A Historic Haven Right in Downtown 

The ‘Tiger’ experience provides elegance, barbecue, and signature brunch.

The iconic Tiger Hotel, with its rooftop marquee lighting up the Columbia skyline, has become a beacon of both history and hospitality in Missouri. Dating to 1928, The Tiger Hotel was considered a lavish option for travelers and locals. The storied hotel has dominated the skyline since its 2014 renovation, blending the best of modern comfort with a deep sense of local history.  

As you step through its doors, the lobby’s stately open design — complete with grand staircases and an open front desk — welcomes you into a space that feels both dignified and approachable.  

Checking in is a breeze, thanks to the affable staff who greet you with smiles and chocolate-covered coffee beans. (Is this the VIP experience we’ve heard about?) Jamie Brooks, the hotel’s director of sales, is often seen chatting with guests, bringing an authentic touch to the experience.  

“Building relationships and chatting with both our regulars and new guests alike,” she explains with a smile. “The clientele here has such incredible stories.”  

When heading to your room, you’ll notice each suite is thoughtfully designed, offering unique features. If you’re lucky enough to book the Garden Room, you’ll find a spacious king bed and access to a private patio — a rare and luxurious perk in the heart of downtown Columbia. It’s a small outdoor space, in the middle of the city, where a guest can enjoy a quiet morning coffee or unwind after a long day. The room’s spacious bathroom and well-chosen amenities ensure comfort.    

Twain: Missouri BBQ & Taproom  

The culinary journey at The Tiger Hotel begins at Twain: Missouri BBQ & Taproom, a rustic, welcoming space that pays homage to Missouri’s own Mark Twain. The restaurant can be accessed from the street or the hotel lobby. Opened in July 2023, the restaurant is steeped in literary and culinary tradition, with Edison bulbs strung across the restaurant, providing a warm glow over wood cubicles that make for perfect cozy dining spots.  

Twain isn’t just a place to eat. It’s a place to connect. The restaurant’s monthly book club, partnered with Skylark Bookshop, creates a space for locals and visitors to gather, sip cocktails, and discuss books inspired by the love of words.   

The menu at Twain will make any barbecue lover’s heart sing, offering smoked meats, tender sides, and classic fixings with a unique twist. You might start with slices of smoked turkey, as juicy as they are flavorful, paired with a side of green beans topped with sweet, crispy bacon. The house-made mustard, infused with a punch of horseradish, adds the perfect tang to house-pickled dill and bread-and-butter pickles. Even the sides are memorable — rosemary-flavored roasted potatoes so well-seasoned, they could stand alone as a main dish.  

As you settle into the meal, you’ll likely exchange banter with Isabella, a laid-back and endearing server who recommends Twain’s signature Huckleberry cocktail, made with huckleberry vodka. And if feeling adventurous, you’ll find that all the spirits at Twain are sourced from Missouri-based companies, giving the restaurant’s drink menu an extra touch of local and state pride.   

The Vault   

For a nightcap, it’s recommended to head down to The Vault, the Tiger’s hidden cocktail lounge beneath the hotel lobby. This spot is a true gem, where a backlit bar glows in blue, and plush couches invite you to unwind with friends or make new ones. It’s the kind of place that feels both refined and comfortable, with soft lighting and low coffee tables creating a space that encourages relaxed conversations.  

Order a Trop Drop, a playful spin on the piña colada, and you’ll find yourself savoring every sip of this crowd-favorite cocktail. The Vault is a place for connections, laughter, and lingering. As one guest mentioned to their friend nearby, “I’ve never been here before, but I love the atmosphere.” And it’s hard not to agree.  

After an evening of scrumptious barbecue, cocktails, and casual banter, retreating to your room feels like a well-deserved luxury. The comfortable bed is a welcome escape, making it all too easy to sleep in and delay checkout. This style of hotel stay has a certain magic, where every detail makes you feel like a cherished guest.  

Glenn’s Cafe  

The next morning, visiting Glenn’s Cafe is the perfect way to wrap up your stay. The cafe’s charming, elegant interior feels like a step back in time, with floral wallpaper, vintage prints, and a piano adding a sense of Southern-inspired luxury. Some readers may recall Glenn’s Café making its first appearance downtown in the late ‘80s. Waiters in butcher-style aprons bring a unique sophistication to the atmosphere, making brunch here feel like a special occasion.  

Glenn’s is famous for its fried chicken and waffles, which truly live up to the hype. The chicken has a light, crispy layer that locks in all its juicy flavor, while the waffles are fluffy yet not overly sweet, balanced beautifully by the house-made bacon maple syrup. If you’re craving a vegetarian option, the avocado toast with poached eggs is a fan favorite, and the cafe’s signature Bloody Mary or a glass of champagne makes for a perfectly indulgent pairing.  

Between Twain, The Vault, and Glenn’s Cafe, The Tiger Hotel has everything you need under one roof, offering a full range of dining and drinking options that make it easy to relax and immerse yourself in the experience.  

“Guests should expect everything they need and more at The Tiger Hotel,” Brooks reminds you, and as you take one last look around the hotel’s sophisticated lobby, there’s a feeling of satisfaction.   

The time at The Tiger Hotel is more than just a night at a hotel; it’s a taste of Columbia’s heritage, a celebration of local flavors, and an invitation to relax and enjoy yourself if you are a local or from out of town. As you step outside and see the Tiger Hotel marquee one last time, it’s clear that this is not just any hotel. It’s a historic haven, a timeless part of Columbia’s story. 

Photos by Trischa Splitter/ Junebug Photography