17 Best Restaurants in Branson, Missouri (2024)

So many people visit Branson, Missouri, every year.

It’s popular in every season, and for good reason!

Full of fun for all ages, it’s a great destination for anyone aged 0-100!

You’ll definitely work up an appetite while enjoying the area.

That’s why we’ve compiled the 17 best restaurants in Branson, Missouri. Keep reading to see which restaurants you should try!

1. Gettin’ Basted

This retro barbecue joint has award-winning food. It has won competitions in the Ozarks area.

That shows that it’s some of the best barbecue in the area!

They have so many menu items that feature their meat.

This is especially great if you’d rather have nachos or macaroni than a plate full of meat. 

You can also order from a variety of sandwiches inspired by locations throughout the country.

If you have a hankering for American Wagyu burgers, they also have those.

And if you love their barbecue sauce, you can bring a jar home with you!

2. Farmhouse Restaurant

This country-style restaurant offers down-home comfort food just like grandma used to make!

Their plates are overflowing with delicious food that tourists and locals both like.

This landmark restaurant is known for its catfish, fried chicken, and blackberry cobbler.

If your mouth is already watering, you know you should visit the Farmhouse Restaurant!

Since this restaurant is open all day, you can come for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

No matter the time of day, you can count on ordering delicious country-style food. Your belly will thank you!

3. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner

With over 4,000 reviews, you know that Mel’s Hard Luck Diner is one of Branson’s best restaurants.

Not only is it a great place to eat, but it’s also an experience.

The servers at this restaurant will sing and perform throughout your time here.

It may not be the best place to hold a conversation, but you’ll be entertained the entire time you’re waiting for your food and eating!

They’re also known for their classic burgers and large desserts.

This throwback diner is a great place to eat while you’re here!

4. Pickin Porch Grill

If you find yourself enjoying a day at Branson Craft Mall, you may want to eat at Pickin Porch Grill.

This restaurant is located at the mall and serves some of the best food in Branson!

You can order from a variety of Southern-style food here.

If you like cuisine from Texas, Louisiana, or Georgia, you’ll find something delicious on the menu here!

They also host live music and other events.

This is great for anyone who would like to do something fun while they’re eating.

And you can stretch your legs by meandering throughout the Branson Craft Mall afterward!

5. Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop

Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop is the where to eat in Branson if you want a classic barbecue joint experience.

They serve fresh meat and homemade sides. Everything here is made with love, following classic barbecue traditions.

And if you order a burger, they won’t even make it until you place the order!

In addition to classic barbecue dishes, they also have a few specialties.

You can get their nachos, quesadilla, or stuffed potato.

Each of these dishes features delicious barbecue meat.

If you’re really feeling adventurous, order a milkshake to go with your meal. You won’t regret it!

6. Wakyoto Japanese Restaurant

Wakyoto is one of the top restaurants in Branson.

This Japanese restaurant is pretty laid back, but that doesn’t mean the food is sub-par.

In fact, this is some of the best food you’ll eat in Branson!

They have a menu full of creative sushi rolls.

In addition to classic sushi rolls, they also have some named after Uncle Sam, “White Christmas,” and caterpillars.

You’ll love trying some of these rolls! They also serve a variety of cocktails. 

This chill restaurant has a cozy vibe.

It’s also quite trendy.

This is definitely a good place to go when you want to feel more like a local than a tourist.

7. Local Flavor Branson

Local Flavor Branson is one of the best places to eat in Branson.

They even have the awards to prove it!

This restaurant has a cozy vibe that will remind you of visiting your grandma’s house in the country!

Everything on the menu is homemade from a family recipe that uses fresh ingredients.

And of course, they serve the best desserts around!

They also have options for different dietary needs, including gluten-free items.

It can be hard to find gluten-free country-style food, but this is a great place to find it!

8. SS Dockside

Just because you’re in Missouri doesn’t mean you can get delicious seafood!

At SS Dockside, you’ll have several seafood options to choose from.

The family-owned restaurant has great food and service.

You’ll be glad you tried it out!

You can order several types of shrimp, fish, or even the catch of the day! If you don’t like seafood, don’t worry.

They serve several types of meat, including burgers and barbecue.

They also have salads, pasta, and a variety of appetizers.

Their menu has something for everyone!

9. Billy Bob’s Dairy Land

If you love a retro diner, you have to visit Billy Bob’s Dairy Land.

This funky diner is popular in Branson.

The classic diner has been featured on Food Network and is always full of happy guests.

You can expect to order classic diner food, such as burgers, fries, and shakes.

They also have a lot more to choose from!

And you should definitely try their Frito pie. 

Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, 50’s music, and good vibes.

It’s worth noting that this restaurant only accepts cash, which adds to the classic environment!

10. Cakes & Cream Fifties Diner & Drive In

Cakes & Cream Fifties Diner & Drive-In is one of the best restaurants in Branson.

It’s been around since 1981 and isn’t going anywhere!

They have been updated in the past 40 years.

They have a mini golf course and a drive-in movie screen.

This makes for the ultimate 1950s-style experience!

They’re especially known for their pie, cake, ice cream, and other specialty desserts.

However, their pizza, dogs, and sandwiches are also delicious!

If you have a hankering for anything a classic diner would serve, they probably have it!

11. Mr G’s Chicago Pizza & Pub

Pizza is a great food to eat on vacation.

Especially because you’ll have leftovers you can munch on when you get back to the hotel!

If this sounds good to you, visit Mr. G’s Chicago Pizza & Pub.

This kid-friendly sports bar is a great place to get a slice of pizza.

They’ve been open for over 30 years and are still one of the best restaurants in the area!

They serve a variety of the most popular Italian dishes in addition to their pizza.

You can order each of their signature pizzas on either a Chicago Style Pan or thin crust. 

12. Rocco’s Pizza

If you’d rather have a more traditional Italian restaurant, visit Rocco’s Pizza.

They serve New York-style pizza along with a variety of other Italian staples. And save room for dessert because they have plenty to choose from!

The best part about Rocco’s: everything is fresh. They use fresh ingredients in all their dishes.

The lasagna is homemade and never frozen.

The dough is made fresh daily.

You’ll know that you’re only getting the highest quality food at this restaurant.

13. Big D’s BBQ Branson

Branson has a lot of barbecue restaurants, but each of them is special in their own way.

Big D’s BBQ Branson is worth visiting because the food is out-of-this-world amazing!

They’ve been voted best barbecue in Branson 5 times.

They’re mostly known for their Texas-style brisket and their Memphis-style ribs.

But everything else is also mouthwatering and delicious.

Big D’s has a pretty limited menu.

This is because they go for quantity over quality. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

And if you’re sad that you won’t be able to eat here when you go home, don’t worry.

They have several of their spices, sauces, and more for sale!

14. Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar

Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar is a fun and classic bar.

They have live music regularly and the dance floor is usually occupied!

This is a great place to hang out when you have the energy to stay out late.

With a tropical monkey theme, you’ll forget you’re in the middle of the country.

You’ll have so much fun hanging out that you’ll think about coming back again before you leave Branson.

With a menu full of barbecue items and traditional pub grub, you’ll have plenty of food to go with your specialty cocktails or beer!

15. Smith Creek Moonshine Branson Landing

Nothing says vacation like moonshine.

So visit Smith Creek Moonshine Branson Landing to get some!

And enjoy a specialty burger while you’re there.

This handcrafted moonshine isn’t as popular as the stuff you can get in Tennesee, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t as enjoyable! 

They are also known for their handcrafted burgers.

The gourmet burgers come with a variety of toppings that will make your mouth water!

They also serve wraps, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. And the prices are perfectly reasonable!

16. Hungry Hunter Restaurant

Hungry Hunter Restaurant is a classic American diner serving hearty family-style food.

They’re known for their massive pancakes, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

They close at one, so this is the perfect place to get breakfast.

And their breakfast will give you plenty of energy to get through the day. They also have a lunch menu.

This restaurant is so delicious that even locals eat here frequently.

It’s the perfect place to go when you want to experience a small-town family atmosphere. 

17. Scooter’s Sports Grill

Scooter’s Sports Grill is attached to a mini-golf course.

It’s the perfect double-activity!

Work up an appetite on the golf course before getting lunch.

Or have a bite to eat then walk it off playing putt-putt!

Scooter’s has a menu typical of most sports bars.

This makes it great for anyone who is craving the sports bar atmosphere and food!

They also have a lot of sandwiches, which are great after a hot day of playing mini golf.

Their food is good and they’re known for their “Scooter’s Seasoning.”

But you’ll definitely want to order their Dragon Eggs when you visit.