Top 13 Fun Restaurants and Places To Eat in Branson

Located in the beautiful hills of southern Missouri is one of my favorite newly explored and discovered locations that honestly swept me off my traveling feet. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Branson, MO twice in my life, and honestly…if I would have known about this beautiful town earlier, that number would have been way higher. While the shows and entertainment may be calling your name to visit Branson, do not overlook all the amazing restaurants in Branson too!

It’s no secret that Branson during Christmas is very special. Where else in the world can you go and see millions upon millions of light, eat some of the most delicious food and watch some of the best shows that you’ll ever see? Very few places can boast this,  but I can assure you that Branson has every right to brag about their holiday offerings.

While the shows that they offer are out of this world, there are so many other great activities and adventure that await exploration as well. Just when you think you’ve seen it all at Branson, make certain that you and your family have experienced everything that these businesses have to offer!

The Restaurants in Branson seem to be never-ending! No matter if you want pizza, Italian or just some down-home old-fashioned homemade cooking, dining in Branson absolutely doesn’t disappoint! I was provided complimentary meals to help facility this review.

To say I took a taste test and ate my way through Branson is not an understatement by any means. Not once was I disappointed by anything I ate, and that is quite the feat! There are some fun restaurants in Branson that will satisfy every person in your family.

Best Restaurants and Places To Eat in Branson

McFarlain’s Family Restaurant

If all that exploring and shopping start to make your tummy grumble, you’re in luck. The IMAX entertainment complex is also home to the McFarlains Restaurant! This dining gem is a Branson exclusive and is one that needs to be on your radar.

If that isn’t enough, McFarlain’s Family Restaurant menu is quite expansive offering the good old-fashioned home cooking that we’ve all grown to love and crave.

Trust me on this one…you won’t leave hungry! With their made-to-order breakfast options, or their hearty McFarlains lunch special (seriously, order this one!), your taste buds will love this Missouri home cooking! Just when you think that your stomach can’t handle another bite, you’ll hear those four little words that will literally change your mind. “Our pies are homemade”.

You have to get the pie. If you have to, eat it first so you can taste and enjoy it because they are seriously so good. Any pies are delicious, but one of their specialties is the Traffic Jam Pie, packed full of a variety of different berries.

If you happen to be there in the morning time, order their “big as your face” cinnamon rolls! That paired with a generous cup of coffee is the perfect way to start your day!

Montana Mikes

Looking for the perfect meal to end your day exploring everything that Branson has to offer? Montana Mikes has you covered. They are known for their great steaks and seafood options, and I can attest that I agree!

Relaxing in the comfortable atmosphere of Montana Mikes is such a nice way to rest those legs after walking around Branson. Their portion sizes are large (check out their ribs!) and the menu is priced reasonably. With a casual setting, this Branson restaurant is family-friendly for everyone to enjoy.

If you don’t happen to be a steak fan, don’t worry! Their burgers are just as good! Piled high with fresh toppings and a delicious bun, you may not find another burger cooked as perfect as theirs!

Pasghetti’s Italian Restaurant

Dine at Pasgetti’s, Home of the World’s Largest Fork and Meatball. Driving down the main strip of Branson, your eyes will see Pasgetti’s restaurant. Seriously, you can’t miss it. Right out front is the biggest fork and meatball that you will ever see! Stop, take some cool photos and dine on some seriously delicious Italian food!

Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House

“Heads Up” is the theme for this roll-throwing restaurant! If you can’t catch, practice before going! Not only are the rolls fresh and hot, they are literally thrown at you from across the room! Be certain to brush up on your hand-eye coordination before dining at this hidden gem. (I won’t tell you how many hot and delicious rolls were dropped when dining at this restaurant!)

The wait staff was awesome, patient and had great arms for aiming those rolls! While their delicious rolls may be filling enough, they offer great steaks and catfish as well. Don’t forget to leave room for some Blueberry Cobbler. Your taste buds will be pleased after dining at Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House.

Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano

Who knew that this authentic Italian restaurant was just waiting to be discovered in the heart of Branson, MO? Tiramisu, homemade sauces, Greek Salads, fresh baked bread, and brick oven pizza are just a few of the specialties that they’ll whip up to perfection each and every time. The smells of the authentic dishes greet you before you even walk through the door. Once I smelled those savoring aromas, I couldn’t wait to dive in! If you are looking for a taste of Italy, then Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano is the place for you.

Dolly Parton Stampede

One of the most amazing shows that I’ve ever witnessed in my life was at the Dolly Parton Stampede! While I know that this is “technically” a show, it also deserves a spot on the fun & unique restaurants in Branson as well.

The experience of the dinner and show is truly one that should be experienced by all. The food was brought out to enjoy during the live entertainment and I found that I was patiently waiting for each and every course. As it turned out, the food just kept getting better and better! Trust me when I say that they have this dinner theater down to perfection!

Miss Molly’s Mill Restaurant in Silver Dollar City

Everyone knows how I love southern cooking, right? Once I heard that Miss Molly’s Mill Restaurant located in Silver Dollar City was a full buffet full of good ol’ fashioned country cooking, I was not let down! Fried chicken and catfish galore, there is no way that anyone should leave here hungry.

The World’s Largest CiCi’s Pizza

Yep, you read that right. Did you know there was a WORLD’S largest Cici’s pizza? Well, there is in Branson. Unlimited brownies, cinnamon rolls and pizza to feast on. With so many options to choose from, your family will sure find a pizza pleaser.

If you happen to need a break from the glorious pizza options on the buffet, take a walk around the arcade to try your hand at a few games as well. It’s half restaurant/half arcade and wholesome family fun!

Gettin’ Basted

Great barbeque doesn’t really come to mind when you think of the Ozarks, but Gettin’ Basted just might change your mind. This award-winning joint lets you build your own custom meal brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, sausage, ribs, and even smoked bologna. You can also pick up to three sides from a selection that includes battered fries, 3 bean bake, and classic mac & cheese.

Of course, you can’t forget about the other dishes that make . The Basted nachos, complete with BBQ pulled pork and wonton chips, is the most popular appetizer. Their Blackout sandwich is stuffed with a full pound of different meats, and all of their better than prime burgers are made with wagyu beef.

Mike’s Hard Luck Diner

This 1950s throwback diner is also home to the “Original Singing Servers.” All of its waitstaff and cooks are professional singers, songwriters, and musicians, many of whom are award-winning and frequently perform in local Branson productions.

Listen to some of your favorite oldies as you enjoy classic diner fare such as burgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and fries. If you’re in the mood for something else, soups, salads, and some tasty sandwiches are also on the menu. And don’t forget to save room for one of their ice cream sundaes, especially the banana split.

Farmhouse Restaurant

Located in Branson’s historic downtown area, Farmhouse Restaurant has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1976. This simple, small town cafe’s welcoming atmosphere perfectly matches the hearty, homestyle comfort food it serves.

Their signature dishes include chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes or a whole fried catfish with fries. Breakfast is served all day long, meaning you can have their buttermilk pancakes or Farmhouse omelet whenever you want. And when it’s time for dessert, be sure to order their blackberry cobbler with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks

Specialists in farm-to-table dining, the Keeter Center serves up plenty of fresh options that are all grown and prepared on-campus by the students. There are many highlights amongst their extensive menu, but diners seem to really love the meatloaf mignon, Atlantic salmon, and seasonal risotto. There is also a bakery filled with delicious pastries and cookies as well as a creamery that serves up premium ice cream.

And we can’t forget about their wonderful Sunday brunch buffet, which comes complete with live instrumental music. You can choose from a substantial selection of hot and cold stations, including made-to-order waffles and omelets, a carving station, and an array of desserts. But you might want to make a reservation, as it can be a very long wait for a table.

Of course, one of the best parts about eating here is that it directly supports each student’s hard work. Instead of paying standard tuition, they work for at least 15 hours a week in order to graduate free of debt.

Billy Gail’s Cafe

If you like big portions, then you’ll love what they serve at Billy Gail’s Cafe. This breakfast joint is well known for its 14-inch pancakes that cover the entire plate, as well as their French toast and omelets that come with an equally large side of hash browns. And when it comes time for lunch, let’s not forget about the chicken fried steak and Monte Cristo sandwich.

While it may only be open for a few hours a day, 7am to 2pm, it’s always packed with hungry customers who are eager to be served. There’s even merch you can buy at the front while waiting for your table. Be sure that you have cash on hand, however, as they don’t accept credit card payments.

Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop

One of three locations in Taney County, Missouri, Danna’s is one of the area’s go-to hotspots when it comes to good barbeque. This family-owned establishment takes the time to really prepare and cook their meat until it’s fall-of-the-bone tender. After marinating for some time, everything is coated in their secret spice rub and then left in the smoker for 12 to 14 hours.

Danna’s menu offers a wide range of succulent barbeque plates that fully showcase their smoked creations. Choose from pulled pork, chopped beef, smoked a half slab of ribs, or even the Combo or Smoked Plates if you’re really hungry. And don’t forget about their eight different handmade burgers, which can be topped with bacon, jalapeno, or extra cheese.

And if you’re in the mood for something else, there are also some tasty sandwiches filled with fried catfish or grilled chicken and bacon. But their Boss Man Salad, topped with three different kinds of meats and shredded cheese, is the real surprise in this joint.

My Final Thoughts On The Dining Choices in Branson

When visiting Branson, take the time to explore everything that there is to offer. With just a little effort and planning, you can fill your days full of family fun, food, and activities with ease!

During the busier Holidays, make certain to plan ahead because the restaurants in Branson can get packed quickly! Map our your restaurants and meals of choice, and then make certain that they happen. My suggestion? Give the restaurants above a try. Leave room for dessert…You’ll be so happy that you did!