Big BAM Day 3 Grub & Grog

Missouri’s cities, towns, and villages are best explored at a leisurely pace. This comes as no surprise to Big BAM riders who revel in immersing themselves in the Show Me State’s scenic beauty as they tour the countryside on two wheels. At the end of each day riders delve into the overnight host city seeking local flavors, iconic landmarks, and community history. Waynesville’s featured eateries and drinkeries are sure to win you over with first-rate food, top-notch refreshing beverages, and an endless supply of hospitality and charm!

Image by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

EAT

Nona’s Kitchen
103 North Benton Street
Waynesville
573-774-2527

Image by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

Nona’s Kitchen is a well known Route 66 dining destination in downtown Waynesville. Housed in the historic Rigsby House on the square, Nona’s dishes up filling, fresh home cooked meals. Nona’s has earned a loyal fan base, even inspiring the “Tattoo Man of Route 66” to ink their logo onto his Mother Road themed body art gallery!

El Cabrito Mexican Restaurant
560 Old Route 66
Saint Robert
573-336-4373

“Knock your socks off flavor!! Great service all the time! They make you feel like family!! Highly recommend!!!” -Julie B.

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesday! In addition to tasty tacos, El Cabrito is known for their table-side guacamole. The restaurant offers a taco salad, seafood tacos, tacos supremos, and other Mexican favorites.

Paradise Deli/Ursula’s Schnitzelhaus
311 North Street
Suite 8
Waynesville
573-774-8422

“It [schnitzel sandwich] was fresh and flavorful and had the perfect crunch (I’m a texture person so this is important). The German rye was buttery and toasted to perfection, the breaded pork loin was tender and juicy.” -Rachel F.

Taste the Bavarian Alps at Ursula’s Schnitzelhaus/Paradise Deli on Waynesville’s Square. The authentic German restaurant has been serving delicious schnitzel for over thirty years. Favorites include Wiener Schnitzel (pan fried pork loin), Schnitzel “a la Holstein” (topped with an egg) and Jaeger Schnitzel (topped with mushroom, onion, & gravy.) Traditional sides include spaetzle, home fries, red cabbage, or tossed salad.

Cellar 66 Wine Bar & Restaurant
115 North Benton Street
Suite 4
Waynesville
573-528-7675

“LOVE this place! I would give it more then 5 stars if I could. Very relaxed atmosphere.”- Alicia G.

Hideaway with friends on the comfy couches at Cellar 66 Wine Bar & Restaurant. Pulaski County’s first wine bar also delivers thoughtful, well-executed appetizers and entrees. Carb-load with the bread tray or one of three pasta dishes- spaghetti & meatballs, lasagna, and cheese tortellini. Tickle your taste buds with an ear of hot-off-the-grill fresh roasted sweet corn.

Sweetwater BBQ
14076 Highway Z
Saint Robert
573-336-8830

Image by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau

Beginning in the 1820’s industrious, enterprising men began floating rafts of railroad ties down the Big Piney River, into the Gasconade River, and downstream to Arlington. These rough and ready tie-rafters named landmarks along their journey. In Pulaski County, on land that is now part of Fort Leonard Wood, between Crooked Chute and Spring Creek Eddy was Sweet Water. Sweet Water was a long, swift stretch in the river. Rafters looked forward to this spot on the Big Piney because it was “sweet going”.

Today, folks look forward to a different type of sweet water- Sweetwater Bar-B-Que on historic Route 66 in Saint Robert- not far from the banks of the Big Piney River. Sweetwater shouldn’t be hard to find- let the savory aroma guide you into the parking lot for a taste of the Ozarks.

DRINK

Hoppers Pub
318 Historic 66 East
Waynesville
573-774-0135

Image by Brand USA

In the heart of Waynesville, on the Square, Hoppers Pub pays homage to its Route 66 connection by offering 66 beers on tap. Some offerings of note are: Hoppers Frog Drool, an American Pale Ale brewed exclusively for Hoppers Pub by Piney River Brewing Company; Ad Astra Ale, an Altbier (traditional German ale) brewed by Free State Brewing Company; Stone IPA, an American IPA brewed by Stone Brewing Company; Chocolate Milk Stout, a Milk/Sweet Stout brewed by 4 Hands Brewing Company of Saint Louis; and Black Walnut Wheat, an American Dark Wheat Ale also from Piney River Brewing Company. The extensive beer menu covers domestics and imports, craft beers and industry giant beers-including Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR).

Chicken Bones Party Bar & Grill
14400 Highway Z
Saint Robert
573-336-5055

Courtesy of Chicken Bones Party Bar & Grill

Located on the footprint of the former Route 66 landmark Mark Twain Motel, Chicken Bones Party Bar & Grill is part of the Uranus complex. The entertainment center also features escape rooms, fudge factory, and a general store.

Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ
21050 Teardrop Road
Devils Elbow
573-336-5375

Image by Brand USA

Nestled in the Mark Twain National Forest, this historic Route 66 roadhouse has been a “gathering place” dating back to the late 1920’s. Eighty plus years later, travelers from around the world, continue to gather at this tavern to indulge in refreshing bottle of beer and socialize. Sit outside in the Biergarten and take in the views of the rustic Big Piney River, the dramatic limestone and dolomite bluffs, and the ninety plus year old through truss bridge. It is very likely that the voices that drift from inside will include a mix of languages- a testimony to Elbow Inn Bar & BBQ’s international appeal.

The TAP on Route 66
948 Old Route 66
Saint Robert
573-336-1312

“The Bloody Mary’s have stolen my heart!”- Kellie L.

The TAP on Route 66, a “hang out joint,” is best enjoyed with a friend or two. Play trivia, throw darts, shoot pool, or compete during a GIANT game of Jenga! Wednesday is Blue Collar Day featuring well drink and draft beer specials. Try the house favorite Bloody Mary or Mom’s Margarita!

Z Loft Hotel Bar & Grill
127 Vickie Lynn Lane
Saint Robert
573-451-2676

Courtesy of Z Loft Bar & Grill

Z Bar & Grill brings a contemporary flair to the table. Cool off with a cold beverage at the bar in the stylish dining room or on the upbeat patio area. Z Bar & Grill prides themselves on their handcrafted specialty cocktails. Kick back with a Liquid Mary Jane, Hippie Juice, or Kentucky Lemonade or enjoy a classic Mojito, Strawberry Daiquiri, or Pina Colada.

Shuttle service will be available at Waynesville City Park to transport riders to and from restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Related Articles:

The City of Waynesville Welcomes Big BAM Riders
Big BAM Day 3 Host Hotels
Big BAM Day 3 RV Parks
Big BAM Day 3 Amusements, Attractions, & Sites of Significance
Big BAM Day 3: More Fun Along the Route!

Powered in part by Pulaski County Tourism Bureau- the destination marketing agency for Pulaski County, Missouri. The bureau, funded by the hotel/motel transient guest tax, promotes tourism throughout the county and markets their destination to fuel the local business climate and broaden the local tax base.