By Miles “Bus” Gentry
Nine OVC Towns, Nine Places to Eat
A good college basketball road trip needs more than a tip time and a place to park. It needs a meal worth remembering. The OVC has nine men’s basketball programs spread across small towns and bigger cities, each with its own local spots. Here’s one place to try in every team’s town, plus my pick for the best meal in the conference.
Eastern Illinois: Joey’s Place
Joey’s Place is a Charleston favorite for a relaxed meal and a little local character. The chalkboard menu fits the feel: this is the kind of place where you can settle in, see what sounds good, and fuel up before or after an EIU game. The restaurant’s website has current information.
Western Illinois: Chicks on the Square
In Macomb, Chicks on the Square is the easy call. The signature “chicken lips” are big pieces of white chicken breast, hand battered, fried, and served with sauce. Add lip fries or lip nachos and you have a meal built for sharing, unless you decide not to share. The restaurant has been part of the Macomb scene since 2006. See the menu.
SIUE: Doc’s Smokehouse
Edwardsville’s Doc’s Smokehouse brings the barbecue. The menu features smoked meats including brisket and ribs, and the restaurant has built a following around its barbecue. It’s a strong choice when the postgame appetite calls for something smoky and substantial. Check Doc’s menu.
Lindenwood: Tony’s on Main Street
St. Charles has no shortage of places to eat, but Tony’s on Main Street is a fitting stop for a Lindenwood trip. The menu covers Italian-American favorites, including toasted ravioli, pasta, and steak, in a historic downtown setting. It’s a good pick for a sit-down meal before heading to the game.
Southeast Missouri: Mary Jane Bourbon + Smokehouse
Mary Jane Bourbon + Smokehouse brings smoked meats and bourbon cocktails to downtown Cape Girardeau. The menu has dishes like brisket wontons and smokehouse ribs, so there’s plenty to explore beyond the usual barbecue plate.
Tennessee State: Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria
Slim & Husky’s is a Nashville-born pizza spot with a close connection to Tennessee State: its founders are TSU alumni. The pizzas take their names from ’90s artists, and the Buchanan Street location makes it a natural stop for a Tigers game.
UT Martin: Blake’s at Southern Milling
For a UT Martin stop, Blake’s at Southern Milling pairs Texas-style smoked meats with Southern sides in a historic downtown Martin building. It gives you the kind of hearty plate that makes sense after a long drive and a game.
Morehead State: Melini Cucina
Melini Cucina is a cozy Italian option in Morehead, with familiar favorites and a menu that makes it easy to find something for everyone. It’s a good change of pace from the usual game-day burger and fries, and a convenient meal on a Morehead State visit.
Southern Indiana: Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery
Turoni’s is an Evansville institution, serving pizza since 1963 and brewing its own beer. The thin-crust pies are the main event, with options like the Iron Man and Stromboli Pie. For a Southern Indiana game, this is the spot I’d save room for.
The conference pick: Turoni’s
Every town on this list has something worth trying, but Turoni’s in Evansville gets my pick as the best place to eat in the OVC. It has the history, the house beer, and the kind of thin-crust pizza that can turn a road-game stop into the best part of the trip. Turoni’s was also named Best Pizza in the 2026 Best of Evansville awards.
If you’re making the trip, order a pizza, get some garlic cheese toast for the table, and give yourself enough time to enjoy it before heading to the gym.