Some of the cast from the “Legends in Concert Show” “Celine Dion,” Brigitte Valdez; “Johnny Cash, Paul Eve and “The Blues Brothers” Bucky Heard as “Jake Blues” and Justin Clark as “Elwood Blues” enjoying their meal at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill.
One of the major questions people ask about Branson is, “Where are the good places to eat?” Having lived in Branson the last 28 years, I can honestly say that there are good places to eat all over Branson and they have been feeding millions of locals and visitors each year. Here is a list of four Branson restaurants offering entirely different dining experiences that are conveniently located near places where you might want to be such as shopping or one of Branson’s Shows:
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill – Located inside the “Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre Complex” this restaurant couldn’t be more convenient to those wanting to attend the Legends In Concert show or to eat lunch after the Bretts morning show. It offers a diverse menu “including everything from Tex-Mex fajitas to New England style pot roast. There’s a great selection of burgers, soups, and salads, or make a selection from the Top Ten sandwich list! And there’s a Bandstand Bar for a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine with your meal. You’ll also enjoy the diner decor that includes memorabilia from Dick Clark’s own collection.” One of my favorite menu items is their “Cuban Sandwich, a delicious combination of thinly sliced smoked ham and roasted pork, grilled on a baguette with Swiss cheese, and served with dill pickle slices and mustard.
Hours: Sun – Tues: 11a.m. to 10 p.m.; Wed: 1 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fri -Sat: 11a.m. to 11p.m.
Famous Dave’s at at Branson Landing.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que – Located, in Branson Landing, a place where, every year, millions of Branson visitors visit and shop, Famous Dave’s serves up some of the best Bar-B-Que in Branson. “They specialize in made-from-scratch barbecued meats that melt in your mouth! The ‘pit masters’ are up at 4:00 a.m. to get their hickory logs smoldering for those carefully selected cuts of meat all hand-rubbed with fresh seasonings. There are several original sauces to choose from, and sides galore! Try the Build Your Own Barbecue (BYOB,) it’s a fun and unique way to create a great meal by choosing from unique toppings. Just two weeks ago I had their smoked brisket and chicken and topped it off with their fabulous Bread Pudding. Man was it good!
Hours: Mon – Thur: 11a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fri – Sat: 11a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun: 11a.m. to 9 p.m.
La Piazza Ristoranti Italiano – One of Branson’s newest restaurants offering fine Italian dining and a location on Green Mountain Drive, Branson’s “Yellow Route” that is within a five minute drive of over a dozen Branson Theatres. La Piazza offers “authentic dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients to please the taste buds of even the most discerning Italian cuisine fanatics serving traditional carne, pollo, and pastas made with steak, lamb, chicken, and a variety of delicious vegetables, spices, and sauces made to satisfy your cravings and your budget.” Having eaten there on a number of occasions, as recently as last week, I can tell you that the food, presentation and preparations are fantastic. My favorite dish is their preparation of the classic “rib eye steak” called, “Bisteccalla Florentina.”
Hours: Sun – Thur: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Fri – Sat. 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Paradise Grill & Steakhouse – Paradise Grill is located on the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway not a two minute walk away from the Piece Arrow and the Shoji Tabuchi shows. It “not only offers a wonderful menu of steak, country style dinners, and options for lighter, healthier eating,” but they also have two “food bars,”a dinner food bar and a soup/salad/fruit bar. “These ‘bars’ feature great food, thoughtfully prepared to please a variety of picky eaters.” I have eaten there a number of times and have always been impressed by their food and quality of service and just love their “food bars.”
Hours: Sun – Sat: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.