Shortlist: Eight Restaurants In De Soto (MO) That Locals Love!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on December 1, 2022 by Wandering our World

De Soto, MO, may be small but it has a bustling dining scene that deserves all the praise and appreciation it can get. Most businesses are locally-owned and family-operated making them warm and welcoming to locals and tourists alike.

With options ranging from Italian to Mexican a from Chinese to traditional American cuisine, there are endless options to choose from, according to your tastes and preferences. There’s even a quintessential small-town bakery that’s absolutely darling!

So, if you want to go to the best restaurants in De Soto and eat some of the most amazing meals of your life, we’ve gone ahead and reviewed them for you, all you need to do now is pick which one to go to! (Hint: all of them!)

beer and burgers at a restaurant
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/NatashaPhoto

Our Top Picks For The Best Restaurants In De Soto, MO: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. El Lobo Rojo

Traditional Mexican eatery, full of authentic flavors, great desserts, and a separate kids’ menu.

If you’re looking for great Mexican food full of authentic flavors and traditional favorites then look no further than El Lobo Rojo which is easily one of the best restaurants in De Soto, MO. The reason why this restaurant ranks so highly on our list is that it has a nice ambiance, a vast variety of menu options to choose from, and awesome service; all the key elements needed for the perfect evening out.

With a bright red façade that you just can’t miss, the eatery has a great charm and character to it. Done up in hues of red and black, the restaurant is simple yet effective in setting the mood. The place is neat and tidy with the staff ensuring that the restaurant looks its best, no matter what time of day it is or how busy it gets.

The food is absolutely divine. The menu is full of recognizable Mexican items like Quesadillas, Fajitas, Burritos, Nachos, and Flautas. All of which are amongst their most ordered and in-demand options.

Adding a separate kids’ menu is also a great step on behalf of the owners to help parents order for picky eaters. Plus, their desserts are something you wouldn’t want to miss out on! Their fried ice cream, Sopapilla, or flan will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, so make sure you order some.

El Lobo Rojo is open every day of the week. From Monday to Friday, it opens from 11 am to 9 pm and on Saturdays, it’s open from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sundays, it’s open from 11 am to 9 pm, making it a safe option to go to regardless of the day or time.

Address: 106 North Main Street, De Soto, MO.

Mexican food, many dishes of the cuisine of Mexico, flat lay, shot from the top on a vibrant blue background, forming a frame with a place for text. Nachos, quesadillas, guacamole, burritos etc
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Plateresca

2. Just Be Kind Café

Whimsical, local bakery and coffee house with locally brewed coffee and fresh baked goods, outdoor seating is also available.

No small town is complete unless it has a cutesy little bakery that serves as the heart of the whole community. Just Be Kind Café is exactly that for De Soto.

Serving a variety of mouthwatering baked goods and some of the best brewed local coffee that you’ve ever had, this eatery is an almost unmissable location and easily one of the best restaurants in De Soto, MO, too.

The interior of the café adds to the whimsy that the name and theme create, with the décor full of zany pictures and collectibles. The hand-drawn coffee menu is lovely and very on-brand, whilst the shelves lined with the bakery’s latest goodies entice all those who are passing by or stopping for a coffee. Plus, large windows let in a ton of light, brightening the space up.

The café also has outdoor seating options if you want to enjoy the weather; the whole appeal of this bakery will just make you never want to leave, so beware! The café’s façade is a great place to take pictures as well, because of how cute the name is, so make sure you snap a few before or after having a bite.

Whether you dine in or take some goodies to go, there are so many different varieties of what you can order at Just be Kind Café. The banana bread, s’more brownies, cinnamon apple cheesecake, and muffins are all local favorites, so make sure you grab some to try.

Their locally sourced and roasted coffee tastes like liquid gold too. It also helps out another local business, Arrow Ridge Roasting, and is available to take home with you, so if you’re a coffee lover, we’d recommend buying a bag and taking it home with you. It’s always great to support local businesses after all.

Just Be Kind Café is open Monday to Thursday 7:15 am to 4 pm. On Friday it opens from 8 am to 4 pm and on Saturday it only opens from 8 am to 1 pm, while it stays closed on Sundays. So, make sure you go early to get everything fresh.

Address: 426, South Main St, DeSoto, MO.

3. Pogolinos of De Soto

Classic Italian establishment known for their pizzas and lively ambiance, separate kids menu available.

With a claim that they make better Italian food than anyone’s nonna, this cheeky eatery is a great pitstop due to their exceptional food, great service, and awesome ambiance. So if you crave some good old-fashioned pizza, then Pogolinos of De Soto will become one of your favorite hangouts when you’re in town.

The restaurant’s interior is just what you’d expect from a family-run Italian eatery, full of warmth and comfort. Their recent renovations have given the place a new lease on life, with the main feature wall showing their giant logo, a quirky mustached chef that gives the restaurant a professional feel to it. All the seating rooms are clean and spotless, with booth or table-style seating to choose from. All in all, the place looks lovely and inviting.

As far as the food goes, their Pizzas are legendary and supremely popular with the locals. Apart from Pizza, their starters and salads are also hot favorites, so we’d recommend trying those too!

The most popular Pizzas are the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, and Pogolino’s Clown Special. Plus, they also have a separate kids’ menu with dishes like Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Chicken Strips that your little one is bound to love. 

Pogolinos of De Soto is open Sunday to Thursday 11 am to 8 pm, and Friday to Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.

Address: 530 N 2nd St, De Soto, MO.

Wine and pizza display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Foxys_Forest_Manufacture

4. Granny Franny’s

Timeless and traditional – A Diner that serves the best homemade American favorites seven days a week!

Another grandma providing the best culinary experiences in town is Granny Franny’s. A classic American diner serving all-time favorites in a great atmosphere and superb staff. This family-owned eatery has become somewhat of an icon in De Soto, having been around virtually forever – it attracts locals and tourists alike, so make sure you definitely go at least once to sample what it has to offer.

The interior is made up in bright colors with wood accents and a wooden floor with quirky wall art lining the walls. The simplicity of the place adds to its elegance and makes it a very appealing space. Even the bathroom has a great wallpaper selection that makes it warm and inviting, actually making it look like Granny’s house, where there’s warmth in every corner!

Granny Franny’s food is simply impressive. With recipes that the place has perfected over the years, their wings, pasta, and seafood options are some of the local’s absolute favorites. People also highly recommend their hamburgers, so if either of those things sounds appetizing, then you’ll love Granny Franny’s classic rendition of them too.

The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 9 pm. On Sundays, it’s open from 6 am to 4 pm so plan accordingly. We don’t want you to miss out on its deliciousness!

Address: 3191 Flucom Rd De Soto, MO.

Burgers on board display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/karandaev

5. Fatboy’s Saloon & Grill

Popular local dive bar with great food, live music and pool tables that’s perfect for the weekends.

If you’re missing your local bar and want a place to catch all the latest games or play a few rounds of pool with the locals then Fatboy’s Saloon & Grill will be your best option. It also has live music at times which just adds to the lively atmosphere the place has. Its food, vibe, and service make it hands down one of the best restaurants in De Soto, MO.

Although it may look plain and unassuming from the outside, the inside is the exact opposite! Done in a dark theme that goes with the kind of relaxed and laid-back mood it tries to create, the bar has plenty of activities going on that make it such a fun spot. Whether it’s people playing pool or other games the place offers, or a local band performing live, you’ll be in for a fun night out either way.

Their wraps, burgers, and wings are a hit with the crowd as are many of their starters, so depending on if you want to have a huge, big meal or nibble on some appetizers, there’s plenty to choose from for either option. The food comes freshly prepared so while you wait for it, you can enjoy the many beer options they have on tap.

Fatboy’s Saloon & Grill is open Tuesday to Thursday 11 am to 9 pm. On Fridays, it’s open from 11 am to 10 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 11 am to 10 pm. It’s closed on Mondays and re-opens on Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm, so check the schedule before heading over.

Address: 301 East Main Street, De Soto, MO.

Beer and burger display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/NatashaPhoto

6. Junction Café

Mom and Pop restaurant full of local patrons, serving classic American favorites and a separate kids’ menu

Junction Café is the hidden gem of De Soto. Frequented only really by the locals, this place often gets overlooked by tourists, simply because they don’t know of it. So, if you want to live like a local for the day, see what they eat and where they hang out then a trip to Junction Café is something you should put on your itinerary.

The place has a chill aesthetic with the interior boasting some exposed brick walls, black tables and chairs, and interesting wall art. It’s always spotlessly clean and the staff makes an effort to maintain it throughout the day. The staff also all wear Junction Café T-shirts that give the restaurant a very chic and professional outlook.

As far as food goes, they serve all-day breakfast which can be a make-or-break deal for some people on vacation and if you’re a fan of that concept then you’ll absolutely love their breakfast. They have a separate kids’ menu for breakfast and lunch too, making it easier to order for children as well! Regulars rave about their sandwiches and burgers so those too are worth trying if you get the chance.

Junction Café is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 8 pm. On Saturdays, it opens from 7 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays, it only opens for brunch from 8 am to 2 pm. So make sure you check the schedule before going, so you can make the most of the time and day it’s open. For breakfast, this is easily one of the best restaurants in De Soto, MO, to try out.

Address: 106 South Main De Soto, MO.

Delicious breakfast on a light table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/tbralnina

7. China King

Flavorful Chinese food served in a great environment, lovingly prepared by a local Chinese family.

If you’re in the mood for some delicious Chinese food made with authentic ingredients and traditional recipes, then China King is one restaurant that you shouldn’t leave town without trying at least once. The flavors are known for being absolutely mesmerizing, the quality is excellent, and the service is on point, making it a great place to dine out in.

Run by a local Chinese family, the décor has some traditional hanging Chinese lanterns, making it seem homey and warm. Apart from that, the restaurant is simple in its décor. Some Chinese fans act as wall art adding another traditional element to the walls and attracting your eye to them. The staff is kind and efficient, always ready and willing to help someone choose the best items off the menu.

They really do have an expansive menu list, from tasty beef to scrumptious chicken and fresh vegetable options to delicious pork – they have it all. For those of you that are a tad bit health conscious they even have a ‘lite’ menu that includes a lot of steamed dishes, that don’t make you feel heavy afterward. This can be a great pick in case you just want to stop for snacks. Their potstickers or dumplings are also very popular amongst frequent customers.

China King is open Monday to Thursday 11 am to 9 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 11 am to 9:30 pm and on Sundays, it opens from noon to 9 pm. Make sure you check the days and times before heading out.

Address: 412 N Main St, De Soto, MO

assortment of asian dishes on a table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/thesomegirl

8. North End Tavern

A Traditional Tavern with lots of jukeboxes, karaoke, and other events, awesome food and spectacular service.

If you’re looking for a fun place to spend the weekends, then North End Tavern should be a place that you should definitely head on over to. Its lively, energetic environment, chill aesthetic and fantastic food makes it one of the best restaurants in De Soto, MO.

Its interior is just what you’d expect, with jukeboxes lining the walls, neon signs hanging from the ceiling, a huge bar, and high stools, while the electric atmosphere just makes you want to start dancing to whatever they have playing in the background. There’s always something or the other going on at this location too, be that events related to holidays and festivals or the usual karaoke nights, so the owners do a great job to keep the place relevant and fresh.

The food is simply divine and their Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in town. But also head on over for a large variety of drinks, cocktails, mocktails, or beer on tap. Chances are they have every brew you can think of and their bartenders are some of the best in the business. Making it an altogether fun evening waiting to be experienced.

North End Tavern is open from 11 am to 1 am Monday to Thursday, on Fridays, it’s open from 7:30 am to 1 am, on Saturdays it’s again open from 11 am to 1 am and on Sundays, it’s closed. Making it a nice place to experience the town’s nightlife.

They also sell merch, so if you wind up falling in love with the place, buy a T-shirt and take it home as a souvenir of the city and as a memento of the night!

Address: 308 N Main St DeSoto, MO.

Selection of beer
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/blizzard_77

The Best Restaurants In De Soto, MO: Our Final Thoughts

That concludes our list of the best restaurants in De Soto, MO! We hope you find your next favorite hangout if you’re a tourist ,or we hope we’ve mentioned your favorite restaurant in case you’re a local.

The town has a lot of great options and it’s easy to get overwhelmed but by following our list, you can stay on track and enjoy everything the place has to offer. Enjoy!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.