48 hours in CoMo

Published on Show Me Mizzou Sept. 16, 2025

Columbia always rolls out the black-and-gold carpet for Homecoming weekend, but it shines brightest when old friends come back to town. From Friday night cocktails and zero-proof pours to Sunday morning bagels, the city’s restaurants, bars and gathering spots feel like one big reunion party. This year marks Mizzou’s 114th Homecoming since the tradition began in 1911, continuing one of the longest-running celebrations of its kind.

Friday night

Eat: Addison’s: Co-founded by a Mizzou alumnus, a downtown mainstay that serves inviting American fare in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Eat: Barred Owl Butcher & Table: Local meats, sharp cocktails and a menu that rewards curiosity.
Eat: Endwell: Moody lighting, inventive Italian-accented plates and a vibe that hits just right.
Eat: Mahi’s Ethiopian Kitchen: Warm, welcoming and rich with spice. Serves injera platters piled with stews, lentils and greens tucked within the lovely Alley A.
Eat: Bud’s BBQ: Classic, down-home barbecue with smoky flavor and local charm.
Eat: Kinkao: A bold, regional Thai kitchen tucked right on Broadway. Sticky rice, curries, crispy mango rice and chili heat.
Reconnect: Booches: Cash only. Burgers on the grill. Snooker tables ready for a game. History hangs in the air, and on the walls.
Reconnect: Fieldhouse or the Heidelberg: Pick your poison. Or bounce between both.
Reconnect: Top Ten Wines: Nice pours, big flavor. An easy place to reminisce.
Reconnect: Vault: Candlelight, classic cocktails and a real bank vault door. Columbia’s best speakeasy vibe.

Saturday

Breakfast: Ernie’s Cafe & Steakhouse: Since 1934. Counter and booth seating, hot coffee, crispy hash browns.
Breakfast: Broadway Diner: Order the Stretch. Don’t ask what’s in it. Just trust that it will fuel your day.
Breakfast: Main Squeeze: Fresh juices, tofu scrambles and sunshine on a plate. A downtown classic for the plant-forward crowd.
Homecoming Parade: Downtown Columbia, 9 a.m.: Marching bands, floats, Truman on a four-wheeler. Stake out a spot early and bring a chair.
Tailgate: Lot X: Classic. Noisy. BYO everything.
Game Time: Memorial Stadium: Coach Drinkwitz leads the charge. Black. Gold. Noise.
Game Time: Harpo’s: Not at the game? Watch it on the big screen with old and new friends.
Late Night: Shakespeare’s Pizza: You already know. Nostalgia hack: Order the 32-oz reusable cup of whatever you’re drinking and take it home when you’re finished.
Late Night: Pizza Tree: The walk-up window is clutch. Slices fly fast and hot. Macaroni and cheese pizza is life-changing. No, really.
Late night: The Roof: Handcrafted cocktails, live music and panoramic views on the roof of the Broadway Hotel.

Sunday

Brunch: Glenn’s Cafe: Cajun brunch in an art deco jewel. Bloody Marys with backbone.
Brunch: Cafe Berlin: Archetypal college-town breakfast spot, local, funky and satisfying.
Brunch: Goldie’s Bagels: Best bagelry in Missouri, full stop. Grab a dozen for the road.
Brunch: Beet Box: Laid-back and flavor-forward, just off College in the Arcade District. A local favorite for brunch without the downtown bustle.
Souvenirs: The Mizzou Store: Stock up on gear. Old logo? New logo? Doesn’t matter — you’re family.
With Kids? Museum of Art and Archaeology: Ancient coins, statues and a real mummy shroud — plus free admission and zero crowds.
With Kids? Candy Factory: Watch chocolate get poured, dipped and swirled downtown. Yes, they give samples.
With Kids? Mizzou Botanic Garden: Campus turns into a treasure hunt with over 40 themed gardens tucked between buildings.