Craving a delicious adventure in a charming riverside town? Look no further than Cape Girardeau, Missouri! This historic city, nestled along the mighty Mississippi, offers more than just scenic views and captivating history; it boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene just waiting to be explored. From cozy breakfast nooks and bustling lunch spots to elegant dinner destinations and sweet treat paradises, Cape Girardeau’s restaurants offer something to tantalize every taste bud and satisfy every craving. This article will be your comprehensive guide, leading you through some of the best and most beloved food places in Cape Girardeau, highlighting a delectable array of cuisines and uncovering the local favorites that make this town a hidden gem for food lovers. So, buckle up and prepare your palate for a culinary journey through the heart of Cape Girardeau!
Rise and Shine: Breakfast & Brunch Bliss
There’s no better way to start your day than with a satisfying breakfast or a leisurely brunch. Cape Girardeau offers several delightful options to fuel your adventures.
The Ground-A-Bout
This local institution is a haven for coffee lovers and breakfast enthusiasts alike. The Ground-A-Bout offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a good book. Their menu is packed with classic breakfast staples, from fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to hearty omelets and savory breakfast burritos. But what truly sets the Ground-A-Bout apart is their exceptional coffee selection. They source high-quality beans and expertly craft each cup, ensuring a flavorful and aromatic experience. Their must-try dishes include the signature “Ground-A-Bout Scramble,” a loaded scramble with your choice of meat and veggies, and their cinnamon rolls, a truly decadent treat. The Ground-A-Bout is great because it’s a local favorite known for its friendly service, delicious food, and commitment to quality coffee. It’s the perfect place to kickstart your day in Cape Girardeau.
Mary Jane’s Burgers & Brew
Don’t let the name fool you! While Mary Jane’s is renowned for its fantastic burgers, their weekend brunch is an absolute must-try. This popular spot transforms into a brunch haven on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a unique and innovative menu that goes beyond the usual suspects. Think creative benedicts with unexpected toppings, breakfast pizzas with crispy crusts and flavorful sauces, and sweet and savory waffles that will leave you wanting more. Their brunch cocktails are also a highlight, featuring mimosas, bloody marys, and other creative concoctions. A must-try is the breakfast burger which is always a crowd pleaser. Mary Jane’s Burgers & Brew stands out because it offers a brunch experience that’s both fun and sophisticated. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, and the food is consistently delicious and inventive.
The Socials Cafe and Catering
If you want a quick and satisfying start to your day, The Socials Cafe and Catering is an excellent choice. The Socials Cafe and Catering offers classic breakfast items like bagels, pastries, and coffee. However, the staff prepares items and packages them to be taken on the go, ensuring that your experience is as fast and efficient as possible. The Socials also offers a wide variety of coffee flavors, pastries, and bagels so that you can have the breakfast you want.
Midday Delights: Lunch & Casual Fare
When lunchtime rolls around, Cape Girardeau offers a plethora of options for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving a classic burger, a tasty sandwich, or something a little more adventurous, you’ll find it here.
Burrito-Ville
For a taste of Southwestern flair, head to Burrito-Ville. This casual eatery is a local favorite, known for its generous portions, fresh ingredients, and flavorful creations. The menu features a variety of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, all customizable with your choice of meats, beans, veggies, and toppings. Their must-try dish is the namesake “Burrito-Ville Burrito,” a massive creation packed with your favorite ingredients. This Cape Girardeau restaurant is great because it offers a fun and casual atmosphere, affordable prices, and consistently delicious food.
Minglewood Brewery & Distillery
This spot is the perfect place to try locally brewed beers and get a quick lunch. Aside from their vast beer selection, Minglewood offers appetizers, burgers, and pizza for lunch. With a casual and lively environment, Minglewood is an excellent spot to get a quick bite to eat with friends.
Port Cape Girardeau
If you are wanting to get the full Cape Girardeau experience while you eat, Port Cape is the perfect place to do so. Port Cape Girardeau offers stunning views of the Mississippi River. The restaurants unique theming is also a main selling point. Whether it be a club sandwich or a tasty appetizer, Port Cape is sure to have the perfect lunch for you!
Evening Elegance: Dinner & Fine Dining
As the sun sets over the Mississippi, Cape Girardeau transforms into a haven for fine dining and elegant evenings. Several restaurants offer sophisticated atmospheres, exquisite cuisine, and impeccable service, perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out.
Sainte Genevieve Winery
While technically just outside Cape Girardeau, the Sainte Genevieve Winery offers an unparalleled dining experience. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and breathtaking scenery, this winery restaurant offers a refined menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. The menu changes regularly, but expect to find sophisticated entrees featuring fresh seafood, prime cuts of meat, and locally sourced produce. Their wine list is, of course, extensive, featuring their own award-winning wines as well as selections from around the world. A must-try is their wine-pairing menu, which allows you to sample different wines with each course. The Sainte Genevieve Winery is great because it offers a truly unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is romantic and elegant, the service is impeccable, and the food and wine are exceptional.
Celebration Restaurant
This spot is locally known as one of Cape Girardeau’s finer establishments. Celebration Restaurant offers delicious steak and seafood. For a special experience, make sure to ask for a spot at the sushi bar. Known for their classy dining room, Celebration Restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Bella Italia
For people wanting a taste of Italy, Bella Italia is an excellent choice. They have a wide variety of Italian dishes from chicken parmesan to ravioli. To elevate the experience, Bella Italia also features a classy dining room, creating a perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner date.
Local Specialties and Unique Experiences
Cape Girardeau also offers several unique food experiences that are specific to the region or showcase local talent. These are the places that truly capture the spirit of the town and offer something special that you won’t find anywhere else.
Rhymer’s Ribs
No visit to Cape Girardeau is complete without experiencing the legendary ribs at Rhymer’s Ribs. This family-owned barbecue joint has been serving up mouthwatering ribs for generations, using a secret recipe and a slow-smoking process that results in unbelievably tender and flavorful meat. The atmosphere is casual and down-to-earth, and the service is friendly and welcoming. A must-try is their signature “Rhymer’s Ribs,” of course, but their pulled pork and brisket are also worth a try. The restaurant’s atmosphere will be sure to please everyone in the family.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Delights
No culinary adventure is complete without indulging in a sweet treat. Cape Girardeau offers several tempting options for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Sugar Chic Creamery
A Cape Girardeau Staple, Sugar Chic Creamery offers delicious ice cream in many different flavors. Aside from the variety of flavors, Sugar Chic Creamery also has a variety of toppings and can blend the ice cream to make a milkshake. Sugar Chic creamery is known to have long lines in the summer, a true sign of how great their ice cream is.
Oh Crêpe!
While not strictly dessert-focused, Oh Crêpe! offers delicious sweet crepes. They offer many different fruits and sweets to put inside the crepes, making them the perfect place to get dessert for someone picky! The location is also prime, as the restaurant is located in the heart of Downtown Cape Girardeau!
Conclusion
From its cozy breakfast spots and casual lunch joints to its elegant dinner destinations and irresistible dessert parlors, Cape Girardeau’s food scene is as diverse and captivating as the town itself. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite or a visitor eager to explore the city’s culinary offerings, Cape Girardeau has something to satisfy every craving. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your culinary adventure in Cape Girardeau today and discover the delicious delights that await you in this hidden gem along the Mississippi River! And be sure to check individual restaurant websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date hours, menus, and special offers. Happy eating!
