Lambert’s Cafe – A Unique Dining Experience for the Whole Family!

Last updated October 7, 2026

I’m guessing when you were growing up your parents probably did not want you playing with your food and definitely not throwing it across the room. While that probably seemed like a fun idea as a kid, it most likely wouldn’t have turned out well. Fast forward to today and I have a place where throwing food is part of your dining experience. This restaurant is called Lambert’s Cafe and it is the Home of the Throwed Rolls!

Lambert’s Cafe started in 1942 and these restaurants serve country style foods in serving sizes I can only call “large”! Everything I have ordered from their menu has had a good flavor. And while the food is good, what Lambert’s is best known for are its THROWED ROLLS. You heard me right! They throw rolls! Throughout your meal, a restaurant worker will set up shop at the end of a row of booths and start to throw soft, fluffy rolls to anyone who has their hands raised up and ready to catch one! So much fun! You will love this experience! When I go, I have mixed feelings about raising my hand to catch a roll. Part of me loves the experience and part of me is terrified I won’t catch it. The good new is though if you drop your roll, they’ll throw you another one. As soon as you see the cart of rolls come out, everyone will be competing for the next roll to be thrown to them. The great news is that they make so many rolls that your chance to catch one will happen without too much effort. Make sure you join in the fun and try and catch your own before you leave!

While throwed rolls is what I would call the main event, there are many other reasons for visiting Lambert’s cafe. In addition to the fun of catching your own dinner roll, Lambert’s also provides good food. The menu consists of country style cooking and is served in big portions. Not only can you order a tasty meal but during dinner, workers will come to your table with “pass arounds”. These “pass arounds” can include things like apple butter, fried okra and black eyed peas. If you find that you like specific “pass arounds” and want more, you won’t have to wait too long and the servers will stop by to offer you more.

Along with the “pass arounds”, another unique part of the meal is the mug that your drink is served in. Each person get a large mug at the beginning of the meal. These are so large that the last time I was there I didn’t get a refill throughout the whole meal. I love these “small” details that the restaurant uses to make your time there special. I was also very impressed with the waitress we had when we visited last. She was very attentive and did a great job.

Another part of this experience is the decor along the walls and throughout the restaurant. There is so much to look at. One of the things that will keep you busy is looking at all the different license plates with their saying that are hung on the wall. This would be a great place to start a round of the license plate game. Besides the decor, there are people moving in all directions as the restaurant has two large sitting areas and customers are constantly coming and going. Between the customers, waiters, roll throwers and people bringing “pass arounds” you will always have things to hold your attention as you people watch.

Lambert’s has three locations in two different states. These restaurants are located in Sikeston, Mo, Ozark, Mo and Foley, Al. They are open 7 days of the week starting at 10:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. One thing I would recommend if you are visiting Lambert’s Cafe is to make sure you have plenty of time. Because of the popularity of these restaurants you may have a decent wait time to get a table. The good news is, the restaurant itself is big and can seat many, helping to keep customers rotating through. One thing we like to do is get there as soon as the restaurant opens if possible and get our name on the list to try and be seated sooner. Although, when the weather is nice, sitting and relaxing outside while you wait can be quite nice as well. Your wait time will most likely depend on what time and day of the week you go. There have been times when we waited quite a while to get a seat and other times we walked right in. If you don’t mind a wait, I highly recommend you giving this experience a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

So, if you have never had your food thrown at you (or even if you have), you have to try out Lambert’s Cafe for this unique experience. Lambert’s website – https://throwedrolls.com

If you find yourself close to St. Louis, check out one of my favorite restaurants HERE.

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