small town GREAT EATS

Nixa’s food scene is on fire these days, with old favorites and new flavors all serving delicious eats to hungry locals. Every one of these spots is worth a trip to Nixa to try.

BY KATIE POLLOCK ESTES

its sweet decor to its bright and happy branding, this place oozes joy. And the menu is stellar. We love the Brekky Nachos, the (Kiss My) Quiche with spinach and roasted onions, and the #Bacon (a caramelized gouda potato cake topped with poached eggs, bacon and chives).

Brothers Tacos

562 W Mt Vernon St, Nixa, 417-725-6662, facebook.com/BrothersTacosSGF

The tacos here are, honestly, just too good. Like they’re in the “you will probably eat too many of these” level of good. But you need to try out the specials too. They come and go, and include tasty options like enchiladas suizas topped with tomatillo salsa, or enormously stuffed burritos smothered in green chili sauce.

Gettin Basted

606 W Mt Vernon St, Nixa, 417-374-7394, gettinbasted.com/nixa

PICCOLO

107 West Aldersgate Dr, Nixa, 417-374-7291, eatpiccolo.com

This Italian restaurant is reliably delicious, with dishes that lean toward the delightfully indulgent. We especially love the cheese tortellini pasta and the mozzarella-stuffed Balboa meatballs appetizer. Don’t skip dessert here; their cannoli are truly to-die-for.

BISTRO 160

1897 N Hwy CC, Nixa, 417-374-7171, nixabistro.com

From the owners of Prima’s Mexican, this breakfast and lunch cafe offers a variety of eats, from fluffy-crisp waffles to green chili omelets. Don’t miss the corned beef hash, or the super-delish huevos rancheros for a bit of Mexican flair.

ROCCO’S PIZZA

112 E Mt Vernon St, Nixa, 417-725-3000, roccospizzaofnixa.com

You really can’t go wrong with the New York–style pizza pies from Rocco’s Pizza. It’s always delicious and perfectly prepared. But one of our favorite things to get there is the Palermo calzone. It is stuffed with both mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese, along with fat and juicy meatballs and spicy jalapeno.

MORNING DAY CAFE

105 S Main St, Nixa, 417-494-5055, morningdaycafe.com

We’re not sure it’s even possible to have a brighter start to your day than by grabbing your besties and getting breakfast at Morning Day Cafe. From

This Branson-based barbecue joint has outposts in a few other cities, Nixa included. We are nuts for just about everything here, but especially the barbecue-topped nachos and the pulled pork tacos that are both on the appetizer menu. If you’re a barbecue purist, though, opt for a wagyu brisket plate with classic barbecue sides.

HINODE

129 N Massey Blvd, Nixa, 417-374-7807, eathinode.com

The hibachi meals are the star at this Japanese eatery, and you can get them with a variety of protein choices from steak and chicken to calamari and salmon—or a combo of a couple options. The sushi is a hit too, especially the Lucky Finjo Roll.

 RE-IMAGINED CUISINE, 92

 STICK IT, 94

 A PIECE OF CAKE, 95