My friends and I were visiting Excelsior Springs and ended up at the Willow Spring Mercantile for lunch. What a wonderful bit of serendipity! The Mercantile's main floor is dedicated to shopping, while the entire ground floor is reserved for dining (and, at times, wine tasting). The proprietor (Daphne Bowman) is extremely friendly and welcoming, and we felt instantly at home. She showed us downstairs to a lovely corner table flanked by windows, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves gazing at the homey decor. Our meals were FABULOUS! I had the gourmet egg salad croissant, which was truly original in its blending of flavors (egg salad, gorgonzola cheese, bacon, and more) and amazingly delicious. My friends had the tropical chicken salad croissant and the Willow Spring green salad, and they both said their lunches were equally delectable. Our waitress was friendly and quite knowledgeable; she guided us through the menu and recommended excellent wine pairings for our food. I had a glass of the Stone Hill Vignoles, which was the perfect accompaniment to my sandwich. When it was time for dessert, our waitress ensured that the sea salt and caramel brownie we ordered (SO yummy!) was not only split 3 ways, but served on 3 separate plates with their own forks. How thoughtful! After lunch, we browsed the main floor shopping area and brought several wonderful trinkets home with us--and a bottle of the Vignoles. :-) Our time at Willow Spring Mercantile enriched our visit to Excelsior Springs, and we'll definitely be back--many times--to...
Read moreWillow Springs Mercantile is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel welcome—from the moment you walk in, the warmth of the owner sets the tone for an exceptional experience. She was incredibly sweet and genuinely cared about our visit, which is so rare these days.
The food? Absolutely outstanding. I had the hot ham and cheese on ciabatta, and it was perfection—crispy, melty, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The egg salad on a buttery croissant was equally amazing—fresh, light, and delicious. You can truly taste the quality in every bite.
The wait staff went above and beyond, checking in just the right amount and making sure everything was perfect without being intrusive. It’s the kind of service that turns a good lunch into a memorable experience.
I can’t recommend this place enough. Whether you’re local or just passing through, don’t miss this gem. Willow Springs Mercantile is what dining out...
Read moreWe’re spending the weekend at The Elms, and at the very top of my list was The Mercantile in Excelsior Springs, MO — and wow, it did not disappoint!
This gem of a spot has the best selection of wines, bourbons, and beers — all proudly made in Missouri. The owners, Jim and Daphne, are the kind of people you could sit down with and happily lose track of time in great conversation.
Our dining experience was nothing short of amazing. Kerry, our server, took excellent care of us, and the food… absolutely incredible! Every bite tasted like it was made with love and fresh-from-the-farm ingredients.
We couldn’t resist taking home some Missouri beers and chocolates — and we’ve already started enjoying them! The flavors are outstanding. I honestly can’t wait to go back tomorrow for more of that unforgettable farm-to-table goodness.
If you’re anywhere near Excelsior Springs, The Mercantile is a...
Read more