The best restaurants in Jefferson County

Trattoria Giuseppe has been dishing out Old World style lasagna, crispy toasted ravioli, and The Original Godfather piled with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and veggies since 2006, all with a friendly, family vibe.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 24, 2026

La Pachanga | Mexican Restaurant has you covered with budget-friendly, traditional Mexican plates done right, from tacos and burritos to sizzling fajitas, plus cold beers and margaritas.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 23, 2026

Big River Pizza Co is turning out St. Louis-style thin-crust pies with fresh ingredients, from classic cheese to the Big River Veggie, plus wings, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and a solid kids' menu. Friendly vibe, easy online ordering, and a place that actually feels like neighbors.

From the St. Clair newsletter, October 14, 2026

Sorellis Italian Restaurant nails that cozy, family-friendly Italian vibe with pizza, sauces, and all the good stuff built on quality meats, cheeses, and dough delivered straight from the hill. It’s the kind of spot locals keep in the rotation when they want comfort food that actually tastes like someone cares.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 17, 2026

Kettelhut's Smokehouse in Crystal City is family-owned and smokes fresh daily, with dry-rubbed baby back ribs, hand-sliced brisket, and fork-tender pork steaks that hit the Memphis-style sweet spot.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 16, 2026

Iguanas Mexican Grill is just down the road in Crystal City, a handy spot for Mexican favorites with simple online ordering that keeps weeknights smooth. When you want solid flavor without kitchen cleanup, it’s an easy pick that fits right into a Hillsboro routine.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 14, 2026

The Pasta House Co. keeps things easy with family-friendly pastas, pizzas and hearty Italian entrees, the kind you order when you want comfort without fuss. They’ll cater your get-together, have banquet rooms for bigger crews, and even help local fundraisers...

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 10, 2026

Locally owned and family run, The Brick Bistro & Brew on Festus Main Street keeps it simple and seriously tasty with a best seller Shrimp Street Taco, the Brick French Dip, and the Brick House Parmesan Salad. Swing by on Pig Wing Saturday for that fall-off-the-bone pork shank situation that basically eats itself.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 9, 2026

Saucy's Pizzeria keeps Hillsboro weeknights easy with hand-crafted pies built on a raw nine-ingredient sauce made from scratch daily, plus fresh jumbo wings and hand-pattied burgers.

From the De Soto newsletter, October 10, 2026

When you're craving familiar, no-fuss Mexican that hits the spot, Casa Charro in Crystal City keeps it classic for the De Soto crowd. It’s the kind of neighborhood place you lean on for solid flavors, hearty plates, and an easy dinner that doesn’t overthink itself.

From the De Soto newsletter, October 1, 2026

Kasabi Festus Hibachi,Sushi & Ramen keeps things lively with sizzling hibachi, fresh sushi, and slurpable ramen that hits the spot after a long day; it’s the kind of local go-to where you can dine in with friends or keep it cozy and just order online.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 29, 2026

Express Mart has been a local staple since 1930, and the Hillsboro location nails the basics... quick gas, a legit drink selection, and hot bites like breakfast sandwiches, fresh-baked cookies, roller grill favorites and subs. When your day needs a lift, this crew makes it easy.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 3, 2026

Settle in at LaChance De Soto for wine tastings, distinctive wines, and farm-to-table plates in a family-owned spot with French country charm. Relax outdoors, catch live music, and call it a perfect De Soto evening when you want low-key plans that still feel a little celebratory.

From the De Soto newsletter, September 30, 2026

LaChance Hillsboro is your nearby excuse to linger over award-winning Missouri wines, hand-crafted cuisine, and frequent live music. Family-owned with historic charm and French country touches, it nails the sweet spot between casual and special occasion... great for date nights or catching up with the crew.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 22, 2026

Whether you’re craving an all day Slinger at noon, a housemade Country Fried Steak that actually tastes like Sunday, or a slice of lemon meringue to silence the sweet tooth, Junction Cafe nails the small town diner comfort thing with zero fuss and plenty of flavor.

From the De Soto newsletter, October 4, 2026

La Pachanga Mexican Restaurant blends classic Mexican recipes with modern touches, from smoky grilled steaks to tequila-infused creations, and wraps it all in colorful décor and lively music. When you need a quick lunch or a low-fuss dinner that still feels like a little celebration, this place delivers.

From the De Soto newsletter, September 27, 2026

When the snack urge hits, White Castle nails the basics with its signature beef sliders, crispy chicken and fish, and onion rings that actually crunch. Dependable, fast, and strangely addictive for weeknights, plus they even celebrate superfans with a Cravers Hall of Fame if you're feeling bold.

From the De Soto newsletter, October 16, 2026

For a nearby treat, Crispy Edges Eats and Shakes turns out scratch-made American favorites, from crispy-edged smash burgers and hand-spun shakes to salads, pasta, appetizers, and hand-tossed pizza, with indoor or outdoor seating and options for kids, beer and wine, plus catering for your next get-together.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 19, 2026

Since 2010, Coyol Mexican Bar & Grill has been the local go-to for authentic flavors, a lively bar scene, and tacos that pair beautifully with handcrafted cocktails on the spacious patio. Great for casual dinners or group parties, and they’ll even cater when the craving hits somewhere else.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 25, 2026

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

Fast-food chain serving fried fish & shrimp combo meals along with gumbo & funnel cakes.

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

Fast-food chain serving fried chicken, big burgers & made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

Convenience store chain supplying snacks, sandwiches & fountain drinks, plus gasoline.

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes.

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.

Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

Fast-food chain serving fried chicken, big burgers & made-from-scratch breakfast biscuits.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.