurture tech entrepreneurs and attract tech companies. Their strategic programs offer tech startups comprehensive support, including capital-raising assistance that has helped multiple founders secure funding, with total portfolio investments approaching $50 million in equity capital, while fostering economic diversity and future-proof jobs.

Code also emphasizes youth education through its Youth Coding League, offering accessible computer science education

to equip the next generation of tech leaders with critical skills. They rely on grant funding and charitable donations to offer startup services and adult software developer training programs for free while keeping the cost of youth coding education low for schools. With a second headquarters in Spring eld and a commitment to eliminating opportunity gaps, Code is transforming communities and empowering individuals across the lower 47 counties of southern Missouri to thrive in the digital economy.

Ways to give back

• Open a donor-advised fund to support your charitable goals.

• Convert stock or other appreciated assets into charitable gi s.

• Put an IRA’s required minimum distribution toward an endowed fund.

• Open a designated fund to support your favorite nonprofit.

• Set up a scholarship endowment to support students.

• Establish a corporate grantmaking fund for your business.

Giving Made Personal

By making the power of philanthropy accessible to donors, nonpro ts and businesses, the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS improves the quality of life for Spring eld and southern and central Missouri—and it all begins with passionate donors like you.

The year-end giving season is an advantageous time to assess your charitable goals and nalize your annual tax strategy. Options include establishing your own charitable fund, converting gifts of stock or other appreciated assets into charitable gifts, and using a required IRA minimum distribution to start or add to an endowed fund. The CFO knows exibility and service are key—its Development and Philanthropic Services team, led by Ashley Silva, is available to answer your philanthropic questions and will work with your nancial advisor to nd options that are right for you and your family.

The CFO staff’s passion is to turn purposeful giving into a transformative force to build stronger communities across

the region. With more than $500 million in charitable assets and 55 af liate foundations across the state, the CFO has distributed more than $600 million back to communities over the last half century.

Winter Kinne, President and CEO

Ashley Silva, Vice President of Development and Philanthropic Services

Ways to give back

Volunteer Anyone can play a role in bringing help and hope to hurting people. Visit convoy.org/volunteer to learn more about these volunteer opportunities:

• Community Events

• Hope Crew

• Build a Kit

• Field Teams

• Driving Team

Donate When you donate to Convoy of Hope, you help feed children, empower women, train farmers, bring relief to disaster survivors and give hope to communities all over the world. More than $0.92 of every dollar donated directly supports program work. Visit convoy.org/donate to support Convoy’s mission.

Providing Hope in Every Storm

CONVOY OF HOPE was founded in the United States in 1994 by Hal Donaldson. His inspiration for starting the organization can be traced back to the many people who helped his family after his father, Harold, was killed by a drunk driver in 1969. It is Convoy of Hope’s privilege to work with churches, businesses, government agencies, and other nonpro ts to provide help to the impoverished, hungry, and hurting.

For Convoy, the Ozarks is more than a strategic location—it’s home. Convoy of Hope is honored to partner with dozens of local churches, organizations, and other nonpro ts to serve their community each year.

In addition to serving the 417-area, Convoy works all over the United States and the globe.

After Hurricane Helene devastated much of the Southeast, Convoy was on the ground in the immediate aftermath providing relief to survivors in six different states.

“You guys met a tremendous need,” said Joe Gabbard,

pastor of Vidalia First Assembly in Vidalia, Georgia. “It was a huge blessing to our community.”

Convoy has a driving passion to feed the world and bring help and hope to hurting people. Although they’ve already served more than 292 million people to date, they’re just getting started.

CONVOY OF HOPE

417-823-8998

1 CONVOY DRIVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802

MAIL DONATIONS: P.O. BOX 1125, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65801

Ways to give back

Donate The daily goal at DCO is to help change the lives of the children and adults in their programs, as well as their families. They count on DCO and their community of supporters to achieve this goal. Your donation, big or small, is crucial.

Volunteer Whether you can volunteer weekly or just one day a year, every bit of time you give makes a di erence. DCO events play a key role in fundraising, and their children’s building o ers flexible volunteer opportunities. Your support in their adult programs also brings immense value to students eager to keep learning.

Everyone Deserves a Chance To Learn

At the DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER OF THE OZARKS (DCO) , they believe everyone deserves a chance to learn.

On October 4, 1954, the United Cerebral Palsy Center of Southwest Missouri began providing therapies and educational support for children with cerebral palsy. Originally operating out of a small section of Burge Hospital, where polio patients were also being treated, the center offered group therapies to support medical care and socialization.

As community needs evolved and public schools developed special education programs, the center broadened its services and eventually became DCO. Today, DCO serves individuals of all ages and abilities, not limited by age, diagnosis or location. Services now reach families in their homes, public spaces, parks, daycare centers and even retail locations. These services help children develop key learning skills while preparing them for school and assist adults with disabilities in gaining meaningful employment, volunteer opportunities and deeper community involvement.

DCO is celebrating 70 years of service and offers tours of its current campus, which includes an inclusive childcare program—serving children ages six weeks to six years—an adult day center, learning facilities and employment services of ces. Looking ahead to the future, DCO remains focused on continuing its legacy of innovation and support for individuals and families in need.

DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER OF THE OZARKS (DCO) 417-829-0800

DCOONLINE.COM 1545 E. PYTHIAN ST., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802

Ways to give back

Donate Serving over 1,400 families monthly, a $64 donation provides a week’s worth of food for a family. Food donations are also welcome on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Volunteer We match every skill and passion for anyone over the age of 18. If you want to volunteer to feed people and change lives, you can email volunteer@ leastofthesefoodpantry.org.

Advocate Looking for other ways to help? Visit the pantry for a tour, learn how they serve neighbors in need, and share that knowledge. Together, we can ensure no child goes to bed hungry and no senior skips a meal.

The Fight Against Food Insecurity

LEAST OF THESE, INC. , founded in 1998, is the only full-service food pantry in Christian County, Missouri. The county’s rapid growth has outpaced economic resources, leaving over 11,000 residents in poverty. The organization provides 5-7 days of supplemental food (about 50 meals) monthly to around 1,400 local families, offering essential proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains. Early 2024 has seen an 82% increase in individuals served compared to pre-COVID levels.

Least Of These purchases food at reduced costs, providing a full cart of groceries to a family for just $64. This support helps families manage other essential expenses. The organization, supported by 300 volunteers, goes beyond food aid by identifying the root causes of food insecurity and connecting families to additional resources. In 2023, they served over 45,000 individuals, distributing

more than 2.1 million pounds of food. Food distributions occur every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and monthly on Thursday evenings, with mobile pantries serving Clever, Chadwick and Spokane.

LEAST OF THESE, INC.

417-724-2500

LEASTOFTHESEFOODPANTRY.ORG

1720 W. JAMES RIVER RD., OZARK, MO 65721

Ways to give back

Donate Springfield Ballet is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach and collaboration.

As a 501(c)(3), the Ballet depends on the support of community partners to further its mission.

Sponsor The Ballet Partner annual campaign provides Springfield Ballet resources to increase its impact on Springfield-area families through outreach and tuition scholarship opportunities and the ability to provide professional quality one-of-a-kind performances. By becoming a Ballet Partner, you are united with Springfield Ballet in fulfilling its mission “to advance the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach and collaboration.”

Transforming Lives Through Dance

One of the core components of the mission at SPRINGFIELD BALLET is to bring the art of ballet to their community. They do that through a variety of outreach activities; two of the most impactful are the Dance Chance program and performances for second grade students.

Dance Chance is a free after-school program offered to kindergarten through third-grade students in Title I Spring eld Public Schools. Each participating school receives a demonstration and information on the program from Spring eld Ballet’s students and faculty in an assembly. After this demonstration, interested students sign up for the weekly after-school classes conducted at each site. Over 1,878 students, who might otherwise not have had the opportunity, have received instruction through this program in the past 17 years.

Each year, as part of the Kennedy Center’s Any Given Child Initiative, Spring eld Ballet also buses second-grade students in the Spring eld Public Schools to the Historic

Landers Theatre to experience a live abridged performance of either The Nutcracker in the fall or the spring production. For many, this is their rst live performance and exposure to ballet. More than 50,000 students have been exposed to the art of ballet through this program.

Learn more and support Spring eld Ballet’s community outreach at spring eldballet.org.

SPRINGFIELD BALLET 417-862-1343

SPRINGFIELDBALLET.ORG 411 N. SHERMAN PKWY, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802

Hope and Healing

Founded in 1976, THE VICTIM CENTER (TVC) was established as the area’s rst crisis hotline for sexual assault victims. Today, it serves as a vital resource for victims of all ages, genders and backgrounds in Southwest Missouri, offering comprehensive, free-of-charge services for violent and sexual crimes. This includes individual and group counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention and court support. TVC served more than 3,000 people in 2023 through direct service programs and more than 6,000 in prevention education.

TVC is committed to walking alongside victims on their journeys to healing. There is no limit to the types or number of services they can receive, addressing issues ranging from sexual and domestic violence to child abuse, vehicular crime, human and sex traf cking and elder abuse. While services are free for victims, they are not without expense. Generous donors can contribute a one-time gift or join the Champions of Hope giving circle with a monthly recurring donation. Contributions of $100 or more qualify

Ways to give back

Donate Donors with an individual or business-related tax liability have the opportunity to take advantage of state tax credits. By making a $100 or higher contribution to The Victim Center, you can apply for tax credits valued at 70% of your gi . Please reach out to Jen Battagler, Director of Development and Marketing, at jbattagler@thevictimcenter.org to find out more information.

Volunteer Our volunteer victim advocates are essential, front-line volunteers who provide victims with support, comfort and resources in the a ermath of a crime. The Victim Center’s crisis hotline is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, thanks to our volunteer victim advocates. To learn more, email hope@thevictimcenter.org or visit www.thevictimcenter.org/ volunteer.

for a 70% state tax credit, providing a meaningful way to support the community. Volunteer Victim Advocates help maintain the 24-hour hotline, committing to at least two shifts per month, while event sponsors receive public recognition for their support. Together, these efforts ensure that The Victim Center continues to provide lifesaving services of healing and hope.

THE VICTIM CENTER

417-863-7273

THEVICTIMCENTER.ORG 815 W. TAMPA ST., SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802

Ways to give back

Donate Support the man on the corner or the mother who can’t make her dollar stretch this holiday season. Your support will bring families together this Christmas, and give them tools to rebuild their lives.

Drink Coffee. Empower Women Equip Co ee is a cra co ee company that provides workforce experience for women leaving homelessness and traumatic situations. At Equip, interns are given the chance to gain real-world experience so that they can leave poverty behind for good, and you can start making a di erence with something you’re already doing daily—having a cup of co ee. Shop Equip Co ee at equipco ee.com

More Ways To Give Sponsor a Restoration participant. Honor someone special. Make a legacy gi . Benefit from an IRA rollover. Make a stock or property gi . Host a drive.

No Life Is Beyond Repair

VICTORY MISSION + MINISTRY has reached those facing poverty in 417-land for nearly 50 years. Victory helps people coming from poverty gain independence. From the mother who isn’t sure if she’ll ever reconnect with her children after prison to the man you see panhandling on your commute to work, Victory walks alongside people to help them build a new life.

Victory paves the way to recovery by addressing not only immediate needs, but the underlying issues that led to this point. Victory’s step-by-step programs aid individuals in resolving legal issues, obtaining personal documents and promoting health and hygiene. People get back to work with the help of on-the-job training through social enterprises like Equip Coffee. They open bank accounts, pay off debt, and learn to pay rent. Programs focus on repairing relationships with family and friends while encouraging a personal connection with Jesus for spiritual growth.

At Victory Mission, women and men experience transformation in an accountable environment. Join the mission to help the woman in crisis or the man on the corner rediscover their worth, purpose and potential.

Sponsored by:

COFFEE CULTURE

When you’re a regular at a co ee shop, it naturally becomes your third place. A third place is a space outside of your work or home where you feel most at ease and are able to connect with your community and share ideas. While churches, bars and gyms can all be third places, co ee shops are among the most common among 417-landers. We’re convinced that the sheer quality and quantity of co ee shops in the area rivals the selection in some of the largest cities in the world. So here’s an ode to these comforting places that have picked us up when we’ve been down and given us the energy to tackle our biggest projects, all in the name of ca eine.

selec

the cozy hangouts

Here’s where to go when you want to catch up with a friend or hunker down on a rainy day with a warm drink and a good book.

BIG MOMMA’S COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR

Multiple locations in North Spring eld

Big Momma’s is a true de nitionof a neighborhood co ee shop. Loaded with ample seating, it’s long been a laid-back community gathering place that will whip up a cup any way you like it. Their robust soup, salad and sandwich menu makes it a great place to grab lunch as well. If you need to commandeer your ca eine x in a ji y, pay a visit to their newly opened drive-thru location just a few blocks away, which has some exclusive specialty drinks on the menu.

Must-order pairing: Mint Momma + gooey butter cake

CHERRY PICKER PACKAGE & FARE

Rountree Neighborhood

This two-in-one concept is an example of what can happen when a set of talented business owners in Springeld team up. The Co ee Ethic and Good Spirits & Co. co-own Cherry Picker Package & Fare. Given that, it only makes sense that it’s a co ee shop by day and a bar by night. It’s pretty impressive what all they are able to whip up from the petite building, including cocktails, wine, toast, sandwiches and soup. There’s no place like the patio on a beautiful day.

Must-order pairing: Spice Oddity latte + everything bagel with citrus cream cheese

DANCING MULE COFFEE COMPANY

East Spring eld

Between the warm wood touches throughout the dining room and the menu written on a chalkboard, Dancing Mule Co ee Company perfectly exempli es the ultimate cozy co ee shop where you’re welcome to linger a while. One thing you’ll notice behind the co ee bar is the sheer amount of syrup bottles they have, so you can come expecting fun seasonal specials and pretty much any latte avor you’re craving. They make their seasonal syrup avors from scratch all year.

Must-order pairing: Mocha frappe + sausage cheddar scone

Miso caramel latte from Eurasia Coffee Co.

A dreamy stream of espresso from MudHouse Coffee.

EURASIA COFFEE CO.

Historic Commercial Street

There are so many spots to hide away in this co ee shop. There’s the mini loft that just seats two, the under-the-stairs nook in the boutique hotel’s lobby (our personal favorite) and the adjoining Fireside Gallery. While the seasonal beverages always impress, so do the specialty beverages that go beyond your basic vanilla. It’s also a great spot to post up around lunch. The grilled white cheddar sandwich with fuji apple and a cup of Indian tomato soup always hits the spot.

Must-order pairing: Miso caramel latte + salted brown butter Rice Crispies treat

THE EUROPEAN

Downtown Spring eld European Café recently moved into its sister location on the square, Rise. The 2-in-1 concept is now The European, where you can enjoy a full brunch alongside a seasonal specialty latte or classic espresso beverage. If you want to sip on an Americano or cappuccino that tastes just how they make it in Italy or France, this is where you should go. Make sure to sit on the patio that overlooks the beautiful historic buildings on the square to really get the full European experience.

Must-order pairing: Spiced French press + cardamom bun

HIDDEN GROUNDS AT THE FAIRBANKS

Grant Beach Neighborhood

With its exposed brick, full bookshelves, comfy seating and great ambient lighting, this co ee shop has all the necessary components of a cozy one. Not only will the atmosphere make you feel great, but so will its mission. It’s tucked inside

The Fairbanks, a community hub that o ers resources like

Traveling to the Source

Two local co ee shops have gone the distance to ensure they’re brewing the best, ethically sourced co ee for us.

RESPONSIBLE COFFEE SHOP OWNERS RESEARCH THE GROWING CONDITIONS OF THEIR beans that come from thousands of miles away. However, it takes a special level of dedication to invest the time and resources into visiting these farms in person and getting to know the growers on a rst-name basis.

Origin trips, as they call them, are a way for industry professionals to sample a variety of co ees, learn about quality control and form relationships with the farmers who make our favorite daily ritual of enjoying a cup possible.

The Co ee Ethic (downtown Spring eld) crew has taken origin trips to Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Guatemala and El Salvador over the years. These expeditions touch on their three mission statement pillars: cup, people and earth.

“Origin trips are a way for us to know for sure where our co ee is coming from and give us the opportunity to meet the people who are cultivating the co ee plant that produces the beans we roast,” says owner Michelle Billionis, who has personally been on origin trips to Colombia and Costa Rica. She took her rst origin trip to Huila, Colombia, in 2019 with Ally Co ee, and it forever changed the way she views the beverage. There, she met Rodrigo Sanchéz, a charismatic co ee farmer and entrepreneur who connects small farmers with co ee buyers through Clearpath Co ee.

On this trip, Rodrigo drove her up treacherous terrain to about six di erent small farms tucked away in the high elevation of the Andes Mountains. “We tasted some incredible co ees from the small farms located in remote areas in the mountains,” she recalls. “There are really some hidden gems there. The farmers had tremendous pride in their co ee, and their hospitality was over-the-top amazing. It was a very humbling experience.” Today, The Co ee Ethic still uses beans from many of the Colombian farms Billionis visited.

The co ee industry certainly deals with its fair share of supply chain issues, which is why sometimes an origin trip is taken primarily for the sake of building relationships in hopes of working with a farm years down the line. For example, Billionis still wants to source beans from the farms she visited in Costa Rica back in 2023.

Justin and Karen Beiler are the owners of Eurasia Co ee Co. (Historic Commercial Street District), and their co ee careers have also led them to some far corners of the world. Since the beginning, they’ve donated a minimum of 10% of their revenue to help with humanitarian e orts in various parts of Eurasia. The Beilers have personally visited some of the sites the shop’s donations bene t, but that’s not the only work-related traveling they do. They’ve also taken origin trips to Nepal.

“Nepal co ee farms aren’t like the ones in South America, where you have these big plantations,” Justin explains. “A lot of it is ancestral land that keeps getting split into smaller and smaller parcels over generations. So there’s a whole community of small farmers, not just one big farmer.”

Justin and Karen’s goal is to start sourcing the shop’s beans from farmers in Nepal, but they’ve got even bigger dreams beyond that. Aside from supporting existing farms, they want to use the skills they’ve gleaned from running both Eurasia Co ee Co. and their boutique hotel, Culture C-Street, to help Nepali locals start an agritourism co ee farm where visitors could stay and learn about the growing process.

At the end of the day, e orts like these further connect the co ee drinker with the co ee farmer, leading to an even greater appreciation for the beverage we always look forward to in the morning.

Your favorite local coffee shop could just be the one you’ve yet to discover. If you need a little push to explore, here are two ways.

NOTHING BEATS THE CAFFEINATED thrillof the chase that Spring eld Co ee Fest on Tour brings to Spring eld each year. This fundraising event bene ts Safe & Sober, and in exchange for just $15, you get a passport to more than a dozen local co ee shops where you can redeem either a barista’s choice single drink or a mini co ee ight. The only catch? You’ve got one month to try them all.

This is a challenge that Joel and Rachel Daugherty happily take on each year, and it’s their favorite local tradition. They always make sure to pace themselves and aim to visit just one to two shops a day, because they know their ca eine limits.

“When you get to the third place, you get a co ee high or the co ee shakes,” Rachel says.

The local co ee tour led Rachel to try shops in the parts of town that she doesn’t frequent. For example, she tried Brick & Mortar Co ee and Big Momma’s Co ee & Espresso Bar for the rst time because of the tour, and those have become some of her favorite joints.

If you’re more of a marathoner than a sprinter, you might prefer to participate in the Spring eld Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Ozarks Co ee Trail event, which takes place over the span of a year. It’s free to participate, and all you need to do is download a digital passport to gure out which co ee shops are on the lineup. Each time you check into a location you’ll earn points that you can redeem for an Ozarks Co ee Trail T-shirt or sticker pack. Plus, you get access to secret special menu items that no one else knows about.

access to food, free WiFi, a market garden and youth services. Hidden Grounds aims to help The Fairbanks and Drew Lewis Foundation further achieve its goals. If you love getting work done at co ee shops, you can join their Cup a Day membership for $25 a month. Businesses can also gift memberships to their remote workers. Must-order drink: Shot in the Dark Mocha

THE HIVE

Willard

The Hive is another coffee shop with a feel-good mission and welcoming atmosphere. The shop employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helps them gain marketable skills for their future careers. On the food side, they serve sandwiches like a French dip and a chicken salad, and for breakfast, you can expect o erings like biscuits, gravy, and avocado toast. The espresso menu features all the classics and then some, including a at white. Must-order pairing: Flat white + croissant with honey butter

MUDHOUSE COFFEE

Downtown Spring eld and Ozark

MudHouse Co ee certainly deserves credit for bringing contemporary co ee culture to Springeld. This approachable co ee shop exudes nostalgia, and not just because it’s been around for more than a quarter of a century. It’s also

because it’s often the place where budding java drinkers rst learn to appreciate local coffee. MudHouse Co ee recently branched into new territory by opening a location in Ozark complete with its signature cozy seating plus a spacious patio.

Must-order pairing:

Eye of the Tiger + The Boom Boom Breakfast Burrito

ROOTS COFFEE BAR

There’s nothing like spending a slow morning at Roots Co ee Bar, especially when the sunshine is pouring through the windows. This co ee shop is one of the few in town that still o ers a bottomless option, so it’s the perfect place to tackle your to-do list or read for leisure. Roots Co ee Bar also o ers a very extensive breakfast menu complete with hearty helpings of biscuits and gravy, French toast, oatmeal and yogurt parfaits.

Must-order pairing: Bottomless co ee + Gravy Boat

TRAVELLERS HOUSE

COFFEE & TEA

Multiple Locations

Travellers House is the perfect spot to go to if you’re craving a little hygge to go with your latte. The Republic Road and National Avenue locations both o er a unique experience but with a similar feel. They have private meeting rooms that you can reserve if you’re hosting a small get-together or

o -site meeting day. Not to mention, the kiosk at the Spring eld-Branson National Airport lets visitors know right o the bat that 417-land knows how to do co ee.

Must-order pairing:

Snickers latte + Monkey Mu n

VAULT COFFEE

Bolivar

This spot features warmly welcoming decor, cozy seating perfect for savoring every sip, and all the classics (well-made cortados and cappuccinos, tea lattes, single-origin brews, and more). They also o er some fun Italian soda avors, and a handful of “Cub’s Corner” drinks just for the kiddos. Must-order pairing: Platinum Paradise (mocha and coconut) + a fresh mu n

VINTAGE PARIS

COFFEE

Hollister

If you prefer your coffee with a good view, Vintage Paris Co ee is a must-visit. The co ee shop is right across the street from the Branson Scenic Overlook and has ample outdoor seating. Since 2012, Vintage Paris has been a community gathering place, and they often host live musical acts and pop-up events. The yellow building is just as cheerful on the outside as it is on the inside, with details like a co ee plant mural, vintage wood furniture and comfy couch seating.

Must-order pairing: Birdcage latte + biscotti

Pumpkin spice latte from The European

How To Brew the Perfect Cup at Home

Jon Marsh, owner of Brick & Mortar Co ee, explains the ins and outs of extracting the most avor out of your beans at home.

Tools You Need

• Co ee pot or pour-over co ee maker

• The corresponding co ee filters

• Gooseneck kettle (for pour-over method)

• Kitchen scale

• Co ee grinder

According to Marsh, you don’t necessarily need to run out and pur chase new equipment to make great-tasting co ee at home. “Most co ee pots are actually going to do a pretty decent job of making co ee, assuming that you get the dose and the grind setting right,” Marsh says.

the creative brewers

While the exact lter you need will vary based on your co ee pot, Marsh recommends getting white lters because they’re less likely to impart a paper-esq avor into your co ee.

However, a pour-over is a great option if you really want to netune your barista skills and have more control over how much avor you’re extracting from your beans. Marsh says that the Hario V60 Co ee Dripper is a great pour-over maker at an a ordable price point. Just make sure you’re using the matching V60 co ee lters.

The Measurements

For a Co ee Pot

A 1 to 15 ratio of co ee to water. So, about 1 tablespoon per 4-6 ounces of water, depending on your taste preference.

For a Pour-Over

For one 12-ounce cup of co ee, you’ll need 25 grams of co ee and 400 grams of water.

The Grind Setting

The appropriate setting will vary depending on your at-home co ee grinder, but you want a medium to medium-fine grind size.

Pour-Over Instructions

Heat 425 grams of water in a gooseneck kettle. Place your co ee cup on your kitchen scale with the Hario V60 Co ee Dripper and lter on top. Zero your scale. Wet your co ee lter with 25 grams of hot water, and discard the water. Add your co ee grinds. Zero your scale again. Pour 50 grams of water in a clockwise motion and let it drain into the cup for 30 to 45 seconds. Pour 110 more grams of water in a clockwise motion (the scale should read 160 grams). Stir the co ee and water, and let it drain for 30 to 45 seconds. Pour the remaining water until the scale reads 400 grams, and let it drain completely. Remove the co ee dripper, and enjoy your cup of co ee.

Note: The total brew time for a pour-over is about three minutes.

If you’re in the mood to astound your taste buds or just have a novel experience, these are the co ee shops that experiment with fun seasonal avors, host fun events, follow unique themes or even sell adorable goods you didn’t know you needed.

BLACK LAB COFFEE

Locations in Republic and Spring eld

Whether you’re visiting the Spring eld or the Republic location, you can bet on a quality cup from Black Lab Co ee. Their topping game is really strong, so expect anything from marshmallows to cookie crumbles to grace the top of your whipped cream. If you’re having a hard time choosing just one latte to try, order a ight. One last thing to note—we absolutely love the commitment to the dog theme. Must-order pairing: Goldendoodle + lemon poppyseed mu n bites

CAFE CUBANO

Southeast Spring eld

Formerly named Country Girls Espresso, Cafe Cubano rebranded in 2023 to re ect their specialties. The cafe is best known for Cuban sandwiches, but drinks have always been a big draw as well. They’ve got the American classics on the lineup, like mochas and lattes, as well as international specialties, like a café

con leche. In other words, there’s something for both adventurous and less adventurous co ee drinkers. Must-order pairing: Cuban co ee + Cuban sandwich

CLASSIC ROCK COFFEE CO. & KITCHEN

Multiple Locations

Classic Rock Co ee Co. & Kitchen is truly a concept like no other. They dole out ca einated beverages in a unique rock ’n’ roll-themed setting that 417-landers love. This adoration for the business has allowed it to expand to locations as far away as Egypt, but it all started right here in the Ozarks. Visit the agship location on West Sunset, where you can play a round of pickleball, pool or pingpong in the back at the Classic’s Yard.

Must-order pairing: Raspberry Beret + pu pastry breakfast pocket

EL CAFECITO

Southwest Spring eld At El Cafecito, you come for the decadent and spiced co ee bev-

erages but stay for the authentic Mexican fare and pastries. Owner Cristhian Valdez is from Guadalajara, Mexico, and he opened El Cafecito to bring the avors from his home city to Spring eld. The specialty beverages are so hard to choose from, so we recommend caving and just ordering a ight.

Must-order pairing:

Churro latte + Chichaloco Burrito

JOPLIN GREENHOUSE & THE COFFEE SHOP

Joplin

Picture it: a co ee shop connected to a greenhouse. Perusing landscaping plants and houseplants with a co ee in hand is the formula for the perfect Saturday, and Joplin Greenhouse & The Co ee Shop delivers on both fronts. The Co ee Shop also roasts its own beans in-house, which is a testament to the thoughtfulness and quality they pour into every cup.

Must-order pairing: Bee’s Knees + a Pu e

MAMA JEAN’S DELI

Multiple Locations

We love a good co ee shop in a grocery store (we all deserve a little treat when we’re being such responsible adults). MaMa Jean’s Deli always sources regionally when possible, so expect ingredients from small businesses like No Coast Co ee, Askinosie Chocolate and Pink House Al-

chemy in any cup you order. They o er alternatives to sweeten your drink, like local honey, agave and maple syrup.

Must-order pairing: Purple Rain + Magic Cookie

URBAN GROUNDS

Ozark

Urban Grounds houses two of the best things in life under one roof.

Part plant shop, part co ee shop, it’s an inspiring setting to work on a creative project. The drinks are just as unconventional as the business model, some are seasonal drinks and many are always on the lineup. We’d guarantee that you’d have to drive miles to nd another co ee shop that serves a seasonal g latte.

Must-order pairing: The Momstera + a Toastie Flight

THE WORKSHOP AT FINLEY FARMS

Ozark

Located in an impeccably restored brick building built in 1932 and overlooking the gardens at Finley Farms, it’s hard to name a more idyllic spot to enjoy co ee in 417-land. The Workshop doubles as an event space and frequently hosts educational culinary and craft classes. You’ll be sure to nd something special to take home in one of the two mini-market areas, like a fresh bouquet, candle or decor.

Must-order pairing: The Workshop Shake + The Bacon

The Workshop at Finley Farms (above) and banana bread latte from Urban Grounds (below)

the alchemists

These are the co ee shops that focus on the precision of brewing the perfect cup. They’ve spent countless hours homing in on technical perfection, and you can bet they either roast their own beans or source them from a top-tier roaster.

ARCHITECT COFFEE

Two Spring eld locations

If Architect Co ee is open, you can bet that it’s bustling. The original location on Republic Road is a prime spot to catch up with a friend or meet with a client, while the newly opened drive-thru on Battle eld is your best bet if you’re in a hurry. You can also order ahead and beat the line by downloading their app. They source their beans from high-quality roasters, including Verve Co ee Roasters and Prodigal Co ee, and their artisan pastry o erings are obviously not an afterthought.

Must-order pairing: The Architect + a homemade Pop Tart

BRICK & MORTAR COFFEE

Northeast Spring eld Brick & Mortar Co ee re-opened under new ownership in 2022 with a focus on wholesale roasting and co ee consulting to make local craft co ee accessible to

as many people as possible. You can purchase their beans at MaMa Jean’s Natural Market, Hy-Vee and Walmart. However, the shop still serves co ee directly to customers and always debuts an extra-creative seasonal drink menu.

Must-order drink: A cappuccino

THE COFFEE ETHIC

Downtown Spring eld

The Co ee Ethic opened in downtown Spring eld in December 2007 and successfully pioneered the local third-wave coffee movement. They’ve got a strong circle of regulars that keep the shop bustling, and the most loyal among them sign up for the shop’s home delivery co ee bean subscription program. The team regularly gets together for cupping sessions, where they evaluate the avor and aroma of the beans to ensure every cup meets quality standards.

Must-order pairing: Single-origin pour-over + The Layered Toast

Cappuccino foam art at The Coffee Ethic

Rise & Grind

We’re forever grateful to our local co ee shop owners and baristas who work hard from before dawn to dusk to give us a pep in our step. But none of us can truly imagine what goes into a day’s work for these busy bees. To get a better idea, we chatted with Greg Venturella, who helps keep all three Traveller’s House Co ee & Tea locations a oat with his wife, Cherie Venturella, who is the majority owner. Although no two days are ever the same, here’s an example itinerary of what he does in a workday to keep the co ee owing.

2:30 a.m. When most of us are sleeping soundly, Greg and Cherie are already up and at ’em. Greg gets ready for his day and quickly heads out the door.

3 a.m. A day of errands begins. He first swings by the shop’s Republic Road location and the National Avenue location to pick up inventory to bring to the airport kiosk.

3:50 a.m. Greg arrives at the Springfield-Branson National Airport, goes through security and then heads over to the Traveller’s House kiosk to help see the crew through the busiest hours of the day. The kiosk opens at 4 a.m., and he sticks around to assist until the morning rush winds down.

6 a.m. It’s time to fuel up for the day. Greg heads to the National Avenue location, where he pours himself a cup of co ee and enjoys a breakfast sandwich. His go-to breakfast is ham, provolone cheese and scrambled eggs on a croissant. He enjoys some quiet time and reads a devotional by the fireplace.

7 a.m. The National Avenue location is now open. Greg sticks around a bit to make sure the crew doesn’t need an extra set of hands before he’s on to his next task. If someone happens to call in sick at any location, he’ll rearrange his day so he can help fill in.

9 a.m. Greg checks his emails, does a quick inventory check for all three locations and makes a list of what they need. His first stop is the company’s storage unit, where he’ll grab the items they order in bulk, like flavored syrups. Then he’s o to the grocery stores.

10 a.m. Costco Wholesale and Sam’s Club are open for the day, and Greg makes his stops at each. He delivers the goods to their corresponding locations.

1 p.m. It’s lunchtime. Between errands, he o en swings by a local spot like Purple Burrito to grab some fish tacos.

2 p.m. Greg checks in with the sta at the Republic Road location. One of his favorite parts of the job is getting to connect with his employees, or as he says, “do life with them.”

4 p.m. He rests at home before heating up some le overs. On rare occasions, he enjoys putting steaks on the grill to eat when Cherie gets home.

7 p.m. There’s always an early bedtime in the Venturella house, which makes greeting that 2:30 a.m. alarm not so bad.

ECHELON COFFEE

North Spring eld

Echelon Co ee sits at the recently revitalized and bustling intersection of Glenstone and Kearney, which perfectly positions them to greet commuters and travelers right o the highway. Before opening Echelon, owners Joe and Megan West created a roasting company in 2016, No Coast Co ee Co. The shop makes its brews with the locally roasted beans from this sister business. If you fall in love with your cup (which we have a feeling you will), you can pick up a bag to take home.

Must-order pairing: Drip co ee + The Sprinter

KINGDOM COFFEE

Multiple Locations

We’ve been Kingdom Co ee fans since day one. We’re not the only ones, and the shop’s regular clientele has now grown enough to support two locations, with a third opening in North Springeld later this year. They roast their beans in-house, and you can even get a rst-row seat and see the process when you visit the downtown location. Kingdom Co ee also o ers a monthly co ee bean subscription.

Must-order pairing: Cortado + Peanut Butter Oatmeal

ZINC COFFEE

Joplin

Since its opening in 2018, Zinc Co ee has been a beloved staple in the Joplin craft co ee scene. When the shop announced plans to close back in March 2024, two loyal customers intervened and purchased Zinc to keep the bright and airy co ee shop open and thriving. The Zinc crew roasts its own sustainably sourced beans, which ensures each cup that makes its way to you is a quality one.

Must-order pairing: Americano + a pistachio macaron

Coffee beans in the roaster at Kingdom Coffee

Do you want a little sweetness with your bitter brew?

There is no upper limit.

INTERNATIONAL COFFEE FLAVORS

How strong do you like your co ee?

It’s the only way.

Absolutely not.

Would you like it made with cool equipment or served in a cool cup?

Yes, give it to me.

LEBANESE COFFEE FROM THAT LEBANESE PLACE

It’s not on my must-have list.

Are you in the mood for a little hint of cinnamon?

Let’s go a little heavier on the milk

Do you want your co ee hot or iced?

Iced co ee is for every season. Warm me up!

When am I not?

Not today, thanks.

THAI ICED COFFEE FROM RAMA THAI

VIETNAMESE COFFEE FROM PHO KIM

CAFÉ CON LECHE FROM CAFE CUBANO

ELLINIKO FROM GREEK BELLY

CAFÉ DE OLLA FROM EL CAFECITO

A Very Vintage Christmas

Robin Gilmore opens up her holiday home and shares how she creates her magical displays throughout the season.

BY HEATHER KANE KOHLER, PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRANDON ALMS

Walking into Robin Gilmore’s home during the holidays is like walking into a Christmas wonderland, with layers upon layers of antiques, ribbon, figurines and ornaments galore. Every corner sparkles, and every vignette draws you in for a closer look. It’s no surprise Gilmore’s love for Christmas runs

so deep; Christmas Day happens to be her birthday as well. “I’ve always loved Christmas,” says Gilmore. “My mother and grandmother were very artistic, and my mother owned The Dollhouse in Branson in the ’70s and ’80s.” This is when Gilmore began collecting some of her ornaments. In fact, she still has

Gilmore rst began her collection of Christmas antiques in the ’70s.

“I start decorating right after anksgiving and I just layer and layer until I run out of stu . Well, I never run out of stu .”

ornaments she collected when she was 16. Her talent for decorating, crafting and designing may have been sparked by her mother and grandmother, but she’s been cultivating her skills during her long career as a maker and shop owner. “I’ve had showrooms in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City and Denver,” she says. “I’ve sold to every department store, and even to Martha Stewart.”

Gilmore’s vintage nds like this napkin holder and Santa gurine set the tone for the magical holiday displays throughout her home.

Gilmore’s love for antiques is at the root of most of her Christmas decor in her home, and she mixes them into her holiday decorations. “I just layer and layer, then I step as far back as possible and try to eye things until it’s right,” says Gilmore.

Her unique talent of displaying treasures in thoughtful ways stands out to anyone lucky enough to tour her holiday home. Some of her collections include old quilts, religious art, ceramic sardine boxes and vintage music boxes. And so many quilts—including one she created from a piece of quilt that’s more than 150 years old and was made by Daniel Boone’s aunt. It’s draped over her white slipcovered French sofa in the home’s formal living area.

In the same room sits her beloved flocked Pisten pine tree, adorned with Chinese lanterns and pagodas, tiny Eiffel Towers and pink sparkly fruits. Large wooden paint brushes stick out near the top of the tree, a nod to her love of creativity and art.

Gilmore’s fireplace is filled with antique violins, garland and pink velvet ribbon, and the mantel is adorned in sparkly pink foliage. “I’ve always been drawn to pink,” says Gilmore. “The Carriage House we used to own was all done in pink, and I loved it.”

Across from the living room, Gilmore’s formal dining room sparkles and draws you in like a moth to a flame. The silver foil wallpaper and antique chandelier set the tone, and the magical displays in her china hutches and on her table feel opulent and very Victorian. Her table is set immaculately, with layers upon layers of tinsel, antique birdcage music boxes, sardine boxes from Austria, candlesticks,

Gilmore’s array of colorful Christmas decor covers every corner of her home.

Gilmore’s granddaughters work on a Christmas craft in her sunroom.

and of course gorgeous pink china. Gilmore uses antique wrist watches as napkin rings and litters the table with gold candy coins. “My grandkids love the gold coins I put on all the tables,” says Gilmore. “They will all be gone by the holiday, and I’ll have to add more.” The antique buffets in the dining room display glittery villages with churches and town halls. Gilmore adorns them with antique figurines and mushrooms, which add to the vintage charm of the display.

“I want everything to be homey and over the top for my grandkids.”

In the kitchen, Gilmore’s collection of blue calico dishes is surrounded by bottle brush trees, and the kitchen dining table is styled in a mix of red, blue and white. The red quilt on the table was her grandmother’s, and the dishes are her Christmas birthday dishes. Gilmore’s kitchen is small and cozy, with gingerbread houses and antique elves. It’s where she does all her Christmas baking, including lots of sugar cookies—and always a strawberry cake. “I want everything to be homey and over-the-top for my grandkids,” says Gilmore.

If you follow the trail of mushrooms from the kitchen you’ll end up in Gilmore’s sunroom, where she’s been working on her latest Christmas creations: vintage holiday globes. She is always

dreaming up new projects to create. “When an idea pops into my head, I just can’t let it go,” Gilmore says.

Around the corner, the den has a more rustic feel than the rest of the home. Leather sofas, bookshelves and her European cloth trees made of red and white feed sacks make the space feel warm and inviting, but the most impressive piece is a life-size vintage television music box that plays a holiday village scene. You can just picture it in a department store window display in the ’50s or ’60s.

It’s true that Gilmore’s Christmas collections are unlike any you will see anywhere else. She’s been collecting her pieces during a lifetime of traveling, constantly seeking out unique and special items to create her magical displays. Sometimes she’ll collect an item for a decade before she has enough to create a display.

On top of decor, Gilmore works to ll the Christmas season with baking holiday treats and working on crafts.

Her talent for thinking up ways to dazzle the eye and draw you in is truly remarkable. You can only imagine the magic of a Gilmore Christmas with her 10 grandkids. For Gilmore, preparing for the holiday is as much fun as the holiday itself. “I start decorating right after Thanksgiving and I just layer and layer until I run out of stuff,” says Gilmore. “Well, I never run out of stuff.”

IN 417-LAND

We simplify nding the top local lawyers by identifying the most highly respected attorneys in Spring eld and southwest Missouri to help you navigate the legal system.

Edited by Jo Jolli

The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America are published by BL Rankings, LLC, Augusta, GA. and can be ordered directly from the publisher. For information call 803648-0300; write 801 Broad Street Suite 950, Augusta GA 30901; email info@bestlawyers.com; or visit bestlawyers.com. An online subscription to Best Lawyers® is available at bestlawyers.com.

Disclaimer and Copyright // BL Rankings, LLC has used its best e orts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. All listed attorneys have been verified as being members in good standing with their respective state bar associations as of July 1, 2024, where that information is publicly available. Consumers should contact their state bar association for verification and additional information prior to securing legal services of any attorney. ¶ Copyright 2023 by BL Rankings, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of this list may be made without permission of BL Rankings, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of this list without permission. ¶ “The Best Lawyers in America,” “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” “Purely Peer Review” and “Best Lawyers” are registered trademarks of BL Rankings, LLC.

APPELLATE PRACTICE

James E. Meadows

Carnahan Evans

417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Richard L. Schnake

Neale & Newman

417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

ARBITRATION

John C. Holstein

John C. Holstein

417-894-3953

850 E. Sterling Ridge Court, Springfield

Michael J. Patton

Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton 417-883-2102

1355 E. Bradford Parkway, Suite A, Springfield

BANKING AND FINANCE LAW

Charles B. Cowherd

Spencer Fane

417-888-1000

2144 E, Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Dan R. Nelson

Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Lee J. Viorel III

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

Randell D. Wallace Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITOR

DEBTOR RIGHTS / INSOLVENCY AND REORGANIZATION LAW

J. Kevin Checkett

Checkett & Pauly 417-358-4049

517 S. Main St. Carthage

Dan R. Nelson Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

David E. Schroeder

David Schroeder Law O ce 417-890-1000

3804 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield

Lee J. Viorel III

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law

417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS (INCLUDING LLCS AND PARTNERSHIPS)

Julie T. Brown Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Glenn P. Green Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

W. Bradley Risby Neale & Newman 417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

CANNABIS LAW

Joseph Dow Sheppard III Carnahan Evans

417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

William Fleischaker Fleischaker & Williams 417-623-2865

320 W. 4th St., Suite 5, Joplin

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Brian K. Asberry Neale & Newman

417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

J. Michael Bridges Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St. Suite 300, Springfield

Charles B. Cowherd Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Frank M. Evans III Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson 417-866-5091

2808 S. Ingram Mill, Suite A104, Springfield

Dan R. Nelson Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Judson B. Poppen Neale & Newman 417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

Jay Preston Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Jason C. Smith

Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Christopher F. Weiss Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

CONSTRUCTION

J. Michael Bridges Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

LAW

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Michael D. Textor Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE LAW

David C. Agee Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

CORPORATE LAW

David C. Agee Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Julie T. Brown Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Russell W. Cook

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

Michael J. DeArmon Neale & Newman 417-882-9090 Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

Lauren M. Hawkins Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Jason C. Smith Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Randell D. Wallace Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: GENERAL PRACTICE

Shane Cantin Cantin Mynarich 417-831-6363

2560 S. Glenstone Ave., Suite C, Springfield

Thomas D. Carver Carver Associates 417-350-1172

901 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 1600, Springfield

William Fleischaker Fleischaker & Williams 417-623-2865

320 W. 4th St., Suite 5, Joplin

Marsha D. Jackson

Marsha D. Jackson Attorney at Law 417-886-4477

901 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 303, Springfield

John Kail

John Kail 417-869-4680

939 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield

Erica Mynarich Cantin Mynarich 417-831-6363

2560 S. Glenstone Ave., Suite C, Springfield

Joseph S. Passanise Wampler & Passanise 417-882-9300

2974 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield

Bert Twibell Twibell Pierson

417-862-1741

Hammons Tower, Suite 1600, Springfield

Branden Scott Twibell Twibell Pierson

417-862-1741

Hammons Tower, Suite 1600, Springfield

CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR

Shane Cantin Cantin Mynarich

417-831-6363

2560 S. Glenstone Ave., Suite C, Springfield

Thomas D. Carver Carver Associates 417-350-1172

901 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 1600, Springfield

Joseph S. Passanise Wampler & Passanise

417-882-9300

2974 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield

Branden Scott Twibell Twibell Pierson

417-862-1741

Hammons Tower, Suite 1600, Springfield

DUI / DWI DEFENSE

Shane Cantin Cantin Mynarich 417-831-6363

2560 S. Glenstone Ave., Suite C, Springfield

Joseph S. Passanise Wampler & Passanise 417-882-9300

2974 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield

Adam Woody

The Law O ce of Adam Woody 417-622-4737

2121 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield

EMPLOYMENT LAWINDIVIDUALS

Tina G. Fowler

Ellis Ellis Hammons & Johnson 417-866-5091

2808 S. Ingram Mill, A104, Springfield

EQUIPMENT FINANCE LAW

David C. Agee Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

FAMILY LAW

Shannon D. Grisham

Pratt Grisham 417-883-8200

3432 S. Culpepper Court, Suite A, Springfield

John S. Pratt

Pratt Grisham

417-883-8200

3432 S. Culpepper Court, Suite A, Springfield

Andrew Scholz

Pratt Grisham 417-883-8200

3432 S. Culpepper Court, Suite A, Springfield

F. Richard Van Pelt

Van Pelt & Van Pelt 417-886-9080

1524 E. Primrose St., Suite A, Springfield

Roy E. Williams, Jr. Henry, Williams & Kinder 417-256-8133

1207 Porter Wagoner Blvd., West Plains

INSURANCE LAW

Je Bauer

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Steven B. Garner

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Brian Malkmus

Malkmus Law Firm

417-447-5000

305 Park Central West, Springfield

Michael J. Patton

Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton

417-883-2102

1355 E. Bradford Parkway, Suite A, Springfield

Mathew L. Placzek

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law

417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

Kory D. Stubblefield

Stubblefield Law 417-447-0697

1903 E. Battlefield St., Springfield

INTERNATIONAL MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Michael Cosby Husch Blackwell

417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

LAND USE AND ZONING LAW

Patrick J. Platter Neale & Newman 417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

Bryan O. Wade Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Randell D. Wallace Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Christopher F. Weiss

Spencer Fane

417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW - DEFENDANTS

Kent O. Hyde

Hyde, Love & Overby 417-831-4046

1121 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

LITIGATIONBANKING AND FINANCE

Charles B. Cowherd Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Dan R. Nelson Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Lee J. Viorel III

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

J. Taylor White Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

LITIGATIONBANKRUPTCY

J. Kevin Checkett Checkett & Pauly 417-358-4049

517 S. Main St., Carthage

Dan R. Nelson Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Lee J. Viorel III

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

LITIGATIONCONSTRUCTION

Michael D. Textor Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

LITIGATION - HEALTH CARE

Joseph Reid Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

LITIGATIONINSURANCE

Je Bauer Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 1800, Springfield

Mathew L. Placzek

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

Randy J. Reichard

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

LITIGATION - REAL ESTATE

Andrew K. Bennett Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Cory L. Collins Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Christiaan D. Horton Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

James E. Meadows Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

J. Taylor White Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

LITIGATIONSECURITIES

Joseph Dow Sheppard III Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

LITIGATION - TRUSTS AND ESTATES

Glenn P. Green Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

Emily J. Kembell

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen

417-893-5288

3250 E. Sunshine St., Suite 310, Springfield

Catherine Moore Kirkland Woods & Martinsen 417-893-5288

3250 E. Sunshine St., Suite 310, Springfield

Jay Preston Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Daniel K. Wooten Neale & Newman 417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

MASS TORT LITIGATION / CLASS ACTIONSDEFENDANTS

Jason C. Smith Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

MEDIA LAW

Bryan O. Wade Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

MEDIATION

John C. Holstein

John C. Holstein 417-894-3953

850 E. Sterling Ridge Court, Springfield

Michael J. Patton Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton 417-883-2102

1355 E. Bradford Parkway, Suite A, Springfield

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWDEFENDANTS

Frank M. Evans III Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson 417-866-5091

2808 S. Ingram Mill, Suite A104, Springfield

Kent O. Hyde Hyde, Love & Overby 417-831-4046

1121 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

Brian Malkmus Malkmus Law Firm 417-447-5000

305 Park Central West, Springfield

Joseph Reid Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWPLAINTIFFS

Neil Chanter

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 1800, Springfield

Shelly Dreyer

Dreyer & Tinney 417-782-6822

2230 E. 32nd St., Suite 202, Joplin

Steven B. Garner

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 1800, Springfield

H. Lynn Henry

Henry, Williams & Kinder 417-256-8133

1207 Porter Wagoner Blvd., West Plains

Roger Alan Johnson Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci 417-206-0100

510 W. Sixth St., Joplin

MORTGAGE BANKING FORECLOSURE LAW

Lee J. Viorel III

Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATIONDEFENDANTS

Rodney E. Loomer

Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton 417-883-2102

1355 E. Bradford Parkway, Suite A, Springfield

Cara R. Rose Franke Schultz & Mullen 417-863-0040

1919 E. Battlefield, Suite B, Springfield

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATIONPLAINTIFFS

Je Bauer

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 1800, Springfield

Neil Chanter

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Shelly Dreyer Dreyer & Tinney 417-782-6822

2230 E. 32nd St., Suite 202, Joplin

Steven B. Garner

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Chandler Gregg

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Steven D. Harrell

Harrell Law Firm 417-887-2740

2838 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

H. Lynn Henry Henry, Williams & Kinder 417-256-8133

1207 Porter Wagoner Blvd., West Plains

Edward J. Hershewe

The Hershewe Law Firm 417-782-3790

431 S. Virginia Ave., Joplin

Eric Jensen

SJP Law Firm 417-812-8006

431 S. Je erson Ave., Suite 120, Springfield

Roger Alan Johnson

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci 417-206-0100 510 W. Sixth St., Joplin

Kurt Larson Larson & Miller 417-890-6677

3331 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield

Brad Miller Larson & Miller 417-890-6677

3331 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield

Robert M. N. Palmer

SJP Law Firm 417-812-8006

431 S. Je erson Ave., Suite 120, Springfield

Randy J. Reichard Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

Timothy L. Sifers SJP Law Firm 417-812-8006

431 S. Je erson Ave., Suite 120, Springfield

Methodology for The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America // This list is excerpted from the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, the preeminent referral guides to the legal profession in the United States. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers® lists attorneys in 150 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America is based on more than 13.7 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. ¶ The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 40 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. Listings cannot be bought, and no purchase is required to be included. In this regard, Best Lawyers remains the gold standard of reliability and integrity in lawyer ratings. ¶ The nomination pool for the 2025 edition consisted of all lawyers whose names appeared in the previous edition of Best Lawyers, lawyers who were nominated since the previous survey and new nominees solicited from listed attorneys. In general, lawyers were asked to vote only on nominees in their own specialty in their own jurisdiction. Lawyers in closely related specialties were asked to vote across specialties, as were lawyers in smaller jurisdictions. Where specialties are national or international in nature, lawyers were asked to vote nationally as well as locally. Voting lawyers were also given an opportunity to o er more detailed comments on nominees. Each year, half of the voting pool receives fax or email ballots; the other half is polled by phone. ¶ Voting lawyers

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATIONDEFENDANTS

Kent O. Hyde Hyde, Love & Overby 417-831-4046

1121 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

Rodney E. Loomer

Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton

417-883-2102

1355 E. Bradford Parkway, Suite A, Springfield

Brian Malkmus Malkmus Law Firm 417-447-5000

305 Park Central West, Springfield

Michael J. Patton Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer & Patton 417-883-2102

1355 East Bradford Parkway, Suite A, Springfield

Joseph Reid Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATIONPLAINTIFFS

Je Bauer

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Neil Chanter

Strong Law Trial Attorneys

417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Steven B. Garner

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Chandler Gregg

Strong Law Trial Attorneys

417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

Steven D. Harrell Harrell Law Firm

417-887-2740

2838 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Roger Alan Johnson

Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci 417-206-0100

510 W. Sixth St., Joplin

Robert M. N. Palmer SJP Law Firm 417-812-8006

431 S. Je erson Ave., Suite 120, Springfield

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAWPLAINTIFFS

Chandler Gregg

Strong Law Trial Attorneys 417-887-4300

901 E. St. Louis, Suite 1800, Springfield

REAL ESTATE LAW

J. Michael Bridges Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Mike Nichols

Spencer Fane

417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Rodney H. Nichols

Spencer Fane

417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Jason C. Smith

Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

Michael D. Textor Kutak Rock

417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Bryan O. Wade Husch Blackwell 417-268-4000

3810 E. Sunshine St., Suite 300, Springfield

Randell D. Wallace Kutak Rock 417-720-1410

300 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Suite 800, Springfield

Richard E. Walters

Spencer Fane

417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

TAX LAW

Frank C. Carnahan

Carnahan Evans

417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

John M. Carnahan III Carnahan Evans

417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Emily J. Kembell

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen

417-893-5288

3250 E. Sunshine St., Suite 310, Springfield

Gary A. Powell

Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

TRUSTS AND ESTATES

John M. Carnahan III Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Michael J. DeArmon Neale & Newman 417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

Courtney L. Fletcher Carnahan Evans

417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Emily J. Kembell

Kirkland Woods & Martinsen 417-893-5288

3250 E. Sunshine St., Suite 310, Springfield

Douglas D. Lee Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Anne Sallee Mason Neale & Newman

417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

Catherine Moore Kirkland Woods & Martinsen

417-893-5288

3250 E. Sunshine St., Suite 310, Springfield

Douglas R. Nickell Carnahan Evans

417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Thomas D. Peebles, Jr. Carnahan Evans 417-447-4400

2805 S. Ingram Mill Road, Springfield

Gary A. Powell Spencer Fane 417-888-1000

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite B300, Springfield

W. Bradley Risby Neale & Newman 417-882-9090

Farmers Park Suite F-402, Springfield

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW - CLAIMANTS

Randy J. Reichard Lowther Johnson Attorneys at Law 417-557-3407

901 E. St. Louis St., Suite 20, Springfield

were provided this general guideline for determining if a nominee should be listed among “the best”: “If you had a close friend or relative who needed a real estate lawyer (for example), and you could not handle the case yourself, to whom would you refer them?” All votes and comments were solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality ― a critical factor in the viability and validity of Best Lawyers’ surveys.

To ensure the rigor of the selection process, lawyers were urged to use only their highest standards when voting and to evaluate each nominee based only on his or her individual merits. The additional comments were used to make more accurate comparisons between voting patterns and weight votes accordingly. Best Lawyers uses various methodological tools to identify and correct for anomalies in both the nomination and voting process. ¶ Recognition in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is based entirely on peer review and employs the same methodology that has made Best Lawyers the gold standard for legal rankings worldwide. These awards are recognitions given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Our “Ones to Watch” recipients typically have been in practice for 5-9 years. ¶ Ultimately, of course, a lawyer’s inclusion is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow attorneys. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, the breadth of the survey, the candor of the respondents and the sophistication of the polling methodology largely correct for any biases. ¶ For all these reasons, Best Lawyers lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful guide to the best lawyers in the United States available anywhere.

ATTORNEY

The jury is in on nding the attorney that is right for you. Browse our Attorney Pro les to learn more about some of 417-land’s favorite attorneys and their practices. These legal experts are ready to take on your case.

Evans & Dixon, LLC, is a full-service, regional law rm trusted by small and large business owners throughout Southwest Missouri. They represent clients in a multitude of areas, including banking-related litigation and loan review; business organization; employment matters; estate and succession planning; general civil litigation; insurancerelated litigation and claims; mediations; shareholder agreements; transactions and outside general counsel for corporations.

By operating with the client’s best interest in mind, Evans & Dixon, LLC, is committed to helping business owners and insurers throughout 417-land achieve business success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur delving into a new small business venture, an established owner looking to merge or sell, or a CEO seeking counsel to protect your company, their business attorneys have the experience to tailor advice to your speci c needs.

Your needs come rst in Evans & Dixon’s approach to Workers’ Compensation law. Their attorneys are well-practiced at different claim handling philosophies and, with a long-standing reputation of timely communication, are often involved in legislation.

Of course, in litigation, there is nothing more important than experience. Evans & Dixon’s Civil and Commercial Litigation attorneys approach complex tort cases, involving a multitude of industries, with necessary aggression and a focus on timely results.

Learn more about their strengths and resources at evans-dixon.com.

Back row: Kevin Dunaway, Of Counsel; Brad Tuck, Member; Jacob Eddy, Senior Associate; Karen Johnson, Member; Lynn Rodgers, Of Counsel Front row: Shari Lockhart, Member; Joshua Baker, Member; Brittany Perry, Member; Not pictured: Garrett Grellner, Associate; Brittany Holloway, Associate; Kirk Kaczmarek, Senior Associate

If you or your family are victims of an impaired or distracted driver, Larson & Miller will protect you. However, if you injure or kill someone while driving impaired, this rm will sue you and hold you accountable for the damages you cause.

Larson & Miller has prosecuted hundreds of impaired driving cases and secured settlements in thousands more for clients who were seriously injured or lost a loved one. They are trial lawyers with a history of taking cases to court and winning. Even if you prefer to settle your case, it is best to come prepared for a ght by arming yourself with lawyers with a proven record of success. When you or a loved one is injured, you deserve the best help available. The insurance industry knows which personal injury lawyers pose a real threat, and which ones do not, so choose your lawyer carefully.

Aside from their day jobs, the lawyers at Larson & Miller also aim to prevent impaired driving crashes before they occur. Safe and Sober, a non pro t founded by Kurt Larson, has a mission to prevent substance misuse. Established 21 years ago in 417-land schools, Safe and Sober has now reached over 1.4 million students in schools and after-school organizations throughout Missouri and in all 50 states.

Kurt Larson, Brad Miller, CJ Moeller

MARTIN LAW

417-731-4200

JESSICAMARTINLAW.COM 120 N. 2ND AVE., OZARK

Martin Law understands that family matters demand the highest level of care and attention. Based in Ozark, they serve clients in Christian, Greene, and Taney counties, focusing on family law cases such as divorce, legal separation, custody, modi cations, adoption, orders of protection, and guardianship. Led by Attorney Jessica Martin, the team is dedicated to providing prompt and compassionate support to families, with a special emphasis on the well-being of children involved.

When life brings challenges, having a trusted attorney is crucial. Martin Law is committed to guiding clients through even the most dif cult legal issues with honesty, grace, and expertise. Whether dealing with a complex divorce or celebrating the joy of an adoption, the rm is there every step of the way, ensuring clients receive the attention and guidance they deserve. Martin Law approaches each case with care, providing peace of mind during the times it’s needed most.

PHOTO BY KATY ST. CLAIR

Jessica Martin

With a dynamic team of more than 30 attorneys and business professionals, the Spencer Fane Spring eld of ce is uniquely positioned to advise clients on a wide range of legal matters. This experienced team offers exceptional services across various areas of law, including labor and employment, business transactions and litigation, bankruptcy restructuring and creditors’ rights, tax and estate planning, regulatory matters, and real estate and construction.

Once again, the rm is proud to announce that seven of its attorneys have been named Best Lawyers, with an additional six being recognized as Ones to Watch. The newer talent brings fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a proactive approach to addressing complex legal challenges.

Thanks to this elite, industry-renowned legal talent, Spencer Fane continues its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing law rms in the country, as recognized by the Am Law 200. The rm now boasts over 570 lawyers, serving clients nationwide from 27 of ces in 17 states. The Spring eld of ce is a re ection of this growth, demonstrating the rm’s commitment to providing top-tier legal services and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Standing: Richard Walters, Rodney Nichols, Charli Steed, Jason Smith, Camber Jones, Adam Holmes, Christopher Weiss

Seated: Shelby Wood, Alec Martinez, Mike Nichols, Benjamin Shantz

Wampler & Passanise has provided clients with the highest-quality legal representation for over 50 years. Managing Partner Joseph S. Passanise and Thomas D. Carver, Of Counsel, use a team approach to managing cases, leading the rm’s paralegals, investigators, and researchers as they create defense strategies for clients facing allegations at the federal, state, and municipal levels.

The rm defends clients facing some of the most serious and complex charges, including Federal cases, homicide, weapon and drug violations, domestic violence, assault, felony and misdemeanor DWI, and white-collar embezzlement and fraud.

Passanise has been with the rm for 35 years, handling over 7,500 cases. He has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 17 years and by Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers for 18 years. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a National College of DUI Defense State Delegate. He holds Martindale-Hubble’s highest rating of AV.

Carver has practiced for over 50 years, representing more than 300 clients in Federal cases and thousands in Missouri State courts. He received the Robert Duncan Award for Appellate Excellence from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been recognized by Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers for more than a decade. Carver holds Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating of AV.

BY

PHOTO

KATY ST. CLAIR

Thomas D. Carver, Of Counsel; Joseph S. Passanise, Managing Partner

HUSCH BLACKWELL

417-268-4000 | HUSCHBLACKWELL.COM

3810 E. SUNSHINE ST., SUITE 300, SPRINGFIELD

A s Spring eld’s only Am Law 100 rm, Husch Blackwell is uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted legal partner for local business leaders. By prioritizing the client experience, the rm empowers its people to develop collaborative legal solutions that draw on the collective knowledge of its 1,000+ attorneys nationwide and the business acumen of its professional staff. Backed by the experience of world-class business teams, Husch Blackwell lawyers don’t just solve legal problems, they help clients make data-driven decisions, optimize their operations, and gain competitive advantages.

KUTAK ROCK

417-720-1410 | KUTAKROCK.COM

300 S. JOHN Q HAMMONS PKWY #800 SPRINGFIELD

The dozen attorneys in the Spring eld of ce of Kutak Rock serve local, regional, and national clients in banking, complex civil litigation, construction, corporate law, employment, medical malpractice defense, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2025: Taylor White (Real Estate and Banking/Finance Litigation); Joseph Reid (Health Care, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability Litigation); Dan Nelson (Bankruptcy & Creditor’s Rights); Randell Wallace (Real Estate, Corporate, Banking/Finance); and Michael Textor (Construction & Real Estate Litigation).

With 19 of ces in 14 states and the District of Columbia, Kutak Rock’s 550+ attorneys seamlessly provide clients excellent, responsive legal service.

Spring eld Partners: Cory Collins, Christopher Peterson, Bryan Wade, David Agee, Michael Cosby (not pictured: Lauren Hawkins)

Back row: Dan Nelson, Randell Wallace, Michael Textor Front row: Taylor White, Joseph Reid

OZARKS ELDER LAW

417-868-8200 | OZARKSELDERLAW.COM

2832 S. INGRAM MILL RD. #100, SPRINGFIELD

In the heart of the Ozarks, Lori Rook champions the mission at Ozarks Elder Law—dedicated to safeguarding Southwest Missouri’s aging population.

As the driving force behind the esteemed “Ladies in White,” Rook combines legal acumen with unwavering compassion. Specializing in estate planning, Medicaid, probate and nursing home planning, she and her team offer adept guidance with deep empathy for their clients.

With nine of ces across SWMO, Ozarks Elder Law provides free consultations, offering peace of mind by serving as steadfast allies, shaping legacies, and helping families navigate through future planning intricacies with skill and care.

Choosing a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertising.

ROONEY MCBRIDE & SMITH

417-708-9681 | RMSATTORNEYS.COM

1445 E. REPUBLIC RD., SUITE 300, SPRINGFIELD

Rooney McBride & Smith, LLC is proud to announce the addition of Attorney Shawna R. Austin. Ms. Austin practices in family law, handling divorce, custody, adoption, and other family issues, as well as business formation, contract work, and civil litigation.

RMS provides personalized service, working diligently to secure results for clients, no matter how complex the situation. For business formation, RMS can help you with essential documents like bylaws, partnership and operating agreements, and employment policies. RMS will carefully analyze your matter and you or your business’ long-term goals to develop and implement a strategy for your case.

Shawna R. Austin

Back row: Mel Myears, Lisa Dewoody-Clark, Katherine Douglas-Johnson Front row: Elyse Hartley, Lori Rook

ROUNDTABLE LEGAL

LAW OFFICE OF COREY KILBURN

417-834-5280 | ROUNDTABLELEGAL.COM

CKILBURN@ROUNDTABLELEGAL.COM

4730 S. NATIONAL AVE., B1, SPRINGFIELD

RoundTable Legal is a Client Centric, IP Smart, Business Savvy boutique rm specializing in Intellectual Property, Contracts, and Business Law with a keen focus on Arts, Entertainment, and Sports. Blending legal expertise with a profound understanding of creative and business dynamics, Corey Kilburn and his team assist entrepreneurs, businesses, artists, and creatives with comprehensive solutions addressing not only legal, but practical strategies. Recognized on the elite “Power List” of top Entertainment Lawyers, Kilburn is a “Super-Lawyers Rising Star” in Business, IP, and Trademarks. Honored with SBJ’s “40 under 40,” Kilburn is a erce advocate whose deep understanding of the creative industry and ever-evolving business environment sets him apart as a trusted expert. Schedule a Legal Strategy Session today to safeguard and advance your passion and brand.

SCHMIDT KIRBY & SULLIVAN PC

417-882-2828 | SKSLAWFIRM.COM

2838 S. INGRAM MILL RD., SPRINGFIELD

Since 1989, the rm of Schmidt Kirby & Sullivan, PC, has served 417-land in legal matters, including estate planning, probate, trust administration, business organization, commercial and real estate transactions, and landlord/tenant matters.

Attorneys Matthew N. Schmidt and David F. Sullivan will be forever grateful for the leadership and vision of John H. Schmidt, who lost his battle with cancer in April 2023 at the age of 75. John’s son, Matthew N. Schmidt, honors his father’s legacy by continuing to represent clients with the utmost integrity, knowledge and respect. Trust the legal guidance of Schmidt Kirby & Sullivan, PC, with the most precious assets and transactions of your life and business. They will always stand with you.

Corey Kilburn

Matthew N. Schmidt, David F. Sullivan

TWIBELL PIERSON

417-862-1741 | TWIBELLPIERSON.COM

901 E. ST. LOUIS ST., SUITE 1000, SPRINGFIELD

The Twibell Pierson Law Firm began in 1975 when attorney Bert Twibell left the Greene County Prosecutor’s Ofce for a career in private practice, helping people solve their problems. Today, the attorneys of Twibell Pierson have over 90 years of combined experience, and strive to provide unmatched criminal defense and client service. What separates Twibell Pierson from other rms is the team approach they take to every client and case. When you hire them, you are hiring their entire rm, not just one attorney.

Twibell Pierson is also the proud recipient of recognition that includes Branden Twibell being honored by The Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White Collar, as well as the rm being recognized by Best Law Firms® in 2024 as a Tier 2 rm for Criminal Defense: General Practice in Spring eld. Branden was also chosen by his peers as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2025 for both White Collar and General Practice categories.

Bryan Delleville, Bert Twibell, Cole Roberts, Kristie Pierce, Scott Pierson, Branden Twibell

FINANCIAL

PROFILES

These local nancial advisors o er personalized guidance to help clients achieve nancial goals, secure their future, and navigate economic uncertainties. This section highlights leaders dedicated to client success, prioritizing trust through transparent advice and comprehensive strategies.

ACHIEVE PRIVATE WEALTH

For 29 years Achieve Private Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, has helped clients achieve their dreams for today, tomorrow, and well into the future. With the exclusive Con dent Retirement® approach, they break your nancial goals into doable steps, taking the uncertainty out of planning and helping you live the life you’ve earned.

They are led by Chief Executive Of cer of Achieve Private Wealth Paula Dougherty, MBA, CFP®, CKA®, BFA™, APMA™, CRPC™, ChFC®, CLU®, Private Wealth Advisor; J. Scott Taylor, CFP®, CRPC™, Financial Advisor; Chief Operating Of cer of Achieve Private Wealth Sam Ackerman, BFA™, CRPC®, APMA® Financial Advisor; Heather Ince, CRPC®, Financial Advisor; Associate Financial Advisor Dalton Cloyd; and Of ce Manager Taryn May.

Each advisor specializes in providing a comprehensive approach to nancial planning including wealth management, portfolio construction, rebalancing, and investment management strategies. Additionally, they specialize in the areas of retirement planning and risk management strategies, as well as assisting clients with choosing employee bene ts that t their needs.

Achieve Private Wealth helps 417-landers work to achieve their nancial goals based on what is truly important to them. They are here to help you adapt to any changes you face along the way and formulate plans for both the expected and unexpected. Call today and start working with an advisor. Your brilliant future starts here.

Standing: Dalton Cloyd, Associate Financial Advisor; J. Scott Taylor, Financial Advisor; Samuel Ackerman, Financial Advisor

Sitting: Heather A. Ince, Financial Advisor; Paula J. Dougherty, Private Welath Advisor; Taryn M. May, Of ce Manager

When it comes to planning for your future, it is crucial to have a team of trusted nancial experts to guide you in making the best decisions possible. The story of Arvest is one of commitment started by their founders and a dedication to focusing on the customer above all else. This philosophy has remained the same during their growth from a small bank to a network of community banks able to provide a complete range of nancial services.

417-885-7244 | ARVEST.COM

SPRINGFIELD

Equipped with a vast knowledge of the ever-changing world of nance, Arvest Wealth Management’s advisors help individuals, families, businesses and institutions build, manage, protect and transition their wealth. No two clients are the same, so Arvest Wealth Management advisors focus on understanding each client’s unique nancial goals to provide customized advice and comprehensive solutions.

Built on a foundation of nancial planning including the areas of Trust & Estate Planning, Investment & Risk Management, Arvest Wealth Management will work with you to strategically plan for life’s big events. To meet with a client advisor or trust of cer at Arvest Wealth Management in Spring eld or one of their other locations in southwest Missouri, call 417885-7244 or schedule an appointment online at appointments.arvest.com.

Randy Lyons, Senior Client Advisor, SVP; Robin Cole, Registered Sales Assistant; Justin Giles, Client Advisor, VP; Ryan Rodgers, Client Advisor

James Financial Partners is a team of experienced nancial advisors committed to helping clients navigate complex nancial decisions with con dence. Located in Spring eld, Missouri, they proudly serve the local community and extend their expertise to clients throughout Missouri, including Ozark, Nixa, Rogersville, Willard, Branson and Hollister. Guided by their slogan, “Partner with us in con dence,” James Financial Partners empowers clients with the knowledge and strategies they need to reach their nancial goals and build a secure future.

As independent duciaries, James Financial Partners prioritizes each client’s speci c needs, offering personalized recommendations in estate planning, insurance, investments, lifestyle management, money management, retirement planning and tax strategies. Their independence means they can team up with top industry professionals to create customized nancial roadmaps tailored to each individual. James Financial Partners is committed to exceeding expectations with remarkable client service that sets them apart from the typical Financial Planning and Wealth Management rm.

Transparency and respect are at the heart of their approach, helping clients clarify and pursue their nancial goals with clear communication and thorough education about their unique nancial situation. James Financial Partners’ associates are more than just advisors—they strive to be trusted partners who guide clients every step of the way toward securing their futures.

BY

PHOTO

KATY ST. CLAIR

Front row: Stacey James, Tyler James, Abigail James-O’Quinn; Back row: Annette Imel, Nicole Lindeman, Mike Nangle

KPM Wealth Advisors specializes in helping clients develop sound nancial strategies. They educate clients about nancial concepts and products and take the mystery out of investing, insurance, estate conservation, and preserving wealth.

KPM Wealth Advisors offers a vast array of wealth management services to help families build, preserve, and leave a legacy. They help clients manage their nances, develop a strategy, stay on track, and better understand the big picture of both long- and short-term nancial goals.

Planning for the future starts today. It’s important to work with advisors who will put the client at the center of their investment strategy by listening to their goals, dreams, and challenges and providing customized solutions. KPM Wealth Advisors’ service approach is hands-on and personalized, fostering lasting relationships built on trust and collaboration. With dedicated advisors supported by a skilled team of tax, accounting, trust and estate, and investment professionals, clients receive the kind of attentive, friendly service needed from a nancial planning rm.

Skyler Whitworth, Jay McIntyre, Brandi Luna, Skylar Smith, McKenna Sweet

For nearly 40 years, Mercer Advisors has helped families across the country amplify and simplify their nancial lives by integrating expertise in nancial planning, investment management, tax planning and preparation, estate planning, insurance solutions, trustee services and more, all managed by a single team.

What can you expect from Mercer Advisors?

• A uni ed in-house team of advisors, planners, investors, accountants and estate strategists that designs and executes your nancial plan.

• A hand-picked advisor who is focused on serving you, not on nding new clients.

• An institutional-grade portfolio tailored for each client and managed by a team of more than 100 investment professionals.

• An independent, national duciary legally obligated to always act in your best interest.

Whether you have $300,000 or $300,000,000, we have a comprehensive wealth management solution for you. Contact Mercer Advisors to learn why your nances work better when they work together.

Back row: Kaz Woodward, Mike Sharp, Brent Singleton, Nick McDowell, Blake Parker Front row: Ethan Wallace, Holly Gray, Jeff Bilberry

For more than 120 years, Simmons Bank - Private Wealth has been working with individual clients, businesses, family foundations, endowments and charitable organizations to provide fully coordinated planning and advisement to address their complex nancial needs. Locally, the team of over a dozen specialized professionals provides comprehensive wealth solutions to clients and manages roughly $1.4 billion in assets.

Investment management is not just about nding the best stock or bond. Each individual has speci c goals, risk tolerances and return objectives. Uniquely specialized investment managers take the time to understand those needs before the rst security is purchased. Once investment objectives are determined, the team builds a sophisticated, disciplined and diversi ed investment portfolio designed to meet their client’s needs. In order to exceed their client’s nancial goals, they create a plan. Financial and estate planning involves de ning longterm objectives, implementing a plan and periodically assessing the results. Whether a client’s goals are retirement, charitable giving, business succession, protecting assets or leaving a legacy to the next generation, a team of planning experts can help navigate the changing legal and tax landscape to ensure goals are met.

Effective nancial management is crucial to protecting and managing wealth, supporting the nancial security of loved ones and building a personal legacy. Simmons Bank is dedicated to protecting what clients have built with customized trust and estate planning services tailored for them and their families.

Back Row L to R: Matthew Williams, Jennifer Moore, Jonathan Robertson, Molly Higdon, Kirsten Morgan, Chris Schrag, Andy Drennen; Front Row L to R: Beth Koppang, Stephen Smith, Summer Tripp, Tricia Yim, Lauren Southern

TURN THE PAGE TO FIND PIPING HOT DINING NEWS AND SOME EXTRADELICIOUS OZARKS EATS.

Taste is

ARE YOU READY TO DIG INTO THE YUMMIEST STUFF AROUND? LET’S EAT!

DIG IN!

Little Tavern, Big Flavors

Lindberg’s Tavern has a long history on Commercial Street. We stopped by for some gooey bread pudding, juicy burgers and more.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

BRANDON ALMS

The bread pudding from Lindberg’s is a super-sweet delight.

Taste is

THIS IS KIND OF AN embarrassing confession: I have lived in Spring eld for 19 years, yet until reporting this story, I had not eaten at Lindberg’s Tavern. I’ve done food writing o and on during that time and reviewed many, many restaurants. But somehow, I’d never been to Lindberg’s. I’m not proud of this.

Considering the fact that Lindberg’s is housed in a historic 1880s building and has a reputation for excellently executed dishes, I decided I needed to stop messing around and go eat the food that I’ve been eying every time it appears on my Instagram feed. I toyed with whether to go for dinner or Sunday brunch. I had to ask myself: Katie, are you more in the mood for a lobster egg Benedict (yes, I want that) or one of the burgers famously seared in duck fat (yes, I want that). In the end, my family and I headed there during the lunch/brunch hours on a recent Sunday.

Despite the pull of that enticing eggs Benedict, I ended up choosing one of the things Lindberg’s is most loved for: A burger. I opted for the Lindburger (that means it has two duck fat seared patties), which come topped with provel cheese and all the classic veggie toppings. I added braised

Lindberg’s Tavern

318 W. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-868-8900, facebook.com/lindbergs

Open Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sun. noon–10 p.m.

mushrooms and onions too. The burger was ridiculously juicy, and now I know what all the fuss is about. I’m glad I added braised mushrooms, which gave the burger a avor boost that it didn’t necessarily need but that certainly brought it to the next level.

One of my favorite things about the Lindberg’s menu is that you can upgrade your side of fries to some unexpectedly fun bites, including things like fried green tomatoes, fried mushrooms and even gravy-laden poutine. I went for the fried green tomatoes. They were delightful: tart, crunchy and a little nostalgic.

My husband, Eli, ordered the grilled shrimp tacos, which had a avorful chipotle sauce and were absolutely packed with toppings. Eli was a big fan. Of our two kiddos, only one ended up ordering from the brunch menu. Eloise got the chicken and wa es, which come topped with a

hand-breaded and freshly fried piece of chicken, with butter and jam on the side. She dug into the meal with gusto. Oliver is always on the hunt for new meat-free options. He ordered The Pretender, a housemade vegan “burger” topped with veggies and vegan mayo.

We all left happy and just a little too full of food that was satisfying, delish and charmingly creative.

Clockwise from top: grilled shrimp tacos, poutine, Lindburger with fries, and fried green tomatoes.

SHOPPING LIST

A Taste of Hygge

Make your snacks a little cozier with a delicious Norwegian-inspired bite.

BY TESSA COOPER

In 2018, I took a trip to Norway, and it was a time and place where I really learned how to taste and appreciate quality food. I was traveling with my friend Anna Saunders, who many of you know as Private Chef Anna. I went to meet up with her a er her staging gig wrapped up, and she picked me up from the airport with a thoughtfully packed lunch in tow. The wrap she put together featured something I never tasted before. It was Brunost, which Americans call brown cheese. This tan-colored whey cheese tastes like a creamy cross between cheese, caramel and butterscotch, and it was love at first bite. One highlight of the trip was staying with Anna’s cousin, who is also a chef, and she introduced us to a new way of enjoying Brunost. She and her family love putting it on ginger snaps

with a bit of lingonberry jam and blue cheese as a Christmas treat. If you’re not a blue cheese fan, there are other ways to enjoy Brunost. I personally love putting it on a piece of Neighbor’s Best by Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café with some mixed berry preserves for breakfast. Lucky for us, you don’t have to travel to Norway to get this delicacy. Brown Derby Wine Center & Marketplace and HyVee on Sunshine carry it under the brand Ski Queen.

SHOPPING LIST

1 block of Ski Queen Gjetost Original Goat Cheese

1 jar of Felix Lingonberries

1 wedge of Maytag bleu cheese

1 bag of Mi-Del Swedishstyle ginger snaps

All items available at the Hy-Vee on Sunshine Street.

THE STREET TACOS AT OXO BAR AND GRILL (SOUTHWE ST Spring eld) all show o fresh corn tortillas, but it’s what’s on the inside that really makes the pork belly tacos a stand-out o ering. The kitchen crew marinates the pork belly with a special blend of spices before frying it to perfection, and the end result is pork belly that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and nice and tender on the inside. As far as toppings go, the cilantro sauce is what really brings all the avors together. OXO Bar and Grill is family-owned by the same people who brought us Mundos Latin Kitchen and Bar (Ozark), and this cilantro sauce is the very same as what you’ll nd on your dishes at the latter. You’ll de nitely want to pair the pork belly tacos with a margarita ight to round out the experience.

FRIED & TRUE | BY TESSA COOPER

Try Brunost, a creamy cross between cheese, caramel and butterscotch.

HOUR

COCKTAIL

A Good Egg

Try Rogan Howitt’s eggnog from Good Spirits & Company.

BY TESSA COOPER

EGGNOG GETS A BAD RAP FORBEING a divisive holiday beverage. But we’d argue that the version Rogan Howitt whips up during December at Good Spirits & Company Headquarters (Rountree neighborhood) will make converts out of even those most opposed. This drink has the signature smooth and creamy texture of eggnog, but the quality ingredients make it stand out. Howitt infuses The Co ee Ethic co ee into the cream and spikes it with rum, brandy and Amontillado sherry. A mix of allspice plus extra nutmeg and clove round out the drink with a comforting avor. The eggnog will be available by the glass during Good Spirits & Company’s 7 Days of Christmas pop-up December 16–22, and bottles will be available for pre-order and pickup on the kick-o day.

Yule Love This

Enjoying a Yule Log Cake, or as the French say, une Bûche De Noël, on Christmas is a timeless European tradition that long ago made its way to the States. It’s one of those desserts that can easily turn out looking, well, let’s just say not-so-picturesque when you try to make one yourself. This year, you can avoid a Pinterest fail and

The European is including Yule Log Cakes on their menu this holiday.

let the professionals handle the baking and decorating. The European (downtown Springfield, formerly named European Café) o ers stunning Yule Log Cakes that are available for pre-order. The inside shows o a silky chocolate mousse with a cherry and chocolate crémeux center wrapped in an almond flour chocolate cake base.

SWEET SPOT | BY TESSA COOPER

Tea Time

Sample toasted almond tea from Blend For That Tea for a cozy cup of tea this winter.

BY TESSA COOPER

IN A QUEST TO FIND AN alternative to his morning cup of joe, Andy Drennen started blending his own herbs from the bulk section at MaMa Jean’s Natural Market. One thing led to another, and he and his wife, Lori, soon founded their own tea company, Blend For That Tea, in 2019. The toasted almond is especially perfect for this time of year. Andy recommends letting this blend steep a little longer to allow the nuts to release all of their avors, and adding some frothed milk to make it taste a bit like a cappuccino. (Perhaps splash in a little Bailey’s Irish Cream while you’re at it.) Blend For That is available at BlendForThat.com, MaMa Jean’s Natural Market and Hy-Vee. You can also try it in a tea cocktail at Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory or by ordering a full hot tea service at Ocean Zen.

CREAM OF THE CROP

Taste is

Good Things

One list. Zero themes. Just seven dishes that we have recently tried and can’t stop recommending.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

1 For all our allergy friends: Piccolo (Nixa) makes seasonal dairy-free, gluten-free cakes, o ered by the slice at the restaurant. We recently tried a limoncello one that was to-die-for! Plus, their dairy-free, gluten-free chocolate cake is always on the menu.

2 The chai from Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant (south Spring eld) has a special place in our hearts. It’s served unsweetened, so you can add sugar to your taste—an excellent perk for those of us without a tea sweet tooth. The spices are perfect, it comes out piping hot, and it’s the ultimate comfort on a cold day.

3

For an indulgent bite, we love the chocolate-cappuccino cheesecake from MudHouse Co ee (downtown Spring eld). It’s made in an Oreo crust and is so, so, so rich. Its decadence is perfect with a hot cup of black co ee.

4

We recently ordered let mignon at the teppanyaki table at Nakato Japanese Steakhouse (Spring eld). It was so delish, and our chef cooked it perfectly medium rare for a surprisingly tender bite.

5

For a shareable, we love the Smoky Gouda Fondue from Blackstone Gastropub (Joplin). It’s creamy and indulgent, and it comes with naan and sliced veggies, perfect for dipping.

6 Don’t sleep on the daily specials at Derby Deli (Spring eld). We know it’s hard not to order a favorite, but the specials are, well, special. We recently tried the prime rib dip. The tender beef served on soft bread with warm au jus was a treat.

7

For a hearty lunch (that will make you want a nap afterward!), try the super-loaded wedge salad from SPLIT Social Kitchen (Spring eld). It’s topped with smoked bleu cheese, bacon, crushed pistachios and lots more.

That’s Amore

The single-serving pizzas from Adriano’s Pizza Napoletana are hot commodities. So much so that the o cial closing hours for the food truck are usually only until 7 p.m., or just “until sell out.” We chatted with owner Adrian Michael to discover where he learned his trade secrets.

BY TESSA COOPER

Can you tell us a bit about your Italian heritage and how that’s played a role in your business?

“My passion for Italian cooking and heritage stems from my Nonna, Mary Naspini. She was one of the most influential people in my life. I have fond memories of making traditional Italian dishes with her while we listened to her favorite singer, Dean Martin… But I think what I remember most is her words of wisdom…’Mistakes are inevitable,’ she would say, ‘accept them and move on. In life, we will make mistakes and face discouragement, but we can use that to improve and do better tomorrow.’ I have incorporated these words into my core values at Adriano’s Mobile Pizzeria.”

Where did you learn to make such authentic Neopolitanstyle pizza?

“I developed a passion for Neapolitan pizza during my visit to Naples, Italy. While in culinary school, I embarked on a culinary tour of Italy for inspiration. A er savoring numerous delightful dishes, my friends and I decided to journey to

Naples. Stepping into a local pizzeria, I was entranced by the atmosphere, the wood-burning ovens, the aroma of fresh bread and the sight of pizzaiolos meticulously cra ing beautiful pizzas with love and dedication. In June 2023, I wanted to increase my knowledge in the art of Pizza Napoletana, so I enrolled in a course called the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) in Los Angeles, California. This organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culinary art of making authentic Neapolitan pizza.”

In your opinion, what makes the perfect Neapolitan-style pizza?

“The perfect Neapolitan pizza is a masterpiece of simplicity and quality. Its dough, made with just flour, salt, yeast, and water, is carefully stretched and placed in a scorching wood-burning oven. The high heat creates a delightful crust with just the right amount of charring. Topped with flavorful San Marzano tomatoes, creamy “fior di latte” mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, garlic and sea salt, every Neapolitan pizza is a testament to the art of using the finest ingredients.”

ORIGIN STORY

Owner of Adriano’s Pizza Napoletana

Adrian Michael shares his top secrets for making the perfect pizza.

Dining Guide

OUR DINING GUIDE FEATURES A SELECT LIST OF RESTAURANTS IN THE

Ozarks. The magazine’s editors recommend all these restaurants, and we don’t accept freebies in exchange for reviews or listings. Entries are updated often and appear based on space availability. Specially featured restaurants are chosen by editors in service to readers.

$ = less than $10, $$ = mostly $10–20, $$$ = $20 or more

B, L, D = Serves Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner d= Outdoor seating

14 MILL MARKET

203 E. Mount Vernon St., Nixa, 14millmarket.com Food hall. There are 10 restaurant concepts, the full-service Wisner Bar and a fun outdoor entertainment area. Stop by for Korean barbecue bowls at The Gochu, sweets at Liege Love Waffle Co., tacos at No’cho Ordinary Taco, baked goods and light lunch at Lindsay’s Kitchen & Bistro, burgers at MO Slider Company, British pasties at London Calling, shaved ice at Sno Biz, poke bowls at Fresh Poke, barbecue at Uptown Hog, pizza at Classic Pizza Co., and more. $–$$ L D d

65 0 TAPAS

3371 E. Montclair St., Springfield, 417-8272777, tapas65.com Spanish. Try small plates to share at this Spanish-style spot. Dishes include things like burrata topped with mushrooms and marinated tomatoes, chargrilled oysters, charcuterie and lots more. There are larger entrees too, like paella. $–$$$ D

ANDY B’S ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

1127 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417883-1234; 405 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417-213-8631; bowlandybs.com. American fare. This is a great spot for a full night of fun plus food all in one building. The restaurant at Andy B’s Entertainment Center offers lane-side food service and a menu full of hearty, tasty fare like burgers, pizzas, pasta and more. If you have any pint-size bowlers, get the hot pretzel. It’s a kid-pleaser. Bonus: There’s a full-service bar here, too. If you’re planning a big event, you can even rent out the whole place and get in-house catering. Yum! $ L D

AVIARY BY LAVENDER FALLS

2144 E. Republic Road, Suite E120, Springfield, 417-881-9736; aviarycafe.com

Crepes and bistro fare. This spot has long been known for being one of the few places in the area to get freshly pre -

and fried pickles. So indulgent and delicious! You can get other sammies too, like fried pork tenderloin, Philly cheesesteaks or triple-decker clubs stacked tall. For an appetizer, dig into a plate of fried green beans or spicy cheese curds. The sweet corn nuggets are also excellent. $ L D d

BIG EASY GRILL

3641 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8320040

locations spreading throughout the Midwest. Fans rave about the spin dip too—a cheesy concoction with spinach and a little bit of heat. Don’t miss the ever-popular burgers, including the pretzel burger with horseradish aioli, bacon and cheddar. There are also chicken wings, a handful of salads (we like the Strawberry Hill), hand-cut steaks and more. $$ BL D d

BLACK OAK GRILL

pared crepes—which you can find there in both savory and sweet varieties. But there’s so much more besides crepes. There are also beautiful salads and delicious entrees that have a little bit of French flair. Be sure to try dishes infused with Lavender Falls flavors, like the lavender honey and goat cheese appetizer that is served with crisp crostini and fresh berries. You can also buy some Lavender Falls products, like lavender simple syrup, at the restaurant.

$–$$ B L D d

BAIR’S SPORTS GRILL

3821 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3685919; 1644 Highway 60 East, Republic, 417-732-5077; 701 N. McCroskey St., Suite 1, Nixa, 417-725-3777; bairsburgers.com

Burgers. There are 22 appetizers and 50 burgers on the menu at Bair’s, plus plenty of non-burger sandwiches, great chicken wings and salads. We love the burger that is topped with ranch dressing

Cajun. The jambalaya is fantastic, and we like to order it extra-spicy. The oyster po’boys are customer favorites, and the boudin (Cajun sausage balls) are not to be missed. Try mixand-match dishes to create a meal full of your favorite Cajun flavors (you can order a side of red beans and rice with a po’boy, for example). Or you could just keep it simple and dig into the peel-and-eat shrimp. $ L D d K

BIGSHOTS GOLF

1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield, 417-4273040, bigshotsgolf.com American. Come for the golf but stay for the good eats. There are great burgers (like the double smash burger with Hatch green chilis), pizza, wings and lots of shareable apps like the crispy red chili cauliflower. Don’t miss the fun cocktails. We loved the Bee Sting, made with tequila, agave, grapefruit, lime juice and jalapeño. So good! Be sure to stop by for brunch on the weekends. $$ BL D d

BIG WHISKEY’S

Several 417-land locations, bigwhiskeys.com American. Springfield’s go-to for buffalo chicken dip, burgers and the staple pub foods has

601 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417239-0063, blackoakgrill. com

American. Visit this tasty, casual spot while you’re spending the day shopping and strolling around at Branson Landing. On the menu here are classically pleasing flavors, like the bacon cheeseburger (topped with a fried egg and served on a brioche bun) and meatloaf. We also love the seared ahi tuna salad. $$ L D d

BLACK SHEEP BURGERS & SHAKES

Four Springfield locations; blaaacksheep.com Burgers. This swanky but comfortable burger joint is located in downtown Springfield, with outposts in Chesterfield Village and on East Sunshine Street. Chow down on the Good Yogi; two grass-fed patties are topped with white cheddar, lettuce, onion, pickle and baaad sauce— house-made Thousand Island dressing. Vegetarian? Black Sheep has you covered with its Hippy Jen. The shakes are great here too, with both kid-friendly options and grown-up versions with alcohol. For the adults, we recommend trying the Purple Haze shake with blackberry moonshine in it. $ L D

BLUE HERON FARM & BAKERY

2 06 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-7011130

Farm-to-table. All of the freshly baked pastries and breads are amazing here. They do some creative things with pastry, from tender galettes filled with loads of luscious lemon curd to flaky pot pies filled with savory meats and veggies. Many of the ingredients are from Blue Heron Farm and other local and regional producers. We love the sausage roll served with pickles and whole-grain mustard, and the almond croissant is oh-so-dreamy. Be sure to grab a cup of joe while you’re there; the coffee and espresso menu is excellent. $ BL

CAFE CUSCO

234 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8688088, cafecusco.com

Peruvian. This menu is packed with fun and unexpected dishes that are inspired by the cuisine of Peru and the Andes Mountains. A few standouts: the black bean quinoa burger with avocado spread, the Lomo Saltado, and a host of delicious entrees. Anything that includes the ceviche is a sure-bet. You can get it as an appetizer, or as a taco filling. You can even order the Leche de Tigre appetizer to get your ceviche fix—it is a shot of ceviche juice with hot sauce and a chilled shrimp chaser. $$ L D d

CANYON GRILL RESTAURANT at Dogwood Canyon

Nature Park, 2038 W. State Highway 86, Lampe, 800-225-6343, dogwoodcanyon.org

American. Located on the grounds of Dogwood

Canyon nature preserve, the Canyon Grill Restaurant has a menu inspired by its surroundings. Try the bison burger made with bacon and caramelized onion topped with fire-roasted poblano peppers and pepper-jack cheese. Other great options include the trout cakes appetizer, the roasted asparagus salad and the short rib and grits entree. $–$$ L D d

CELLAR 417

15058 Business Highway 13, Branson West, cellar417.com

Bistro fare. With a great wine list and a huge deck overlooking the gorgeous Ozarks hills, this is a great spot to sip and eat with friends. A lot of the dishes have an Italian flare. Start with the hummus and whipped feta shareable to munch on with your friends, or order one of the entrees like cacio e pepe or confit chicken. $$–$$$ L D d

CELLAR+PLATE

2916 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, 417-3681739, cellarandplate. wine

Wine bar. At Cellar+Plate you can get exceptional wine and tasty food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Customers love the steak medallions and the seafood ravioli. Don’t miss the Cellar Board with meats, cheeses and fruits. And as you can probably guess from the name, Cellar+Plate has a great wine menu. $$ D d

CHATEAU GRILLE

415 N. State Highway 265, Branson, 417243-1777, chateauonthelake.com

Contemporary American. Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa

& Convention Center, Chateau Grille offers gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake. And you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. The restaurant focuses on upscale, seasonal cuisine, flying in fresh seafood and sourcing local ingredients for the award-winning menu. Open daily during the regular season; open during weekends only during the off-season $$$ BL D d

CHERRY PICKER PACKAGE + FARE

601 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-9865800

Contemporary American. What do you get when you combine a coffee shop, bar, cafe and liquor store? Cherry Picker Package + Fare. A small selection of sandwiches, soups and salads is served daily. We’re big fans of the To Brie or Not to Brie—an Artisan Oven baguette topped with salted butter spread, thinly sliced ham, apricot preserves and a slice of brie. After your meal, order an adult beverage at the bar or pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy at home. In the mornings, the coffee drinks are always well done, and for dessert you can grab a slice of Prairie Pie . $ BL D d

CIVIL KITCHEN & TAP

107 and 222 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-5018456, civilkitchenandtap.com

American. With 28 beers on tap and chicken and waffles on the menu, it is easy to see the appeal of this rustic-but-comfortable restaurant and bar. Specializing in upscale comfort food, Civil Kitchen and Tap draws inspo from Southern and Midwestern sta -

If you have a foodie story idea, news about a local restaurant, or a correction to one of our Dining Guide listings, email our editorial team at yum@417mag.com.

ples. Some favorite dishes include salmon with fruit pico de gallo, crispy charred Brussels sprouts, huge salads and truly indulgent and gigantic battered onion rings. $ BL D d

CLUB 609

609 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-623-6090, club609. com

American. The menu is large at this Joplin mainstay, and it offers everything from sandwiches to delicious steaks. Don’t miss the pecan-encrusted chicken or grilled ahi tuna entrees—and be sure to order them with a side of flash-fried spinach. There is a wide variety of entree salads (you have to try the Cobb), and soups are made fresh every day. They also have a killer happy hour. $$ L D

DERBY DELI

2023 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8834066

Bistro fare. Located inside Brown Derby International Wine Center, this eatery features sandwiches, salads, a variety of cheese plates and salami plates, a hummus board and more. We love the Martin’s salad, topped with oven-roasted chicken, or the Local Goat salad topped with a scoop of chicken salad. Don’t miss the Parisian sandwich with rosemary ham, President’s butter and Gruyere on a baguette. If you’re thinking, “But it’s just a ham sandwich,” you’ll be in for a very pleasant surprise. It’s the best ham sandwich you’ve ever had. Don’t

miss the tasty espresso drinks and sweet treats available at the coffee counter. $ L D

DEVIL’S POOL RESTAURANT

at Big Cedar, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-335-2777, bigcedar.com

American. Here you can enjoy a tasty meal while watching a gorgeous view of Table Rock Lake. For an appetizer, the smoked trout is fantastic, and so is the cornbread topped with cracked pepper maple butter and smoked bacon. The entrees change with the season and are always the perfect blend of rustic and upscale. For brunch, try the johnny cakes with fried green tomatoes for something with a southern flair, or the acai and chia smoothie bowl for something a little trendier. Brunch on Sundays. $$–$$$ BL D d

DOBYNS DINING ROOM

1 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, 417-690-2146, keetercenter.edu

American. The smoked tomato soup is knockyour-socks-off delicious. College of the Ozarks students grow produce and raise meat to use in the restaurant, so the menu has a very farmto-table quality. There’s a fried green tomato caprese appetizer that uses pickled tomatoes and a house-made mozzarella cheese. For something hearty, try the pork belly shrimp and grits—it packs a bit of spice! Try the hickory smoked prime rib Thursday through Saturday. Don’t miss the chocolate cobbler for dessert. The Keeter Center also has a creamery that offers up some delightful homemade ice

creams and sorbets. The extensive brunch buffet on Sundays is excellent. $$ BL D d

DOWNING STREET POUR HOUSE

24 Downing St, Hollister, 417-320-6106; dspourhouse.com

American. Serving elevated bar food and creative, hearty entrees, Downing Street Pour House is the brainchild of the award-winning barbecue slingers who own Gettin’ Basted. But there’s a lot more than just barbecue here. Must-try dishes include the giant Bavarian pretzel appetizer, the queso-smothered tamales and the blackened mahi mahi entree. Don’t miss the wagyu burgers. $–$$ L D

FARMERS GASTROPUB

2620 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8646994, farmersgastropub.com

Contemporary British and American. The menu here features locally sourced ingredients wherever possible and changes regularly. The entrees are well priced and satisfying, like the Scotch eggs and the chicken chop salad (arugula, kale, cabbage, blue cheese, boiled egg, pumpkin seeds, buttermilk dressing). There’s also a great selection of beer, and the burgers and fish and chips are always delicious. On a nice day, sit outside on the patio. $$ BL D d

FIRE & ICE

2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8665253, oasisfireandice. com

Global cuisine. This spot (located inside Oasis Hotel & Convention Center) specializes in dry-aged steaks and

certified Angus beef and has a delicious menu that changes with the seasons. Be sure to try the Fire & Ice Whiskey Burger with a Maker’s Mark whiskey glaze and crispy fried onions. Other tasty options include seared Japanese tuna loin, adobo-rubbed flat iron steak, red curry lamb chops, and more. Sit at the bar for a unique experience: You can watch cooks in the open kitchen while resting your drink on the ice bar. $$ L D d

FUEL FRESH

AMERICAN GRILL

3405 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-3371786, facebook.com/ FuelFreshAmericanGrill American. After you work up an appetite racing go-carts at Tracks Family Fun Park, head to Fuel to fuel up. They serve hearty fare like barbecue nachos, poutine, a couple of loaded burgers, entree salads and more. Don’t miss the smoked whole chicken wings with Black Rifle coffee rub, and try the cinnamon-sugar pretzel with chocolate dipping sauce. $–$$ L D d

THE GARRISON at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com Shareable fine dining. Located beneath the Ozark Mill at Finley Farms, The Garrison features a dark and moody speakeasy vibe, a fine dining menu and a beautiful riverside patio. Try the mini pot roast, the forest panzanella salad or the delightful rosemary pound cake. Be sure to order one of the delicious cocktails— especially the refreshing Mill Pond that goes great alongside all the dishes we tried. $$$ D d

THE GROTTO

301 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8869600 gogrotto.com West Coast–style

American. The menu is accessible to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The super-indulgent warm blue cheese chips are a favorite appetizer. Customers like the burgers (especially the burger topped with lots of tangy blue cheese). One of our favorite things to order is the grilled salmon sandwich with a side of the sweet-and-yummy sweet potato fries. The steak-gorgonzola salad is delish, too. Also try the black bean burger with sweet potato fries. The kids menu cheeseburger is always a hit too. $ L D d

GUY FIERI’S BRANSON KITCHEN & BAR

100 Branson Landing Blvd., Suite 1111, Branson, guysbranson. com

American. Come to eat over-the-top dishes created by the “Mayor of Flavortown.” All the dishes have a little touch of something unexpected—like burgers topped with macaroni and cheese, the nachos made with pulled pork and barbecue sauce, or the cake topped with whiskey caramel. If you’re in the mood for a filling sandwich, try the Old Skool Steak Sandwich topped with New York strip steak, caramelized onions, onion straws and more.

$$ L D

HACKETT HOT WINGS

520 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-625-1333, hacketthotwings.com

American. Sometimes the only thing that will satisfy your cravings is a big plate of some

seriously good chicken wings. The wings at Hackett Hot Wings are fantastic and we’ve heard rave reviews from readers and staffers alike. There are 13 hot wing flavors (ranging from tame barbecue sauce to super-fiery hot sauces that pack a huge punch). But we’re partial to the delicious hot and honey sauce and the tasty house dry rub. Ini addition to wings, you can find tasty treats like sweet potato puffs, breaded cheese curds, fried dill pickles and more. $ L D

HARVEST RESTAURANT

8011 E. State Highway AD, Rogersville, 417830-3656, harvestmo. com

Farm-to-table. Dining at Harvest Restaurant is an experience like none other in 417-land. Owners, Craig and Tamara Von Foerster, have created a restaurant focused on hyper-seasonal, local cuisine. The menu is always in flux depending on what is in-season. Our tip: Order whatever seafood option is currently on the menu. It’s always delicious and expertly prepared. $$$ D d

HOULIHAN’S

2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8627777; houlihans.com

American. The fish tacos and burgers are fantastic, and we love the enormous nachos appetizer along with the vast salad selection. The salad that features banana chips and seared tuna is a fave. Grab some friends and share a few small plates. When the weather is nice, get a table on the patio, where you can gather around a fire pit while you enjoy your meal. $–$$ L D d

HUEY MAGOO’S CHICKEN TENDERS

3352 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8128020, hueymagoos.com

Chicken tenders . The region’s first Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders is located in Springfield near Sunshine Street and Highway 65. This spot offers chicken tenders (both fried or grilled) in platters, sandwiches, salads and wraps. If you get tenders, dip them in the Spicy Magoo’s homemade sauce. We like the Magoo’s Favorite Salad with greens, cranberries, walnuts, tomatoes and a not-too-sweet raspberry-walnut vinaigrette. We like it with grilled chicken. $–$$ L D

HY-VEE

1720 Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8818224; 2150 E. Sunshine St., Springfield; hy-vee. com

American and more. It’s all about variety when it comes to the freshly prepared food at Hy-Vee, so it’s a great place to find something for every member of your family—even the picky ones! You have a hibachi grill, a pizzeria, hearty comfort food, sushi, Chinese dishes and Wahlburgers burgers. $–$$ B L D

LA HABANA VIEJA

220 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-7715723, la-habana-vieja. com

Cuban. Find great mojitos and a menu full of Cuban fare at this Commercial Street eatery. Try the ropa vieja, Cuba’s national dish of beef brisket, rice and veggies. You can also get an appetizer of yucca fries, or ceviche that’s served with plantain chips. For dessert, be sure to grab some of the tres leches cake. $$–$$$ L D

MACCHEESY’S

1920 E. Independence St., Springfield, 417351-3084; 2202 S. Range Line Road, Joplin, 417-691-8256; maccheesys.com

American. There are 18 varieties of loaded macaroni and cheese and 10 types of grilled cheese sandwiches on the menu here, along with soups, salads and some over-the-top shakes that are piled high with tons of wild toppings. You can also build your own mac and cheese creation, or order a side of soft and steamy hot garlic knots.

$–$$ L D

MAMA G’S KITCHEN

2463 W. Sunshine St., Ste. 124; 210 S. Market, Ste. 124; Springfield; mamagkitchen.com

Southern. Mama G’s Kitchen started out with a spot at Metro Eats (the Sunshine Street location). Now, they’ve added a second outpost (the Market St. location). Come here for comforting dishes like fried pork chops, catfish, meatloaf and more. Sides are great too, with options like collard greens, hush puppies and cheesy potatoes. $$ L D

METROPOLITAN GRILL

2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com

Eclectic fine dining. Known for its delectable flash-fried spinach, this restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood. The salads are always fresh and delicious. And we love that the menu is always changing, giving us something new to be excited about—served in a familiar space. The cocktails are delicious, the wine menu is wonderful and the service is top-notch. $$$ D d

MUNDOS LATIN KITCHEN & BAR

5493 N. 17th St., Ozark, 417-485-2160, mundoslatinkitchen.com

Latin. The menu here features dishes from many Latin cuisines, including Mofongo (mashed plantains with chicarron), lomo saltado, tostones, street tacos and tons more. We love the jicama taco filled with coconut shrimp. $$ L D

NEARLY FAMOUS DELI & PASTA HOUSE

2708 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8833403, nearlyfamous.net

Deli and Italian. Regulars love the weekly specials: egg salad on Fridays, pear sandwiches on Thursdays and more. The tomato soup is fantastic, and it goes well with just about any sandwich at this friendly spot. It’s hopping at lunchtime, and the dinner hours offer a menu filled with tasty pasta dishes. They’re a good stop for a weekend brunch as well. $$ BL D

NEIGHBOR’S MILL CAFÉ & BAKERY

1435 E. Independence St., Suite 110, Springfield, 417-7204162; neighborsmill.com

D eli and bakery. This full time bakery offers a hearty menu packed with sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss the honey pecan chicken salad, which comes on Bronze honey wheat bread, or the Reuben, which comes on pumpernickel rye bread. They have two soups of the day, one of which is vegetarian. For a lighter option, order one of the fruit and yogurt parfaits with housemade granola and fresh blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Don’t forget to grab a loaf of

bread while you’re there; the Neighbor’s Best loaf makes truly top-notch avocado toast. $ BL D

THE

ORDER at the Hotel Vandivort, 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8321515, theordersgf.com

New American. Step inside the Vandivort Hotel and turn left for a downtown-Springfield dining experience not to be missed. The atmosphere is trendy but relaxed while the food is an elevated take on American cuisine prepared in a from-scratch kitchen. Try Executive Chef Calvin Davis’s spin on cashew chicken or the market fish specials that change daily. Brunch is excellent here too. $$–$$$ D

OSAGE RESTAURANT

at Top of the Rock, 150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, 1-800-2256343, topoftherock.com American fine dining. Take in beautiful views from the dining room at Osage Restaurant, located at Top of the Rock, and enjoy fine dining that includes steaks and roasted chicken. The fried chicken is stellar, and the cocktails menu always offers created and delicious options. Downstairs is the End of the Trail wine cellar with a wine tasting bar and whiskey room. Reservations are recommended. Collared shirts are recommended after 5 p.m. $$$ B D

THE OZARK MILL RESTAURANT

at Finley Farms, 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com

Farm-to-table. Inside the beautifully restored Ozark Mill, you can order upscale farm-to-table meals that are made with ingredients grown

right at Finley Farms or produced in their on-site apiary. Don’t miss the incredible risotto fritters appetizer made with artichoke, sausage, mozzarella and served over a pickled pepper aioli. We also love the Chicken & Dumplins made with cornbread gnocchi and the simply delicious gem lettuce salad. Pop in for happy hour from 2–5 p.m. Sunday–Friday for half-price appetizers and deals on cocktails, beer and wine. $$–$$$ L D d

PALM & PADDLE

GRILLE

2515 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. 400, Springfield, 417-605-7500, palmandpaddlegrille.com

Caribbean. Everything has an island flair here. The coconut shrimp is a must-try, and so is the mango-habanero chicken. Their tasty jerk chicken is a filling option fro the tiki tacos, along with jerk shrimp and carne asada. Bonus: If you’re perusing the entrees and can’t decide what you want, you can go for an Island Combination and order two. $$–$$$ L D d

PAULA DEEN’S FAMILY KITCHEN

545 Branson Landing, Branson, 417-320-5127, pauladeensfamilykitchen.com

Southern. Meals are served family-style at this spot, where you pick a package named for a southern city (like The Savannah) and construct a shareable meal from rib-sticking entree options like pot roast, chicken and dumplings and fried catfish. Homestyle sides include collard greens, candied yams, baked macaroni and cheese, and more. Get the banana pudding for dessert! $$ L D

PIER 28 PIZZA & GRILL

344 Nautical Circle, Kimberling City, 417527-1580, pier28pizzagrill.com

American. Come for lakeside views and a menu filled with pizza, burgers, tacos and more. If you love fried pickles, get an order of the spicy pickle chips to share. And if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, the menu offers several tasty salad options. Check website for seasonal hours. $$ L D

QUEEN CITY SOUL KITCHEN

1626 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, 417-3798614, facebook.com/ QueenCitySoulKitchen Soul food. The menu changes from week to week here, but the offerings are always delicious. Find comforting fare like meatloaf, fried chicken wings, smothered pork chops and more. Make sure you leave room for peach cobbler or bread pudding. $–$$ L D

REBAR KITCHEN & TAP ROOM

2902 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-5974569, rebar-taproom. com.

American. This spot features elevated takes on taproom fare. A few menu highlights include charbroiled oysters, duck bacon wontons, pizza, wings and more. There are several burgers, like the Hoglager BBQ Burger topped with bacon, onion strings, cheese and Yuenglinginfused barbecue sauce. $$ BL D

RED ONION CAFÉ

204 E. Fourth St., Joplin, 417-623-1004, redonioncafe.com

American and Italian

The Tuxedo Chicken is a customer favorite.

Diners also love the bacon-wrapped shrimp, the blackened tuna sandwich or Dave’s fried chicken salad. Try the BLT&A. (The A stands for avocado... yum!) There’s even a section of the menu with keto-friendly options that are low-carb and gluten-free. $$ L D

ROSIE JO’S CAFE

1711 S. 15th St., Ozark, 417-581-6047

American. This place is a very popular hangout at breakfast time with great daily specials, and it also has great homemade pies, including surprising ones like gooseberry. The fried chicken is delicious at this eatery, and so are the fried dill pickles and the onion rings. $ BL D

RETRO METRO

2150 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7201708, eatretrometro. com

Contemporary

American . This throwback concept brings back decades of old Metropolitan Grill favorites and quite a few brand-new flavors too from owner Chef Tiny. The aptly named Retro Metro serves some of Metropolitan’s greatest hits, including flash-fried spinach and chicken spiedini. But there are original items on the menu as well, from Chef Tiny himself. During happy hour, come in fro wagyu sliders, crab cake sliders and more. Dishes are available via drive-thru, too. $$$ D

SPLIT SOCIAL KITCHEN

3027 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7557155, splitspringfield. com

American. Come for creative and beautifully prepared shareables and hearty entrees, all

Saying Goodbye to an Old Favorite

Tong’s Thai Restaurant (3454 S. Campbell Ave, Spring eld), which has been a Spring eld staple for 25 years, has closed, according to reporting by Ozarks First. Owner Tong Trithara is closing up the restaurant to devote more time to his program “Thailand Little Ones,” which teaches kids how to grow their own food.—Tessa Cooper

served a teeny restaurant space that packs a lot of good vibes. We love the amazing macaroni and cheese (get fried chicken with it as your optional protein). The menu changes with the seasons, but recently we’ve loved the Ooo Mami Tacos filled with seared sashimi-grade tuna. $$ L D

ST. MICHAEL’S SPORTS BAR & GRILLE

301 South Ave., Springfield, 417-8652315

American. The burgers are top-notch, and the huge salads topped with deliciously seasoned grilled chicken breast are a favorite (try the one with spicy Cajun chicken—yum!). Come hungry enough to order dessert because the cakes are stellar. Our favorite is the dreamy banana cake (nothing can beat it!) but the blueberry-lemon is a very close second. If you need to feed a crowd, their Italian catering options are huge, affordable and never disappoint. $–$$ L D

TEA BAR & BITES

621 S. Pickwick Ave., 417-866-7500, teabarandbites.com. Bistro fare. Everything we’ve tasted at Tea Bar & Bites has been fantastic. Try the curry chicken salad or the yummy quiche with beautiful, flaky crust. We love any

of the menu items that have a Mediterranean flair. The menu features plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. There are tasty baked goods too, like giant caramel rolls or sweet coconut cream cupcakes. Open for dinner on Friday and Saturday only; open for brunch on Sunday only. $ BL D d

UNDERCLIFF GRILL & BAR

6375 Old Highway 71, Tipton Ford, 417-6292869, theundercliffgrill. com

American. This restaurant is built into a cave. Come for hearty sandwiches and entrees, like the Miner’s Burger or the Boomtown Fried Chicken. $ BL D

VAN

GOGH’S EETERIE

334 E. Commercial St., 417-344-0085, vangoghseeterie.com Indo- D utch. Dutch pancakes, chicken witlof and other Indo-Dutch and Dutch-inspired cuisine populate the menu at this Commercial Street hotspot from Joe Gidman of Cafe Cusco. We love the pancakes— especially the Farm Near Auvers topped with goat cheese, apples, honey, arugula and thyme. For something packed with veggies, the Liza’s Stamppot entree is perfect. For something sweet, our favorite is the Starry Night dessert

pancake topped with blueberry compote, lemon-ginger sauce and ice cream. $$ BL D

VOLLEYBALL BEACH OZARK

1198 State Highway NN, Ozark, 816-838-1664, volleyballbeachozark. com

American. You probably already know you can play sand volleyball year-round at Volleyball Beach Ozark. But did you know you can grab dinner and drinks too? They offer chicken wings with several sauce options (including some fun ones like apple-habanero barbecue or Korean barbecue), a few types of pizza, burgers and more. $–$$ D

BARBECUE

BUCKINGHAM’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ

2002 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8869979, buckinghambbq. com

Diners love the ribs and the burnt ends at this classic barbecue eatery. We can’t get enough of the killer smoked salmon topped with horseradish sauce. And don’t miss the jalapeño bottle caps. If you’re extra hungry, get the baked potato that’s covered with just about everything. $ L D d

CITY BUTCHER & BARBECUE

3650 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-7201113, citybutchersgf. com

Come early because this Texas-style barbecue spot, where the meat is smoked in small batches for optimal freshness, is known to sell out. Killer brisket, pulled pork and other favorites are sold first-come, first-served with a few simple but delicious side dish

options. If you’re in a sandwich mood, try the City Smokestack, piled high with brisket, pulled pork, pork belly and your choice of sausage (we recommend Texas hot links). The smokehouse beans are delish, and the smoked chocolate chip cookies are super-fun. $–$$ L D d

CROSSTOWN BBQ

1331 E. Division St., Springfield, 417-8624646

Try the ribs or the brisket. The Big Pappa Dinner is a signature dish, and it features tons of meat including ribs, brisket and hot links. We loved the smoked chicken salad for something that feels healthy and indulgent at the same time. And as for sides, you have to go with the crispy fried okra. Another customer favorite (even though it’s not barbecue) is the always-tasty and oh-so-crispy fried catfish. $–$$ L D

DANNA’S BBQ AND BURGER SHOP

Two Branson-area locations; dannasbbq.com If you want to share a meal with a friend, the Smoked Pit Plate comes with plenty of food for two people and features tender pulled beef, half a chicken, pork, sausage and ribs. $ L D d

GETTIN’ BASTED

2845 W. Highway 76, Branson; 606 W. Mount Vernon St., Nixa; gettinbasted.com

Come here for award-winning barbecue in all your favorite varieties: brisket, ribs, pulled pork and more. The seven wagyu burgers on the menu are fully loaded, and the apps game is strong with homemade pimento cheese, barbecue nachos and more. We can’t get enough of

the pork tacos appetizer, featuring pulled pork tacos on grilled tortillas with slaw and pineapple. The house salad topped with chicharrones is a hit too. $–$$ L D

HEADY BAR-B-QUE CO.

573 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-732-4227, headybbq.com

This spot specializes in Kansas City–style barbecue. Among stellar ribs, brisket and more perfectly prepared meats, you can find unexpected dishes with a barbecue spin: nachos, salads, a burrito. The sandwiches are all packed with ingredients, liked the Hogwallop that has pull pork, hot link, pickled jalapeños, pepper-jack cheese, sautéed onions and a special sauce. Whew! That’s a lot!

$–$$ L D

PAPPY’S PLACE

943 N. Main Ave., Springfield, 417-8668744

Be sure not to miss the pork spare ribs with Pappy’s barbecue sauce or the barbecue nachos at this long-running Springfield institution. (Extra perk: We’ve heard people say that Pappy’s sells the very coldest beer in town.)

The restaurant’s daily specials are delicious, too. $ L D

WHOLE HOG

CAFÉ

224 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417868-0042; 2731 N. Glenstone Ave, Springfield, 417-7204759 wholehogsgf.com

Customers love the pulled pork sandwich. There’s a delicious sauce for every taste bud at this eatery (we like the spicy ones, but

the mustard base is delicious, too), and we love the extra-indulgent potato salad (it is among the best we’ve ever tried). Don’t miss the barbecue nachos or super-juicy chicken. $ L D d

BREAKFAST

BILLY GAIL’S CAFE

5291 State Highway 265, Branson, 417-3388883; 1882 James River Road, Ozark, 417-5822600; billygailsrestaurant.com

Billy Gail’s in Branson has been a beloved breakfast hotspot for ages, and it’s still going strong. The Ozark spot and has become just as popular. Come for massive pancakes and other breakfast fare. The Ozark location serves dinner on the weekends. $ BL D

OMO’s Big Move

The OMO Japanese Soul Food crew has been hard at work these past few weeks. They’ve moved to a new space, but it’s still within Chester eld Village. The new address is 2215 W. Chester eld Blvd. (It’s located right by The World’s Largest Fork, for reference.) We can’t wait to go check it out for ourselves, but we’re already super impressed after seeing their sneak peek post. The sprawling new space shows o paper lanterns and cherry blossoms galore, sleek lighting, and cheerful pops of red. We can’t imagine a more beautiful setting to enjoy some Japanese soul food.—Tessa Cooper

FRESH NEW DIGS

THE BRUNCHEONETTE

424 N. Main St., Joplin, 417-781-3447, thebruncheonette.net

We love the creative takes on eggs Benedict that we’ve found at The Bruncheonette, whose menu changes weekly but is always interesting. Don’t miss your chance to order a plate of poutine, hand-cut fries topped with gravy, shredded cheese and a poached egg. The carrot fries are wonderful too. This restaurant is small but mighty, and it’s worth the wait for a table. $ BL

EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST PUB

1717 E. Cherokee St., Springfield, 417-8858088

This spot serves up creative breakfast fare and has a full-service bar churning out breakfast margaritas and the ilk. Bonus: Those breakfast margs are made with orange marmalade for a nod to the day’s first meal. Don’t miss the tacos, burritos, traditional breakfast fare, sandwiches and more. There’s even a chicken and waffles sandwich, and we love that you can get sweet potato tots as a side here. Try the Bluebird Bird’s Nest, a puff pastry topped with cream cheese, blueberries, bananas, granola, honey and a hard-boiled egg. $ BL d

FIRST WATCH

2946 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8890601; 3103 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417633-7094; firstwatch. com

Go traditional with a plate piled with crispy bacon, eggs and toast. Or order something more creative. At First Watch you can find

breakfast power bowls (like the one filled with quinoa, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, kale and eggs), lemon-ricotta pancakes, avocado toast, a superfood bowl with chia pudding and fruit and lots more. There are a few different varieties of eggs Benedict (we love the one topped with bacon and avocado), and we love that many of the dishes come with a simple lemon-and-greens salad on the side to brighten it all up. Don’t miss the lunch treats, too. $ BL

GAILEY’S BREAKFAST CAFÉ

220 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8665500

The sweet potato hash browns are super-delish here, and we highly recommend ordering them in place of the traditional hash browns. We also love The Bear Hug: biscuits and gravy, choice of meat, two eggs and either hash browns or sweet browns. Gailey’s is known for breakfast, but the restaurant also has a tasty lunch menu. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, and the weekly dish and cocktail specials are always a fun change of pace. $ BL

JW’S KITCHEN

2111 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3069997

This brunch spot comes from the owners of Farmers Gastropub, Andy and Misty Hampshire. It features excellently prepared favorites and some fun surprises. You can get biscuits with chocolate gravy (a southern American favorite) or a full English breakfast (black sausage included) and everything in between. $$ BL

THE EUROPEAN

105 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-986-4646, theeuropean417.com

The pastries are picture-perfect and taste just as good as they look. The cardamom buns are luxurious comfort food. And the breakfast and lunch dishes are inventive and superbly executed. We love the mousse cakes, the macarons and the strawberry pancakes—or the shakshuka when we want something savory. $ BL d

SLEEPY OPOSSUM CAFE

1423 E. Cherry St., Springfield, Ste. 101, 913-730-6224, sleepyopossumcafe.com

This darling spot serves creative, classic and always delicious breakfast fare. We are obsessed with their hashbrown quiches, and the homemade biscuits topped with everything seasoning are to die for. Any baked sweet is a dream here too, especially the creative cakes. Dinner options include a veggie bar, fork-and-knife sandwiches, meatloaf, fancy hot dogs and carrot dogs for the nonmeat-eaters. Open for dinner Thursday through Saturday only. $ BLD

VILLAGE INN FAMILY RESTAURANT

Multiple 417-land locations, villageinn.com

Try the breakfast skillets, eggs Benedict and, of course, the super-tasty pies. We love the crepes and other sweet breakfast offerings, too. At breakfast, you can build your own meal by picking four items from a long list of classic breakfast favorites. (We like pairing eggs with bacon, fruit and half of a sweet Belgian waffle). And of

course, don’t miss grabbing a slice of pie while you’re there. $ BL D

CHINESE

BAO BAO CHINESE BISTRO

2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Suite A104, Springfield, 417-8777505

Chinese food fans, this is a must-try spot for you. We just keep hearing rave reviews about Bao Bao Chinese Bistro. This little spot in Chesterfield Village has a chef who used to own a restaurant in Shanghai, so there are several authentic items on the menu. Try the salt-and-pepper pork, a super-tender duck entree, the veggie-filled wonton soup, or the jiaozi dumplings. Or bring your appetite and tuck into a hot pot filled with seafood, tofu and more.

$ L D

CHINESE CHEF

3029 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8834770, facebook.com/ chinesechefcampbell; 1731 S. Enterprise Ave., Springfield, 417-8892433

Classic Springfield-style Chinese food is on the vast and very affordable menu at Chinese Chef. Owner Joe Fong has been serving Springfield for over 40 years, and some of his customers’ favorite dishes include Kung Pao chicken, made-from-scratch cashew chicken, crab rangoon and egg rolls. The Campbell location offers a Sunday buffet, and both locations offer a drive-thru daily. $ L D

CORNER 21

1730 E. Republic Road, Ste. A, Springfield, 417771-5666, corner21sgf. com

This restaurant’s menu

offers a large variety of authentic Chinese dishes, including several Szechuan-style meals. You’ll even find dishes that aren’t common on local Chinese restaurant menus, such as braised pork belly with rice noodles, ribeye and enoki mushrooms in a curry broth, crispy fried pumpkin, spicy Szechuan fish and so much more. We loved everything we tried on a recent visit, especially the pork buns. For a meat-free option, the Mix Vegetable with Special Sauce for something bright and light or the spicy tofu for something with a punch of heat. $ L D d

HONG KONG INN RESTAURANT

1632 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417881-1113; 1645 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417866-3382; 1520 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8818008; 761 N. 17th St., Ozark, 417-581-2539 This spot serves typical Chinese favorites and tasty egg rolls. The Szechuan chicken is a favorite and packs quite a spicy punch. The cashew chicken is a longtime customer favorite. Also worth a try: sesame chicken, kung pao chicken, and the hot and sour soup. All three have a bit of spice. $ L D

LEONG’S ASIAN DINER

1540 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8877500

The Leong family serves its original cashew chicken at this tasty eatery, among lots of other yummy stuff. The crab Rangoon are especially delicious here, and we like to dip them in the bold and spicy mustard sauce. The egg rolls are

a classic, made from scratch with a peanut butter flair. The General Tso’s chicken has a rich and spicy sauce and lots of veggies. Another favorite is the Hunan beef. The signature dishes are great, but be sure to keep an eye out for new items, as they change up their menu a couple times a year. $–$$ L D

LUCY’S CHINESE FOOD

Several 417-land locations, lucyschinesefood. com

Don’t miss the cashew chicken combo special that gets you an entree, a side and fried rice for an incredible price. We like the sweet and sour chicken here. But if you’d rather eat something mega-spicy than something fried, order the hot chicken. It’ll have you reaching for your water glass with every bite. We love the kids meals here, too. They are the perfect little portion of tiny diners, plus they come with a spring roll, a crab rangoon and a drink. $ L D

TRIPLE EIGHTS

1710 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417-8328889

While you can find Springfield Chinese favorites like cashew chicken on the menu at Triple Eights, you can also dig into more traditional Chinese fare. The mapo tofu is a must try, with its rich and spicy sauce. The Sichuan Maocai stew is worth a taste too. $ L D

COFFEE SHOP FARE

ARCHITECT COFFEE

1604 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417771-5030; 1300 E. Battlefield; architectcoffeeco.com

This Instagram-chic cof -

fee shop on Springfield’s south side offers a bright and cozy atmosphere with warm drinks and hearty food, to boot. The breakfast burritos are stellar and so filling. We love the seasonal drinks that change every so often, especially when they offer some version of a refreshing espresso tonic. So good! Don’t skip the sandwiches or salads for lunch (served all night). We also love this spot because it’s hopping, and we always run into a friend when we visit. Battlefield Road location is drive-thru only. $ BLD

BIG MOMMA’S COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR

217 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8659911; 1010 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, 417868-4157; bigmommascoffee.com

This spot offers coffee, espresso and blended frappes. But there is more on the menu than just drinks. Be sure to try the super-delicious sandwiches that are served here, too. The Juliette is one of our favorite sandwiches from Big Momma’s (with apples, provolone and creamy spreads), and we also adore the sweets selection. $ BL D d

THE BLACK LAB COFFEE CO.

545 E. Elm St., Republic, 417-647-5125, facebook.com/theblacklabllc; 3541 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield

This casually canine-inspired coffee stop is Republic’s place to be for a piping hot Labbuccino, and their second location in Springfield serves all the same pup-inspired menu items. Try the Black Lab, which includes toffee nut and chocolate, or the

Hours: on: Closed Tues–Fri: 11am– :30pm pm–9pm Sat: 11am–9pm Sun: 11am– pm

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned Thai food enthusiast, Everyday Thai invites you to discover Thailand’s diverse culinary heritage. Open six days a week, they are honored to provide the best Thai food in Southwest Missouri.

0 . attlefield Rd., Springfield 1 0 01 m e er da thai.com

Hours: Tues–Sat: 12pm-9pm

Enjoy freshly made seasonal favorites, in shareable portions, with a wide assortment of wines, beers and a full bar + patios and lake views! From charcuterie and roasted vegetables, to house-made pastas, and c ic en, s an beef specia s to eca ent desserts. Come try your new favorites! 15038 Business Highway 13, Branson West 865-223-5527 | Cellar417.com

Goldendoodle, a signature combination of caramel and brown sugar. Sips aren’t the only draw here, either. The shop serves full lunch and breakfast menus too. Indulge in a Nutella toast with strawberries along with your brew. $ BL

CAFE CUBANO

3650 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8877777, facebook.com/ countrygirlsespresso

Aside from all of the delicious coffee drinks, the real must-try item here is the authentic Cuban sandwich, served pressed on Cuban bread. Cafe Cubano’s’ signature is its Cafe Con Leche with scalded milk. We also love the guava pastry, a treat that costs less than $2 and is filled with tropical sweetness. For breakfast, the bacon and cheddar burritos are a favorite thanks to crisp, thick-cut bacon. Order it with an iced Americano for a hearty breakfast. Come by Tuesday, when you can Cuban tacos. $ BL D

CLASSIC ROCK COFFEE

1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield, 417-8817625, classicrockcoffee. com

This coffee shop offers espresso drinks with rock ‘n’ roll–inspired names. Try the Sweet Emotion latte (with chocolate and caramel) and a ham and cheese puff pastry breakfast pocket to start your day. Another perennial favorite drink: The Dirty White Boy. $ BL D d

THE COFFEE ETHIC

124 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-866-6645, thecoffeeethic.com

Try the single-origin coffee, brewed one cup at a time, or any of the

creative and delicious seasonal drinks. The cappuccino is fantastic (truly one of the best we’ve ever had), and the shop also serves wine, craft beers on draft and a small selection of quality liquors. The food game here is strong too, with loaded oatmeal, freshly baked muffins and more. We love the bottled lattes too. $ d

CUFFLINK COFFEE

215 S. Grant Ave., Springfield

This caffeinated offshoot of Mother’s Brewing Co., serves a variety of coffee, espresso and tea drinks. You can also find some sweet treats there as well, like blueberry muffin, banana nut muffin and croissants. $ d

DANCING MULE

COFFEE COMPANY

1945 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8835114, dancingmulecoffee.com

The mochas are great here—chocolatey but not too sweet. Dancing Mule also does a really good authentic cappuccino that’s made just right. Try the Peanut Butter Fandango Frappe if you’re in the mood for something a little more funky, and if you’re on the run, swing through the drive-thru. $ B

DARK STONE COFFEE

1826 E. Turner St., Springfield, 417-4509648, darkstonecoffee. com

This drive-thru-only coffee trailer has a menu of classic coffee and espresso drinks alongside fun flavored lattes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Sugar & Spice made with the heat of a little bit of ghost pepper. We like to get the lattes blended, and we hear the French Silk flavor is absolutely

to die for. It’s perfect for a quick on-the-go coffee run when you don’t have time to get out of the car. $ BL D

ECHELON COFFEE

2407 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-3742739, echeloncoffee. com

This sunny coffee shop (with a drive-thru!) has excellent espresso drinks, drip coffee, pour-over and more. The cortado is always well done. And we love The Formation (espresso with vanilla, cinnamon and honey) prepared as a frappe when we’re feeling indulgent. Don’t miss the delish breakfast and lunch fare too. There are excellent biscuits and gravy on the weekends only, and options like smoothie bowls, breakfast burritos, sandwiches and salads every day of the week. $ BL D d

EURASIA COFFEE & TEA CULTURE CAFE

445 E. Commercial St., 417-720-1949, culturecstreet.com

This coffee roaster with a mission also serves some tasty fare in its Culture Cafe. In addition to carefully crafted cups of coffee, there are excellent lunch items. Recently we’ve enjoyed the chicken tikka naan’wich and the smoky chili. We love ordering the miso caramel latte too. $ BL D d

HATCHER’S COFFEEHOUSE

325 S. Main St., Carthage, 417-4236655, hatcherscoffeehouse.com

Located right on the historic square in Carthage, this coffee shop offers all the espresso favorites, along with Italian sodas and tea lattes. There are lots of fun

syrup flavors beyond the expected options, like Mexican chili, cardamom and hibiscus-rose. They use Onyx Coffee Labs beans. $ BL

KINGDOM COFFEE

211 S. Market Ave., Suite 100, Springfield, 417-350-1234; 2896 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield; kingdomsgf.com

The coffee menu features classic espresso drinks, like cappuccinos, macchiattos, mochas and more. We love the classic cortado the most, and the not-toosweet and super-creamy iced matcha latte is truly delicious. The seasonal drinks are always a treat here, too. If you can get your hands on it, be sure to order a cheddar and chive scone (and ask them to warm it up!). For an even more substantial bite, try the Union Biscuit: smoked bacon, two eggs, sharp cheddar cheese and herb preserves on a buttermilk biscuit. $ BL D d

MAPLE LEAF COFFEEHOUSE

800 W. Central Ave., Carthage, 417-2379075; 2206 S. Maple St., Ste. C2, Carthage, 417-237-9137; mapleleafcoffeehouse.com

There are great coffeeshop classics here, as well as some really fun seasonal options. Past seasonals have featured flavored cold foams, like pumpkin spice or lavender. In addition to coffee, stop in for savory crepes, creative toasts, affogatos, matcha lattes, salads, smoothie bowls and more. There are two locations: The one on Central Avenue is Maple Leaf Coffeehouse & Creperie, and the one on Maple Street is Maple Leaf Coffeehouse & Smootherie. They use

coffee from Battlefieldbased Copper Canyon Coffee Roasters. $ BL

MUDHOUSE COFFEE

323 South Ave. Suite B, Springfield, 417-8321720, mudhousecoffee. com

The coffee is always fantastic here, at Springfield’s OG downtown coffee shop. Plus, Mudhouse also offers a wide variety of loose-leaf teas. The muffins here are huge and delicious (make sure you try the one with berries—it’s our favorite). $ BLD

THE PRESS COFFEE & JUICE BAR

2710 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, 417-7715950

Asian fusion. This wholefoods cafe offers organic dishes with ingredients from local market vendors. Juices are organic and cold-pressed. The real draw here is the Mexican-Korean fusion menu, featuring gogi nachos, kimchi fried rice and street tacos. The gogi quesadilla with kimchi is our favorite; we like to order it with tofu and extra goji sauce on the side for dipping every single crispy bite of our quesadilla. $ BL D d

ROOTS COFFEE BAR

1645 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8776889, facebook.com/ rootscoffeebar

Grab a cup of joe on the go or stay awhile and order a breakfast sandwich at this versatile coffee shop. Be sure not to miss the Smash Brown: a fried egg, cheese and hash brown sandwich topped with sausage, house-made brisket or pecan smoked shoulder bacon and served on a potato bun. Other popular menu items include breakfast burritos and the BLT. $ BL D d

URBAN GROUNDS COFFEE & PLANT LAB

5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, urbangrounds417.com

This spot specializes in drinks made with locally roasted coffee. Try classics like lattes and cappuccinos, or opt for a flavored options (like salted caramel toffee) or a botanical latte made with things like beetroot, turmeric and more. When you’re hungry, munch on one of the loaded toasts, a grazing tray, a smoothie bowl and more. This coffee shop doubles as a plant store and boutique, selling gifts, home decor and more. In the plant lab, you can buy a plant and a pot and then put them together while you sip a coffee. $ BL

THE WORKSHOP AT FINLEY FARMS

840 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, 417-210-6644, finleyfarmsmo.com

The Workshop is a coffee shop and gathering space. The menu includes classic coffee and tea offerings plus super-sized suped-up toasts (the avocado toast is fully loaded and fully delicious). Don’t miss the delicious creamy chicken salad; it’s excellent. As for drinks, we love The Workshop Shake, a shaken iced latte with vanilla bean syrup, cinnamon and honey. Their take on a London Fog, featuring pH lavender syrup, is delicious too. You can also sign up for handson workshops. $ BL d

DELIS

J. PARRINO’S QUEEN CITY DELI

1647 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8871148, queencitydeli.com

This spot serves up pasta, soups, salads and

some super-delicious sandwiches. Don’t miss The Burnes (beef tenderloin on garlic bread) or the Italian beef sandwiches (order them wet to get plenty of luscious jus). You can’t go wrong with the pastrami sandwich that’s incredibly meaty—piled high just like they do it in New York City delis. $ L D

MYTHICAL ‘WICH

113 E. Main St., Branson, mythicalwich. com

This sandwich shop comes from the owners of another Branson favorite: Gettin’ Basted. It offers a large selection of bold lunch and breakfast sandwiches, like the Holy Hand Grenade topped with pastrami hash and a fried egg. There are also soups, salads and desserts— like the banana pudding that we’re dying to try.

$ BLD

THE SANDWICH SCENE

208 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-6859682, thesandwichscene.com

This little spot started out inside Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar and has now found a home of its own on McDaniel Street. This spot slings some seriously good sammies. Don’t miss the Eurbano, made with mojo pork, house-made terrine, ham, Swiss and spicy giardiniera. The Meatball sub is crazy good too, and you should keep an eye out for any of the get-themwhile-you-can specials that are always creative and delish. $ L D

THE SUB SHOP

1721 E. Seminole St., Springfield, 417-8873804; 456 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417831-8077

The Fighter Pilot sandwich comes fully loaded with salami, pepperoni, cheese, banana peppers, lettuce and sub sauce. Be sure to try the sandwich specials (also known as the secret sandwiches); they are always creative and delish. Hit an ATM on the way there, because The Sub Shop is cash only.

$ L d

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ

3811 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8876600; 3645 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417719-4486; 1971 E. Independence St., Springfield, 417-3501273; tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Lunches are light and pretty guilt-free. Grab a turkey-bacon-ranch sandwich or a wrap. Sides include a tasty street corn and some sweet-yet-healthful maple roasted sweet potatoes. And of course, don’t miss those tasty smoothies. They come in just about every flavor you can think of, but we’re partial to the one with berries and oats. Kids eat free on weekends. $ BL D d

DESSERTS

ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD

Multiple 417-land locations, eatandys.com

Frozen treats. Don’t miss the rotating seasonal toppings (our staffers love the key lime pie and blackberry in the summer, and the apple pie and pumpkin pie in the fall). Try the Ozarks Turtle sundae, a classic concoction with caramel, hot fudge and toasty pecans. There are

several sundae and concrete options, plus root beer floats and Italian ice pops. Or you can order your own creation. We like to get a sundae with raspberries, pecans and marshmallow fluff. $ d

HURTS DONUT

1231 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-3680279; 1580 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417-598-3474; wannahurts.com

D onuts. Outside-the-box toppings cover these super-delicious doughnuts, available 24 hours a day. A customer favorite is the maple-bacon bar, a huge, salty-sweet concoction that is oh-sodelish. But it’s not just donuts. You can also get shakes, freshly baked cookies, enormous apple fritters, macaroons, savory kolaches and more. $

LA BOBA CAFE

1601 W. Sunshine St., Suite D, Springfield, 417-720-1328 facebook.com/labobacafe

Boba tea. Here you can get boba tea in a huge variety of flavors and formats, from regular tea to milk tea and smoothies. Toppings include black boba, crystal boba and several flavors of jelly and popping boba. Our favorite: Tiger milk tea (a combination of Thai tea and jasmine tea) with lychee jellies and crystal boba. You can also get rolled ice cream sundaes here. $

LUCKY CAT BOBA TEA & TAIYAKI

3424 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-3513136

Boba tea. There is a hefty menu of bubble tea options (we like

the passionfruit mojito bubble tea that comes with fresh lime and mint leaves) plus sweet snacks like mitarashi dongo skewers, red bean–filled mochi, and darling slices of cake. The taiyaki are fishshaped waffle-like cakes with tasty fillings that come in a variety of flavors like sweet red bean, Nutella, vanilla custard and more. If you want something savory, try the pork-filled steamed buns. $

MAIN STREET POPS

110 E. Main St., Branson, 417-973-5002, mainstreetpopsbranson. com

Ice pops. This sweet and creative little ice pop shop in downtown Barnson let’s you customize your sweet treat. You pick the pop flavor you like most, then you choose which dips and toppings you want to add to fancy it up. Or if you’re indecisive, you can pick one of “signature” pops, like the Almond Joy that features a coconut ice pop topped with chocolate dip, almonds and toasted coconut. There are dairy-free options too. $ L D

PARLOR DOUGHNUTS

1109 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. A, Springfield, parlordoughnuts.com D onuts. This spot is known for their “layered donuts,” which have a unique textures, are super-indulgent and come in a dozens of toppings-laden flavors. Our very favorite is teh coconut cream filled donut. You can also get keto-friendly donuts, vegan and gluten-free donuts, great espresso drinks, and savory breakfast items (like tacos). They even have a Doggie Doughnut. $ B L D

PRAIRIE PIE

307 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, prairiepie. com

Pie and cookies. Prairie Pie makes stellar all-butter-crust pies in flavors that range from classic to inventive. The caramel apple pie is an elevated take on a classic and is quite popular. Any of owner Eleanor Taylor’s pies made with rhubarb are superb. Stop by the storefront for other offerings as well, such as savory pot pies, and crazy-good mashed potatoes. $–$$

SOCIETEA

1653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7204094, facebook.com/ societea.

Boba tea. Bubble tea is the name of the game

at this authentic spot where the matcha milk tea and the matcha roll cake are both musttry offerings. Whether you’re a bubble tea veteran or looking to try something new, this is your place. We love that you can customize the sweetness level of your drinks and top them with options we don’t see often at other boba tea spots (like big pieces of coffee jelly, or creamy cheese foam). Our favorite is the fresh strawberry milk tea with crystal boba. $

ST. GEORGE’S DONUTS

3628 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8817515; 3012 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417882-1718; 1415 W.

State Highway J, Ozark, 417-425-7885; stgeorgesdonuts.net

D onuts. Lots of luscious doughnuts are made fresh daily here. We love the glazed blueberry and the oh-so-fresh chocolate cake donuts. $ d

DINERS

BILLY BOB’S DAIRYLAND

1901 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, 417337-9291

Burgers. Billy Bob’s is a greasy-spoon institution that has long served delicious sweets and tasty American food on the strip in Branson. There are 24 flavors of fried pies here, cheeseburgers (pro tip: top them with grilled onions), foot-

ON THE HORIZON

Oodles of Noodles Coming Your Way

Sangyeal Lee, who previously owned Asia Food & Gift Market (1314 S. Glenstone Ave., Spring eld), just purchased Seoul Oriental Market (3165 S. Campbell Ave., Spring eld). While he’s made the decision to close up Asia Food & Gift Market, he’s the one bringing us the new ramen noodle restaurant. Named Kuick Noodles (3165 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. B7), it will be located right behind Seoul Oriental Market in the same shopping center. Kuick Noodles will be self-service with ample seating. They’ll o er Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian-style noodles, so you’ve got plenty of options. Lee tells us they are just in the initial planning and paperwork stages, but we’ll stay in touch with him for updates.—Tessa Cooper

long hot dogs with chili and cheese and more.

$ L D

CASPER’S

937 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-2277377, caspersdiner.com

Chili. This local favorite is getting settled into a new location on Glenstone Avenue that’s filled with bright colors and a kitschy vibe that’s both Casper’s-familiar and also brand new. The spot serves overflowing bowls of great chili and a few other yummy diner options (like burgers and hot dogs). Don’t forget to order some luscious chili cheese fries while you’re there. Another yummy favorite: ham and beans with cornbread when you can get it on special.

$ BL D

DRUFF’S

331 Park Central East, Springfield; 417-7191719, yumdruffs.com

Grilled cheese. Druff’s brings glorious cheesiness to diner fare with a menu of grilled cheeses, soups and creative sides. For a little heat, try the Good Doctor, made with cheddar, cream cheese, bacon and jalapeño, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Nutella and strawberry grilled sando—it’s nuts. Druff’s also offers a robust brunch and breakfast menu. We love the breakfast bowls, especially the Swipe Right with eggs, hash browns, jalapenos, avocado, bacon and cheddar. $ L D

IGGY’S DINER

2400 Grand Ave., Carthage, 417-2370212, facebook.com/ IggysDiner D iner fare. This retro spot has so many nostalgic vibes and is a popular stop along Route 66. Come for hearty fare like stacked-high burg -

ers with fries, creatively topped French toast, diner breakfast faves (i.e. eggs, hashbrowns, all the good stuff), tall milkshakes and more. $ L D

RED’S GIANT HAMBURG

2301 W. Sunshine St., Springfield Burgers. A revival of the Route 66 staple (the original Red’s is rumored to be the country’s first drive-through restaurant), this diner serves up as much nostalgia as it does classic burgers. Opt for the stacked high griddle burgers served with fries or onion rings, slurp on a malt or milkshake, or try out some of the newer gluten-free options. Check out the breakfast menu if you’re up early. $ BL D

THE SQUEEZE INN

404 RB Road, Stockton, 417-276-6302 Burgers. Head up to Stockton to try one of the yummiest and most unusual burgers in 417-land. Order the Squeeze with Cheese, a ⅓-pound griddle-cooked burger that’s smothered in so much shredded cheddar cheese that it overflows the patty and creates a “cheese skirt” of crunchy cheddar. It’s huge and so delicious! We really like the French fries here, too. Cash or checks only. $ L D d

INDIAN

INDIA CLAY OVEN

& GRILL

2005 W. Highway 76 Country Blvd., Suite 209, Branson, 417-973-0044, indiaclayovenandgrill. com

Come to this yummy little spot on the Branson strip to indulge in some tasty Indian fare. We loved the karahi lamb (tender lamb, bell

peppers and onion in a spicy sauce) and the mushroom aloo matar (mushrooms, potatoes and peas swimming in a creamy sauce). Stop by for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays to take advantage of the tasty buffet. $$ L D

NAWAB’S INDIAN CUISINE TANDOOR BAR

3654 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8445050

Find all your favorite classic Indian dishes here (the tandoori chicken and the makhni paneer are both excellent) along with some others you might not have seen around town before. For example, the gol gappay is a crispy little hollow fried ball filled with chickpeas, potato, onion and spices. We love the ras malai dessert: homemade cheese in a sweet, milky, cardamom-infused sauce. $$ L D

TAJ GRILL

4538 Highway 43, Joplin, 417-659-8876, facebook.com/tajgrilljoplin

This Joplin spot serves your favorite classic Indian dishes, like karahi chicken, malai kofta and more. For dessert, try the ras malai. Come for breakfast as well, when you can get dishes like masala omelets and stuffed aloo paratha flatbread. Look for the barbecue specials too: seasoned, grilled chicken leg quarters. $–$$ BL D

TAJ MAHAL INDIAN RESTAURANT

1250 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7194573

You can find all your Indian favorites here. There is a variety of naan bread (and it’s so, so

soft and perfect), many types of curry and rice dishes and fun desserts like rice pudding and gulab jamun (donuts soaked in syrup). We are obsessed with the lamb rogan josh and the chicken jalfrezi, and the bhindi masala (an okra dish) is a favorite too. Be sure to try their lunch combos, which are a steal and always taste so good. $$ L D d

ZAYKA INDIAN CUISINE

311 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, 417-3514400, zaykaspringfield. com

There’s a lot to love about this downtown Springfield Indian restaurant. The vegetable korma, chicken tikka masala and malai kofta are just a few of our favorite dishes. If you’re new to Indian food, try the pre-set combo meals that feature a lot of different flavors. For dessert, you can’t beat a bowl of warm gulab jamun sweet pastry balls. The lunch buffet is also killer when it’s open.

$–$$ L D d

ITALIAN

AVANZARE ITALIAN

DINING

3240 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-567-3463,avanzareitaliandining.com

Pasta is always a hit at Avanzare, a longtime Springfield favorite. Veal dishes are top-notch at this Italian eatery, but you’ll have to pick the right night, as they’re only served once or twice a week. Customers love the Bistecca Rosemarino steak and the pasta with seafood in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Indulge in the luscious chocolate torte for dessert. $$$ L D d

A GLOW UP

New Name, New Pizza Oven

If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Schultz & Dooley’s Pub, you’re in for a treat. Not only did they remodel and rebrand to Schultz Pizza + Pub (2210 W. Chester eld Blvd., Spring eld) this past summer, but they also have really leveled up their, you guessed it, pizza game. They’re serving even more Neopolitan-style pizza than before, as well as weekly specials that will give you a reason to keep coming back. The nal stage of their rebrand was debuting a fresh new menu, which they accomplished at the beginning of this month. But rest assured, you’ll still be able to nd all those delicious classics, like wings and smash burgers, on the lineup.—Tessa Cooper

BAMBINO’S CAFÉ

1141 E. Delmar St., Springfield, 417862-9999; 2810-D E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-8814442; bambinoscafe. com

This little Italian eatery serves hearty helpings of tasty Italian fare that won’t break the bank, available at two 417-land locations. The Poppa is a popular pasta dish: It comes with penne pasta, Italian sausage, mushrooms and a spicy tomato-cream sauce. Another fave: the portobello mushroom ravioli with a to-die-for sauce. The side salads here are so fresh, with excellent homemade dressings. The Delmar location is great for a meal alfresco and is currently being remodeled.. $ L D d

BELLACINO’S PIZZA

& GRINDERS

2856 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8818556, bellacinos.com

Bellacino’s is known for its grinders––Yankee speak for sub sandwiches––but pizza, pastas and salads also make an appearance on the menu. We can’t wait to try the house special, which is the Italian grinder: They bake bread and pizza dough from scratch every day. Our favorite pasta is the mushroom ravioli, which is so indulgent and so delish. $ L D

BRUNO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

416 South Ave., Springfield, 417-8660007

FLORENTINA’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

2690 Green Mountain Drive, Branson, 417337-9882, florentinasristoranteitaliano.com When you’re hungry for pasta during your vacation in Branson, this Italian eatery is the place to go. It serves delicious brick-oven pizzas and pastas from a big menu that has a little something for everyone.

The bucatini with panchetta, chili oil and basil is a must-try pasta dish. Get it with the arugula salad with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Also on the menu is pizza, wagyu steak and lots of excellent entree options. The ever-changing specials always sound extra-tasty, like the recent offering of shellfish arancini. $$$ D

Customers are big fans of the rigatoni Florentina and lobster macaroni and cheese. $$ L D d

GILARDI’S

820 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8626400, gilardisonwalnut. com

Owner James Martin focuses on handmade pasta and fresh ingredients at this charming little Italian restaurant that makes a wonderful date-night spot. Don’t miss the amazing meatballs in red wine rosemary cream sauce that are served over a bed of creamy goat cheese polenta. And be sure to dine in the outdoor seating area when the weather allows. Open Mon.–Sat., 5–10 p.m. $$$ D d

THE HILL

600 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-9208850, thehilldining.com

Come hungry to The Hill, chef Angel Kim’s allyou-can-eat destination offering a wide variety of Italian fare in a fine-dining atmosphere. Fill up on plenty of pastas, brick-oven pizzas, soups, salads, crepes and specialty desserts at stations dedicated to those and other mouthwatering items. $–$$ L D

NICOLA’S RISTORANTE

3631 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8863700, nicolasspringfield. com

This restaurant serves a delicious sea bass. Try the lumache: fresh snails sauteed in garlic butter and baked with Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free pasta and pizza are available. The chicken parmigiano is a highlight definitely worth ordering. The Nicola’s pizza here is also super tasty, and the dessert

menu is impressive. Enjoy the spacious outdoor patio when the weather permits, or belly up to the bar for happy hour with friends. $$–$$$ D d

NONNA’S ITALIAN CAFÉ

306 South Ave., Springfield, 417-8311222, nonnascafe.net. Italian

The seafood lasagna is a must-try dish, and the spicy arrabbiata lasagna is crazy-good. And then there’s that drool-worthy deep-fried lasagna. Basically, if the dish has “lasagna” in its name, you know it’ll be good at Nonna’s. The Tuscan pappardelle ragu is excellent, and the pesto linguine is a delight. For dessert, we particularly love the delectable chocolate torte and the rich and delicious tiramisu. Plus, the homemade cheesecakes are always top-notch. Nonna’s also does a Sunday brunch with regular menu items from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $$ L D

PASGHETTI’S

3129 W. 76th Country Blvd., Branson, 417335-0690, bransonsbestrestaurant.com

Head to Pasghetti’s in Branson for a family-friendly atmosphere and all your favorite classic Italian-American staples. We’ve also heard the Alfredo sauce is divine. Try the lemony chicken piccata for dinner, and follow it up with a plate of sweet-andfluffy tiramisu for dessert. Customer favorites include the Pasghetti and Meatball, the sausage rigatoni and the chicken Parmesan. This place is huge and boasts some wild features, like a giant meatball that you walk through at the entrance, two trolley cars,

a game room and even a working Ferris wheel. $–$$ L D

PASTA EXPRESS

Multiple 417-land locations, pastaexpress.com When you’re in a hurry and only pasta will satisfy your appetite, this place is a good bet. The baked mostaccioli is a favorite, and it’s smothered in tons of ooey-gooey melted cheese for a comforting, nostalgic flavor. The house salad is also delish here; make sure you ask for it with cheese and tomatoes . Don’t miss the tasty and indulgent hot Pasta Express sandwich topped with lots of salami and some of the tasty salad. $ L D

PICCOLO

107 West Aldersgate Drive, Suites 1 and 2, Nixa, 417-374-7291, eatpiccolo.com

When you’re craving indulgent Italian fare, Piccolo delivers with a range of piled-high pastas, pizzas, steak and chicken entrees. Start things off with the Italian Nachos (fried wonton chips, homemade Alfredo sauce and toppings), or the Balboa balls, juicy meatballs stuffed with mozzarella and finished with goat cheese and marinara. Do yourself a favor and leave room for dessert because you won’t want to miss the incredible cannolis. $–$$ L D d

SALVATORES FRESH RISTORANTE

ITALIANO

1932 W. Retail Lane, Ozark, 417-485-3838, salvatoresfresh.com

The menu here is packed with handmade pastas. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of them making the fresh pasta—you can see it from the din -

ing room. The menu also boasts everything from a fried artichokes appetizer to a Tuscan T-bone steak entree. Plus there are burgers, pizzas and sandwiches too. $–$$ L D d

JAPANESE

ARIAKE SUSHI & ROBATA

1110 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, facebook.com/arikake.spfd

This restaurant from the owners of Haruno, Kai and Karai offers excellent nigiri and sashimi, as well as small plates and tapas. You have to try the delicious tuna cigars or the hot rock dish that uses wagyu beef. For dessert, the matcha crème brûlée is our favorite. Be sure to order from the excellent sake menu. Order a sushi roll alongside some sake. $$–$$$ L D d

CRAFT SUSHI

251 E. Sunshine St., Suite 116, Springfield, 417-319-5887, facebook.com/craftsushi

At Craft Sushi, you’re in control of your meal as you customize your own sushi and poke bowls. And the best part: It won’t break the bank. Try a salad bowl topped with marinated tofu, asparagus, mushrooms, jalapenos, edamame and spicy wasabi sauce. It’s our favorite! Anything with the raw salmon or the spicy pork is always a hit as well, and there are a ton of topping and veggie options. There’s a menu of some pre-designed poke bowls and sushi rolls too. $$ L D

HARUNO JAPANESE SUSHI BAR

3044 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-8870077, harunosushi.com

The Oh My God roll and

the Sex and the City roll are trademarks here. If simple nigiri is your style, you’ll love the tuna sampler. Be sure to venture off the sushi menu and try some of the delectable entrees as well. Don’t miss the bibimbap or the fresh mango-jalapeño ahi tuna entree. If you love a spicy bite, make sure you try the seafood soup. Pair it with a little bit of nigiri or one of the spot’s tasty maki rolls. $$–$$$ LD

HINODE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

4301 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8771777

Come to see the show at the hibachi grills. Hinode is known for wonderful hibachi meals with perfectly cooked proteins and all the extras: rice, stir fry noodles, veggies and that luscious seafood sauce. And don’t forget to try something from the sushi menu.

$$ L D

KAI

306 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8320077, kaiafterdark.com This lounge-like restaurant in downtown Springfield has fantastic sushi. It has the same owners as Haruno, which is famous for their incredible rolls—so you know it’ll be delicious! Don’t miss the restaurant’s black cod or sea bass entrees with delicious wasabi risotto. They are just as impressive as the sushi rolls! There are some great cocktail and appetizer options here as well.

$$–$$$ L D

KARAI RAMEN + HANDROLL

640 W. Republic Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417319-5225

With Karai, owner Young Jun, of Haruno, Kai and

Koriya, takes ramen seriously, and it shows in her food. The Karai Ramen with a flavorful and spicy house-made broth is incredible, and we like to get it with pork and a seasoned softboiled egg added. For something lighter, the naked ramen with sesame noodles, spinach, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, seaweed and sprinkled with lime is a highlight. Don’t miss the tasty hand rolls or the steamed buns filled with shredded pork, spring onions and teriyaki sauce. The Tonkatsu is a house special, a pork cutlet with Japanese mustard barbecue sauce, cabbage and miso soup. $ L D

MITSU NEKO FUSION CUISINE AND SUSHI BAR

1819 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson 417-3361819, mitsunekosushi. com

Mitsu Neko has a wide menu variety, but it specializes in two things: sushi rolls and salmon. The seared salmon is a customer favorite. Try the takoyaki octopus puffs appetizer, or the braised pork belly entree. If you like to sample a little bit of a lot of things, order a bento box that comes with your protein of choice, salad, sushi roll, rice and gyoza. $$ L D

NAKATO JAPANESE

STEAKHOUSE

2615 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8817171, nakato.com

Performance-style hibachi dining is what Nakato is known for. And they are super-good at it! A little entertainment plus a great meal. All of the sushi is top-notch here as well. Don’t miss the Jenny Roll, a favorite. For an appetizer, try the bacon-wrapped scallops,

the agedashi tofu or the seafood tempura. $$ L D

NIJI SUSHI

3938 S. Lone Pine Ave., Suite 100-B, Springfield, 417-851-1707

In addition to a large variety of sushi rolls (we love the Cherry Blossom Roll and the Spicy Yummy Roll), this menu also boasts rainbow-bright cocktails and seven types of ramen soups. Come with friends so you can share and sample lots of rolls. For dessert, try the fluffy Japanese cheesecake. $$ L D

OMO JAPANESE SOUL FOOD

2215 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield

The ramen and udon soups are some of the tastiest items on the menu here, and they come with lots of fun toppings. We like to order it with spicy broth and either chasu pork or chicken katsu for the protein. There are also sushi rolls, bento boxes, takoyaki and fun desserts like mitrurashi dango. $$ L D

SAKURA

3230 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8828000

There’s a solid sushi menu (the Sam’s Roll never disappoints if you like a roll with a lot going on), and you can order a sushi donburi box to really get some bang for your buck if you prefer to keep your sushi meals simple and refreshing. The bento boxes are great too, packed with your choice of entree, California roll, rice, salad, miso soup, fruit, spring rolls, veggie tempura and ice cream. We recommend getting teriyaki salmon in your bento box; it’s always delish. $$ L D

Hours: Tues–Sat Lunch: 11:00am–1:30pm Dinner: 5:00pm–9:00pm

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am–1:15am Sun: 11am–12am

Savor the soul of Cuba at La Habana Vieja! Relish authentic dishes and dance the night away at our electrifying Latin Dance Nights every last Saturday of the month!

0 . Commerical St., Springfield 417-771-5723 | la-habana-vieja.com

Celebrate community at Georgia Mac’s,your go-tosports pub& grill.Enjoy homemade southern comfort foods and specialty drinks, creating theperfect backdrop for memorable moments.Visit georgiamacs.com 1440 E. Republic Road 417-319-5770 | georgiamacs.com

SUSHI VILLAGE

1440 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8901016, facebook.com/ springfieldsushivillage

This cozy sushi spot has a warm date-night atmosphere with cherry blossoms and plants around every corner. All the sushi is fresh and flavorful, but some custom creations pack fun ingredient combos. $$ L D

KOREAN

BAWI KOREAN BBQ

4121 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8862777, bawikbbq.com

Bawi Korean BBQ brings an authentic Korean dining experience to Springfield, where you’ll pay a flat fee of $25 for an all-you-can-eat meal. You cook the meat yourself on tabletop grills. Be sure to try their to-go lunch options too, including bowls filled with rice, noodles, veggies and the protein and sauce of your choice. Keep an eye out for Korean-style fried chicken, which is sometimes offered on special. $$ D

GOLDEN KOREAN RESTAURANT

1406 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8321093

This spot serves up delicious and authentic Korean food. The beef bulgogi and dolsot bibimbap are best sellers here. We also love the fried dumplings and kimbop. Try the tasty kimchi fried rice or spicy octopus stir fry. If you’re in the mood for something really comforting on a cold day, opt for the kimchi chigae. You also get a variety of Korean side dishes alongside your meal, which adds a lot of fun and flavor to the meal. $ L D

KORIYA

4121 S. Fremont Ave., Springfield, 417-8820077

This spot serves createyour-own bibimbap dishes, and you can choose between chicken, beef bulgogi, tofu and shrimp for your protein. One of our favorite dishes is the japchae, made with slippery and sweet stir fried potato starch noodles and lots of veggies—it’s fun to eat and so satisfying. Don’t miss the zaru soba if you’re in the mood for something lighter. You can also find ramen, stir fried noodles, beef bulgogi dishes, wonderful steamed dumplings (with the best sauce!) and much more.

$ L D d

MEDITERRANEAN

CRAVE MEDITERRANEAN CAFE

1111 E. Republic Road, Ste. 164, Springfield, 417-306-9749, cravemediterraneancafe.com There’s so much good stuff on the menu here; shareable dips like hummus and baba ganoush, shawarma, kabob, gyros, falafel and more. Don’t miss the flaming cheese appetizer or the manakeesh flat bread with toppings like sumac chicken. $$–$$$ L D

GREEK BELLY

320 E. Walnut St., 417597-3382, greekbelly. com

We love everything we’ve tasted here! Try a tasty pork or chicken gyro topped with creamy tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and French fries on a soft pita. Our favorite, though, is the loukaniko wrap. It’s an orange-spiced pork sausage served in a pita with spicy feta dip, fresh veggies and French fries.

For dessert, don’t miss the truly to-die-for ice cream topped with baklava and honey-cinnamon-citrus syrup. $ L D

THAT LEBANESE PLACE

338 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-5366677

The kibbeh is fantastic if you like herbaceous and satisfying eats, and any of the delicious and meaty kebabs is a great choice. We love the stuffed grape leaves appetizer, served with a delicious tahini dipping sauce. The falafel mushakal sandwich is great too, with falafel, baba ghanouj, French fries, fresh veggies, pickled turnips and tahini. There are plenty of options for diners with vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets. For a super-delicious dessert, don’t miss the baklava made with Lebanese rose water. $–$$ L D

THE KEBAB SHACK

900 E. Battlefield, Suite 120, Springfield, 417306-9087

You can find tender and delicious steak and chicken kebabs (or chicken or beef shawarma), served with flavorful rice, fresh baladi salad and soft pita. Vegetarians can opt for a similar combo, but with falafel instead of meat. You can even get all those proteins served up as a wrap. As for sides, the lentil soup and the hummus are both great options. For dessert, get a fully loaded crepe. $$ L D

VASKEN’S DELI

3200 Gretna Road, Suite D, Branson, 417334-9182, vaskensdeli. com

The gyros are fantastic here. Make sure you get them with traditional

gyro meat, and don’t skip the tzatziki sauce! Everything’s better with tzatziki sauce, right? We are nuts for the beef shawarma too, though. It makes for a super delicious and satisfying meal and tastes amazing with tahini. $ L D

MEXICAN

CABOS BONITOS GRILL & CANTINA

3637 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-2213490, cabosbonitos.com

Come to this east Springfield spot for all your Mexican favorites plus some fun and unique dishes like the fried avocado appetizer. It has beer-battered avocado halves filled with your choice of meat and topped with sour cream and chipotle ranch sauce. $$ L D

CANTINA LAREDO

1001 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417334-6052, cantinalaredo.com

Cantina Laredo is a great option if you’re exploring Branson and have a hankering for Mexican food. Located on Branson Landing, it has a great view of the choreographed fountain and of Lake Taneycomo and the bluffs across the water. The menu is varies, and we especially love the salsas. $$ L D

CASA BELLA MEXICAN CUISINE

4610 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-7715031; 300 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417885-9097

The menu is huge at Casa Bella, which has two Springfield locations. Try the tasty ceviche, any of the street tacos, or the spicy camarones a la diabla. The Battlefield restaurant

location is huge too, so there’s plenty of room to bring your whole crew for some Mexican eats. $$ L D

CATRINA’S MODERN MEXICAN

2925 Battlefield Road, Suite 105, Springfield, 417-350-1006, catrinascantina.com

This spot serves authentic shareable dishes and full entrees. Look for hand-crushed guacamole that can be loaded up with chicharron. The grilled plantains are a treat! Some of our favorite entrees are the sopes topped with shredded beef, the spicy Yucatan shrimp and the Catrina quesadilla. The cocktail menu is excellent here too. $$ L D d

CESAR’S OLD MEXICO

2627 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8818252

Indulge in authentic Mexican food at incredibly reasonable prices. We love the birria taco, which is filled with succulent shredded beef. Don’t miss the Salvadorian pupusas stuffed with beans and cheese; they are delightful. The carnitas torta is also excellent. It’s huge and is stuffed with savory carnitas, topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and mayo and then sandwiched between a pillowy bun. Need we say more? $ L D

EL PARAISO MEXICAN KITCHEN

610 W. College St., Springfield, 417-7715641; 305 E. Chestnut St., Suite C, Strafford, 417-736-0019; elparaisokitchen.com

This Strafford-based Mexican restaurant now has an outpost in Downtown Springfield too. They are known

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes for Tea Bar

Tea Bar & Bites (621 S. Pickwick Ave., Spring eld) has been making some shifts and changes. For starters, they’re bringing back Sunday brunch and expanding their Friday and Saturday hours to 9 a.m.–8 p.m. On the brunch side of things, come expecting sandwiches, breakfast burritos and a French toast casserole. They haven’t posted a full dinner menu yet, but they have shared some delicious-looking photos that you de nitely won’t want to look at if you’re hungry. Some of the o erings appear to have a Southwest air to them, with tacos and a quinoa bowl topped with black beans, sweet potatoes and avocados. The post also references it this time as an “exciting new era at Tea Bar” with more changes on the horizon. They’ve certainly piqued our curiosity!—Tessa Cooper

for a great lineup of margaritas and all your favorite Mexican dishes. For an app, try the flaming cheese or the ceviche. For an entree, try the piña a la parrilla—a fresh pineapple bowl filled with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops, veggies and more. $$ L D

HABANERO’S

MEXICAN RESTAURANT + CANTINA

Locations in Springfield, Republic, Carthage and Joplin; habanerosmexicancantina.com

Orginally in Carthage, this popular Mexican restaurant has expanded to three other Ozarks cities. Don’t miss the tender quesabirria tacos with rich consomme for dipping. The nachos, enchiladas and guacamole are hits too. While you’re there, try one of the hand-crafted margaritas. $$ L D

IGUANA ROJA

107 W. Church St., Ozark, 417-4858585; 12051 MO-13, Kimberling City, iguanaroja.net

There are delicious margaritas at this little eatery located on the

sauce. Kids love the chicken fingers, and you can even purchase the sweet salsa in a jar to go. $ L D d

OXO BAR & GRILL

2550 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3069808, oxospringfield. com

Try modern takes on Mexican street food, like pork belly street tacos, chorizo burritos, chilaquiles, aquachile, elote and more. Come on Saturday for Latin Night for Latin dancing. Brunch available on Sundays with items like morning tostadas. $$ B L D d

square in Ozark. Don’t miss the one made with jalapeños; it has a kick that’s so much fun to drink. The chips are excellent here, with a yummy seasoning sprinkled on top of every one.

$–$$ L D

LA PALOMA

3041 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7194484, dienlapaloma. com; 1425 W. Battlefield St., Springfield, 417889-2985, thelapaloma. com

This spot offers a huge range of Mexican dishes including fish tacos, which are excellent. Battered and fried fish is topped with fresh pic de gallo, cabbage and a creamy chipotle sauce and then served with Mexican white rice. $–$$ L D d

MEXICAN VILLA

Multiple 417-land locations, mexicanvilla.net

This spot is a favorite among longtime Springfield locals, and it is known for its sweet sauce served with tortilla chips. Also popular is the Sancho Enchilada Style—a huge burrito that is completely swimming in red enchilada

Road, Suite 100, Springfield, 417-2402120

a salty-sweet combination. $ L D

PRIMA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

3662 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8901212; 5557 N. 21st St., Ozark, 417-582-2776; primasmexicangrill.com

Diners love the pollo abovado, an 8-ounce chicken breast that’s grilled and topped with homemade chorizo, white queso and tomatoes. Try the asada tacos: three soft corn tortillas filled with steak, cilantro and onions and served with rice, beans and avocado. $–$$ L D

PURPLE BURRITO

1700 S. Campbell Ave., Suite A, Springfield, 417-863-6688

We love the street-style tacos. The pastor taco with onions and cilantro is great. And the fish tacos are some of our favorite fish tacos anywhere. A dinner favorite is the carne asada burrito. For something a little different and a lot indulgent, try the super-cheesy chili relleno burrito. $ BL D

SEÑOR JULIAN

MEXICAN BAR & GRILL

3405 E. Battlefield

This tiny restaurant packs big flavors, with a menu that features traditional Mexican soups, handmade-to-order flour tortillas, quesabirria tacos, massive quesadillas, fajita baked potatoes and more. The tacos especiales are a favorite, filled with carne asada, cilantro, onions, queso fresco and avocado. If you like pozole, come on the weekends when they serve both that and menudo. Don’t miss the huge margaritas menu, featuring fun options like their mangonada margarita and a great selection of tequilas. $–$$ L D

TEAM TACO

1454 E. Cherry St., Springfield, teamtacosgf.com

Let the little ruby-red building near Pickwick Avenue and Cherry Street be your guiding beacon to flavor-packed tacos, nachos and rice bowls. This tiny cafe serves major flavors in its taco menu. We’re fans of the Globetrotter pork belly taco, and we always have to taste test the Ringer, the shop’s rotating special taco. We also love the tequilaand mezcal-based cocktails that pair so well with all those tasty tacos with their big flavors. $ L D d

TINGA TACOS

308 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-8318007, tingatacossgf. com

This downtown taco shop is open late slinging shells of its wildly creative combinations. We are partial to the Fu Yu made with super-flavorful marinated tofu or the Fruity Piggles with juicy pork and fig jam for

TORTILLERIA PERCHES

1601 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8648195

This tiny little authentic Mexican restaurant makes its own tortillas and chips fresh every day. Try a Mexican soda, a traditional Mexican soup or a tamale when you visit. Don’t miss Taco Tuesdays and Tamale Thursdays, where the dishes are only a dollar. $ BL D

ASIAN FUSION

NOODLE 21

2 001 State Highway 248, Suites 1 & 2, Branson Pan-Asian. Here you’ll find dishes from Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisines, including a menu of freshly made sushi rolls. Try the hot stone bibimbap, pho and ramen soups, or the teriyaki bowls. Pop into Dessert 21 next door for coffee drinks and bingsu desserts: chipped ice topped with a variety of sweets like fruit, brownies, mochi, sweet red bean and more. $–$$ L D

OCEAN ZEN PACIFIC RIM RESTAURANT

4117 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-8899596, eatoceanzen.com Asian fusion fine dining. Try Chilean sea bass or the macadamia nut chicken. We particularly love ordering the Hawaii Five-O sushi roll; with seared rare tuna and a pineapple salsa, it’s a tasty combination of savory, sweet, spicy and refreshing. Don’t miss the delicious top-notch steaks that are on the menu here, too. $$–$$$ L D d

THE WHEELHOUSE

1845 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-4300400, wheelhousefood. com.

Thai-Mexican fusion. The pineapple fried rice is a fan favorite at this Thai-Mexican fusion spot, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We always go for the kimchi-falafel tacos. They are bursting with great tastes and pack some seriously spicy heat thanks to the homemade kimchi. $ BL D

PIZZA

ARRIS’ PIZZA

1332 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8817260, arrispizzaonline. com Greek-influenced. Thin-crust pizzas have a Greek flair at Arris’ Pizza. Be sure to order the Athena (a pizza made with feta, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms and green peppers) if you want to try one that bursts with flavor. The bruschetta is a great appetizer, and it’s unlike bruschetta we’ve had other places. $–$$ L D

THE BIG SLICE

1450 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7201928; 4126 S. Kansas Expy., Springfield, 417720-4108; thebigslicespringfield.com

New York–style. You can get big New York–style brick oven pizza by the slice here. Or buy a whole pie if you prefer, but either way make sure to try to the chicken bacon ranch pizza. We love the creamy spinach pizza too, when we’re in the mood for a white pie. The gigantic pepperonis are a wonderful topping too. They are the same ones used in the pepperoni pinwheels. $–$$ L D

CARMINE’S WOODFIRED PIZZA

524 South Joplin Avenue, Joplin, 417-691-8523, carmineswoodfiredpizza. com

New York–style. You can find truly excellent New York–style, Neapolitan-style and Detroit-style pizza at Carmine’s. We love Neapolitan the best, and the La Rughetta topping combo (mozzarella, prosciutto, grape tomatoes, shaved Parmesan and arugula) is our favorite. Don’t miss the calzones, pasta dishes, and gelato while you are there. $$ L D

CHERI’S HAPPY PLACE

located at Metropolitan Grill, 2931 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417889-4951, metropolitan-grill.com

Wood-fired. It’s all about perfect pizza paired with champagne at this spot. Cooked in a woodfired oven, this pizza is something like a mix between New York–style and Neapolitan-style. Try the Hotter Than Jacquez pizza with smoke mozzarella, bacon, pepperoni and fresh jalapeños. So, so good! There are occasional bingo night events here, and we’ve heard they are a blast and fill up quickly. $$ D

GARBO’S PIZZERIA

2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Suite C101, Springfield, 417-8839010, garbospizzeria. com

St. Louis–style. If you love a loaded St. Louis–style pizza, try the toppings-packed Grandiose. Or try the Bavarian pizza for something a little different; it is topped with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut. Customers are big fans of the Garbo’s house salad

and its tasty homemade dressing. It’s honestly so hard to resist. $–$$ L D d

HOOK & LADDER

PIZZA CO.

26 Downing St., Hollister, 417-336-4665, hookandladderpizza. com

Hand-tossed. If you find yourself in Hollister and craving some pizza, stop at Hook & Ladder Pizza Co. This spot serves all your pizzeria favorites, from toasted ravioli to sub sandwiches. The specialty pizzas look great, like the Alfredo or the chicken bacon ranch. $$ L D

IMO’S PIZZA

600 S. Pickwick Ave., Springfield, 417-8621222; 636 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417886-4667; imospizza. com

St. Louis–style. A true St. Louis–style original, Imo’s serves pizza on cracker-thin crust with lots of provel cheese. We like the tasty Deluxe pizza. But our favorite is the simple combo of mushrooms and Italian sausage. Or pineapple and jalapenos (and don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!). The cheesy bread is ridiculously indulgent and covered in a thick layer of melted provel cheese. $–$$ L D d

MASO PIZZA BAR

3653 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-7201047

Wood-fired. Maso Pizza Bar is owned by Nicola Gilardi and located just a few door down from his other restaurant, Nicola’s Ristorante. And just like at Nicola’s, everything on the menu is delish. We can’t wait to try options like the Nic Rise and Shine, Italian Stallion and vegetarian-friendly Monica

Healthy pies. The menu also spans salads, panini, pasta, soups and more. $$ D d

MCSALTY’S PIZZA CAFÉ

1550 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417883-4324

Hand-tossed . A mainstay in Springfield, McSalty’s serves delicious pizza and has been part of the Springfield landscape forever. The Bear Pie is a tasty supreme that’s loaded up with lots of toppings. There are also sub sandwiches. $ L D

MR. G’S

CHICAGO PIZZA

202 N. Commercial St., Branson, 417-3358156, mrgschicagopizza.com

Chicago-style. There’s a lot to like about this Branson pizza joint: a family-friendly atmosphere, hearty Italian food and excellent Chicago-style pizza. They make all of the pizza dough from scratch. For a hearty taste, dig in to the supreme pizza, with homemade sausage, pepperoni and lots of veggies. $$ L D

ONE 2 FIVE TAPROOM

1846 Highway 125, Rogersville, facebook. com/One2FiveTaproom Wood-fired. This taproom and micro-distillery is the first outpost of Springfield Brewing Company, and its menu specializes in woodfired pizza cooked in a brick oven. The Bourbon BBQ pizza is topped with fire-roasted chicken, smoked mozarella, homemade bourbon barbecue sauce and both pickled onions and pickled jalapeños made in-house. Head there on a nice day to take advantage of all the backyard games. $$ L D d

PAPPO’S PIZZERIA

221 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8661111; 900 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417306-9091; pappospizzeria.com

Stonebaked. Try the spicy chicken Cholula pie topped with a mixture of red sauce and olive oil, grilled chicken marinated in Cholula sauce, garlic, mozzarella cheese, red onions, cilantro. Also, be sure you try the meatballs. We really like the salads here as well. $–$$ L D

THE PITCH PIZZA & PUB

2924 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-3680277

Hand-tossed. With a menu full of pizza, pastas, salads, sandwiches and pub fare and a killer beer selection, there’s something to please everyone. We love to build our own pizza with Alfredo sauce and a ton of mushrooms. Be sure to order the Brussels sprouts appetizer; they are flash fried and crispy, served with crispy potatoes, lardons, goat cheese and a balsamic reduction drizzle. Try the carrot cake for dessert. $$ L D

PIZANO’S PIZZA

106 E. Jackson St., Willard, 417-742-5115, pizanoandsauce.com

New York–style. You can get a little bit of New York up in Willard at this pizzeria. This spot serves New York–style pizza in addition to calzones, sub sandwiches and pasta. There’s a gluten-free option. $–$$ L D

PIZZA HOUSE

312 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8814073

Thin-crust. This restaurant has been a tradition in Springfield for more

than 50 years, and the pizza they serve is super-thin and cut into super-tiny pieces. It’s a classic that’s not to be missed and is a favorite of lifelong locals. Our favorite thing there: any pizza that includes bacon. $ L D

ROCCO’S PIZZA & SUBS

Multiple 417-land locations; roccospizzaandsubs.com

New York–style. This Italian eatery specializes in New York–style pizza that has anybody who’s been to the east coast swooning. It’s legit. Also on the menu are hot subs, like meatball or eggplant Parmesan, plus salads, calzones and a handful of pasta entrees. $–$$ L D

SCHULTZ PIZZA + PUB

2210 W. Chesterfield St., Ste. 8683, Springfield, 417-8850060, schultzpub.com Neopolitan. The pizzas here are made using cold-fermented dough, a sauce of San Marzano tomatoes and a special pizza oven. Try the Blanco Formaggio white pizza made with garlic oil and five cheeses. Also on the menu: smash burgers, hot sandwiches, chicken wings and more. Try the fried goat cheese balls appetizer too. $$ L D

SLAP BOX PIZZA & WINGS

2932 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield, 417-8863333

Brick oven. There are a bunch of creative pizzas on the menu here, with sourdough crust that’s the perfect ratio of chewy to crunchy. We like the Arma Segreta, topped with caramelized and charred pepperoni, mushrooms, ricotta, basil and more. Wings

are tasty here too; try the ones with lemon-pepper dry rub. There a few salads here too, for the super-fresh side we always crave with pizza. Glutenfree crust is available. $$ L D d

PUBS & BARS

ANDY B’S TIKI BAR

433 Promenade Way, Branson, 417-213-8631, bransontikibar.com

Big news for lovers of island-style bevs and casual hangout spots: Andy B’s Tiki Bar has opened on Branson Landing, and it’s an extension of Springfield’s Andy B’s Bowl Social. Andy B’s Tiki Bar has a view of Lake Taneycomo, where guests can order tiki drinks, beer and other drinks. We’re eying the “Pin Killer,” the bar’s take on a painkiller. $

BEFORE & AFTER BREWING

2940 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, beforeandafterbrewhouse There are excellent beers, espresso drinks and cocktails on the menu here, along with zero-proof cocktails. As for what to eat, the snacks are stellar here. The loaded hot pretzel is an indulgence, and they serve tasty boards (with all the accouterments) that feature high-end tinned fish as the centerpiece. $$ L D

BEST OF LUCK BEER HALL

313-B S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield; 417-5229009; bestofluckbeerhall.com

This downtown beer hall combines backyard charm with killer food and more beers than you can count. If suds aren’t your thing, try a seasonal cocktail or one of the draft alcoholic

punches. The extensive food menu includes flavor spins on cookout favorites, like juicy cheddarwurst brats, salty shoestring fries with dipping sauces, and kimchi-spiked fried chicken sandwiches. The beer hall also has a faux turf lawn available for rent for games of bocce, bags and more. $$ BL D d

BLACKSTONE GASTROPUB

1521 E. Broadway St., Joplin, 417-553-0665 Damien Tiregol of Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill now has another Joplin eatery. Blackstone Gastropub features hand-crafted cocktails and 16 beers on tap alongside some great-looking eats like the crispy fried chicken, grilled salmon on a bed of gnocchi. Keep an eye out for Blackstone’s super-creative daily specials. Recently, we’ve seen a Seattle Roll with smoked burnt-end sausage and a ton of toppings, and smash-burger grilled tacos with jalapeño-ranch slaw. $ $ L D

BRICKTOWN BREWERY

2040 E. Independence St., 417-887-0100

This brewpub has its own beer plus local beer that can be hard to find elsewhere. Here the menu is vast and the food is tasty. We enjoyed the burgers, and the apps menu included some super tasty options. This spot is also known for its cauliflower pizza crust. $$ L D

THE CELLAR

507 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-3512824, thecellar.springfieldbrewingco.com Created by the team behind Springfield Brewing Company (and located

Make this year’s holiday special and book a reservation today!

Monday–Friday: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Hours

Monday–Saturday: 4:30–11 p.m. Sunday: Closed Lunch Hours

just around the corner from it), The Cellar is a casual setting for small bites and creative cocktails. Munch on popcorn garnished with fresh Parmesan and housemade portobello jerky while you sip on a craft cocktail and enjoy a rotation of live music. $ D

CLEAR LOUNGE

At Hilton Branson Convention Center, 200 E. Main St., Branson, 417-243-3433

Just across the street from Branson Landing at the Hilton Branson Convention Center is Clear Lounge, a great place to grab a cocktail with friends. This spot is home to tasty food, good music and drinks. D d

COYOTE’S ADOBE CAFÉ & BAR

1742 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417-8897120; 807 N. Main St., Nixa, 417-7 25-6803, coyotes4wings.com

This spot is known for its 40 flavors of chicken wings, from common (buffalo) to unexpected (tandoori spice). There are also tons of apps, sammies and entrees. $ BL D d

ERNIE BIGG’S DUELING PIANO BAR

505 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417239-3670, erniebiggs. com

This piano bar serves more than great tunes. The Branson Landing location has a small but yummy menu of gourmet pub grub filled with apps, sandwiches and pizza. Pizzas are thin crust and popular. D d

GALLOWAY STATION

1281 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8819730

We love the Rajun Cajun burger; it’s big, hearty and always de -

licious. Plus, we can’t get enough of the fries and freshly made potato chip. Order them with a side of the spicy ranch dressing for dipping. The chicken wraps are another longtime customer favorite at Galloway Station, and there’s a reason for it. $ L D d

GEORGIA MAC’S

1440 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3195770, georgiamacs.com

The food is hearty and comforting with a southern flare at this south Springfield eatery. You can find loaded burgers (like the one topped with jalapeño bottle caps), fried catfish, country fried steak, loaded fries with tons of toppings, and lots more. The chicken fingers are some of the best we’ve ever had, and the Georgia Hot Chicken sandwich packs a big flavor with mild heat. $ $ L D

HARRY’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE & BAR at Big Cedar Lodge, 612 Devil’s Pool Road, Ridgedale, 417-3395200, bigcedar.com/ dining

This chic cocktail spot is located downstairs at the Worman House on the Big Cedar Lodge property. It’s a great place to stop by for a drink (they have excellent cocktails and a great wine and whiskey selection), and they also offer a rotating menu of small plates and appetizers. We loved the short rib sliders and the strawberry-infused Paper Plane cocktail. $–$$ L D d

THE

GOLDEN GIRL RUM CLUB

137 Park Central Square, Springfield, 417-425-5162, thegoldengirl.com

This rum bar on the southwest corner of Park

Central Square (with a great people-watching patio space) serves up handcrafted cocktails and a made-fromscratch, eclectic, internationally inspired menu. Try the Thai sticky wings for an unusual twist on a bar staple. Be sure to try the tacos, ramen and artisan pizzas. The pizza specials always come topped with creative ingredients for a seriously delicious and shareable pie. As for drinks, everything on the menu is reliable well-done. Our favorite: Mr Guava Lava, which is both fruity and spicy. $ L D d

GOOD SPIRITS & CO.

1424 E. Cherry St., Suite A, Springfield, goodspiritsandco.com

The owners of Good Spirits & Co. are behind some great local food and drink concepts (like The Golden Girl Rum Club, Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar, Cherry Picker Package & Fare and Best of Luck Beer Hall), and their chic headquarters on Cherry Street is home to fun food-and-drink events. Check their website fro things like monthly Supper Club dinners, seasonal cocktail events and more. $$–$$$

J.O.B.

PUBLIC HOUSE

319 E. Walnut St., Springfield, job417.com

This spot is known for its excellent bourbon selection and elevated bar food. Longtime favorites include the Full Ride burger, the Codi Brah falafel sandwich, and the pepperoni pizza balls. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try the Office Crush, made with Rittenhouse Rye, house-made peach and black tea syrup, lemon juice and peach puree. $$ L D

LINDBERG’S TAVERN

318 W. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8688900, lindbergsbar.com

Forget about basic bar food. This storied watering hole goes above and beyond with creative takes on hearty comfort food classics. The burgers are delicious, but honestly everything we’ve tried has been impressive. The specials are always beautifully creative, and the Sunday brunch is one of the best around. $ L D d

OUTBACK PUB

1924 W. Highway 76, Branson, 417-334-7003, outbackbranson.com

This Australian–inspired spot located along the strip in Branson boasts two bars, an outdoor party deck and extensive beer list. There is live music most evenings. What should you order to eat? We recommend you try the cornmeal-breaded catfish. $ L D d

THE ROYAL

1427 E. Cherry St., Suite B, Springfield, 417-3513029, theroyalmusichall. com

This tiny and beautiful spot serves well-crafted cocktails, bottled cocktails and finger foods like warm olives or rosemary and bitters glazed nuts. Be sure to visit when there is live music; the intimate setting makes for a great experience. The Royal is also open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday with a lovely French-inspired menu. $ L D

SPRINGFIELD BREWING COMPANY

305 S. Market Ave., Springfield, 417-8328277, springfieldbrewingco.com

Try the fish and chips paired with the beers that are brewed on-site.

Also delicious are the burgers and the mac and cheese. Live music. $$ BL D d

SWEET BOY’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

310 South Ave., Springfield, 417-7194224, sweetboysbar. com

Come for pinball, a laidback atmosphere and a small but very well done cocktail list. For something more like dessert, try the HellBoy, a frozen Irish coffee with a Fat Boy’s ice cream sandwich. $

VINO CELLARS WINE SHOP & LOUNGE

2137 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-7731985; 15038 Business Highway 13, Branson West, 417-773-1985, vcellars.com

Small plates, snacks and tapas make up the menu at this comfortable spot. $ L D

W.F. CODY’S

3138 E. Sunshine St., Springfield, 417-8878083

The cheeseburgers are a specialty at this restaurant, and they are enormous. Don’t miss the ham and cheese sandwiches, another customer favorite. $ L D

SEAFOOD & FISH

CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL

815 W. Seventh St., Joplin, 417-206-3474, crabbysjoplin.com

This Joplin hot-spot serves some fantastic seafood, and we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve tried there. The Chilean sea bass is a specialty. Try some of the small plates, like portobello mushroom fries, steamed mussels or a lovely charcuterie board. There are also

some great entree salad options. $$–$$$ L D

ROCKBRIDGE RESTAURANT

Call for directions to the ranch in Rockbridge; 4297 County Road 142, Rockbridge, rockbridgemo.com

This fishing lodge is home to a restaurant that specializes in all things trout. The super-fresh fish dishes are made with trout that are caught on the property. We love the trio appetizer, which comes with trout salad, smoked trout and a trout dip that is so craveable! For an entree, try the blackened trout dish. There’s also an on-site bar, The Grist Mill located in a historic former riverside mill. $ BL D

VANTAGE ROOFTOP LOUNGE & CONSERVATORY

260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield, 417-8511768; rooftopvantage. com

This rooftop bar at Hotel Vandivort has a breathtaking view of downtown Springfield and even offers dining igloos in the winter so you can enjoy the scene all year long. The cocktails are refreshingly creative and classically well-done, and the menu of shareables and snacks bring the concept of bar food up several notches with items like the pork rillette tartine. Make sure you try something from the super-fresh, beautifully prepared raw bar. The pickled shrimp and scallop ceviche are two of our faves. $$ d

WHITE RIVER FISH HOUSE

5 Bass Pro Drive, Branson, 417-243-5100, whiteriverfishhouse.com

The freshwater fish is great, especially the

almond-crusted trout or cornmeal-fried catfish. Try the salt and pepper calamari for an appetizer, or dig into the seasonal smoked fish dip. You can also find non-fish dishes like burgers, fried chicken an barbecue ribs on the menu too. $$ L D d

STEAK

CHAR STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR

1620 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8238383

The former Touch Restaurant & Oyster Bar retains some standby dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and chicken Bijan in its new iteration as Char Steakhouse & Oyster Bar (owned by the same people), but offerings of Waygu steaks, lamb shank and fish dishes up the ante. Indulgent lobster potato puree and crispy flash-fried Brussels sprouts round out the side dishes, and raw oysters, ceviche and bone marrow pique the appetite as starters. Be sure to sample Char’s cocktails, or something off the extensive wine list. $$$ D d

FLAME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

314 W. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8624444, flamesteakhouse. com

The restaurant specializes in dry-aged steaks that are truly delicious. Don’t miss the lobster macaroni and cheese (we’re serious; you have to try this stuff). The desserts are always divine, and we can’t get enough of the appetizer menu. Head to Red Room downstairs for killer happy hour food and drink specials. (Don’t miss the burgers

Hours: Sun: 11am–8pm Mon: Closed Tues–Thurs: 8am–9pm (some kitchens close at 8pm) Fri: 8am–11pm (some kitchens close at 10pm) Sat: 9am–11pm (some kitchens close at 10pm)

Discover a vibrant marketplace offering ten distinct restaurant concepts. Satisfy your cravings at “Mo Slider Company,” where you can treat your taste buds to the jalapeno lover’s dream: a juicy beef slider loaded with zesty homemade jalapeño cream cheese and perfectly grilled sliced jalapeños.

203 E. Mt. Vernon St., Nixa 417-763-6500 | 14millmarket.com

Hours: Sun–Thurs: 11:00am–9:30pm Fri–Sat: 11:00am–10:00pm

Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant + Cantina has become a local favorite, expanding to multiple locations across the Ozarks. Experience vibrant flavors, festive ambiance, and authentic Mexican cuisine!

Carthage, Springfield, Republic, Coming Soon to Joplin habanerosmexicancantina.com

Photo by Karen Knuth

Photography

at happy hour! They are so delicious and such a bargain.) $$$ D

JIMM’S STEAKHOUSE & PUB

1935 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, 417- 8865466, jimmssteakhouseandpub.com

We love the tasty steaks here. They are always prepared perfectly. The stuffed Peppadew peppers are a must-try appetizer; trust us, you need to taste those things! The peppers are stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. And if you love a good salad bar, Jimm’s has one of the best. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the offmenu smothered rib-eye for a little decadence. Desserts are always a treat here as well.

$$–$$$ L D

LEVEL 2 STEAKHOUSE

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, 200 E. Main St., Branson, 417-243-3443, level2steakhouse.com

This Branson restaurant specializes in steaks, but its gooey butter cake dessert is gaining a following. Try the Kansas City strip steak and the egg noodles with cheese. If you like to start your meal with greens, the Caesar salad is a must-try; it comes topped with delicious fried anchovies. Also, don’t miss the fresh Hawaiian ahi tuna served on a Himalayan salt block: delightful! Don’t sleep on the prime rib dip sandwich, either.

$$$ BL D

OUTBACK STEAK & OYSTER BAR

1914 W. Highway 76, Branson, 417-334-6306, outbackbranson.com

There are plenty of standout dishes at this

Australian-themed steakhouse and oyster bar. Outback serves hand-cut, aged steaks using Certified Hereford Beef raised locally. $$ L D d

RED OAK STEAKHOUSE

Downstream Casino Resort, 69300 E. Nee Road, Quapaw, Oklahoma, 1-888-3967876, downstreamcasino.com

Dry-aged prime steaks are served in this restaurant’s fine-dining atmosphere. The sides are delicious too, with options like garlic potato puree and truffle creamed corn. Be sure to try the charcuterie board with all the usual goodies plus some house-made jam. After your steakhouse dinner, hop over to the casino for some gaming fun. $$ D

RERICO BRAZILIAN GRILL

3371 E. Montclair St., Springfield, 417-8818882, rericogrill.com

Are you a huge fan of all things meaty? Try 18 kinds of meat for dinner, all sliced tableside. Dinner comes with beef soup, soft rolls and unlimited trips to the cold bar with things like fresh cheese, pasta salads and more . $ L D d

SALTGRASS STEAKHOUSE

801 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, 417334-0325, saltgrass. com

This spot serves classic steakhouse fare, but with a bit of a Southwest cowboy twist. Try the center-cut filet topped with sautéed mushrooms, or the loaded cheese fries appetizer. If you’re in the mood for southern comfort food, they also have coun -

try fried steak. It’s on Branson Landing, so you can walk off your dinner by shopping. $$–$$$ L D

WILDER’S STEAKHOUSE

1216 S. Main St., Joplin, 417-623-7230, wilderssteakhouse.com

Come to Joplin’s Wilder’s Steakhouse to find steaks in all sizes and varieties, all of which are certified black Angus beef and free of hormones and antibiotics. The restaurant’s menu also has a variety of other items like seafood and chicken. $$$ D

TEA ROOMS

BETH’S BAKE SHOPPE & TEA ROOM

1645-D W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417866-5533, bethsbakeshoppe.com

Try a chicken salad sandwich—served on cinnamon raisin bread. And we love the spinach salad served with warm bacon vinaigrette, and the gigantic couscous salad loaded with fresh veggies and Feta. $ L

MS. GILMORE’S TEA ROOM AND VINTAGE SUITCASE

211 E. Commercial St., Springfield, 417-8867000, robinsvintagesuitcase.com

The daily specials and desserts are the star of this tearoom and pastry shop on Commercial Street. There is always a quiche and soup of the day, plus desserts. $ L

SPRING CREEK TEA ROOM

1 07 S. Third St., Ozark, 417-582-1331

The homemade desserts are to die for. Be sure to order them quickly before they run out—like you might want to order

them before you order entrees! Don’t miss the veggie sandwich, the strawberry soup or the chicken salad. $ L

THAI

EVERYDAY THAI

220 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417-7700147, myeverydaythai. com

This spot serves consistently delicious Thai dishes. Some of our favorites are the tom kha gai soup, the comforting yellow curry with chicken and the mango sticky rice dessert. $–$$ L D

RAMA THAI CAFÉ

1129 E. Walnut St., Springfield, 417-8653204

This restaurant, located inside a charming old house on Historic Walnut Street, features a menu full of delicious Thai tastes in a cozy atmosphere with a shady patio out back. Start your meal with the avocado spring rolls. Then dig into the entrees with an order of delicious curry noodles or a spicy curry option. $–$$ L D d

SIMPLY THAI

2808 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8650101, simplythai.com

From the owner of Thai Express, Simply Thai offers a similar menu of Thai restaurant favorites—and some Springfield-style cashew chicken too. The Thai basil stir fry with tofu is our favorite dish, and the magic noodles never disappoint. $ L D

TAI KITCHEN

114 E. Main St., Branson, 417-544-0581, taikitchenbranson.com

This family-owned spot serves fresh flavors in dishes like the Tai Beef

Salad, Thai fish cake appetizer, and several types of Thai soups. Don’t miss the great curries they have here too! $–$$ L D

THAI THAI CUISINE

1615 W. Highway 76, Branson, 417-334-9070, thaithaibranson.com

Thai Thai Cuisine offers really great Thai food and a sweet staff. The panang curry is delicious, and it’s served on a little bed of fresh spinach. $–$$ L D

THAI EXPRESS

2113 W. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-8650101, 417thaiexpress. com

When you visit this friendly spot, don’t miss the Magic Noodle, mango curry chicken and volcano shrimp dishes. They are all tasty. The green curry is delicious, with a sauce so divine you might just want to drink it. $ L D

THAI GARDEN

3454 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-8895280, thaigardenspringfield.com

There are so many great Thai options here, like nam tok beef, shareable bowls of noodle soup, stir fry and curry options and lots more. Get the fried bananas or Thai custard for dessert. Fun little extra: They bottle their Thai iced tea and Thai iced coffee. $ L D

THAI PALACE

3250 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417771-5640, thaifoodpalace.com

The menu here is a mix of Thai food along with some Chinese and Japanese dishes. Try the green curry, fresh spring rolls, or tom kha khai soup. And you have to pair it with a sweet Thai iced tea. $–$$ L D

THAI SQUARE

307 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-7715300, facebook.com/ Thaisquare307

From the folks who owner Rama Thai (and located just around the corner from it), Thai Square offers an excellent menu of Thai food favorites. Our favorite dish is the salmon choo chee, but the spicy papaya salad and the traditional pad Thai are both tied for a close second. $$ L D

THAILAND STATION

1730 E. Republic Road, Springfield, 417-3501001, thailandstation. net

Find all your favorites (a variety of curries, stir fried noodle dishes and soups) plus some surprises like crispy duck and stir-fried pork belly. We’re super-excited about the salad options, like the som tum (papaya salad) and the laab (ground chicken salad). When it’s in season, order the mango sticky rice dessert. $ L D

Come to Hong Yen when you’re in search of excellent beef pho. The chicken pho is pretty good too! Really, anything with noodles is worth a try, and the menu has several clear noodle soups and egg noodle soups in addition to the pho selection. $ L D d

PHO KIM

3433-C S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417883-9999, phokimspringfield.com

Here you can fill up on Vietnamese staples like pho, spring rolls, a variety of bahn mi sandwiches and more. The chicken fried rice is extra crispy, and the chicken pho is just as tasty as the classic beef variety here. We love the fresh spring rolls too. If you aren’t afraid of heat, try the spicy beef noodle soup. $ L D

1710 S. Kansas Expy., SGF | 417-832-8889 557 E. Elm St., Republic | 417-732-9888

PHO SAIGON

2640 E. 32nd St., Joplin, 417-627-9966

VIETNAMESE

BAMBU

1338 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, 417881-9881

The pho is a specialty here. You can add spice, herbs, jalapeños and sprouts to customize it. (Our favorite: Use all of the herbs, a couple of jalapeños and a squirt of sriracha.) Don’t miss the refreshing bun bowls too! The one made with lemongrass beef is a flavor bomb. The pineapple chicken stir fry entree is another customer favorite. $ L D d

HONG YEN

2926 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, 417-3513915, facebook.com/ hongyenrestaurant.

Come to this spot to indulge in fresh spring rolls, vermicelli noodles, and big helpings of pho with lots of fresh veggies on the side. You can also order boba tea in several flavors with toppings like tapioca pearls, coffee jelly, egg pudding, popping boba and more.

$ L D

SKULLY’S

1427 E. Cherry St., Springfeild, 417-3680949, facebook.com/ skullys417

This spot specializes in non-traditional takes on Vietnamese banh mi sandwishes. Try the one made with oyster mushrooms, or the marinated lemongrass beef option. Also on the menu: ramen, chicken wings, wok bowls, miso-butter noodles for the kiddos, lots of vegetarian-friendly dishes and more. $$ L D

Hours: 11am–9:30pm

Authentic Chinese cuisine restaurant, offering great prices, a friendly staff and freshly prepared dishes, such as the Chinese Spicy Chicken meal displayed above. Dine in, use the convenient drive-thru or enjoy outside dining on the lovely patio.

1710 S. Kansas Expy., SGF | 417-832-8889 557 E. Elm St., Republic | 417-732-9888

Hours: Tues–Thurs: 5–9pm Fri: 5–10pm Sat: Hours vary Sun: 3–7pm Mon: Closed Happy hours every day!

Never-ending summer vibes with beachy dishes, and elevated bar bites at a local bar and grill. Warning: the cocktails & atmosphere will be hard to leave!

1198 W St. Hwy NN, Ozark, MO 65721 417-771-9330 | volleyballbeachozark.com

Midwest Goodbye the

HEY, WE HAVE A FEW MORE OZARKS MOMENTS TO SHARE WITH YOU BEFORE YOU GO.

School Soirée: Thursday Night Lights

Care to Learn’s School Soirée featured jerseys, face paint and oh-so-much game day spirit.

Continued on p. 158 >>

Pictured: Jess Hamlet, Kristin Farr, Sarah Hamlet, Beth Plaster, Doug Cannon, Tonya Forbes

e MidwestGoodbye

People Pics

School Soirée: Thursday Night Lights

Presented by Mercy, Care to Learn’s 3rd Annual School Soirée theme was Thursday Night Lights, and attendees leaned into the theme with jerseys, face paint and game day spirit. The evening included tailgate fun and festivities in support of Care to Learn’s mission to meet children’s health, hunger and hygiene needs.

Date: September 12

Benefiting Organization: Care to Learn

Location: White River Conference Center

Sponsors: 417 Magazine, Arvest, Bass Pro Shops, CoxHealth, Edward Jones, Krystal & Luke Simon, Lacie & Roger Clark, Mercy, Pam & Mike Lowry, Reliable Toyota and more

1. Gina & John McNabb

2. Lisa & Doug Pitt

3. Luke Simon, Darren & Sarah Maha ey

4. Brandon & Cindy Beck

5. Conner & Lori Wilson, Chance & Sara Wistrom

6. Dwayne Fulk & Courtney Beykirch

7. Miles Brown & Jamie Petty

SMoA Art Ball

Springfield Museum of Art’s Art Ball allowed guests to enjoy an evening of hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, music, dancing and more in support of the Springfield Art Museum.

Date: August 24

Host Organization: Springfield Art Museum

Location: Springfield Art Museum

Sponsors: 417 Magazine, McGregor Metal, NCF Savings Bank, Park National Bank and more

1. Tina Stillwell & Deb Merge

2. Rebecca Burrell, Jean Bardy, & Charles Hill

3. Nick Nelson & Mitzi Kirland-Ives

4. Joan & Gary Whitaker

5. Seva Nix, Jennifer Wilson, Stephanie Shadwic, Jennifer Swan & Jason Gage

6. Rebecca Miller & Tom Russo

7. Melanie Stinnett, Mayor Ken McClure & Gary Ellison

e MidwestGoodbye

Date: September 6

Host Organization: CASA of Southwest Missouri

Location: Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

Sponsors: 417 Magazine, Bee Payne Stewart Foundation, Berry Patch

Preschool & Daycare, Clampitt Paper, CoxHealth, Dr; Nancy O’Reilly, Henry’s, GFL Environmental, Jason & Tara Holcomb, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Queen City Roofing & Sheet Metal, Regent Bank, zBuyer and more

1. Megan & Shawn & Megan Artz

2. Laura & Andrew Farmer

3. Uli Gulje, Peter & Amber Ottoson

4. Carly Simpson & Maggie McDonnough

5. Taylor & Alec O’Reilly

6. Kaitlyn Abkemeier & Katie Gibson

7. Steve Chase & Annalee

CASAblanca Gala

The 8th Annual CASAblanca Gala included an evening of live music, dinner, ra es and a casino a er party to raise funds for brighter futures for local children in foster care.

PHOTOS

Chappell

SWMO Pickleball Tournament

With advanced divisions for men and women, the Dream Factory SWMO Chapter’s 5th Annual Pickleball Tournament was a day full of competition in support of the Dream Factory.

Date: September 14

Benefiting Organization: The Dream Factory Southwest Missouri Chapter

Location: Twin Oaks Country Club

Sponsors: 417 Magazine, 417 Sister Team, BelowZero Cryospa, BP Builders, Olympus Insurance Associates, Ogden Bolin Real Estate Group and more

& Will Frontabarger

Rose

1. Kent Stringer

2. Cole Conley & Chance

3. Michelle Billions & Sophie Pierpoint

4. Bobby Birlew & Case Birlew

5. Travis Powell, Matt Moncado & Karen Holden

6. Tyler & Aubrey Foster

7. Abbi Pinegar-Rose, Doneen Kaunley & Ashton Stevens

Giving back to the community is a top priority for 417 Magazine

Each month, we support local nonprofits that help 417-land thrive. We proudly support events by charities and organizations that create Good Times for a Great Cause.

WHERE’S417?

Bring 417 Magazine on your next adventure—whether you’re traveling or exploring close to home.

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama Levi, Kevin, Kristin and Asher Plain, Doug and Tina Johnson, Ryan and Megan Johnson and Madison Nichols traveled with their copy of the “Best of 417” issue to Alabama.

2. Pikes Peak, Colorado Dewayne and Kesha Ipock brought their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue with them to Colorado.

3. Santa Rita, Guam Brandon and Vivian Seitz traveled to Santa Rita with their copy of the “Where To Live Now” issue.

4. Seward, Alaska

Chuck and Karla Gregg brought their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue with them to visit Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.

5. New Harbor, Maine

Joanna Billingsley, Kevin Parnell, Sam Martin and Jessica Martin took their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue with them to visit the Pemaquid Lighthouse.

6. Nuuk, Greenland

Marty and Cindy Zielonka traveled with their copy of the “Guide To Mexican Food” issue to Greenland.

7. Rome, Italy

Danny and Liz Iseminger and Joy and Danny Hogan traveled to the Colosseum with their copy of the “Top Doctors” issue.

e

1. Willard, Missouri

Avery Shuler and Amanda Houp brought their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue with them to the Fall Festival Hunter-Jumper show at Hope Acres in Willard.

2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Brian and Jennifer Swenson brought their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue with them on a safari in Africa.

3. Victoria, Australia Wanda Rogers, Debbie Foel,

Janet Clark and Deana Crouch traveled to Austrailia with their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue.

4. Great Wall of China

Joan and Gary Whitaker brought their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue with them to visit China.

5. Davao del Sur, Philippines

Mr. and Mrs. David Hardin brought their copy of the “Dining Day Trips” issue along with them on their trip to visit the Philippines.

6. Tulum, Mexico

Natalia Kovalova, Olga Jallo and Magarita Smith brought their copy of the “Take Me To The River” issue with them to the beach.

7. Washington Island, Wisconsin

Ronnie and Karla Temple brought their copy of the “Take Me To The River” issue to Wisconsin.

8. Rainforest Lodge Franz Josef, New Zealand

Tom and Fran Watkins traveled to New Zealand with their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue.

9. Schwangau, Germany

Tammy and David Sawyers brought their copy of the “Ozarks Caves” issue with them to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.

10. Blarney Castle, Ireland

Peter, Caitlin and Amy Barry traveled to Ireland with their copy of the “52 Perfect Saturdays” issue.

e Midwest Goodbye

Oh,OneMore Thing

Tong Trithara, long-time owner of Tong’s Thai Restaurant, is returning to Thailand to start an organization that will help children learn cooking, gardening, computer skills and English.

BY JORDAN BLOMQUIST

“THIS PROJECT IS AN AMERICAN DREAM FOR ME… I CAME HERE WITH $25 IN MY POCKET AT 19 YEARS OLD. I’M ALMOST 73 NOW.”

QHow did it feel to close the doors on Tong’s Thai Restaurant and end that chapter?

“It wasn’t easy for me, because I was there day and night for 25 years. At rst, it was weird, but I have the project in Thailand that I’ve been building for the last few years to help kids who lack opportunities in life. It’s heartbreaking because Tong’s is part of my life, and I’ve been there a long, long time. I know everybody in Spring eld. They’re my friends. If you ask me where is my home, I’d say Spring eld.”

What’s next for you?

“By next summer, I’ll be moving back to Thailand for good. I have to nish my building, the school, and also building the American and Indian Museum. The whole thing is cowboy-themed, and it’s called Tongway Twitty Town. It’s going to be a pretty unique thing. Kids will come in. I’m not housing them, I’m just educating them on the weekends, like Boy Scouts go camping. The theme is log cabin, American style. They can learn about Americans and how hard they work to get where they are today. You can follow what I’m doing on my Facebook page called Thailand Little Ones. When I get my cooking school started in about three months, I’ll start posting my recipes people love.”

Visit 417mag.com to read our extended interview with Tong Trithara.

Tong Trithara (back row, third from right)