By Kristi Spencer
If you’re looking for a dining experience that takes you off the beaten path, Gobblers Roost should be at the top of your must-visit list. Located eight miles east of Nevada, Missouri, this cozy restaurant offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The journey to the restaurant is part of the adventure. Guests travel down a two-mile stretch of gravel road across a low-water crossing, setting the tone for a night filled with country charm. Surrounded by the beauty of the countryside, diners can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, peaceful sunrises and the occasional sighting of livestock like cattle, horses and goats.
What’s Cooking at Gobblers Roost
Gobblers Roost is known for its generous portions, fresh, flavorful ingredients and beef-centric menu. The restaurant offers three steak options: a 20-ounce filet, an 28-30-ounce KC strip and an impressive T-bone that weighs over 3 pounds. They age their beef a bit longer than most, which gives it a more robust flavor profile and added tenderness.
The Gobblers Roost steaks are cut and trimmed for each order. There is also a massive smoked pork chop and a monthly rotating chicken or fish option. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to satisfy even the largest appetites, delivering the rich flavors only the finest cuts of meat can provide.
While the generous portions set Gobblers Roost apart, the meticulously curated dining experience makes the restaurant unique. Each meal comes with a pre-selected appetizer, soup, salad, vegetable, potato and dessert. A complete five- course meal options change monthly, so there’s always something new and exciting for guests to enjoy.
For regulars, generous portions stand out the most. You’ll almost certainly be taking home leftovers, making tomorrow’s meal just as satisfying. The Abele family’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and substantial servings ensures no one leaves hungry. A standout dish is the Morel Mushroom Soup, available only during morel mushroom season in the spring. This seasonal favorite is so popular Gobblers Roost maintains a call list to notify regulars when it’s back on the menu. Then, it’s a race to see who can get to Gobblers Roost the fastest to enjoy it.
In addition to the incredible food, Gobblers Roost offers a selection of cocktails, including their signature Moonshine Margarita. Served in a mason jar rimmed with brown sugar, it is their most popular cocktail. They also have choices for wine, beer and liquor.
Genuine Hospitality
Kent and Kathy Abele, the owners of Gobblers Roost, have been at the heart of the restaurant since opening 16 years ago. The pair are hands-on in all aspects of the operation. You’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere when you walk through the door. Kent and Kathy make it a point to visit each table during the evening, ensuring guests feel at home and their meals are prepared just the way they like them. The Abeles aren’t just serving food, they are sharing a piece of their lives with each guest.
Kathy explains, “We wanted a restaurant with heart, vitality and uniqueness.”
That vision is evident in how they’ve cultivated such a loyal following. Many regulars are on a first-name basis with the staff, and the waitstaff remembers exactly how each guest likes their steak cooked and which cocktail they prefer. The Abele family has built a community at Gobblers Roost, where customers return not only for the delicious food but also for the genuine connection they feel with the owners and staff.
The Little Cedar Cabin and 3 Cedars Event Center
For larger events, the 3 Cedars Event Center is available for weddings, business meetings, reunions and cattle sales. With enough space to accommodate up to 300 people, it features wide-open areas both indoors and outdoors, providing the perfect setting for any special occasion. The natural beauty of the surrounding countryside adds to every occasion held at the venue. During the holiday season, the venue also serves as an overflow location for large corporate Christmas parties.
Kent and Kathy have also created a cozy, rustic escape in the Little Cedar Cabin, which is available for overnight stays. It is located between the restaurant and the 3 Cedars Event Center. This cabin is the perfect getaway for a romantic retreat, a girls’ weekend or a hunting trip. The cabin sleeps up to four nature-loving guests.
Experience Gobblers Roost
Gobblers Roost is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It operates on a reservation-only basis, giving every guest ample time to relax and enjoy their five-course meal without feeling rushed. Kent and Kathy aim for each diner to feel like they’ve had a memorable and relaxing experience in the country. Kathy says, “We take pride in offering a great place to relax and enjoy a dinner out.”
Guests are encouraged to share any food allergies or special dietary needs when making a reservation.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet meal away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a place to celebrate a special occasion or a peaceful escape for the night, Gobblers Roost has something for everyone. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, generous portions and personalized service, it’s no wonder this rural retreat has earned such loyal customers.