CRYSTAL CITY, Mo. (Sept. 24, 2025) — Congratulations to the long-standing Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In! This one-of-a-kind local gem has just been named the top burger joint in Missouri by Reader’s Digest, earning a coveted spot in the magazine’s national roundup of the best burgers in every state.

Located in the heart of Crystal City at the intersection of Bailey Rd. and South Truman Blvd., the Stoplight Drive-In has been flipping patties since 1948. Known for its classic roadside charm and no-frills approach to American comfort food, the restaurant has built a devoted following over the decades. It also currently holds the No. 1 spot among restaurants in Crystal City on TripAdvisor.

Reader’s Digest compiled its nationwide burger list by evaluating a mix of online reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor and Yelp, along with expert recommendations and personal tips from burger enthusiasts. The editors noted that while their picks may not settle age-old hamburger debates—such as whether a burger is a sandwich—they aimed to spotlight places that consistently deliver “a bite worth remembering.”

Each featured burger spot was chosen for its exceptional flavor, consistent praise from customers, and recognition from critics and competitions.

For Stoplight Drive-In, the honor adds another layer to its local legacy—one built on juicy burgers, loyal customers, and more than 75 years of tradition.

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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