Branson Local Restaurants for Good Times and Good Food
With a reputation as a family-friendly vacation spot, this mountain town in Missouri welcomes all ages to make memories and have fun. However, part of the area’s charm is the local food scene, which the whole family will love. Visitors will find these Branson local restaurants offer comfort foods, quick bites, locally sourced dishes and fresh goodies. Just remember to come hungry.
Branson Local Restaurants: Where to Eat with Family and Friends
Gettin’ Basted
For award-winning barbecue, head to Gettin’ Basted. This local gem specializes in creating savory flavors using beef from local farms.
Sandwiches come in different styles mirrored after cities known for barbecue such as Austin, Memphis and St. Louis. However, visitors can also get their ‘cue made with Nashville hot chicken, Miami pulled pork and Berkley smoked turkey. Gettin’ Basted also serves burgers topped with pork, brisket, chili and cheese. Those who crave something different can order barbecue plates, ribs, chicken and waffles, and judge’s plate.
The Keeter Center
Located at College of the Ozarks, The Keeter Center serves farm-to-fork cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Even better, live instrumental music accompanies most meals.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu including starters, sandwiches, full entrees and gluten-free options. Start with fried green tomatoes or plowman’s sausage sampler. For the main course, the Keeter club and barbecue chicken sandwiches are a must. Or select from meatloaf mignon, pot roast, salmon and pasta. In addition, The Keeter Center sells fresh baked goods, sweet treats, soups, salads and specialty groceries.
Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop
Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop also serves tasty barbecue. The staff slow smokes beef and pork, and uses in-house rubs and sauces.
On the menu, find traditional barbecue sandwiches, plates and salads. For something special, sample barbecue nachos, quesadilla and stuffed baked potato. Those who want a burger have options such as double cheese, fat burger with fried egg or the Danna. This one comes with chopped pork, cheese and barbecue sauce. Danna’s BBQ Shop also serves turkey burgers, patty melts, fried catfish and sausage.
Billy Gail’s Branson
Known for huge portions, Billy Gail’s is a go-to spot for down-home breakfast and lunch favorites. It’s all about comfort food here.
Start the day with a four-egg omelet. The house favorite includes ham, cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms. Those looking for something different will find biscuits and gravy, French toast, combos, pancakes, corned beef hash and dozens of other hearty options. For lunch, select from salads, burgers, sandwiches, and baskets featuring fried shrimp, chicken or catfish.
Billy Bob’s Dairy Land
One of the most iconic Branson local restaurants is Billy Bob’s Dairyland. The restaurant has been a community staple and appeared on Food Network. Important note: Bring cash as no cards are accepted.
After settling inside this 50s-inspired diner, try the burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fried chicken, corn dogs and chili. Sides include fries, tater tots, onion rings and chips. However, make sure to save room for dessert. Billy Bob’s Dairyland also offers ice cream, sundaes and shakes.
Farmhouse Restaurant
Farmhouse Restaurant ranks among the best Branson local restaurants for its history and signature dishes. They strive to make everything taste like it was made in a country kitchen.
Breakfast lovers order omelets, hearty plates, biscuits and pancakes. On the lunch menu, visitors should try the sandwiches – such as farm burger, hot ham and cheese, and pork tenderloin. In addition, Farmhouse Restaurant serves in-house specialties. The shrimp plate, chicken tenders and chicken fried steak keep everyone satisfied. Afterwards, sample their famous blackberry cobbler.
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner
Those who love the 1950s style can’t miss Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. This themed restaurant even comes with professional singers, songwriters and musicians who perform throughout the day.
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner serves traditional diner goodies. Start with fried green beans or jalapeno poppers. Then peruse the soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs. Signature dishes include Mel’s way grilled cheese, grand village cheese-steak, ruben and hit the road jack chicken. Visitors also love the soda fountain. Sweets include cakes, ice cream, floats and shakes.
Rocco’s Pizza
No vacation will feel complete without visiting the local pizza spot. While Branson has several favorites, Rocco’s Pizza ranks among the best.
Rocco’s Pizza specializes in New York style pizza made with homemade dough and fresh ingredients. They even source their own cheese, cook meats and slice sausage. Specialty pizzas include chicken Alfredo, spicy chicken, meat lovers, veggie and Hawaiian. Or build a custom pizza. Aside from pizza, Rocco’s also serves calzones, subs, homemade lasagna and pasta entrees.
McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
McFarlain’s Family Restaurant sits within Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex and serves American comfort food. Just don’t forget to save room for dessert.
Kick the meal off with bacon-cheese fries. Then choose from burgers, melts, po’boys, and the McFarlain’s open-face hot beef. Entrees include homemade fried chicken, seafood, chops, pot roast, and liver and onions. To complete the experience, order a slice of traffic jam pie or carrot cake.
For more delicious food, check out the top Branson breakfast restaurants. Then book a family-friendly vacation home in Branson.