Welcome to J Huston Tavern
Nestled in the heart of Arrow Rock, MO, J Huston Tavern offers a charming blend of history and culinary delight. Known for its inviting atmosphere, the tavern showcases an array of mouthwatering dishes, including the renowned Beef Brisket Sandwich, piled high with crispy fried onions and special sauce, and the tender Fried Pork Tenderloin that has garnered rave reviews. Patrons also enjoy a diverse selection of locally inspired sides and starters, like the Charcuterie Board. With its proximity to the Lyceum Theater, J Huston Tavern is the perfect pre-show dining destination, promising an unforgettable meal in a historic setting.
- 305 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, United States305 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, United States Hotline: +1 660-837-3200
Welcome to J Huston Tavern, a legendary dining destination nestled in the heart of historic Arrow Rock, Missouri. Located at 305 Main St, this charming establishment invites you to indulge in a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect both local ingredients and time-honored recipes. The tavern’s delightful ambiance is steeped in history, making it a perfect stop for both food lovers and history enthusiasts.
At J Huston Tavern, the menu showcases an impressive array of mouthwatering options, expertly crafted by renowned Chef Janet. Noteworthy is the Country Ham & Cheese sandwich, featuring BURGER'S finest ham layered with Swiss and American cheese, all nestled between soft brioche—perfectly served chilled at just $14.00. For those with a hearty appetite, the Fried Pork Tenderloin is a must-try, hailed as an award-winning dish that promises a generous portion, lovingly chicken fried and smothered in rich gravy for $17.00.
The tavern’s Lewis & Clark BLT stands out as a delightful rendition of a classic, loaded with crispy applewood bacon and fresh, locally sourced tomatoes on homesliced bread, priced at $14.00. Paired with delicious sides such as succotash, house salad, and green beans, each meal transforms into an exquisite experience.
Highlights from customer reviews paint a vivid picture of what to expect. Connor Thomas praises the venue as a "great place to go," while Kurt Kitson emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere and the quality of the meals, recommending diners to make reservations, especially when a production is being staged at the nearby Lyceum Theater. The charming environment of J Huston Tavern wraps diners in a history-rich experience complemented by delightful culinary offerings. Vanessa Holmes hints at the fun surroundings, agreeing that the fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser—though she suggests some improvements on their gravy.
For a true standout moment, Andrew Darrah raves about the fried tenderloin, stating it's possibly the best he’s ever tasted, describing the breading as "crisp and tasty" while praising the thickness and tenderness of the meat. His enthusiasm captures the essence of what makes dining at J Huston Tavern unforgettable. Jodi Boschert echoes similar sentiments, relishing the fried chicken and its accompanying sides, alongside the clam chowder that adds to the heartwarming meal.
J Huston Tavern is not just a place to eat—it's a culinary experience poised against a backdrop of rich local heritage. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch, a pre-theater dining experience, or simply to soak in the historic charm, J Huston Tavern promises to leave you with not just a full stomach, but a heart full of memorable moments.
For inquiries or reservations, feel free to call +1 660-837-3200. Your next gastronomic adventure awaits at J Huston Tavern!

Great place to go!

A most excellent meal with great staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend. If there's a production at the Lyceum Theater, make reservations well in advance.

Fun atmosphere with lots of history. The chicken is yummy. Not a fan of the gravy. They close really early. They had no soda. They are gearing up for the summer.

There are no words to describe how amazing this fried tenderloin was. This may very well be, the best tenderloin I have ever had. The breading was crisp and tasty, the tenderloin was thick and tender. Wherever you live, no matter how far away, it is worth the drive! Service was equally awesome!!!

We ate here before a show at the Lyceum Theater. The fried chicken with mashed potatoes and creamy gravy and maple glazed carrots was great. Our appetizers were delicious too. The clam chowder was tasty too! What a treat! Great place! So much history at this restaurant and in this town!

Please accept this as an honest and unbiased review from an actual customer. First, and foremost, my wife and I found this to be a very well run restaurant staffed by friendly, and very helpful persons. We enjoyed a Saturday buffet that included some of the finest prepared and seasoned fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, roasted vegetables, and a delicious fresh green salad with dressings prepared in-house. The deserts were fantastic. The atmosphere is great and Arrow Rock is one of the finest historic villages we’ve ever visited. Please visit J Huston Tavern for some excellent meals, atmosphere, and attention from a wonderful staff in a fantastic setting. These folks are doing a fantastic job of running a restaurant.

Stopped in to stretch our legs and was treated to some exceptional fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Brussel sprouts. Decent little preserved goods selection as well. Dinner was well priced and will definitely stop back in if we’re ever in the area, as everyone in town was so nice! So glad we got off I-70.

Our party of 19 (six adults and 13 kids oh my!) was exploring the town and decided to stop in at the J. Huston Tavern for lunch. There was no wait, and Leslie sat our rowdy crew in the perfect little corner room. She provided info about the town and historical significance of the tavern. It is well decorated with antiques and even a bell the kids could pull the rope to ring. The food was AMAZING! My favorite was the fried chicken, but everything was delicious. We will definitely come again. We frequently camp at Arrow Rock Park in the fall and explore the town with the kids. Adding lunch at the restaurant to our list of things to do in town!