There’s a place in northeast Missouri where treasure hunters, bargain seekers, and the chronically curious converge in a sprawling outdoor bazaar that feels like it belongs in another era.

That’s Check’s Cafe, and if you’ve been driving past this unpretentious gem thinking it’s just another neighborhood joint, you’ve been missing out on some of the best fried catfish in Kentucky.

Most of our experts believe the weekend before Thanksgiving is your best bet. But you could even do it the weekend after, ...