Where to Eat in Branson After Your Adventure

Neil Sawford • May 16, 2023

If you spend any time outside, especially after an exciting ride on the Branson mountain coaster, your only thought is to find the best restaurant to fill your hungry tummy. One thing is sure: Branson has many eateries, most chain restaurants. Check out these places that will leave you satisfied and filled.

BillyGail's Cafe

BillyGail's Cafe is the ideal spot for a full breakfast or lunch if you're searching for a dining experience embodying the Ozarks' heart and spirit. The service station-turned-restaurant antiques and country café decor create a pleasant and welcoming setting for guests. Hubcap-size pancakes appear on overlapping plates to visitors and are available in various varieties, including chocolate chip, blueberry, pecan, and more.

Breakfast favorites include extra-thick biscuits and gravy, a selection of omelets, and filled French toast. The Cafe serves juicy burgers, fresh soups, and sandwiches for lunch. Aside from generous portions, BillyGail's also has a country store where visitors can find unique crafts and souvenirs to take home. BillyGail's is the ideal location to eat after an exciting trip on the Branson Mountain Coaster.

Gettin' Basted

You might only realize that the Ozarks BBQ rivals Kansas City and Memphis once you try some in Branson. Gettin' Basted is a must-visit barbecue establishment. Over 50 grand and reserve championship competitions have been held at the restaurant, including the 2017 Kansas City Barbeque Society's Team of the Year.

Favorite menu items include the Basted Nachos, made with crispy fried wontons and pulled pork, and the "Blackout" Sandwich, made with a full pound of meat and smothered in the restaurant's famous barbeque sauce.

Other specialties include the St. Louis Cut Spareribs and "Chicken & Waffle Waffles," which come with sides such as baked mac & cheese, housemade chips, "onionpeno straws," potato salad. Be sure to taste this award-winning BBQ at this Branson restaurant on your next visit!

The Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks

Farm-to-table eating is available at the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks. Fresh garden herbs, meats, and produce grown and reared on campus create the delectable food served in the Keeter Center's Dobyns Dining Room restaurant.

Waiters and waitresses on the kitchen crew are all students of the College, also known as "Hard Work U," where students labor on-campus to pay for their tuition. While guests are served in the elegant and rustic-themed dining room, it is not uncommon for students to perform live instrumental music.

The Keeter Center also houses a hotel, meeting space, and a campus bakery and creamery, where pastries, cookies, specialty coffee, ice cream, and other treats are prepared. The Keeter Center serves lunch and dinner six days a week, and its famed all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch on Sundays.

Brunch menu items include breakfast meals, salads, carved meats, made-to-order waffles, eggs, and an extensive range of desserts. Reservations are strongly advised for all dinner hours.

McFarlain's Family Restaurant

In the IMAX Entertainment Complex, McFarlain's Restaurant offers a delicious dining experience in Branson. Inspired by the IMAX film "Ozarks Legacy & Legend," the restaurant serves down-home cuisine. Start with McFarlain's special-recipe cornbread with honey butter, then move on to crispy country-fried chicken or steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, local fish, or other daily specials.

Looking at the decor closely, you'll see parts of Branson's history placed throughout, such as black and white photos from the Branson Historical Society and scenery depicting Branson's evolution over time.

Mel's Hard Luck Diner

Mel's Hard Luck Diner offers lunch, supper, and a show! This restaurant is famous for its entertaining 1950s diner atmosphere and the singing waiters and waitresses who serenade diners throughout the day.

Mel's Hard Luck Diner is known as "the home of the original singing servers," It employs a remarkable team of professional singers, songwriters, and musicians. Your favorite comfort diner items, such as classic burgers, hot sandwiches, chili dogs, and fries, are available.

A full-service soda fountain, which provides old-fashioned sodas, shakes, banana splits, ice cream sundaes, and more, is also a significant element of the diner's realistic feel.

Dolly Parton's Stampede

You can have a wonderful meal while watching a great show at Dolly Parton's Stampede, which boasts 32 horses and a cast of stunt riders. Once you've found your seats in the arena, you'll be served a four-course Southern comfort meal while watching the show.

The Stampede's original creamy vegetable soup, a handcrafted biscuit, a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbecue pork loin, herb-based potatoes, corn on the cob, and a specialty dessert are all included in the dinner. To accommodate all customers, the Stampede also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Most thrill seekers who have taken a thrilling ride on the Branson roller coaster always want to look for a favorite restaurant that serves delectable dishes to satisfy their hungry tummies.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.