Now before I say anything, these are just my opinions.
With 5 solid semesters under my belt at The Zou, it is safe to say that I know a little bit about not only Mizzou, but the city of Columbia. That being said, I have created a 2 part series featuring the best of the best of CoMO. Also, following Part II, I will release the most overrated things to do, places to eat, and see, in and around Mizzou and Columbia.
Enjoy!
Drunk Food 101:
1) Gumby’s Pizza:
“We love Pizza, yes we do, we love pizza, how about you?”
Beer and pizza go together like strippers and poor lifestyle choices. If you ever find yourself low on cash and looking for something to fill your tummy, Gumby’s has got your back.
Located at 1201 E Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65201
Phone Number - (573) 874-8629
2) El Rancho:
Imagine you’re hammered, now imagine a burrito.
If you are craving “Mexican” food and the walk to Taco Bell is too far, then head on down to El Rancho. It’s cheap, somewhat quick, and filling. Open until 3am on the weekends, this place is crawling with college kids looking for their 4th meal. If you don’t mind the guy who pissed his pants standing next to you in line, than where can one go wrong? The Taco Bell Chihuahua would be proud.
Located at 1014 E Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65201
3) Hot Box Cookies:
Everybody loves cookies. If you don’t, you can leave. That is all.
Located at 1013 E Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65201
Phone Number - (573) 777-8777 *Delivery available*
Best Places to watch a MU game:
1) Harpo’s Bar and Grill:
Harpo’s has long been a staple in CoMO and is one of the most popular bars downtown. There are tons of TV’s, plenty of space, and overall a great atmosphere when big games roll around.
Check out this video (click here) of Harpo’s exploding when Mizzou takes down kU earlier this year in basketball.
Located at S 10th Street, Columbia, MO, 65201
2) Shiloh Bar and Grill:
Located in the historic Katy Station Building in downtown Columbia, Shiloh is definitely a sports bar. With lots of big TV’s and a quality menu, there should be no disappointment here.
Located at 402 E Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65201
3) Stadium Grill:
Stadium Grill has got to have some of the best and most unique burgers in Columbia. The place is decked out with Mizzou black and gold, and the service is pretty great. Considering this establishment is not located downtown, you’re more likely to see a 30-45 year old crowd (especially on gameday), instead of the typical 18-24 age group. With TV’s galore, a mellow atmosphere, and tasty food, Stadium Grill is great for the sports fan with a family.
Located at 1219 Fellows Place, Columbia, MO, 65201
Hidden Gems of Columbia:
1) The Big Tree:
While it is not located in Columbia itself (I know, I know…), The Big Tree is a 15 minute drive southwest of campus. I’m aware it is just a tree, but if people get up in arms over the Magic Tree in CoMO, than this will blow your mind. To put it into perspective, think Harry Potter and the Weeping Willow, i.e. this tree could probably pick up your car and thrash it.
Located on Burr Oak Rd, Huntsdale, MO, 65203
2) The Pinnacles:
If Peace Park isn’t doing it for you, then perhaps The Pinnacles will astonish you. Once again, I am aware that this gem is not in Columbia per say (it is located approximately 15 miles north of campus), but it is worth the journey for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Bring some hiking shoes, but don’t let the word “hiking” scare you. The peaks of these bad boys can be reached by a 10 year old girl with a broken arm; that sounded ironic. Either way, grab some friends or a book and go kill an afternoon.
Located in Rocky Fork, MO, 65255
*Your boy rocking the pink shirt*
3) Rock Bridge Memorial State Park:
If you want to ever get away from the hectic lifestyle of school, then go and check out Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. I went here for a geology field trip and it was absolutely beautiful. There are multiple trails that would be perfect for hiking or bike riding and wildlife is abundant. One can also explore the Devil’s Ice Box and Connor’s Cave, along with the sinkholes and springs. Again, another way to have a pleasant afternoon.
Located 5901 S Highway 163, Columbia, MO, 65203
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This concludes Part I of “Best of the Best.”
Another one bites the dust.
On Saturday, the Tigers downed undefeated Illinois 82-73.
MU improves to 10-1 on the season behind an impressive performance by seniors, Laurence Bowers (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Alex Oriakhi (13 points, 14 rebounds). Also, Jabari Brown is proving that he can replace Michael Dixon after adding 18 points of his own.
This victory marks the 4th consecutive Braggin’ Rights game captured by MU after Illinois had won out 9 times in a row.
Next up for the Tigers is a west coast match up against UCLA at 10pm CT on Friday, December 28th.
M-I-Z!
Braggin' Rights Preview: Mizzou vs. Illinois
12/14/12
27 people were killed today, 20 of which were children at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. If you’ve been following this massacre at all, you have seen the video and images that are absolutely gut wrenching. Whether or not you believe in God, just please keep those affected in your hearts. These tragedies need to stop.
These people had their lives taken away today. Be grateful for how lucky you are to get to have things that many people will never get to have. Don’t take anything for granted, be spontaneous, and love everyone you come into contact with.
True to Mizzou extends its prayers.
Ellis is always poppin’ during FINALS
(Source: ohthatgay)
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[video]
Jamie Squire / Getty Images
Following two sex allegations, MU senior basketball guard, Michael Dixon, will be transferring. Dixon, who was not charged on either case, both for sexual assault, had since been suspended by the team. There is no news as to where the one time prep star from Kansas City will go to next, but he did release this statement:
“It’s been a challenging few months and while I appreciate the support of many in the Mizzou community, including my coaches and teammates, it’s in the best interest of me, my family and the University of Missouri for me to finish my career elsewhere,” Dixon said.
The inaugural season of Mizzou football in the SEC is done, and after finishing with a dismal 5-7 record, could that spell the end to a head coaching era at The ZOU? Many think so, and with the recent reports that MU plans to relieve Gary Pinkel of his duties for a possible off the field controversy, this might be the last you see of the coach donning black and gold.
Pinkel has spent the last 12 seasons at Mizzou accumulating a record of 85-54 with 8 bowl appearances. He has recruited top players like Blaine Gabbert, Jeremy Maclin, Sean Witherspoon, and Dorial Green-Beckham. He has brought a name to “Mizzou” football. To say Pinkel did little for this program, would only come from fairweather fans who are grim after a poor year in the Southeastern Conference. While many are calling for the head of Pinkel and his staff, it may be so that their wish will be granted, but not because of the performance of his team. Rumors are swirling that the recently divorced coach “impregnated” a woman nearly half his age. Now before the Ghost of Davy Jones’ locker appears, let me again state that these are just RUMORS. If we learned anything from middle school, it’s that you cannot believe anyone until you hear it from the person him/herself. While it certainly isn’t illegal to have sex with a woman (she is over the legal age), it can and will give a bad reputation to a program.
Personally, and I believe much of Tiger Nation would agree, this would be disastrous to this NAME we have tried to establish throughout the country. Just think…the Jayhawks would go crazy with this story. You squad leaves the Big 12 for bigger and better things, performs below expectations, and then your coach resigns for not wrapping his tool.
Lord have mercy, what will James Franklin think…?
More to come…