Room 38 Restaurant and Lounge

When traveling, my favorite way to find new restaurants is through word of mouth. So when I visited friends in Columbia, Missouri, I asked where the best spots were. Many were mentioned; the clear favorite is Room 38 Restaurant and Lounge. Located in Columbia’s busy bar district (home to thousands of students that attend the University of Missouri), this restaurant is perfect for grabbing brunch on lazy weekends, finding late-night grub after an evening out, or impressing a date for dinner. 

The exterior catches your eye: plentiful outdoor seating with soft wooden benches and marble table tops, string lights that create a feeling of relaxation, and best of all, a wall covered in green plants with the word “Cheers” displayed among the foliage. The interior has a more intimate vibe, with candlelit tables, tall booths, and plentiful seating at the bar. Room 38 has created a unique, youthful environment to host its hungry (and thirsty) customers. 

What to eat at Room 38 Restaurant and Lounge

I began with a favorite appetizer — Brussels sprouts, here served with a twist. They are lightly charred and tossed with savory hunks of bacon and soft goat cheese that adds a creamy texture.

Lobster Mac N Cheese comes in a white bowl that’s practically overflowing with cheese sauce. The chunks of lobster are chewy and have tons of flavor; the elbow macaroni is cooked to perfection; and the cheese sauce is just the right amount of gooey. It is a very rich dish, and oh-so worth it. Topped with grated Parmesan cheese, it’s a home run. 

A Garlic Chicken flatbread pizza boasts crispy crust, a layer of fresh marinara sauce, and handfuls of melted mozzarella. Room 38 includes pieces of grilled chicken, a drizzle of olive oil, browned garlic, chopped basil, and juicy tomato slices. Sliced into pieces, this entree is ideal for sharing with friends.

I highly recommend visiting Room 38 Restaurant and Lounge in Columbia, Missouri.