You unpacked the boxes — now here is where students at Stephens College (Columbia, MO) actually eat, shop, bank, and hang out. Bookmark this for your first month.
Shakespeare's Pizza (Downtown) Pizza
Iconic 9th St pizza joint a few blocks west of campus; a Columbia rite of passage
Booches Billiard Hall Burgers
Legendary tiny burgers served on wax paper; downtown institution since 1884
Lakota Coffee Company Coffee
9th St roaster open late; go-to study spot with pastries, sandwiches and smoothies
Broadway Diner Diner
Cheap classic breakfast on Broadway; home of The Stretch hashbrown pile
Ernie's Cafe & Steak House Breakfast
Walnut St diner serving breakfast and lunch since 1934; short walk downtown
Shortwave Coffee Coffee
Local roaster at 9th and Cherry with big windows, baked goods and chai lattes
Hy-Vee (Conley Road) Groceries
Full-service grocery with pharmacy; closest big store, quick drive east of campus
Target Dorm Supplies
Bernadette Dr off Stadium Blvd; dorm bedding, decor and basics, about 10 min drive
Walmart Supercenter Big Box
3001 W Broadway; cheapest one-stop run for groceries and dorm gear
Schnucks (Providence) Groceries
Grocery on S Providence Rd a short drive from campus; open late
Aldi Budget Groceries
Two Columbia locations; big savings on staples, bring a quarter for the cart
Central Bank of Boone County
Downtown branch at 720 E Broadway, walkable from campus; many ATMs around town
Missouri Credit Union
111 E Broadway branch minutes from campus; membership open to local students
Tigers Community Credit Union
Student-focused credit union serving the Columbia college community
CVS Pharmacy Pharmacy
Several Columbia locations; nearest is a short drive for prescriptions and basics
Broadway Urgent Care Urgent Care
Walk-in care on W Broadway; MU Health also runs Quick Care clinics in town
The UPS Store (2000 E Broadway) Shipping
Closest shipping and printing spot, just east of campus near Broadway Marketplace
Great Clips (Broadway Shops) Haircuts
Walk-in haircuts at 2703 E Broadway; online check-in, short drive from campus
Stephens Lake Park
Lake, beach, trails and concerts on former Stephens College land, right by campus
Ragtag Cinema
Nonprofit arthouse theater on Hitt St downtown; hosts the True/False Film Fest
The Blue Note
Historic 9th St venue with touring bands; many shows open to under-21 crowds
MKT Nature and Fitness Trail
Paved 9-mile trail from downtown; popular for walks, runs and bike rides
North Village Arts District
Galleries, Fretboard Coffee and First Friday art walks north of Broadway
Hand-checked August 2026. Hours and locations change — give places a quick look before you head out. Some links on this site earn us a commission at no cost to you.