A meal with a view

Haven 55 serves American regional fare in a relaxing venue

An old gristmill overlooking Little Sugar Creek is an unlikely setting for a restaurant. Even more unlikely, the location: the far southwest corner of Missouri, just south of Pineville. The views out the large windows to the east and south in the 1000-square-foot space are amazing and window tables are prime real estate. That might be enough to warrant a trip to this out of the way restaurant. But it’s the food that keeps people coming back.

“I’ve had people say ‘if I can’t get a seat by the window, why did I come here?’ chef Alan Bone says. “I tell them it’s for my good food.”

Haven 55 has been serving delectable sandwiches, steaks and seafood—with a view—for six years. Mom Pam takes care of the front of the house, Alan’s brother Brian, who is a partner in the restaurant, runs The Tavern next door on the weekends.

Alan began his culinary journey working in kitchens in and around Pineville as a teenager. He attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando. He worked under many chefs, both in Florida and then back in Southwest Missouri. When he decided to open his own restaurant, there was no question about where it would be.

“He was born and raised two miles down the road from the restaurant,” Pam says.

“This is home,” Alan agrees. “This is where I feel best.”

Alan may have returned to his roots geographically, but his culinary style is far from down-home.

Some mouthwatering examples of Haven 55’s fresh fare: striped walleye with a honey lavender drizzle, thick pork chop with an Aztec rub, pork tenderloin with a blackberry sauce, a 16-ounce New York strip with blue cheese sauce. Friday night is Fresh Catch night, and it changes every week. Whole catfish is featured on Tuesday nights. Wednesday night is prime rib night, make your reservation by Tuesday noon to make sure you get one.

Pam says that cooked to order means sometimes it takes a little longer.

“It doesn’t hit the skillet until someone orders it. That includes the sauces,” she adds. “Oh, and we have a beautiful view of the river.”

Check out Haven 55 on Facebook for daily specials and visit Haven55.com to view their menu.