Experience the Best of St. Joseph, MO
A local shares where to find the city’s “best of the best,” from the perfect place to grab a coffee to the need-to-try burger that everyone loves.
There are many things to love about St. Joseph, MO. Its friendly neighbors. Small-town charm coupled with amenities like the Saint Joseph Symphony and Robidoux Resident Theatre. Or maybe the local restaurants with mouthwatering dishes that make diners want to return time and again.
In other words, once you consider everything this northwest Missouri city provides, it’s easy to see why residents speak so highly of their community. That includes Johanna O’Callaghan, a 24-year-old who grew up in St. Joseph and now works as a teacher at Bode Middle School.
“I love St. Joe because I believe that we are a fantastic community, she says. “I try to be around others who believe that our city is growing and moving in the right direction. I want my friends who live in Kansas City to trust me when I say we can have a fun day and girls’ night in St. Joe, because we can. There’s something about being a small city that is just different from those big cities.”
To learn more about St. Joseph and why it’s such a great place to live, we asked O’Callaghan to tell us what is the “best of the best,” from that perfect place to grab a coffee to that need-to-try burger every local loves.
Where’s the best place to go for a jog?
I enjoy Mark Youngdahl Urban Conservation Area the best because of its beautiful scenery. You’ll get lucky and find some animals on your path!
Where’s the best place for coffee?
Mokaska Coffee Co. has the best coffee in town. I feel like I never make it down there early enough for coffee. Luckily, they brew kombucha, so I can stop by in the afternoon for a fun flavor that is always different from the last time. Seriously, one time, they had a chocolate flavor!
Where’s the best place to eat breakfast?
Seventh Street Café. They have a fantastic crew and menu. My favorite is their avocado toast, and my boyfriend gets a breakfast croissant. We love any reason to be downtown.
Where’s the best place to get a burger?
Crumbly Burger. You can’t get anything else like it.
Where’s the best place to shop?
Recently, I’ve been loving the Provisions shop on Frederick Avenue. It has cooking accessories, seasoning, oils and even wine. It’s the perfect spot for your own needs and gifts.
Where’s the best place to grab a drink with friends?
Wine flights at Felix Street Gourmet. Grab a few different flights and share, and you’re basically having your own wine tasting with your besties. Bonus if they let you go on the rooftop.
Where’s the best place to go on a date?
Our go-to date day is at Copper Hill Golf Club and Prestyn’s Wine Bar. You can grab a wine slushy or glass while you play. It’s the best!
Where’s the best place to order a pizza?
Pizza Tascio – hands down best pizza in town.
Where’s the best place to watch the sunset?
My boyfriend and I live right down the street from Truman Middle School. It sits on a hill, so we will walk up and watch it there.
Where’s the best place to have a relaxing Sunday?
Sundays are grocery store days. I shop at Hy-Vee and get all my groceries for the week. We always make dinner at home on Sunday nights while watching football.
Where’s the best place to exercise?
I work out at HOTWORX five to six days a week. Gyms have never really been my thing – that’s why I love HOTWORX. It’s very different from a normal gym. It is a sauna workout with virtual instructors. Basically, you get to book your own sauna on their app and go sweat and workout at the same time. They have yoga, cycles, rowing, buns, core. It’s seriously the best!
Where’s the best place to entertain family when they come into town?
I go to Jake’s Steakhouse & Sports Bar on Fridays for live music. Felix Street Square plays music all summer long. I find updates on Facebook about live music.
Where’s the best place to have a “me” day?
A “me” day would be getting my nails done, working out and picking up a snickerdoodle cookie from Country Cookie – really allowing myself to enjoy all the things I love.
Where’s the best place to experience the local arts scene?
I love finding local art at the coffee shops in town, like Mokaska and Hazel’s. The Sculpture Walk is always a fun time. You can pick up any of the brochures at local businesses. You not only get to see beautiful statues, but also the art on buildings downtown, plus you get a workout in.
Where’s the best place to take your pet along?
Of course, I love the Corby Dog Park in town, but driving my dog over there isn’t always an option. I like to walk my dog on this small trail beside Mark Twain Early Learning Center. It’s beautiful, quiet and never busy. Every year, we take my dog, August, to Schweizer Orchards to pick apples and peaches. It is always so much fun because we can get a nice walk in while enjoying a beautiful orchard and yummy fruit.
What’s the best annual event you look forward to?
The Sounds of Summer concert series downtown at Felix Street Square. It happens May through October.
This article was sponsored by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.