Beyond Campbell's

Warm up with 417-land's five best tomato soups.

As the temperature continues to drop and winter officially sets in, nothing warms you up more than a steaming bowl of soup—better yet, the comfortable favorite tomato soup. Tomato soups have come a long way from the traditional, out-of-the-can condensed variety. Ingredients now include fresh chunks of tomato, garlic, basil and specialty cheeses. Some local chefs are bold enough to even include a little alcohol to warm the senses. If you’re looking for a tomato soup that breaks the mold, here are our five best bets.

Tomato Gin Basil, Touch

Price: $5 for a bowl
Touch, 620 E. Republic Rd., 417-823-8383, touch-restaurant.com
This is by far the most decadent of our tomato soups. Because there’s gin in the recipe, our waiter joked that it was a “two-bowl limit,” but to be honest, the texture of the soup will catch your attention more than the gin flavor. If you like your tomato soups thick and chunky, this is definitely the choice.

What sets this soup apart? Touch’s tomato gin basil is as chunky as salsa but full of sweet tomato flavor and served very hot. Paired with Touch’s warm pumpkin muffins (or another seasonal bread offering) this soup is a treat for a cold evening out.

Roasted Garlic and Tomato Bisque, Metro Grill

Price: $4.50, $7 with a house or Caesar salad
Metropolitan Grill, 2931 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-889-4951
To say this soup is fresh would be an understatement. According to our waitress, each bowl of soup is individually prepared when the customer orders it. (Unbelievable!) The proof is in the bowl. Each ingredient, from the fresh basil leaves to the cloves of garlic, can be tasted. This version of the tomato classic lives up to its bisque name. It is rich, creamy, thick and delicious.

What sets this soup apart? The freshness, of course. Also, Parmesan is served on the side, so you can add the topping as you go.

Tomato Soup in a Bread Bowl, Emack & Bolio’s

Price: $5
Emack and Bolio’s, 2925 E. Battlefield Rd., 417-889–3622, emacks.net
Emack and Bolio’s prides itself on its homemade soups. Soup in a bread bowl is its own meal and perfect for a long lunch, when sipping and dipping is encouraged. Emack’s soup is reminiscent of eating at home. It is the perfect mixture of chunky tomato and homemade bread.

What sets this soup apart? The bread. It’s baked fresh.

Tomato Soup, Nearly Famous

Price: $2.99
Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House, 2708 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-883-3403, nearlyfamous.net
Although a cup is not enough for a meal by itself (except for bird-like lunchers), a cup of this soup is a great addition to any of Nearly Famous Deli & Pasta House’s sandwiches. It has slices of chunked tomato, mixed in with a thinner, peppery broth. There are no thickeners here. The Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top melts in, adding a thickness and nose to the soup.

What sets this soup apart? It has quite a zip to it. The soup is spicy and has chunks of celery. These are unexpected and welcome additions to this traditional soup, which the menu describes as “a Nearly Famous tradition.”

Tomato Bisque, The Grotto

Price: $2.59 cup, $4.29 bowl
The Grotto, 3046 S. Kimbrough Ave., 417-877-0225, gogrotto.com
This soup is a bargain. At only $2.59 a cup ($1 if you choose it as the side with a sandwich), it could be a whole meal by itself. The portion is large, but what is particularly great is its traditional smooth texture. And unlike some restaurants that alternate soups daily, The Grotto’s tomato bisque is always on the menu.

What sets this soup apart? The topping is simple and classic and delicious. The shredded Parmesan not only melts into the soup just perfectly, but it also provides texture and a bit of flavor variety.