Snug, old-school spot with a vintage vibe & hearty American bites for breakfast & lunch.
Jenny Fine
I am completing all “100 things to do in Columbia, MO” book (by MU professor Steven Paul Sayers). This place was “just ok”. We waited probably 20 minutes in the small cramped area right by the bathroom and another table eating right by there made it awkward. The food was….fine. This was the day after Christmas and we got there at 10:30 and I guess they were closing at noon. The food did come quickly. Probably because they don’t seat you even if there are empty tables. We ordered and ate quickly. I think they were in a rush to leave, I understand. It’s the day after Christmas. I wish my order Matt’s Dilema didn’t have chili and gravy on it. I would have asked for no chili. We are foodies who have eaten all over the world so not easily impressed. So this place didn’t wow us and we probably won’t be back. I can see the nostalgia but as not Columbia natives who don’t have that, this place is forgettable. The coffee was good I’ll say that. They charge a fee for credit cards so bring cash or debit if you’re not one who maximizes on credit card points like we do.
… moreL P
First off the diner does not have the authentic diner feel. Second is that the cook doesn’t seem to have much interest in cooking, just going through the motions. Not sure why but the food showed the lack of interest in preparation. I ordered a western omelette my wife had pancakes. I didn’t eat the omelette or the potatoes and the biscuit. The coffee was good, the owner didn’t charge us, not what I wanted or expected. I review many restaurants breakfast, lunch and dinner. I always pay but this gentleman wouldn’t have it.
I don’t know if his cook is burnt out or just not interested in cooking. Quite a few people there
… moreTron Man
Great little diner, unique options and wide variety, they have pies and even gooeybutter cake. I got the Breakfast in Bed, which had “Bacon Jam” it was very good, and not really like anything I had had anywhere before. Also at the table was the biscuits and gravy which was very good, as was the sausage patties.
… moreMichelle A.
Pros: Great service, friendly staff, everything that was cooked was hot, fresh, and well executed, technically.
Cons: a severe lack of seasoning, fermenting ketchup on the table, cash or venmo only, and a QR code to see prices.
… moreBritt Park
Outstanding diner with great food. I have eaten here many times over the years. The food is always delicious. Unfortunately the service tainted my stop at the diner today. Perhaps I shouldn’t expect my glass of soda to be refilled after 10 minutes at a small diner with few customers at that particular moment. The cheeseburger was tasty. The scrambled eggs were good and the bacon thick. Biscuit and gravy was good. I still recommend but don’t expect a friendly staff that is working to earn your repeat business.
… moreTina Gail
Classic Diner Experience with Delicious Food & Small-Town Charm, Broadway Diner in Columbus, MO, is a true gem! It has that classic old-school diner vibe, with fast and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. I had the traditional eggs, meat, hash browns, and a side of French toast—everything was cooked to perfection. My husband enjoyed the breakfast burrito, both meals made with care by the owner himself. We even had a heartwarming experience meeting local brothers at the bar, who frequent the diner and surprised us by paying for our breakfast. This town is as friendly as it gets! If you’re looking for delicious food, great service, and a place with real character, Broadway Diner is a must-visit.
… moreC. Willis
I’m in town on business and had a very large vehicle. It limited where I could park and where I could walk on a warm day. I took a chance and ate here.
FOOD: 2
Average at best.
No prices on the menu.
$16 (including tax and tea) for this quality of food is definitely over priced.
I ordered one scrambled egg with bacon and chose buscuits and gravy instead of toast.
The bacon was my favorite item. It was very meaty and cooked perfectly. Three slices was a suprise (I can’t remember if # was listed or not).
Hash browns are more like breakfast potatoes (I perfer breakfast potatoes over hash browns allll day long). BUT, these were very bland and without any seasoning. Some parts were a bit too crispy. I wish they had been seasoned and/or with some onions. I wouldn’t recommend or order them again.
The biscuits and gravy wasn’t great at all. Tasted like gravy out of a can. The biscuits were okay. I wouldn’t recommend or order them again.
SERVICE: 5
I didn’t catch her name, but it was her first day was today!! She was friendly and sweet. She checked on me and offered refills.
Other staff seamed friendly and outgoing.
Service was fast.
ATMOSPHERE: 3-4 ♀️
Nice retro diner vibe going on. Laid back. Although I chose to sit at a table, it was nice to see they had counter seating.
Some of their signs, and menus are getting a bit faded and worn. Table top items could be wiped down better. Not the best things to view as you’re eating. Place could use a spring cleaning. Not impressed.
Side note: dishwasher / bus man came out and quickly removed dishes from empty table. But returned with dripping soap sudsy hands to wipe the table down. Kinda added to the grimy vibe.
RECAP: Fast and friendly service. Food was average at best. A bit grimey. I don’t recommend.
… moreStephen Short
A great dinner. They food was excellent. The service was good.
… moreThrough Bec Specs Travel Blogger
The Broadway Diner, located in downtown Columbia, is a classic diner with a whole lot of history. Although quaint in size and space, this spot is an absolute must try in Columbia. They serve home-style breakfast dishes with an open-kitchen concept. There are a handful of tables inside the restaurant, as well as a bar-top that gives you the full classic diner feels and vibes. We always order the pancakes, biscuits & gravy while we are there! Because of the popularity, you can expect a line when you get there (unless you get there early). However, this spot turns tables pretty quick, so you can expect a small wait! If you are looking for a great breakfast spot in Columbia, make sure to stop by the Broadway Diner.
… moreJ Amery
I was thrilled to find out that this little Diner did not close, but moved to a different location. It had been over 25 years since I set foot in here and was happy to see that the entire building was moved, and they were still serving their famous stretch. The staff was fantastic and filled me in on recent history of the Diner. The food was as I remember and was delicious. I highly recommend checking this place out. It is wonderful piece of Columbia history, and the food is pretty good too!
… more