Foodie News is your quick hit of what’s happening around Columbia’s food scene — from restaurant news and local accolades to upcoming events, new menus, and other food-related happenings worth putting on your radar.
Bring the Heat at Pierpont’s Chili Cook-Off
Chili season is here, and Pierpont General Store is turning up the heat for its fourth annual Chili Cook-Off on November 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Come hungry to sample the competition, cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner, and enjoy live music from Al Jolly, playing from 1 to 3 p.m. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three chili recipes, plus an additional cash prize for the People’s Choice winner.
Thanksgiving Brunch with a Side of Giving Back
The Bistro at The Blufftop at Rocheport is hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet on November 15, with a portion of sales benefiting the Voluntary Action Center’s efforts to fight food insecurity in Mid-Missouri. Guests can also bring nonperishable food donations. The spread includes roast turkey, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, sweet potato casserole, fall salad, and more. Brunch is $30 per person ($15 for children 10 and under), with an optional $20 bottomless mimosa bar. Coffee and tea are included. Reservations are available from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Blufftop at Rocheport.
A New Flavor of Nightlife Downtown
Pablo is bringing a fresh dining and nightlife experience to downtown Columbia. Located on Ninth Street, the restaurant pairs Tex-Mex favorites with a lively evening scene, featuring wood-fired dishes, cocktails, and DJs. By 9 p.m., the space becomes a 21-and-over nightclub. Pablo is the latest concept from the local team behind Bud’s Classic BBQ and JoJo’s Biscuit Company.
Address: 304 S 9th St, 65201
Looking for a Thanksgiving meal? Here are a few restaurants that are open (and some community dinner options, too).
Turkey Fry by the Rotary Club of Columbia
When: November 26 from 7:30 am – 11:30 am.
Order here. $60 per turkey
“A Time to Give Thanks” – Free Community Meal (Powerhouse CDC + partners)
- The food drive is open to anyone who cannot buy or cook a Thanksgiving meal.
When: November 26, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Where: 5th Street Christian Church
Fairview Church of Christ
- Free and open to the community. Sign up here.
When: November 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 1729 West Broadway, Ste 10B, 65203
Glenn’s Café*
*Glenn’s Café has not yet posted 2026 information, but has been open in the past.
Dive Bar CoMo
Open November 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Thanksgiving meals served until 7:00 p.m.
Cracker Barrel
Open November 26 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with turkey family dinners served starting at 11:00 a.m.
- Heat & Serve Meals: Bring the homestyle favorites home with preordered holiday dinners that are ready to serve after about two hours in the oven. The family dinner serves 4 to 6 people, while the larger feast feeds 8 to 10.
- What’s on the Menu: Both packages include roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing, gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and sweet yeast rolls. The larger feast also includes mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie.
- Pickup & Ordering: Schedule pickup between Nov. 21 and 29. Visit Cracker Barrel’s Holiday page to reserve your meal or explore holiday options.
Bob Evans
Open November 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for dine-in and carryout, serving a special holiday-focused menu and pre-ordered to-go options:
- Farmhouse Feasts to Go: Skip the kitchen prep with heat-and-serve holiday meals featuring slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham or both, plus classic sides, dinner rolls, and seasonal pies. Packages are available in several sizes.
- Thanksgiving Dining: Head to Bob Evans for a traditional holiday meal served in the restaurant. Thanksgiving platters include turkey and dressing, a choice of sides, fresh rolls, and pie, with additional options featuring ham and more classic sides.
- How to Order: Pre-order a Farmhouse Feast online, by phone, or in person. Visit Bob Evans for details on take-home meals and Thanksgiving dining options.
