Room 38 Restaurant and Lounge: Big-City Vibes and Great Food, Day or Night

In the heart of mid-Missouri is a restaurant and lounge unlike any other. Room 38 is unique to downtown Columbia, complete with a full food and drink menu and night club area. The restaurant duplicates big-city vibes, such as those of Los Angeles and Chicago, to recreate this experience and atmosphere locally.

When Billy Giordano and Jeremy Bowles opened Room 38’s doors, this is precisely what they aimed to do, and the restaurant reflects their extensive knowledge and history in the industry. “We want it to be a fun atmosphere and somewhere people come to celebrate and enjoy themselves and just let loose,” said Billy.

Once guests step through the doors, they will have an experience unlike any other in Columbia. Tables are set up designed for comfort, and guests have their choice of indoor or outdoor seating. The patio is heated year-round so during the cold winter months guests can still enjoy their meal outside next to the classic “Cheers” sign.

Guests can expect to find a wide range of items on their menu, from the popular Lobster Mac N Cheese to their famous Pretzel Bites. These are two items locals rave about and everyone must try at some point! Co-owner Giordano suggests their Pear & Prosciutto Flatbread as a hidden gem of the restaurant. 

Giordano is also the restaurant’s mixologist and creator of the drink menu. Room 38 has a drink perfect for every occasion. Whether it is just something to pair with dinner or a drink with the girls, his handcrafted menu has everyone covered! His favorite drink is the Moonshine Sour. “This cocktail includes clear whiskey infused with pineapple, cilantro and jalapeno and it has fresh lime and agave,” he described. “It’s very well balanced; sweet but spicy, with just the right amount of citrus.”

Nothing completes a good meal quite like a great dessert. While Room 38 has several to-die-for options, including Gourmet Funnel Cake and Chocolate Torte, their Gooey Butter Cake is a must-have. As a “Columbia’s award-winning dessert,” it’s a dish people of all ages will love!

The energy in Room 38 doesn’t stop when the dinner rush is over; the nightlife is just as incredible and popular with locals. Watch as the restaurant unfolds into a truly spectacular and exciting evening full of fun! It’s common for locals to stop in for a nightcap or, if guests really want to party, they can purchase a bottle service package for a complete night out on the town. The bottle service menu includes options for all party goers, whether they want to throw a 21st birthday, enjoy a hot tub or party with 20 of their closest friends. 

In addition to the typical menu for lunch, dinner and nightlife scene, Room 38 provides guests with the opportunity to have an extraordinary Sunday brunch. This is the perfect way to relax and catch up before another week begins. The Sunday menu comes complete with yogurt smoothies, avocado toast, and, of course, the opportunity to purchase bottomless mimosas! 

No matter what the occasion, Room 38 is guaranteed to give everyone who walks through the door a new, unique experience. For a casual dinner to a night out and a tasty brunch, Columbia has nothing like this gem. A restaurant and lounge that has to be experienced to understand its magic, Room 38 is a must-visit. ■

Visit Room 38, 38 N. 8th Street, Columbia, Missouri, in person or online at room-38.com.