Unearth The Voyage
Tucked away in the charming riverside town of Kimmswick, Missouri, The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery has been serving up slices of heaven and plates of pure comfort for decades. This cozy spot on 2nd Street draws visitors from all over who crave authentic homemade cooking and pies so tall they practically touch the ceiling.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, stepping inside this homey eatery feels like visiting your grandmother’s kitchen, complete with warm smiles and the sweet smell of fresh-baked goods.
The Legendary Levee High Apple Pie
Standing nearly five inches tall, the Levee High Apple Pie is what put The Blue Owl on the map and keeps people coming back for more. This towering masterpiece contains layer upon layer of tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled between flaky, golden crusts that shatter perfectly with every forkful.
Owner Mary Hostetter created this signature dessert decades ago, and it quickly became the stuff of local legend.
The pie earned its name from the nearby Mississippi River levee, symbolizing how the apples are stacked high just like the protective earthen walls. Each slice weighs about a pound and could easily satisfy two people, though most folks can’t resist finishing the whole thing themselves.
The apples stay firm yet tender, never turning mushy, which shows the careful baking technique passed down through generations.
Visitors often snap photos before taking that first bite because the presentation is simply stunning. The lattice top crust gets brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar, creating a caramelized finish that adds extra texture.
Whether you enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or cold the next morning with coffee, this pie delivers pure comfort in every single bite.
Cozy Small-Town Atmosphere
Walking through the front door feels like stepping back in time to when restaurants focused on good food and genuine hospitality rather than fancy decorations. The dining room features simple wooden tables, charming vintage touches, and walls adorned with local artwork that celebrates the history of Kimmswick.
Natural light streams through the windows, making the space feel warm and inviting even on cloudy Missouri days.
The restaurant occupies a historic building on 2nd Street, right in the heart of this tiny riverside community that boasts fewer than 200 residents. Antique shops and craft stores line the same street, making The Blue Owl a perfect stop during a day of browsing.
The intimate size means you might have to wait for a table during peak hours, but that just gives you time to peek at the bakery case.
Locals treat this place like their second home, greeting staff by name and chatting with neighboring tables about the weather or upcoming town events. The casual, unpretentious vibe makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re dressed up or wearing jeans and sneakers from walking around town all morning.
Made-from-Scratch Comfort Food Menu
Forget fancy fusion dishes and molecular gastronomy—The Blue Owl specializes in the kind of honest, straightforward cooking that reminds you why comfort food earned its name. The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of American home cooking, featuring chicken pot pie, meatloaf, roast beef sandwiches, and daily specials that change based on what’s fresh and seasonal.
Everything gets prepared in-house using traditional recipes and quality ingredients.
The chicken salad alone has developed a devoted following, made with tender chunks of real chicken, crunchy celery, and just the right amount of mayonnaise to hold it together. Sandwiches come on fresh-baked bread from the bakery side of the operation, and the soups change daily but always taste like someone’s beloved grandmother stirred the pot.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, leaving just enough room for the real reason most people visit.
The kitchen doesn’t try to reinvent classic dishes or add trendy ingredients just for the sake of being different. Instead, they perfect the fundamentals, ensuring that every plate leaving the kitchen tastes exactly how you remember these dishes should taste.
Simple, satisfying, and made with care.
Mary Hostetter’s Baking Legacy
Mary Hostetter opened The Blue Owl back in 1985 with a simple mission: serve the kind of food and baked goods she grew up loving. Her grandmother taught her to bake as a young girl, passing down recipes and techniques that had been perfected over generations of Missouri home cooks.
Mary took those traditions seriously, refusing to cut corners or use shortcuts even as the restaurant grew in popularity.
She developed the Levee High Apple Pie recipe through months of experimentation, trying to create something that would stand out in a region already famous for excellent pies. The result exceeded her wildest dreams, eventually earning features in national magazines and food shows.
Despite the attention, Mary remained humble and focused on maintaining quality rather than expanding into a chain or franchise.
Her dedication to scratch baking means the kitchen starts work before dawn every single day, rolling dough and preparing fillings by hand. Even now, decades after opening, the same commitment to quality remains the foundation of everything The Blue Owl serves.
Mary’s influence continues shaping the restaurant’s philosophy, ensuring future generations experience the same delicious traditions she cherished.
The Bakery Case Full of Temptations
Positioned near the entrance, the bakery case serves as both a welcome and a challenge to anyone trying to make healthy choices. Rows of gorgeous pies sit alongside cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal specialties that change throughout the year.
The glass front gets cleaned constantly because people press their faces close, trying to decide between chocolate cream, coconut cream, or one of the fruit varieties.
Beyond the famous apple pie, The Blue Owl offers an impressive rotating selection that might include cherry, peach, blackberry, and specialty flavors depending on the season. The meringue pies tower high with fluffy peaks perfectly torched to golden brown, while cream pies get topped with fresh whipped cream that’s actually whipped in-house.
Whole pies can be purchased to take home, though they rarely survive the car ride without at least one finger swipe through the filling.
The cookies range from classic chocolate chip to snickerdoodles, oatmeal raisin, and decorated sugar cookies for holidays. Cinnamon rolls appear fresh from the oven on weekend mornings, their cream cheese frosting melting into every crevice.
Smart visitors order their pie slice with their meal to guarantee they get their first choice before popular flavors sell out.
Historic Kimmswick Location
Kimmswick itself is worth the visit, even without the promise of exceptional pie waiting at the end. This tiny riverside village dates back to 1859 and has preserved its 19th-century charm through careful historic preservation.
The entire downtown district earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, with buildings that look much like they did over a century ago.
The town sits along the Mississippi River just south of St. Louis, making it an easy day trip for city dwellers seeking small-town tranquility. Brick sidewalks wind past antique shops, craft boutiques, and other local businesses housed in beautifully maintained historic structures.
The Blue Owl occupies one of these vintage buildings, adding to the time-travel feeling that permeates the entire visit.
Most visitors make an afternoon of it, browsing the shops before or after their meal and enjoying the slower pace of life. The Anheuser Estate and Windsor Harbor Park offer additional attractions within walking distance.
During summer months, the town hosts festivals and events that draw crowds, but even on quiet weekdays, Kimmswick maintains its storybook appeal. Finding The Blue Owl means discovering this hidden gem of Missouri history and hospitality.
Weekend Brunch Rush
Saturday and Sunday mornings bring crowds that can stretch wait times to an hour or more, but regulars insist the food is worth every minute. The Blue Owl opens at 10 AM on Sundays and serves brunch items alongside their regular lunch menu, creating a feast of options that spans sweet and savory.
French toast made with thick-cut bakery bread gets topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar, while omelets arrive fluffy and filled with quality ingredients.
Families make this a weekly tradition, with multiple generations gathering around tables to catch up over coffee and homemade biscuits. The staff handles the chaos with impressive grace, somehow remembering orders and keeping drinks filled despite the packed dining room.
Smart visitors arrive right at opening time or plan for a later lunch to avoid the peak rush.
The energy during these busy periods adds to the experience rather than detracting from it. Conversations buzz throughout the room, silverware clinks against plates, and the kitchen door swings constantly as servers deliver steaming plates of breakfast favorites.
Even standing in line outside, people seem happy and excited, chatting with strangers about what they plan to order and whether they’ll have room for pie afterward.
Take-Home Whole Pies
Smart planning means calling ahead to reserve a whole pie, especially during holidays when demand skyrockets and the bakery sells out early. The Blue Owl packages their pies carefully in sturdy boxes that protect them during the journey home, though the tempting aroma makes it tough to resist pulling over for a preview taste.
These pies have traveled to family gatherings, office parties, and holiday dinners across Missouri and beyond.
Ordering a whole pie costs less per slice than buying individual pieces, making it economical for families or anyone who knows they’ll finish it anyway. The pies hold up well for a few days when properly stored, though most don’t last that long once people discover them in the refrigerator.
Some customers buy multiple pies at once, freezing them for future celebrations or emergency dessert situations.
The bakery also ships pies nationwide for those who’ve moved away but still crave that Levee High experience. Gift boxes arrive carefully packed with ice packs to maintain freshness during transit.
Former Missouri residents living in other states often request these shipments for birthdays or special occasions, sharing a taste of home with friends and family who’ve never experienced The Blue Owl magic firsthand.
Daily Operating Hours and Planning
Operating hours are limited, so checking before you make the drive saves disappointment and wasted gas. The Blue Owl opens at 10 AM and typically closes by mid-afternoon, focusing on the lunch crowd rather than dinner service.
Sunday hours run from 10 AM to 3 PM, giving brunch lovers a five-hour window to visit. The restaurant closes entirely on certain weekdays, so calling ahead or checking their website prevents showing up to locked doors.
These shorter hours reflect the restaurant’s commitment to work-life balance for staff and maintaining quality control. By concentrating service during peak times, the kitchen can focus on preparing everything fresh rather than trying to stretch ingredients and energy across long shifts.
The limited schedule also creates a sense of urgency—people plan their visits carefully and appreciate the meal more knowing it’s not available anytime.
Holidays bring special hours and often require reservations, particularly Thanksgiving weekend when pie demand reaches fever pitch. The restaurant posts updates on their website and social media accounts, keeping customers informed about closures, special events, or menu changes.
Planning your visit around their schedule ensures you don’t miss out on experiencing this Missouri treasure at its freshest and finest.
Homemade Soups and Daily Specials
A chalkboard near the entrance announces the soup of the day, which changes based on seasonal ingredients and the kitchen’s inspiration. Potato soup appears frequently during colder months, thick with chunks of tender potato, bacon bits, and a creamy base that warms you from the inside out.
Chicken noodle gets made with actual roasted chicken and homemade egg noodles, not the thin packaged kind that dissolve into mush.
Vegetable beef soup comes loaded with carrots, celery, tomatoes, and tender beef in a rich broth that tastes like it simmered for hours. The portions are generous, served in proper bowls rather than tiny cups, and come with fresh bread for dipping.
Many regulars order soup as their main course, knowing it will fill them up while still leaving room for dessert.
Daily specials might include pot roast on Mondays, fried chicken on Wednesdays, or whatever the chef feels inspired to prepare that morning. These rotating options keep the menu interesting for frequent visitors while maintaining the comfort food theme that defines The Blue Owl.
Asking your server about the special often reveals the best deal and freshest preparation of the day, since these dishes get made in smaller batches with extra attention.
Seasonal Fruit Pie Varieties
Summer brings peach pies made with Missouri-grown fruit, the filling thick and jammy with just enough spice to enhance the natural sweetness. Blackberry pies appear when local berries reach peak ripeness, their deep purple filling staining forks and lips with delicious evidence of indulgence.
Cherry season means both sweet and tart varieties make appearances, sometimes combined in a single pie for complexity.
Fall transitions to apple dominance, though pumpkin and sweet potato pies join the lineup as temperatures drop. The bakery sources fruit locally whenever possible, supporting Missouri farmers and ensuring peak freshness.
This commitment to seasonal baking means the menu changes throughout the year, giving repeat visitors new flavors to explore during each trip.
Winter holidays bring special varieties like mincemeat for traditionalists and chocolate silk for those who prefer year-round flavors. Spring features strawberry and rhubarb, sometimes combined in a sweet-tart masterpiece that celebrates the season’s first harvests.
The rotating selection keeps the bakery case interesting and encourages customers to try something new alongside their beloved favorites. Asking which fruits are currently in season helps you choose the absolute freshest and most flavorful option available that day.
Family-Friendly Dining Experience
Kids are welcome here, with high chairs available and a patient staff that doesn’t blink at occasional spills or loud voices. The menu includes options that appeal to younger palates—grilled cheese, chicken strips, and simple sandwiches that don’t challenge picky eaters.
Portions are reasonable, so parents don’t feel guilty when half a plate goes uneaten, and the bakery case provides built-in bribery for good behavior during the meal.
The casual atmosphere means families don’t need to stress about children being perfectly quiet or sitting completely still. Other diners expect to see kids and generally respond with understanding smiles rather than annoyed glares.
Many families make The Blue Owl part of their Kimmswick tradition, introducing new generations to the same pies and comfort food they enjoyed as children themselves.
The restaurant’s location in walkable downtown Kimmswick helps burn off energy before or after eating. Kids can explore the nearby park, watch boats on the river, or window-shop at the candy store down the street.
This makes the entire outing more manageable for parents who know their children need movement between sitting still for meals. Generations of Missouri families have created happy memories here, proving that good food in a welcoming environment transcends age.
Cream Pies and Meringue Masterpieces
Coconut cream pie gets piled high with shredded coconut folded into silky custard, topped with meringue that’s been torched to create crispy peaks and marshmallow-soft centers. Chocolate cream delivers deep cocoa flavor without being overly sweet, the filling thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to melt on your tongue.
Banana cream features fresh banana slices layered with vanilla custard, the fruit adding natural sweetness and creamy texture.
The meringue itself deserves special mention—whipped to stiff peaks and spread generously over each pie before getting briefly torched or baked to golden perfection. It stays fluffy rather than weeping or deflating, showing the skill and timing required to make meringue properly.
Some people specifically order meringue pies just to experience that contrast between crispy top and smooth filling.
Lemon meringue balances tart citrus filling with sweet meringue topping, creating the perfect sweet-sour combination that cleanses your palate. Butterscotch cream appeals to those who prefer caramel-like flavors, rich and comforting without being chocolate.
The cream pie rotation changes less frequently than fruit varieties, making these reliable choices for visitors who know exactly what they want before they even walk through the door.
Local Reputation and Word-of-Mouth Fame
Ask anyone in the St. Louis metro area about The Blue Owl and watch their eyes light up with stories of their favorite pies and memorable meals. This restaurant has achieved legendary status through decades of consistent quality and genuine hospitality rather than expensive advertising campaigns.
Food bloggers, newspaper critics, and television shows have featured the restaurant over the years, but most customers discover it through recommendations from friends and family.
Online reviews consistently praise both the food and the friendly service, with many people describing it as a must-visit destination when exploring Missouri. The 4.5-star rating reflects thousands of satisfied customers who’ve made the pilgrimage to tiny Kimmswick specifically for this experience.
Even negative reviews typically focus on wait times or limited hours rather than food quality, which speaks volumes about what the restaurant does right.
Tour groups sometimes include The Blue Owl on their itineraries when exploring historic Missouri river towns. Wedding parties have been known to stop by for pie between ceremony and reception, still dressed in formal attire but unable to resist the temptation.
This kind of organic, enthusiastic word-of-mouth promotion has sustained the business through changing food trends and economic ups and downs, proving that excellence never goes out of style.
Classic American Desserts Beyond Pie
Chocolate cake stands tall with multiple layers separated by rich frosting, the kind of dessert that requires a fork and serious commitment. Carrot cake comes studded with walnuts and pineapple, topped with thick cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the spiced cake layers.
German chocolate cake features that distinctive coconut-pecan frosting between layers of chocolate cake, sticky-sweet and impossible to eat neatly.
Brownies get cut into generous squares, fudgy in the center with that perfect crackly top that serious brownie lovers demand. Cookies range from soft and chewy to crispy and snappy, depending on variety, all baked fresh daily using real butter and quality chocolate.
Seasonal items like pumpkin bars or lemon squares appear throughout the year, giving customers even more reasons to visit regularly.
These additional desserts often get overlooked because the pies command so much attention, but they deserve recognition for their own merits. Someone in your group might not be a pie person, or maybe you’ve already had pie three times this week and need a different kind of sugar fix.
The variety ensures everyone finds something that makes their taste buds happy, whether that’s a towering slice of cake or a simple, perfect chocolate chip cookie.
