Photo Credit: freight house (Paducah, KY)

Farm to Table Restaurants on the Great River Road

Want to know how your food is made and where it’s sourced before reaching the plate? The health conscious, curious eater is welcomed to grab a seat at these farm to table restaurants bordering the Mississippi River.

*On Your Way: Attractions may be sparse on the River so hit these spots on your way.

  ~Minnesota~

Prairie Bay (Baxter, MN)

Prairie Bay (Baxter, MN)

Build your own bruschetta! Over forty farmers from the area built ties with Prairie Bay to ensure fresh, organic ingredients. While visiting, try their hand tossed wood oven pizzas.

Nosh Scratch Kitchen (Winona, MN)

Nosh’s western Mediterranean and American cuisine serves southeastern Minnesota produce in a vibrant, perfect-for-date-night atmosphere. The wine selections are crafted to complement the food.

 ~Wisconsin~

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery (La Crosse, WI)

Photo Credit: Carolyn Oberfeld

Chef Shack Bay City (Bay City, WI)

Indian-spiced mini donuts, chocolate mousse, and homemade ice cream are a few delicious summer menu options at this mobile kitchen! Founders Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer hold the proud title of “Godmothers of Food Trucking in the North”.

Uptowne Cafe & Bakery (La Crosse, WI)

This local La Crosse favorite serves southern-inspired breakfast and lunch entrees while keeping the menu vegetarian friendly. For those of you needing a pick me up – reviews rave about the coffee.

~Iowa~

Stouts Irish Pub (Clinton, IA)

Convivium Urban Farmstead (Dubuque, IA)

Grab a frittata and take a cooking class! Convivium emphasizes environmental protection and education in the Dubuque area. If the mission doesn’t make you stay, the warm ambiance will!

Luna Valley Pizza Farm (Decorah, IA)

The tucked-away farm is a perfect pit stop for those on-the-road pizza cravings. The homegrown ingredients turn the traditional fast food staple into a healthy, delicious experience. While driving there, take in the calm field roads!

~Illinois~

Thyme Square Bakery & Cafe (Quincy, IL)

Thyme Square Bakery & Cafe (Quincy, IL)

“A true farm to fork restaurant!” The contemporary restaurant butchers, cures, and smokes local meats in house while baking fresh bread daily. The small town hot spot has won numerous awards for customer service and breakfast!

Craft (Galesburg, IL)

Housemade pastas, savory steaks, and classic American pies! Galesburg’s one-of-a-kind restaurant offers the classic american fare with “new age kitchen adventures”. Craft Lounge serves cold beer and fun cocktails.

 ~Missouri~

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery (Ste. Genevieve, MO)

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery (Ste. Genevieve, MO)

For over 30 years, locally sourced ingredients inspire the American style cooking with Creole, Cajun, and Southwest fusions. The winery adds an extra flare for a nice night out.

Fūdio (Cape Girardeau, MO)

According to their Facebook, all services may be customized at Fūdio! Want to learn how to cook wholesome, healthy Missouri foods? Cooking classes and workshops are available for your next elevated Missouri experience.

~Kentucky~

freight house (Paducah, KY)

freight house (Paducah, KY)

The restaurant is led by Sara Bradlely, a Top Chef runner up on season 16! The industrial, chic ambiance combined with locally sourced dishes leads a unique taste bud journey in Paducah.

The Farm (La Center, KY)

The western Kentucky restaurant makes it a point to know you and your travel buddy’s name! The Farm holds pride in it’s customer service and aims to make every newcomer and local feel like family.

~Tennessee~

Sweet Grass (Memphis, TN)

Sweet Grass (Memphis, TN)

Ever tasted Low Country style cuisine? Shrimp and grits, pan-roasted red snapper, peach cobbler, buttermilk biscuits, and many more local must-try options! The neighborhood bistro has been nominated and won multiple Memphis awards.

Belly Acres (Memphis, TN)

The “certified farm fresh” restaurant is perfect for Great River Road family travelers. The signature burgers are 100 percent grass-fed beef and kids eat free every Wednesday! Also, reviews note great customer service.

~ARKANSAS~

Roots Restaurant (Jonesboro, AR)

Roots Restaurant (Jonesboro, AR)

Priding itself on creative cuisine, Roots Restaurant serves southern-inspired Ecuadorian cuisine while holding true to local, seasonal ingredients. Roots Restaurant is a great place for a food adventure and date night.

On Your Way: Pea Farm Bistro (Cabot, AR)

Off the river road is a popular sandwich shop with almost a 5 out 5 Google Review and plenty of positive feedback. Their Massey is locally raised and 100 percent grass fed.

~Mississippi~

Parlor Market (Jackson, MS)

Parlor Market (Jackson, MS)

Southern food with a twist – duck carbonara, Mississippi rabbit, and gulf redfish! Transparency is also important at Parlor Market as patrons receive weekly information on where the food was farmed.

The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (Jackson, MS)

Mediterranean meats good ol’ southern cooking in the historic Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson! The restaurant prides itself in wood fire cooking its seasonal foods and ingredients.

 

~Louisiana~

Hippie Kitchen (Jefferson, LA)

Cocha (Baton Rouge, LA)

Seafood is a staple in Louisiana, but Cocha makes it sustainable! According to their website, the restaurant tributes, “the region’s traditions, adding an international touch which reflects the ever changing landscape of the south.”

Hippie Kitchen (Jefferson, LA)

One reviewer claims that Hippie Kitchen “hits all nails on the head”. Healthy, organic, fun, and family-friendly are a few ways to describe the farm to table restaurant. Over 300 Google Reviews prove how this hidden gem shouldn’t be overlooked on the river road.