City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Address: 433 Animal Safari Rd.
32. White River Fish House
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 243-5100
Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr.
Description: Johnny Morris gave another reason for visiting Branson when he built this restaurant on Lake Taneycomo by the Bass Pro Outpost on the south side of the Branson Landing development. It’s one of a number of good eateries in the new shopping venue, but it’s the only one built on the water. Well-appointed with turn-of-the-twentieth-century White River float-fishing memorabilia, the Fish House features catfish and trout, as well as their saltwater relatives. You can even get “dry land” ribs and and steaks. Our favorite is the Ozarks pan-fried trout almondine with a beer of choice. The corn bread itself is worth the visit. Check the menu online and learn some float-fishing history and about the man that “started it all,” Jim Owen, at the same time.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Address: 2346 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
34. Charlie’S Steak, Ribs & Ale
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 334-6090
Address: 3009 West 76 Country Blvd.
Description: A bit hard to find but worth the hunt! The name says it all, but without mentioning the great appetizers, Texas-size salads, giant sandwiches, or the tangy barbecue and tasty chicken and seafood dishes—plus full-service bar and its own microbrewery, all in a western decor. There’s also a kids’ menu, and for those in the fast lane, there’s the convenient takeout. They serve up a bucket of peanuts, but don’t fill up on them! We think it has some of the best ribs in Branson, and definitely the most catchy TV ad jingle! You’ll find Charlie’s by looking where the giant John Wayne on the Hollywood Wax Museum is gazing across The Strip: right at Charlie’s!
35. Fall Creek Steak And Catfish House
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 336-5060
Address: 997 MO 165 at Fall Creek Road
Description: Bring your catcher’s mitt here, as you have to catch your high-rise, softball-size rolls. It’s all part of the fun of eating steaks grilled with real hickory chips. Newly rebuilt after burning in 2006, the restaurant features the old steak and fish favorites with baked sweet potatoes as well as traditional spuds served every way imaginable. You can also try fried dill pickles and fried green tomatoes. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and a kids’ menu is offered. The back porch overlooking Fall Creek is a great place to eat and watch the raccoons that come up for a free handout.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
37. Shorty Small’S
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 334-8797
Address: 3270 Yellow Ribbon Rd.
Description: “Short on name, but big on barbecue,” Shorty’s has juicy burgers (a favorite is the mushroom cheeseburger), steaks, macho nachos, “jumpin’ off the bone barbecue ribs,” tender barbecue brisket, and tasty salads, including a heroic-size taco salad. Proportions are generous at Shorty’s, perhaps to make up for the diminutive name and perhaps to make you want to buy an “I Pigged Out at Shorty Smalls” T-shirt. Shorty’s serves lunch and dinner daily in a plain southern smokehouse atmosphere just down from the Falls shopping center before Fall Creek Road.
38. Cantina Laredo
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 334-6062
Address: 1001 Branson Landing Blvd.
Description: Cantina Laredo, in Branson Landing, and looks out over Lake Taneycomo and the fountains/fire show at the Landing. A great place for a drink, it offers authentic Mexican dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere with daily fish specials, grilled chicken, and steaks complemented by signature sauces such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms or sauteéd artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. We recommend the Enchilada Veracruz: chicken and spinach with rice and a mixed vegetable medley that has an amazing flavor. The Cantina has happy hour 4–7 p.m. weekdays. Check the menu at their Web site.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
40. Gilley’S Texas Cafe
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 335-2755
Description: Mickey Gilley eats here. He says the food’s good, and that’s good for business. It’s his restaurant, next door to his theater. His usual is Hot Tex buffalo wings with iced tea or a light draft beer. Locals like Mickey’s chili and buy Gilley’s chili seasoning mix to replicate their restaurant favorite in their own kitchens. Beef or chicken fajitas, the famous El Toro burrito, homemade enchiladas, and Texas nachos are popular menu items, but other options include steaks, burgers, ribs, and salads. Gilley’s frozen margaritas are popular during the heat of the day and after the show.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Address: 2800 Country Blvd.
43. Playtime Pizza
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (417) 332-1112
Address: 3101 Gretna Rd.
Description: Visitors to Branson know all about the wonderful shows and amazing entertainers, but what about when it’s time for dinner and the kids are bored? Well, meet Pete Za! Walk into this race car garage for your dining experience. As the “legend” goes, Pete was a former race car driver who was banned from the sport due to his use of olive oil in his fuel. He took his olive oil elsewhere and created fabulous Italian food recipes with it. Pete Za’s “former garage” can seat 520 and has a go-kart race track, two levels of arcades, shops, and tons of food: several buffets, including pizza, pasta, dessert, and more. You might have to drag the kids away from the games to eat, but once they get there, they will enjoy the food just as much.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants
Address: 4800 MO 165 (Near Table Rock Dam)
City: Branson, MO
Category: Restaurants