Branson is an Ozark town located in southwest Missouri. It is famous as a family vacation destination. At one point, its iconic and famous 76 country Boulevard hosted mostly country music performers. Nowadays, it is a place for diverse entertainment. Tourists usually come to Branson to watch live performances on stage. But they stay for the food. What are the best places to eat in Branson?
Along the strip of Branson MO, you can find Marvel Cave, the Wild West style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, and much more.
With such a great scene, Branson has received the unofficial title of the Live Music Capital of the World. And how can one go to a live music performance without a meal or two along the way? You need food for energy, right?
Well, you do not have to worry about great food when you are in Branson. The Ozark city has diverse offerings that will satisfy your taste buds. In Branson Missouri, you can find pastries, burgers, pizza, desserts, classic dishes, and much more. Simply put, it is a haven for any gastronome looking for places to eat.
What is Branson famous for?
As it has been the case for decades, Branson MO draws visitors because of its live music shows, family attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational activities. And recently, the city has added a host of new attractions, shows, and restaurants.
Branson tourism has a bright future. There are a few places in the United States that can rival Branson. Besides the live performances, the city has an amazing foodie culture.
From breakfast to dinner, Branson’s best restaurants can offer a variety of dining options. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best places to eat in Branson.
Best Restaurants in Branson
Dobyns Dining Room at the Keeter Center
Dobyns dining room is an award-winning Branson restaurant that you can find at the Keeter Center at the University of Ozarks.
This fully student-run facility offers lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. You might think it is a students’ facility, but you will be surprised by the products and dishes.
If you are a fan of pasta, you have to try the barbecue mac with hickory-smoked pork and oozing gouda cheese. Another great dish is the smoked mushroom Alfredo. Now, if you are a veggie, you can have a plate of the house harvest salad.
Pickin Porch Grill
Located in the Branson Craft Mall, Pickin Porch Grill is one of the go-to places in Branson for a burger. The local Branson restaurant will show you some of the favorite food of Branson citizens.
And because it is in Branson, you cannot go without live musical performances. On select days, the establishment has live performances.
And when you are up for shopping, take a break to try some tasty food. We recommend the Anaheim burger as one of the classics.
If you are up for some spicy food, try the chorizo burger with candied jalapenos.
BillyGail’s Café
This dining establishment captures the heart and soul of the Ozarks. BillyGail’s Café is the perfect destination for an Ozarks dining experience.
It was a service station, now turned into a restaurant, filled with antiques and country café décor. This creates a welcoming décor for guests.
We recommend trying their signature menu item, hubcap-size pancakes that come in a variety of flavors. Some of them include chocolate chip, blueberry, pecan, and more.
Getting’ Basted
Ozarks barbecue can rival the one of Kansas City and Memphis. Getting’ Basted is one such barbecue restaurant that will make you go nuts.
Gettin’ Basted has competed in over 50 grand and reserve championship competitions, and they have won the 2017 Kansas City Barbecue Society’s Team of the Year in Pork.
When you are there, try their specialty plate, the St.Louis CutSpareribs and Chicken and Waffle Waffles.
McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
If exploring and shopping start to make you hungry, you can rest assured. The IMAX entertainment complex is home to the McFarlains Restaurant, a dining gem.
The menu is expansive and offers some old-fashioned home cooking that we all crave. You can be sure you will not leave this best restaurant hungry.
No matter what you do, try the homemade pie. Eat it first if you have to. It is something you cannot find elsewhere. Their specialty is traffic jam pie, packed with different berries.
Grandma Ruth’s
The combination that makes Grandma Ruth’s a special place is a secret family recipe, quality ingredients, and friendly customer service. It is a must-try for new visitors in Branson.
Regulars cannot stay away from the amazing cinnamon rolls. But there are other flavors you can choose from.
On certain days, there is live music. And of course, you get a freshly brewed coffee as a perfect complement to your glazed treat.
Mels hard Luck Diner
This famous restaurant is a great place for lunch or dinner with a show. Mels Hard Luck Diner is famous for its 1950s diner atmosphere and for the singing waiters and waitresses. Yes, you read that right, staff serenades guests throughout the day.
Many people refer to this place as the home of the original singing serves. They employ a talented crew of professional singers, songwriters, and musicians to work as waiters and waitresses.
Rocco’s NY Style Pizza by Mama D’s House
This family-owned pizzeria has been serving the best pizza in Branson for years. Their location is great, right next to the highway and four miles from downtown Branson.
Both locals and tourists give high praise to this fast-food establishment. And they all love the pizza and pasta.
Rocco’s NY Style Pizza uses homemade dough and fresh produce to get that iconic pizza. For the local favorite, make sure to order rancho romano pizza. It is made with homemade ranch, fresh mushroom, tomato, spinach, and garlic.
Hungry Hunter Restaurant
This is another classic American restaurant that is located in Table Rock State Park. The Hungry Hunter Restaurants is at walking distance from the Branson Stagecoach Campground.
They adopt a casual diner style that is great for families. If you want to eat in the park, this is the place to go. And of course, it is the best place for breakfast.
If you are not a morning person, do not worry, they serve meals until lunchtime. For breakfast, we recommend trying their half-pound of chopped Black Angus ground beef with three eggs for a day of full energy.
After that breakfast, you can go hiking, fishing, or shopping the whole day.
India Clay Oven
The restaurant was opened in 2012, specializing in Punjabi-style cooking. India Clay Oven is widely acclaimed for its buttery flavor, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free great food options.
This is where you can try Indian cuisine the Indian way. You can customize your meals because the dishes are cooked right on the table. This way, you can mix and match vegetables, meats, and sauces.
We recommend you try their chicken tikka masala for the main course. This is a dish of flavorful meat mixed with tomato, onion, and butter sauce.
If you can handle a spicy flavor, try the chili chicken.
Montana Mikes
Montana Mikes is the place you go after a long day of exploring Branson Missouri. They are famous for their great steaks and seafood options. No, it is not a classic seafood restaurant.
It is a diner with large portions and a reasonably priced menu. If you are not a fan of steak, do not worry. They also have burgers.
No matter what you prefer, the family-friendly restaurant has you covered.
Pasghetti’s Italian Restaurant
This is the home of the world’s largest fork and meatball. At least that is how Pasghetti’s Italian Restaurant is marketed.
You will notice the dining establishment as you drive down the main strip of Branson. You cannot miss it.
Stop, take some cool photos of the largest fork and meatball, and then go in for some amazing Italian food.
Level 2 Steakhouse
If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Branson, you can find it in Level 2 Steakhouse. Located in downtown Branson at the Hilton Branson Convention Center, the steakhouse is the best place for a romantic date night.
We suggest getting some flavored lunch or dinner but also pair it with a glass of cabernet sauvignon. To finish off your meal, we recommend Missouri butter cake for dessert.
It is a signature dessert topped with a sweet Bourbon caramel sauce, fresh berries, and creamy vanilla ice cream.
If you go there in the morning, you can find a breakfast bar filled with classic American fare like eggs Benedict, seasonal fresh fruit, smoked bacon, waffles, pancakes, and much more.
Mitsu Neko Fusion Cuisine and Sushi Bar
We finish off our list of best places to eat in Branson with Mitsu Neko, one of the trendiest places in Branson. Established in 2013, this place features an eclectic indoor theme.
The owner and head chef finished a master’s degree in Japanese studies. Why will you love it? Well, if you are a fan of Japanese food, there is no better place.
They offer sushi, but also nigiri and other fusion entrees. For your sushi starter, we recommend the sashimi sampler, a fresh dish that the chef will prepare especially for you.
If you want more seafood, you can continue your lunch with lobster, scallops, and shrimp. And everything comes with a bonus miso soup. If you want something else, order spicy ramen.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist and inclined towards best buying practices for home and kitchen things. Critical towards choosing the best product and honest with my feedback. I’m a seasoned writer having more than 4 years of experience in multiple niches as well.
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