Gizmo's Tavern

Gizmo’s Tavern is a newer (2024) elevated tavern and restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Smithville, Missouri, in the Northland. Owned by Dustin Racen with consulting chef involvement from acclaimed local chef Jonathan Justus, it brings chef-driven bar food and a distinctive vibe to one of the overlooked Northland’s growing small-town dining scenes.

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| Stare coverage | Local “hometown restaurant destination” and Northland hidden-gem narratives | emerging |

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Description

Gizmo’s Tavern occupies a space in Smithville’s historic downtown and delivers an elevated take on tavern fare with a distinctive atmosphere. The project is the vision of owner Dustin Racen, who previously operated the Tank Room music venue in Kansas City. Acclaimed local chef Jonathan Justus (of Justus Drugstore renown) has been involved in a consulting and hands-on chef capacity, helping shape the food program. The result is a welcoming yet elevated spot for food and drink that contributes to the revitalization and growing reputation of Smithville’s historic core as a dining destination within the broader Northland.

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Ownership and history

Gizmo’s Tavern was established in 2024 by Dustin Racen under Gromet Entertainment. The concept evolved from an initial idea for the space into a full elevated tavern with chef-driven food. Chef Jonathan Justus, a well-known figure in the KC culinary scene with deep local roots, joined in a consulting and working role, bringing credibility and creative execution to the menu. The opening aligns with a broader community and business effort to make Smithville (and the Northland more generally) a more intentional restaurant destination, capitalizing on the town’s historic downtown, Smithville Lake proximity, and position as an accessible Northland escape.

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Sources

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Disputes

(None recorded.)

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