Big Chief Roadhouse is a local destination located in a historical landmark in Wildwood, Missouri area.
This is a “must try” establishment. The historical facts surrounding this location should not be overlooked. In addition to its history, they have great cuisines and a great outdoor bar seating area covered. Only a few restaurants are fortunate enough to be located in such a historical destination supported by their own Wikipedia page and a dedicated page on the National Park Service. Unfortunately, from an online perspective, these are benefits that can’t be purchased.
The location has previously been known as Big Chief Highway Hotel and Big Chief Dakota Grill. The location opened in 1928 as a tourist camp for travelers crossing the country using Route 66. However, the road was rerouted, which damaged the facility traffic. However, it operated as government housing during World War II. The cabins were destroyed as previous owners attempted to renovate and revitalize the facility using it for various businesses.
The National Park Service recognizes the original uniqueness of the landmark as follows:
- It was one of the earliest cabin courts in Missouri.
- It offered full-service dining.
- It was one of the largest cabin courts.
A guide published in 1935 promoting Missouri listed only nine courts with more than 30 cabins. This facility had 62, and each had its own garage. A stay in a cabin cost $1.50 per night, a steak dinner was $.75, and a special plate lunch for $.40 or a sandwich was $.05. Needless to say, it will cost more to eat there now.
The facility was renovated in the early 1990s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. BCR is one of the last remaining restaurants located on Missouri Route 66, and it provides a feel of the 1930s.
Today
Today, it is a great local destination with high online customer reviews. They have their own onsite gardens, classifying them as a “Garden to Table” restaurant, adding uniqueness. We occasionally have lunch at BCR. We do not know the owners or work with the owners; therefore, this information is unbiased. Having disclosed that, we believe this might be one of the best-operated restaurants in the region based on the fact that the owners have leveraged the space to create their gardens, which increases the quality of produce and customer satisfaction while reducing cost. In addition, they had the vision to open a historical location. On the surface, they appear to have a bright vision. While we love history, we love great food as well. Additionally, we appreciate creative restauranteurs that step out of the box to create a unique dining experience.
We will be contacting the management to obtain as much information as possible to increase public awareness of the historical facts and the current facts that make this location one of our favorite restaurants in the region. We hope in the future, this page becomes a “work in progress” page as we reach out to discover more information about the history as well as the current operation of this restaurant.
Big Chief Roadhouse online customer reviews as of July 14, 2021, are as follows:
- Google – 4.6 Stars with more than 670 reviews published
- Yelp – 4 Stars
- TripAdvisor – 4 Stars
- Facebook – Not Rating – but they have more than 4300 friends, and more than 11,800 have checked in at this location
Big Chief Roadhouse business hours:
- Sunday – 11 am – 8 pm
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – 11 am – 9 pm
- Wednesday – 11 am – 9 pm
- Thursday – 11 am – 9 pm
- Friday – 11 am – 9 pm
- Saturday – 11 am – 9 pm
Big Chief Roadhouse address & phone:
17352 Manchester Rd
Glencoe, Missouri 63038
Phone: +1 636-458-3200
NOTE: The information contained within this listing is subject to change without notice. Contact the restaurant to verify critical information.
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