Billy Gail’s Cafe is one of Branson’s most unique and popular restaurants.
“Many Branson visitors like to do the same thing that people from Branson do when they travel; eat at locally owned, non-national chain, restaurants,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “In that regard, the answers to the question, ‘What is your favorite locally owned and operated, non-national chain, restaurant?’ asked of over 24,000 people who have ‘Liked’ the Branson Tourism Center Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/bransontourismcenter, covered a wide range of local, Branson owned restaurants, along with some insightful comments.
The first three on the following list will be no surprise to frequent Branson visitors or locals, and were easily mentioned the most often. We also listed two of our favorite local Branson restaurants from those responses:
Billy Bob’s Dairyland: Noted for its delicious hamburgers, usually served basket-style with a heaping order of fries, and its unique, bright, and homey 50’s style decor. The burgers, a staple for both locals and visitors alike for over 30 years, are very generously sized, juicy, and oh so delicious! If you like hot dogs, their grilled butterflied Coney Dogs and Foot Longs might just be the ticket. Billy Bob’s is open during lunch and dinner hours, and offers the same menu for each. Make sure you have cash; they don’t accept credit cards.
Hours: Seven days a week from 10:30 AM-9:00 PM *
Phone: 417-337-9291
Billy Gail’s Cafe: Billy Gail’s is noted for its hearty breakfasts, served amid an atmosphere reminiscent of the early 1900’s Ozarks. Whether it’s their huge signature pancakes, their four egg omelet, their Belly Buster Breakfast, or one of their other menu items, you can’t make a bad breakfast decision here! Although famous for its breakfasts, Billy Gail’s is also noted for its chicken fried steak and pork tenderloin sandwiches. It’s another cash-only restaurant – they don’t accept credit cards.
Hours: Seven days a week from 7 AM to 2 PM.*
Phone: 417-338-8883.
Danna’s Bar B Que & Burger Shop: In addition to being noted for the quality of its burgers, Danna’s hamburger menu offers some interesting variations, such as the Danna Burger, a 6oz. patty served on a toasted bun with cheese and topped with Danna’s famous BBQ chopped pork, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Another highlight is their barbecue ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and chicken that, in terms of both quality and popularity, are on a par with their hamburgers.
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM. Closed Sunday.*
Phone: 417-337-5527
La Piazza: La Piazza is a locally owned restaurant bringing fine Italian dining to Branson! Its authentic dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients are sure to please the taste buds of even the most discerning Italian cuisine fanatic. Traditional carne, pollo, and pastas made with steak, lamb, chicken, and a variety of delicious vegetables, spices, and sauces will satisfy your cravings and your budget! You’ll also enjoy the fully stocked bar and sophisticated decor. La Piazza is located in the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre building and is an excellent place to dine prior to seeing either it Starring the Hughes Brothers and their Families or Ayo Starring the Voices of Glory.
Hours: Sun – Thur: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Fri – Sat: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.*
Phone: 417-334-2562.
McFarlain’s Family Restaurant: McFarlain’s Family Restaurant is famous for its legendary cuisine and delightfully named menu items! Where else can you find a Vigilante Taco, Pioneer Pot Roast, an Outlaw Biscuit Sandwich, and Pa’s Morning Favorite? They feature hearty, cooked-to-order breakfast, the kind you remember from Grandma’s house on the farm. Imagine sinking your teeth into their famous honey cornbread, fried green tomatoes, or their homemade Branson Traffic Jam pie, made with cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, and cranberries! And you’ll have fun just looking around; “McFarlain’s” is decorated in hundreds of antiques, original works of art, and photographs. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat either before or after seeing one of the great live shows performing in IMAX’s Little Opry Theatre.
Hours: Mon-Thur: 11:00AM to 8:30 PM and Fri-Sun: 8 AM to 9 PM.*
Phone: 417-336-4680
For additional information on these and other Branson restaurants, as well as all that Branson has to offer, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, and talk with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners who will be delighted to assist you. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
* These are normal operating hours during the “season” – typically April through mid-December. Off season hours may vary.