Joplin, Missouri has an interesting Route 66 history. The city actually has multiple paths, since the route was realigned a couple of times. While we were making our itinerary for a visit to Joplin, we worked with Carrie Puffinbarger at Visit Joplin. She pointed us toward testing the eats at The Bruncheonette, a local hotspot that rests on the 1937 to 1945 alignment. What we found there confirmed our belief of listening to the locals.
Unassuming Exterior
We knew that the restaurant opened at 9:00, so we planned our morning to have us arrive right on time. When we arrived the parking lot was already packed, and cars were beginning to line the street. I dropped Crystal off at the door, while I went to park the car. By the time I made it inside, I found her near the end of a line that snaked around the interior. It quickly became apparent that this place was something special. (Thank you Carrie for the recommendation.) While some may be thwarted by this spectacle, we found it exhilarating. The willingness of so many to pack in so quickly gave us high hopes for a special meal.
Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
As the line proceeded through the restaurant, everyone was taking the chance to check out the dishes being consumed by those who arrived early. Periodically, we would hear a conversation between friends, and would strain to hear any golden nuggets of advice on what to order. By the time we were near the front of the line, we had seen just about every possible dish pass by, and were just as confused as when we started. Plates being prepared for delivery added to the anxiety of choosing, and soon we were at the register. Fortunately, the lady taking orders was prepared for such a situation and quickly walked us through the menu. With our orders placed and the anxiety past, we grabbed our coffee to take outside, while we waited for a table to clear. The Bruncheonette has this process down to an art, and we were seated just in time for our dishes to be served.
More Local Advice
While we were waiting to be seated, we struck up conversation with others nearby. Some lived in Joplin, while others visited here frequently for business. We had a lively discussion about various restaurants in and around the region. Food is a universal requirement, so we find it to be an excellent conversation topic. Our new friends insured us that our choices would be great no matter what they were. I recently got on an Eggs Benedict kick, and the menu has some interesting variations. The Benny Harper reminded me of a BLT sandwich of sorts, and was packed with deliciousness. Once inside, one of our new friend groups were seated next to us and also enjoyed this choice. My counter partner, who was visiting his daughter in Joplin, touted the delicious taste of the biscuits and gravy. I made a mental note to get that when we have a chance to pass this way again.
Taking A Different Route
Crystal wasn’t feeling like a Benny or even the pancakes, and ended up picking the B. A. Migas. (I was sure she would get the crepes with Nutella.) This omelet-style dish is composed of scrambled eggs, bacon, salsa, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onion, and crispy strips of corn tortilla. When the plate was placed in front of her, I knew she would struggle to finish such a large dish. (I was right.) Her first comment was about the generous amount of avocado that they provide. As we chowed down on our meals, we both realized that The Bruncheonette was an excellent choice. Next time though, we will know to arrive a wee bit earlier. Have you visited this unique Joplin eatery? We would love to hear what your favorite dish is and why.
It’s often the way that the most unassuming looking places serve the best food. You’re right that it helps to have a local to point out places to you!
So true!
We will definitely go because Bill’s hometown, which we visit once a year, is Pittsburg, Kansas, only 35 minutes away! Since Joplin is a bigger city, that’s where we do some shopping and other things!
We are sure you will have a wonderful visit. Travel safely!
Yummy! I love brunch and would definitely bear the long lines to try this place out too! I’ll have to remember it if I’m ever in this neck of the woods
Hope you make it someday. It’s worth the wait.
OMG! Eggs Benedict sounds heavenly right now. I have really missed it and l am on a hunt for it., in any variation. I was drooling as l read this post. The Bruncheonette sounds like a place l would really enjoy.
You would certainly like this place. They have multiple variations of Benedicts.
I love great breakfast and brunch places. But I hate lineups. So I’m not sure you’d find me at the Bruncheonette — unless we’d go early as you suggest.
We have found that some places are worth the wait.
You had me at biscuits and gravy! The Bruncheonette sounds like a find, and not one you’d be likely to find by yourself! Asking the locals is always a good strategy!
Absolutely!
What beautiful presentation and colorful dishes that you both tasted on this trip – I wouldn’t have expected anything nice like that on route 66
Surprisingly, we are finding lots of great upscale eateries throughout the towns and cities that dot the Route 66 path.
The Bruncheonette certainly looks worth a visit when in or passing through Joplin. How long did it take you to get to the front of the line?
I would guesstimate we stood in line for about 10 minutes, and then headed outside with our coffee to wait for our table. We were out there another 5 minutes or so. Not an unpleasant experience at all.
I don’t consider it a brunch place if it doesn’t have eggs Benedict on the menu, so The Bruncheonette definitely qualifies and I’d love to try it one day. I wonder how many different kinds of eggs Benedict there are? I might just write a post on that.
We have seen lots of varieties throughout our travels. It seems like each restaurant wants to create two or three new variations.
A most mouth-watering post!
Truly appreciate that.
Joplin, MO: my wifes home town. Will try take it in on our next visit to Joplin. Looks great….tks for tip!
JJ in OP, KS
We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Travel safely!
The Garden Benny is my favorite, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Creativity and deliciousness are always served here!
It certainly introduced us to some interesting versions of familiar dishes.