Dining out can be delicious without being expensive. Branson offers a variety of restaurants that can meet almost any taste and meet any budget. Many visitors prefer to dine in a restaurant that isn’t available “back home” which rules out chain restaurants. Local restaurants range from world class fine dining to mom and pop Cafes. For the budget conscious diner, however, there are several home grown eateries that offer a good value for the dining dollar.
One of the most popular among both locals and tourists is Danna’s Bar-B-Que on West 165. Danna’s offers burgers, barbeque, catfish, and sandwiches in a comfortable no-frills atmosphere. A big burger costs around $5; other items may run more or even less. Danna’s also offers other locations in West Branson and at Point Royale.
Billy Bob’s Dairyland on the 76 Strip is another local favorite. After a recent move to larger quarters, Billy Bob’s is still packing the house with their traditional line of juicy burgers and more. Crowds may mean a longer wait for food but most customers consider it well worth the time.
In historic downtown Branson, diners can choose from several traditional restaurants. On Main Street, the Branson Café dates from 1915 and many returning visitors have eaten her for generations. Daily lunch and dinner specials go easy on the wallet. Other sandwiches and ala carte items are also offered. Specials range from meat loaf to fried chicken and more.
Across the street, the Farmhouse Restaurant has been serving up good home cooking for several decades. Most memorable is the cobbler!
Around the corner from Main on Commercial Street, three more restaurants all offer good food at reasonable prices. The Shack is as old as the Branson Café. Daily blue plate specials and huge, juicy hamburgers top the menu favorites. They also offer affordable children’s meals and daily specials.
Clockers, another restaurant located on Commercial Street lives up to the name with many clocks on display. This busy restaurant also serves up delicious sandwiches – such as a Rueben – and much more in a family friendly atmosphere.
Burgers are just the beginning of what is available at Jimmy Jett’s, located near the historic Owens Theater. A full old-fashioned soda fountain allows diners to enjoy a chocolate, lemon, or cherry Coke. The food is good, in generous portions and within an average family budget.
Mister B’s at the corner of Business 65 and Main Street offers both scrumptious ice cream and sandwiches. Look for favorites like chicken salad and more in this popular spot, all at low prices.
If Italian food appeals, Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen offers Branson’s best pasta and Italian fare. With $5 lunch specials daily, Luigi’s offers delicious, filling meals for every member of the family. Two locations are ready to serve, on Shepherd of the Hills expressway and on 165 South.
Granny’s on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway offers breakfast anytime along with an assortment of menu items and a delicious buffet. No one leaves Granny’s hungry and there’s enough variety to suit every taste.
Farther away from the bright lights of the Branson Strip, the All American Café on the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway offers good food. Owned by the Mansion America folks, this café offers a spacious dining room, a stage, and a menu priced right.
Peppercorns on the 76 Strip offers buffets daily along with a full menu to suit every taste. Their $3.99 breakfast buffet is one of many at that price – other local restaurants offering an all-you-can-eat-breakfast for $3.99 include Baldknobbers Restaurant, The Plantation, and Penelope’s.
Look for the Sunday breakfast buffet at McFarlains at a family price. Located upstairs, choices include crumb cake, eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh fruits, pancakes, and more.
Another choice is Dobyn’s Dining Room at College of the Ozarks Keeter Center. All food preparation and service is done by students but the results are delicious and affordable. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered daily. A bakery also offers tempting treats for between meals snacks.
Off the beaten path in Branson West, Michel’s Family Restaurant offers up daily specials, tasty sandwiches, and kid’s meals on Highway 13. One perk for parents is that every kid’s meal comes with a dish of ice cream for dessert! Prices are low and the service is outstanding.
Dining out doesn’t have to be a financial drain and Branson is one place where diners can forget about coast to coast chains and enjoy home cooked food made to order!
