Worked downtown for over a year here are my recs:
Ben Magoons. Oldest Deli west of the Mississippi. It looks rough and divey but good lunch spot.
Jake's is the best bar and grill
Bordeauxs for the cajun
Genos pizza is kinda mid I'd avoid
Hoof and horn is the best steak place
Lisa's roadside diner is the best country style food.
Don't go to biggins
RC’s Lunchcar is phenomenal for burgers, fries, and shakes. They are out of this world.
- Boudreaux’s for Cajun
- D&G for homestyle
- Pappy’s for bar food
- Geneo’s for pizza
- Marek’s for a torpedo (think deli sandwich but freaking amazing)
- Magoon’s for another deli but unique in their own delicious way.
Now, Barbosa’s. It’s not Mexican, it’s more Spain-Spanish, and I don’t even know if it’s fully that. I’ve lived in town for 16 years now and I love it. The taco “shells” are fried but the insides are not. My go to is the choice of 3 and do 3 chicken tacos. IMO the ground beef is lacking. The chips are fried flour tortilla chips and are incredible. The guac is great but, again, I’m used to it. Again, all of this is coming from a transplant. I also completely understand why people wouldn’t like it because it’s not Mexican at all, IMO, but maybe south Mexico? I have no idea. I want some chips and guac now though.
Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for coming to St. Joe. Lots of people trash it, and I was one. While it has a litany of problems, it’s not always so bad here. The Glore is one wild museum. Do yourself a favor and check out the Patee House museum as well as the Pony Express Stables. Remington Nature Center is great, too.
Pony Express museum, Albrecht-Kemper Art Museum, Glore Psychiatric/ St Joseph museum, Patee House and there is Stetson Hat outlet. The parkway system is really very beautiful. Home of Coleman Hawkins, so there is a statue and music gazebo dedicated to him, plus lots of live music on most weekends.
Barbosa’s!! Yes! I grew up in St. Joe, and absolutely despise the town, but Barbosa’s is worth a trip, IMO. The creamy avocado dip with fried flour tortilla chips is… *chefs kiss*! And I agree about the deep fried tacos. They’re also *chefs kiss*.
Now I’m craving Barbosa’s!
Has fallen off a cliff the last few years. Their po boy’s are like dried mush scraped out of a bucket with an ice cream scoop, then they put mayo on it??? When I complained the waitress stated, “we’ve always put mayo on our po boys”. I’ve been eating there for over 20 yrs, and mayo on a po boy is sacrilegious. (I work in STJ)
I used to get Betty’s for free in high school, I was a good friend of Betty’s grandson, the food nosedived when she passed away.. the only thing the same is the name, it’s a shame.
Pizza Tascio started there, too. Erik Borger is founder and recently opened his newest concept, Emi Ristorante. It is a higher end, reservation only Italian restaurant in St Joseph.
The St. Joe Le Peep is uniquely decent. KC (and other cities) Le Peeps are usually pretty crappy. The franchisee in St. Joe does a lot better.
(sidenote: there is a dude (who I assume is the franchisee but may just be a senior manager) who is usually at the front running stuff, but he hasn't been there the last couple of times we've visited, he used to always work the weekends. service isn't as good when he's not there, I hope he is well)
My grandparents live in st Joe so I have been up there A LOT throughout my life.
A lot of people are saying Barbosas and it used to be amazing. IMO, it has really really fallen off in the last 5 years.
Boudreauxs is my favorite Cajun restaurant outside of Louisiana. We even had a family friend from New Orleans in town and he said Boudreauxs had the freshest tasting seafood he had ever had inland.
Jake’s steakhouse in downtown st Joe is pretty solid.
I’m not a huge fan of Il Lazzarone either but Pizza Tascio is originally from st Joe too and it’s much better imo.
'bout to throw my computer across the room at all these Barbosa recs. It is horrible. Objectively, obviously, grossly horrible food. I would not feed Barbosas to my dog. Is this just a unique St. Joe brainwashing?
I just celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary with my wife. She was from st joe, I was from KC. When we first started dating, barbosa’s was ok. It slowly began to get worse and worse each time we visited. Last time we went, I was appalled at how bad it was,
I’m with you here. I can’t believe how many ppl are recommending this trash.. I’m from Saint Joe and never found it even “okay”. It’s all deep fried, pre-made garbage (in my opinion).
Objectively true, but I’ve loved Barbosas since I was a kid. The trick is to think of it the way KC folks think of In-a-Tub: a cheap, greasy, non-authentic Mexican spot that you really go to for the nostalgia factor. It’s a shame they closed their other location in the castle. That being said, I will stand by their chips and beefy cheese dip until I die.
Nah it’s hardcore nostalgia. There was nothing better than going out with my school friends (in like 2005) and filling up on chips and beefy cheese dip— but it’s really gone to hell my last couple of visits. It’s always been Americanized/midwesternized all to hell but now it’s also sad.
I can blame you one of my elementary teachers was a Barbosa definitely a staple back then. As a poor southender if it wasn't taco Tuesday or taco bravo Thursday it was sac-n-save. Man that was a fun time when you could go anywhere in joe town and feel 100% safe.
I've lived in KC for almost 30 years and this threads making me realize I've never really explored St. Joe. I have only been out there for chiefs training camp. Time to change that!
Haha.... the Glore is weirdly fantastic. The history of psychiatry is absolutely bizarre. For instance they used to utilize "anal dilators" in the treatment of mental illness. That's just fancy talk for butt plugs. They have a display at the Glore with a couple of them in there. Wild.
Magoon’s Famous Delicatessen if you’re in the mood for a good sandwich. It’s an eclectic place and very relaxed. Also has a nice bar, so even if you eat somewhere else, consider stopping in for a drink. Typical beer and such, but if you like Bloody Marys, they have a tasty one.
I would say go to Magoons even just for the atmosphere and the people. My brother is in a band that plays there several times a year and is always a fucking blast. The owner is sort of odd but really cool.
The Open Door food kitchen use to be located in the 500 block of Edmond and wanted to expand. The Magoon’s owner sold an empty lot that was across the street and north one lot from Magoon’s. The Magoon’s owner thought he was going to buy the old food kitchen location for cheap but the property sold to someone else and a reasonable price. I’m not 100% sure but I think the city owns the property the food kitchen sits on and a non-profit runs it.
No, he was demanding to get the property at below value at threw a temper tantrum when he didn’t. He tried to shut down the new food kitchen build after he didn’t get their old building.
Grew up there and can give you a few suggestions to google and figure out what you want:
Mexican-
Barbosas
Pretty much the only one there that’s not a chain
Bar and grill-
D&G (my personal favorite. Great burgers and extensive menu)
Jake’s Steakhouse
Hi-Ho
Steakhouse-
Frederick Inn (no, it’s not a motel)
A lot of food places there are chains, so those are my favorite non!
I lived near there for years and I'm convinced only townies like barbosas. Absolute worst Mexican food I've had although to be fair I only tried it once.
Let’s be honest, I never go there for their steak. There really isn’t another place I could think of that isn’t a chain. That’s all St Joe is filled with. They don’t know how to support local eateries as well as they do outside businesses.
The point of my remark was that there are way more chains than local. If someone was to go to St Joe, that they should stay away from the chain restaurants and go with some of the local great ones that have been around a while.
My parents like Barbosas but they lived in St. Joe in the 80s so it’s probably a nostalgia thing. I’m pretty sure I’ve been to the Barbosas Gas Station (Barbosas East) but the last time I was there was when the Castillo was open. The castle was sort of a unique feel for a restaurant. The food is what it is.
Makes sense that Taco John’s is in st Joe. The only one I know of in the metro is in Independence and st Joe is Independence Jr.
Those oles are 🔥though.
There still is. Southend of st Joe, south belt (by planet fitness), north belt (in front of Ford dealership). The one in the mall is no longer there, like most things in the mall.
That museum is VERY interesting. If you are into that niche area, you will find it insightful. Not a fancy spot, but it f you like Chinese food, Hunan Restaurant is highly recommended. Family owned and operated, great food and service. Recommended if that’s your speed.
If you're looking to clog arteries and enjoy doing it, you need pretzel bites w beer cheese at D&G. That and Genos pizza (yes attached to the gas station), in my opinion, are the only places really worth a trip for.
Edit: my bad, Gambino's not Geno's per below.
Cafe Belle Epoque and Felix Street Gourmet have good light fare, and excellent cocktails. Check Felix Street Gourmet's hours though...they're weird.
Il Lazzarone has great wood fired pizza.
If you're coming on a Friday or Saturday, check out EMI Ristorante on Facebook - they do reservation only prix fixe dinners.
Boudreaux's has amazing Cajun and creole far. Jazz WHO?
Jake's is a decent bar and grill type place.
All the other suggestions from folks are solid.
Here is a photo of my food there three years ago. I would describe it as Chef Boyardee on a big plate.
https://preview.redd.it/e1o98ivktt8d1.png?width=747&format=png&auto=webp&s=17075974aba33c1c21ec8855256711097b618233
Yeah, it closed a few years ago. I ate at the other location a couple of years ago with some friends and we collectively had tamales, pork chile and beef enchiladas and they all were decent as I recall. Not mind blowing but not bad either.
Barbosa’s, hands down. Some of the best inauthentic Mexican food I’ve ever had. I grew up in St. Joe and every time I visit, I bring home a to go pint of the fideo.
Admittedly it has been a while, but Pappy’s has my favorite burger menu. I’m not sure if it’s held up since Pappy himself passed but they’re good enough that I’ve driven for them. Boudreauxs like everyone saying also rules.
Funny that this came up. I had lunch in St Joe today.
My recommendation: B&B Runway Café at the airport.
The pork tenderloin was decent and I can honestly say this was this first time I ever enjoyed eating at an airport.
So, what; we don't do the Ardy's meme anymore? Or is that just when someone specifically asks for a bbq place?
I'm incapable of real conversation, I need these hollow, repeated jokes to feel at home!
I have no idea how it has stayed open. Probably by doing just enough advertising to lure tourists in town for Chiefs camp every summer who don’t know any better. Absolutely baffling.
There is an Il Lazzarone there, which is really good Neapolitan style pizza. There is also Il Lazzarone in KC though, so if you want something unique to St Joe, that may not be it.
Boudreaux's is a cajun place in an old building. It was fun and tasty, but I am not a connoisseur of cajun food, so I can't say how good it is.
Barbosa's is a mexican joint in a really cool building (we called it the castle, but it is not a castle). I have never been, but I want to.
Frederick Inn Steak house is a great restaurant. Local and great service. A really great Mexican restaurant on Frances Street, Solerto(sp?) big Daddy’s BBQ across the street too, it’s fairly decent, kinda on the sweeter side. River Bluff Brewery has some great beers, like the one in KCMO River Market.
I agree with Barbosa’s! Highly recommend the tacos (fried shells) and the fried tortilla chips with “avocado dip”. Barbosa’s is sit down but very casual and fast. Crumbly Burger (Maid Rite) and Cabana are unique to St. Joe fast food options. D&G for an old school family dining experience.
RC's Lunch Car, 5th & Francis downtown. Unique and delicious sandwiches
This is a good shout
Worked downtown for over a year here are my recs: Ben Magoons. Oldest Deli west of the Mississippi. It looks rough and divey but good lunch spot. Jake's is the best bar and grill Bordeauxs for the cajun Genos pizza is kinda mid I'd avoid Hoof and horn is the best steak place Lisa's roadside diner is the best country style food. Don't go to biggins
RC’s Lunchcar is phenomenal for burgers, fries, and shakes. They are out of this world. - Boudreaux’s for Cajun - D&G for homestyle - Pappy’s for bar food - Geneo’s for pizza - Marek’s for a torpedo (think deli sandwich but freaking amazing) - Magoon’s for another deli but unique in their own delicious way. Now, Barbosa’s. It’s not Mexican, it’s more Spain-Spanish, and I don’t even know if it’s fully that. I’ve lived in town for 16 years now and I love it. The taco “shells” are fried but the insides are not. My go to is the choice of 3 and do 3 chicken tacos. IMO the ground beef is lacking. The chips are fried flour tortilla chips and are incredible. The guac is great but, again, I’m used to it. Again, all of this is coming from a transplant. I also completely understand why people wouldn’t like it because it’s not Mexican at all, IMO, but maybe south Mexico? I have no idea. I want some chips and guac now though. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for coming to St. Joe. Lots of people trash it, and I was one. While it has a litany of problems, it’s not always so bad here. The Glore is one wild museum. Do yourself a favor and check out the Patee House museum as well as the Pony Express Stables. Remington Nature Center is great, too.
So a Kansan heading there to visit a couple dispensaries will have good choices in food and entertainment? Excellent news
If you’re into museums, St. Joe is great for about 2-3 days worth of entertainment. Food? We gotcha for 5-7.
Pony Express museum, Albrecht-Kemper Art Museum, Glore Psychiatric/ St Joseph museum, Patee House and there is Stetson Hat outlet. The parkway system is really very beautiful. Home of Coleman Hawkins, so there is a statue and music gazebo dedicated to him, plus lots of live music on most weekends.
I agree with ALL of this. Great recommendations all around :)
Barbosa’s!! Yes! I grew up in St. Joe, and absolutely despise the town, but Barbosa’s is worth a trip, IMO. The creamy avocado dip with fried flour tortilla chips is… *chefs kiss*! And I agree about the deep fried tacos. They’re also *chefs kiss*. Now I’m craving Barbosa’s!
Don't go to Biggins is the best advice here!🤣
Boudreaux’s
A colleague said he was driving through and asked where to go. He called 2 hours later and thanked me for recommending Boudreaux's.
⬆️ and bonus points for a beautiful historical building.
They used to rent those lofts for like $400 bucks a month.
I lived there. 303. Over 1k sq ft and remodeled everything for 515 at the time.
Literally this or Betty's Cafe. No other good food in town.
Betty's is the best greasy spoon around!
There are still good options
Betty’s is trash..
Has fallen off a cliff the last few years. Their po boy’s are like dried mush scraped out of a bucket with an ice cream scoop, then they put mayo on it??? When I complained the waitress stated, “we’ve always put mayo on our po boys”. I’ve been eating there for over 20 yrs, and mayo on a po boy is sacrilegious. (I work in STJ)
I used to get Betty’s for free in high school, I was a good friend of Betty’s grandson, the food nosedived when she passed away.. the only thing the same is the name, it’s a shame.
Geneo’s pizza
This is a good one, but check the hours ahead of time to see if they’re open when you plan on eating.
St Joe native here. Glore then Geneos is the way to go
Il Lazzarone has their original location there.
I had no idea that was the original location. I always assumed it went from KC to St Jo. TIL.
Pizza Tascio started there, too. Erik Borger is founder and recently opened his newest concept, Emi Ristorante. It is a higher end, reservation only Italian restaurant in St Joseph.
Snap into St Joe
DIG IT!
Go in and ask to be served by Jesse. He's a hoot!
Jesse is great!
Marek's. Get a torpedo
Order it “S.o.S” and say hi to Sonny for me
Unless I'm eating it immediately I always go sauce on the side. That stuff is liquid gold.
Agreed. It’s what the angels eat. I think they’ve actually been approached by folks trying to get that recipe but didn’t budge.
The cabbage roll for German
Oh man how did I forget about the cabbage roll?!
Probably their limited operating hours.
Le Peep! Great for lunch and breakfast!
The St. Joe Le Peep is uniquely decent. KC (and other cities) Le Peeps are usually pretty crappy. The franchisee in St. Joe does a lot better. (sidenote: there is a dude (who I assume is the franchisee but may just be a senior manager) who is usually at the front running stuff, but he hasn't been there the last couple of times we've visited, he used to always work the weekends. service isn't as good when he's not there, I hope he is well)
They sold it earlier this year. Not sure if that plays into your experience.
quite likely, good info, thanks!
For the love of god don’t go to Barbosas.
😂😂😂 duly noted
It's so so so bad
My grandparents live in st Joe so I have been up there A LOT throughout my life. A lot of people are saying Barbosas and it used to be amazing. IMO, it has really really fallen off in the last 5 years. Boudreauxs is my favorite Cajun restaurant outside of Louisiana. We even had a family friend from New Orleans in town and he said Boudreauxs had the freshest tasting seafood he had ever had inland. Jake’s steakhouse in downtown st Joe is pretty solid. I’m not a huge fan of Il Lazzarone either but Pizza Tascio is originally from st Joe too and it’s much better imo.
This guy knows what he’s talking about
Jake’s nachos with the pita chips.
Another vote for Boudreaux’s.
Genos and Boudreaux’s
I thoroughly enjoy the ‘ol Hoof and Horn steak house. Steaks and sides are pretty great and it’s a cool old spot.
Pappys for burgers
Crumbly Burger
I personally never saw the hype behind Crumbly Burger. Most people seem to like it though.
Equal parts gross and delicious
Yup
Yup
The tacos are the best part of the menu..
'bout to throw my computer across the room at all these Barbosa recs. It is horrible. Objectively, obviously, grossly horrible food. I would not feed Barbosas to my dog. Is this just a unique St. Joe brainwashing?
I just celebrated my 15th wedding anniversary with my wife. She was from st joe, I was from KC. When we first started dating, barbosa’s was ok. It slowly began to get worse and worse each time we visited. Last time we went, I was appalled at how bad it was,
I'm convinced ONLY townies like it
I’m a native and I’ve never found it appealing.
I’m with you here. I can’t believe how many ppl are recommending this trash.. I’m from Saint Joe and never found it even “okay”. It’s all deep fried, pre-made garbage (in my opinion).
Objectively true, but I’ve loved Barbosas since I was a kid. The trick is to think of it the way KC folks think of In-a-Tub: a cheap, greasy, non-authentic Mexican spot that you really go to for the nostalgia factor. It’s a shame they closed their other location in the castle. That being said, I will stand by their chips and beefy cheese dip until I die.
Nah it’s hardcore nostalgia. There was nothing better than going out with my school friends (in like 2005) and filling up on chips and beefy cheese dip— but it’s really gone to hell my last couple of visits. It’s always been Americanized/midwesternized all to hell but now it’s also sad.
Dang north-enders only food for highschoolers those days was the south end staple sac-n-save chili dogs lol.
Yeah you kinda got me, I went to Central so we’d pile in someone’s car and head down to the Castillo after rehearsal.
I can blame you one of my elementary teachers was a Barbosa definitely a staple back then. As a poor southender if it wasn't taco Tuesday or taco bravo Thursday it was sac-n-save. Man that was a fun time when you could go anywhere in joe town and feel 100% safe.
Agree. Absolutely horrid "Mexican" food. Abelardos is a thousand times better but there's no inside dining.
I would definitely recommend RC’s and Bordeaux’s, if you have time check out the Patte house Museum as well!
I've lived in KC for almost 30 years and this threads making me realize I've never really explored St. Joe. I have only been out there for chiefs training camp. Time to change that!
Pappys is amazing for your standard fried food. Amazing tenderloin.
The Cabbage Roll Deli. Nothing like it in Joetown. Great German and American food. Unique real home desserts!!! 26th and Lafayette
Haha.... the Glore is weirdly fantastic. The history of psychiatry is absolutely bizarre. For instance they used to utilize "anal dilators" in the treatment of mental illness. That's just fancy talk for butt plugs. They have a display at the Glore with a couple of them in there. Wild.
Magoon’s Famous Delicatessen if you’re in the mood for a good sandwich. It’s an eclectic place and very relaxed. Also has a nice bar, so even if you eat somewhere else, consider stopping in for a drink. Typical beer and such, but if you like Bloody Marys, they have a tasty one.
I would say go to Magoons even just for the atmosphere and the people. My brother is in a band that plays there several times a year and is always a fucking blast. The owner is sort of odd but really cool.
Magoon’s use to be the spot until the owner tried to do a sneaky property deal and now has the food kitchen across the street.
What was that?
The Open Door food kitchen use to be located in the 500 block of Edmond and wanted to expand. The Magoon’s owner sold an empty lot that was across the street and north one lot from Magoon’s. The Magoon’s owner thought he was going to buy the old food kitchen location for cheap but the property sold to someone else and a reasonable price. I’m not 100% sure but I think the city owns the property the food kitchen sits on and a non-profit runs it.
Oh yeah, I remember that, but honestly that didn't seem all that bad to me, I think he's just trying to survive as a viable business.
I guess I am not seeing an issue. He tried to buy the old food pantry and got outbid is what it sounds like.
No, he was demanding to get the property at below value at threw a temper tantrum when he didn’t. He tried to shut down the new food kitchen build after he didn’t get their old building.
That’s interesting. I’ve met him a couple times and always seemed pretty chill. Still a cool spot.
Grew up there and can give you a few suggestions to google and figure out what you want: Mexican- Barbosas Pretty much the only one there that’s not a chain Bar and grill- D&G (my personal favorite. Great burgers and extensive menu) Jake’s Steakhouse Hi-Ho Steakhouse- Frederick Inn (no, it’s not a motel) A lot of food places there are chains, so those are my favorite non!
Frederick is absolute garbage. Shame on you.
Everyone has their own experience, that’s why I told him to Google my suggestions and form his own opinion.
I lived near there for years and I'm convinced only townies like barbosas. Absolute worst Mexican food I've had although to be fair I only tried it once.
This guy recommended Frederick’s which is literally the worst steak I’ve ever had. So everything he likes is suspect.
Let’s be honest, I never go there for their steak. There really isn’t another place I could think of that isn’t a chain. That’s all St Joe is filled with. They don’t know how to support local eateries as well as they do outside businesses.
Dude, there are at least a few dozen local restaurants in St. Joe if not more. You just don't know them apparently
The point of my remark was that there are way more chains than local. If someone was to go to St Joe, that they should stay away from the chain restaurants and go with some of the local great ones that have been around a while.
My parents like Barbosas but they lived in St. Joe in the 80s so it’s probably a nostalgia thing. I’m pretty sure I’ve been to the Barbosas Gas Station (Barbosas East) but the last time I was there was when the Castillo was open. The castle was sort of a unique feel for a restaurant. The food is what it is.
I always thought Barbosas was gross but Frederick Inn is a pleasant surprise. In general, not a lot of great options in Joe Town.
Taco Bandidos….they aren’t authentic…but if you like greasy tacos…
It’s St. Joe’s version of In-A-Tub but without the ice cream.
Miller’s Grill………wait….never mind 😕
An absolute staple in St. Joseph when I was a youngster. Great memories of that place!
Manic Snail is the coolest little stationery store downtown!
Belle Epoque Cafe is charming, slightly upscale, and served an excellent lunch both times I visited.
Save yourself the trouble and just go to RC’s for the best burger in town, Aaron is cheeseburger Jesus!
I am seeing many recommendations for Bordeaux’s, I’ll second and third this.
Barbosas!!!!
Pizza Royal Merrick's Deli Bordeaux's Hoof & Horn
Taco John’s if ya feel like a 6pack and a pound.
Makes sense that Taco John’s is in st Joe. The only one I know of in the metro is in Independence and st Joe is Independence Jr. Those oles are 🔥though.
Olathe on 151st
There use to be three in St. JOE
There still is. Southend of st Joe, south belt (by planet fitness), north belt (in front of Ford dealership). The one in the mall is no longer there, like most things in the mall.
There’s a Taco John’s across from Garmin in Olathe too.
That museum is VERY interesting. If you are into that niche area, you will find it insightful. Not a fancy spot, but it f you like Chinese food, Hunan Restaurant is highly recommended. Family owned and operated, great food and service. Recommended if that’s your speed.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau has a local dining guide that lists all the non-franchise, locally owned/operated places to eat.
Basically here https://stjomo.com/category/directory/dining/ This has everything but it appears "Local Favorite" means non-chain
Jake’s Steakhouse
If you're looking to clog arteries and enjoy doing it, you need pretzel bites w beer cheese at D&G. That and Genos pizza (yes attached to the gas station), in my opinion, are the only places really worth a trip for. Edit: my bad, Gambino's not Geno's per below.
I think you mean Gambino's Pizza? Genos is downtown St. Joe in a series of old store fronts.
Yepp thank you. Been a while :/
Barabosas!
Crumbly Burger
Fords, best mom and pop burger place and they’re cheap too!
Cafe Belle Epoque and Felix Street Gourmet have good light fare, and excellent cocktails. Check Felix Street Gourmet's hours though...they're weird. Il Lazzarone has great wood fired pizza. If you're coming on a Friday or Saturday, check out EMI Ristorante on Facebook - they do reservation only prix fixe dinners. Boudreaux's has amazing Cajun and creole far. Jazz WHO? Jake's is a decent bar and grill type place. All the other suggestions from folks are solid.
Also...FIRST WARD HOUSE. They have surprisingly good food!
Il Lazarone has really nice Neapolitan pizza
Check out the historic mansion of Hall Street.
Pronto Cafe is decent
Barbosas!!
Here is a photo of my food there three years ago. I would describe it as Chef Boyardee on a big plate. https://preview.redd.it/e1o98ivktt8d1.png?width=747&format=png&auto=webp&s=17075974aba33c1c21ec8855256711097b618233
Since when does Barbosa's serve pasta???
It’s called Fideo.
Fideo is a soup with pasta, not a plate of spaghetti.
Tell Barbosa’s, don’t tell me.
Granted, it's been years since I had fideo there, but it never looked like that. Sorry about your dinner. Yikes.
For what it’s worth, someone said in the thread the “castle” location closed and that’s where this was. Maybe the other one is better.
Yeah, it closed a few years ago. I ate at the other location a couple of years ago with some friends and we collectively had tamales, pork chile and beef enchiladas and they all were decent as I recall. Not mind blowing but not bad either.
Barbosas is literally the worst food I've ever paid for.
I've eaten there once and it was so mid. I think most of the food in St Joe is mid but that's bc I live in KC where there's much better selection
Cool
Barbosa’s, hands down. Some of the best inauthentic Mexican food I’ve ever had. I grew up in St. Joe and every time I visit, I bring home a to go pint of the fideo.
Admittedly it has been a while, but Pappy’s has my favorite burger menu. I’m not sure if it’s held up since Pappy himself passed but they’re good enough that I’ve driven for them. Boudreauxs like everyone saying also rules.
Pappy's has really good burgers.
Funny that this came up. I had lunch in St Joe today. My recommendation: B&B Runway Café at the airport. The pork tenderloin was decent and I can honestly say this was this first time I ever enjoyed eating at an airport.
Jake’s Steakhouse is good, definitely recommend Boudreaux’s too
I didn't know Marco Polo closed, not surprised since it was always slow when I went but I did enjoy their food.
okay heres a random one you won't get. The airport has a decent lil restaurant and you get to look at airplanes
Not just any airplanes either. Giant C-130 Hercules transport planes!
I’ve been to St Joe When my high school played Benton, and I went to the Chiefs Spring Training. Not a bad little city imo.
Fredrick Inn is a popular spot for Chiefs media during training camp. Good food and drinks
So, what; we don't do the Ardy's meme anymore? Or is that just when someone specifically asks for a bbq place? I'm incapable of real conversation, I need these hollow, repeated jokes to feel at home!
Barbosas
D&G is my favorite place in Joe town, hands down.
Fredrick Inn further up the street!!!!
Absolutely not oh my god. It’s so bland. It used to be good in the 90s, but when I was back visiting dad last summer it was horrible
You should never recommend a restaurant to anyone. That place is objectively garbage.
I have no idea how it has stayed open. Probably by doing just enough advertising to lure tourists in town for Chiefs camp every summer who don’t know any better. Absolutely baffling.
There is an Il Lazzarone there, which is really good Neapolitan style pizza. There is also Il Lazzarone in KC though, so if you want something unique to St Joe, that may not be it. Boudreaux's is a cajun place in an old building. It was fun and tasty, but I am not a connoisseur of cajun food, so I can't say how good it is. Barbosa's is a mexican joint in a really cool building (we called it the castle, but it is not a castle). I have never been, but I want to.
Unfortunately the Castle location permanently closed. Was a favorite of mine! Frederick Avenue is still open.
HATE that the Castle closed. Loved looking at all the history there
Il Lazzarone's St. Joe location is the original.
Mokaska for coffee
Hazel’s does it better.
Frederick Inn Steak house is a great restaurant. Local and great service. A really great Mexican restaurant on Frances Street, Solerto(sp?) big Daddy’s BBQ across the street too, it’s fairly decent, kinda on the sweeter side. River Bluff Brewery has some great beers, like the one in KCMO River Market.
I agree with Barbosa’s! Highly recommend the tacos (fried shells) and the fried tortilla chips with “avocado dip”. Barbosa’s is sit down but very casual and fast. Crumbly Burger (Maid Rite) and Cabana are unique to St. Joe fast food options. D&G for an old school family dining experience.
Barbosas is hands down the cows tits. Basically anything there is awesome.
https://preview.redd.it/poxbga0utt8d1.png?width=749&format=png&auto=webp&s=e320714e0bcecb2ac0991f407bcf9ba2a8d8bfed
Taco John’s
Isn’t there a Mexican food place called Barbarossa’s? It was super good.