McDonald County ’ s food scene is heating up with exciting new restaurants popping up across the region .

BACKROADS & BARNYARDS CAFE : Breakfast is Ready

The tantalizing aroma of cinnamon rolls is proving irresistible to Southwest City residents and beyond . This beautifully rustic café offers a genuine escape where you can savor the simple pleasures of a relaxed , home-cooked breakfast or lunch amidst warm hospitality .

Brandy and Stephen Holly opened the cafe in 2024 , with a catering kitchen that supports their nearby event venue , The Century LV .

Stephen was born and raised in Southwest City , and the couple has lived in town for six years .

“ My favorite thing about SWC is it being a small town with great people , and we are privileged to be able to raise our kids here ,” Brandy said .

Come early to enjoy those freshly baked cinnamon rolls or their other homemade pastries . Choose from hearty breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy , three-egg scrambles your way , or loaded hash browns .

The cafe also features homecooked daily lunch specials with favorites like chicken fried steak , beef noodles and chicken spaghetti , served with homemade yeast rolls , along with a tempting selection of desserts .

“ We have taken into account special requests for lunch ,” Brandy noted . “ Some weeks , our menu is made up of only special requests .”

“ We hosted a Valentines Day dinner and we are expected to host a Mother ’ s Day luncheon , Father ’ s Day event and several other events this year ,” Brandy said . “ Hopefully by the end of the year we will be opening one or two nights per month with special dinners .”

Backroads & Barnyards also does catering for groups from 10-100 , after hours at the cafe .

Backroads & Barnyards 200 Main St . South West City , MO 417-762-5855

SILVER SPUR : Good Food , Good Company , Good Times

“ We opened Silver Spur to capture the spirit of McDonald County : A comfortable place where community matters and good times are shared over great food ,” said owner / manager Bill Elliot .

The menu features favorite American comfort dishes , including a delicious full breakfast , hearty lunch options and homestyle dinners .

Upstairs , the family-style restaurant offers home-cooked meals with generous portions , with selections like juicy one-third pound burgers and mouthwatering hand-cut steaks . There are daily specials and an extended happy hour from 2-6 p . m . every day .

“ Customers love our Saturday Night Prime Rib ,” Elliott noted . Also popular are their open faced roast beef and Rueben sandwiches .

The new Broken Spur Saloon is open downstairs , featuring a full 21- plus bar with handcrafted cocktails , great happy hour specials and pool tables for some friendly competition . Add to that the Extreme Bar Bingo every Thursday at 7 p . m ., and you can see why this local eatery is becoming a favorite for food and fun .

The Silver Spur Restaurant 48 Little Missouri Road Jane , MO 417-226-7787

FROM RELIC TO REVIVAL : HoneyPop ’ s Reinvigorates Anderson HoneyPop ’ s Bar & Grill , a vibrant two-story eatery and gathering place , opened in late 2024 on the site of the old Shangri-La Motor Inn , reimagined by a local family .

Owners Spencer and Sherry Dawdy and family have created an expansive modern steakhouse and live music venue .

“ We just knew this area needed something like this , that could support big family gatherings ,” said son Taylor , who acts as marketing director , social media manager , booking agent and also makes a mean jalapeno corn- bread . “ It started as a beer and burger idea then turned into ‘ soon to be world famous .’ We decided we might as well do this as big as we can .”

The name “ HoneyPop ’ s ” pays homage to dad Spencer , the name the grandkids call him . And the effort to breathe new life into the place was a family affair .

“ HoneyPop ” and his sons Brandon , Taylor and Jaxson also operate Elite Restoration , an established carpet cleaning and disaster restoration business . They were well-suited to tackle the ambitious renovation , because as Taylor put it , “ everything was a disaster .”

The family meticulously upgraded every inch of the building , transforming it into a lively , welcoming restaurant and bar .

Chef Jimmy Burgett ’ s menu is a celebration of elevated steakhouse fare . Get ready for signature dishes like Sriracha Brown Sugar Bacon appetizer and the artfully prepared Hazelnut Crusted Grilled Salmon with chimichurri . There is also a seafood boil every Wednesday .

But the stars of the show are the steaks . Indulge in an expertly cut Ribeye 49 North or , when available , the colossal 48 oz . Tomahawk Steak . All are served with a choice of five sauces , a house salad or the Soup of the Moment , and one of their innovative sides , like Double Cream Peas , Burgundy Glaze Mushrooms or Jalapeno Mac & Cheese .

With a picturesque outdoor patio overlooking Indian Creek and an inviting upstairs stage , you will find the perfect atmosphere to enjoy dancing and live music every Friday and Saturday night .

“ We ’ re actually closer for folks in Bentonville and Rogers than Fayetteville is ,” Taylor added . “ It ’ s putting a spotlight on McDonald County . We ’ re making an impact .”

HoneyPop ’ s Bar & Grill 45 Fashion Lane Anderson , MO 417-373-2368

BACKROADS & BARNYARDS CAFE

THE SILVER SPUR RESTAURANT HONEYPOP ’ S BAR & GRILL

HOMETOWN MCDONALD COUNTY • 2025 • 9