12 cats guide / northwest missourian
Here’s where to go for food MAKAYLA POLAK Design Editor @kaypolak
A&G
EL MAGUEY
A&G is quite simply one of the best places to eat here in Maryville, but there’s no doubt that this is the place that will break your bank, especially as a college student. Instead of spending all of your money on one meal here, go to A&G when your parents are in town, or make someone else pay the bill.
There are two, or maybe three, Mexican restaurants in Maryville, and El Maguey is the best. A familiar favorite for upperclassmen, “El Mags,” as it’s widely known as, is the place to go on a Wednesday night. If you go there, which you should, you just have to ignore the loud group at the long table by the door.
SEÑOR BURRITO
HAPPY GARDEN
You are more than likely going to hear stories about people’s adventures to Señor Burrito, and don’t think for a second that this means they don’t have good food. Ask anyone about their burritos or tacos, and they are either not going to remember it, or you are going to learn that the food there is in fact great.
PAGLIAI’S PIZZA
Despite the ambulance that sometimes appears outside of the restaurant, Happy Garden is a great place to try something new. If you are a huge fan of Chinese, this is your go-to place for food. With two other options for Chinese here in town, this is easily the best bang for your buck.
GRAY’S
You might drive by and start attempting to pronounce this place with a “g” sound, but it is actually “Polly-Eyes,” and it isn’t a bad place for food. You are going to walk in and see a bunch of townies and their families. Don’t start getting homesick, though, you don’t want to miss out on a great pizza place with the best buffet in town.
We apologize for not having an IHOP or Waffle House, so we give you Gray’s. Take it or leave it, Gray’s is attached to a gas station. Don’t start making judgments yet; this place is actually pretty good. If you are craving breakfast food, specifically when you wake up with a headache after a “busy night,” try it out.
EL NOPAL
ALI’S BAKERY
Many people will call this “the other Mexican restaurant,” and although that is just an opinion, it is true. The food at Nopal’s isn’t terrible, and most people prefer their chips and salsa over El Mags. El Nopal also has the benefit of a quieter atmosphere most nights. Also a perk, tower margaritas — enough said.
Ali’s Bakery is a hidden gem here in Maryville. Home to the nicest and most wholesome person you will meet, Ali Elzen gets up early to make some of the best baked goods that you will ever eat. Although it is only open until noon, it is well worth the early morning trip to start your day off with a smile.
