BEST RESTAURANTS AND BARS

12 cats guide / northwest missourian

Here’s where to go for food

MAKAYLA POLAK Design Editor @kaypolak

A&G

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.

SEÑOR BURRITO

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.

EL MAGUEY

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.

HAPPY GARDEN

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.

PAGLIAI’S PIZZA

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.

GRAY’S

We apologize for not having an IHOP or Waffl e 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, specifi cally when you wake up with a headache after a “busy night,” try it out.

EL NOPAL

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 benefi t of a quieter atmosphere most nights. Also a perk, tower margaritas — enough said.

ALI’S BAKERY

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.

and where to go after dinner

IZIBEL DOBBS Photographer @TheMissourian

The sun is setting on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday in Maryville, and you are looking for a place to go. You could go to some random house party, but that seems sketchy. There’s only one thing left to do: explore the night life of this small town. So, here’s a guide for your guide to all the establishments in Maryville that specialize in evening activities.

BURNY’S

This is a country bar, and all the townies from Maryville love it. Do not go if you are not into country music and boys in cowboy boots. Burny’s is open six days a week. When the weather is warmer, the upper deck is open, allowing people to sit outside on the roof of the bar. It’s one of the only outdoor bar experiences you can get in Maryville, so give it a shot.

THE PUB

The Pub is not for everyone. This is one of only two bars in Maryville that you must be 21 to be able to enter, and the upperclassmen take advantage of that. There is trivia every Thursday night, and it is open six days a week. The Pub is the most easygoing and relaxed bar here in town. There’s no blaring music or strobe lights, but you can always fi nd the TV on and people relaxing.

SHOOTERS

This is the newest bar in Maryville, replacing Molly’s. Shooters has not been as popular as Molly’s but has received some attention from townies. It is super cheap to get in, and there usually aren’t many people in there. If you are looking for a more laid-back country experience, Shooters is the place to be.

POWERHOUSE

Powerhouse is somewhat new to Maryville and was previously known as The Outback. Powerhouse is not like the other bars in Maryville; it is unique. The bar and dance fl oor are separate from each other. Allowing people to get their drinks and take a break from the dancing. There is also a pool table and a special part to sit that overlooks the whole bar. The music is always loud, and the DJ takes song requests. If you want more of a club experience, this is probably the place for you.

THE CANTEEN

The Canteen is the other bar that you must be 21 or older to get into. This bar may be a little off the beaten path — it’s not right off main street like its counterparts — but it’s worth the drive. The Canteen specializes in cheap drinks and a calm atmosphere. The bartenders are super welcoming and down for a chat. The only downside to The Canteen is they are the only bar in Maryville that is cash only. Be prepared to listen to throwback country songs and sing them to your heart’s content. Compared to its competition, it’s a nice little hole in the wall.