If you've never eaten at Lambert's in Sikeston, MO (just off of I-55), then you must. An experience not to be missed. Be sure to go hungry, because you will leave stuffed!
We're making this trip in a couple of weeks as well, I-57 to I-55. We're leaving a little late in order to hit the Firefly Grill in Effingham on the way down for lunch. We had a fantastic lunch there on another trip.