One of my favorite tips when traveling is talking to the locals and find their favorite places to eat. They usually steer you to one-of-a-kind family-owned restaurants that are easy to overlook. Maybe they’re off the beaten path, or maybe they’re in plain sight, but they all have unique attractions that make them special. These 3 family-friendly restaurants in Branson, Missouri have fun touches that are sure to delight all family members.
3 Family Friendly Restaurants Branson, Missouri
1. McFarlain’s Family Restaurant– Located in the IMAX theater complex, this is a Branson exclusive. Here you’ll find specialties like the Branson Traffic Jam Pie, made with cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, and cranberries. Sure, it sounds different (and by that I mean, unusual), but it has a delicious combination of sweet and tart that blends well together. When you arrive, be sure to ask for their signature appetizer-Fried Green Tomatoes. If you’ve never tried fried green tomatoes before, it’s thinly-sliced green tomatoes dipped in a cornmeal batter and fried to a golden perfection. These are served in a basket, along with a ranch dipping sauce. Another specialty is their sweet potato fries served with a chunky pineapple salsa. This sweet salsa is the perfect foil for the fries.
I tried the “McFarlain Special” for lunch and it is true comfort food. Remember the open-faced roast beef sandwiches from the past? This is it! It’s a mound of slow-cooked roast beef atop a piece of white bread and drizzled with brown gravy. It’s served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Their cobblers and fruit and creme pies are made from scratch and well worth saving room for dessert.
But, the restaurant is not only known for its food. People bring in family and friends to sit at ‘the Round Table,’ one of four special tables scattered throughout the restaurant. I won’t spoil the surprise and tell you about the roundtable, but I will say it’s a favorite of the kids and a great prank to pull on unsuspecting friends and family. Who knows? You might even receive a certificate of accomplishment after your meal at the roundtable. McFarlain’s Family Restaurant is located at 3562 Shepherd of the Hills road. They’re open Sunday through Thursday from 8 AM until 8 PM and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM until 9 PM.
2.Pasghetti’s – This cute and quirky restaurant, located at 3129 West State Highway 76, is home of the world’s largest fork and meatball. Locally owned and operated, this restaurant is divided into different rooms, each featuring a different theme. My favorite is the main room, designed to resemble strolling through an old Italian neighborhood. Even the brick used in the building has been aged to create the illusion of an antique structure.
The day I visited I chose one of their house specialties; the Pasghetti and Meatball. This dish features their signature 5-ounce meatball served with homemade marinara sauce and is served with a breadstick. One of my favorite features from their menu was the Gluten-Free section. If you have celiac, you know how hard it can be to enjoy an Italian style meal with your friends. Pasghetti’s offers a selection of dishes including Chicken Primavera, Grilled Lemon Salad, Italian Grilled Chicken, and Pasta Marinara. If you’re not in the mood for pasta, they offer a choice of salads, sandwiches, along with steak and seafood.
Pasghetti’s believes in supporting local businesses and incorporates a selection of wines from local vineyards to complement their meals. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM until 8 PM and 11 AM until 9 PM Friday and Saturday.
3. Montana Mike’s Steakhouse – Need a place with reasonable prices and generous portions? Montana Mike’s is the place to be! With a wide selection of steaks, chicken, ribs, and seafood, there is something for even the pickiest eater. On the day we visited, I wanted something on the lighter side, so I tried the creamy broccoli soup and a baked potato. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly winter day. If you want a heartier lunch, try the Messy Mike burger. This huge concoction is made with our hickory BBQ sauce, applewood smoked bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and onion straws. While I didn’t have a bite, a friend tried it and pronounced it “delicious.”
I recommend ordering an appetizer before the main dish. Montana Mike’s is known for their onion rings, which are lightly breaded and seasoned. Served with a creamy ranch dip, these also make a good side served with the Messy Mike burger. Montana Mike’s is located at 3225 W Highway 76. They’re open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM until 8:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
Have you visited Branson? What are your suggestions for family-friendly restaurants in Branson?
I’ve never been to Branson but all these restaurants make me want to visit. The food looks awesome.
BB already had Branson on her bucket list, but now that you’ve highlighted these establishments and plates it’s gone highter on the list. Look Delicioso!!
As a Mom, family friendly is at the top of my list. If we’re ever in the area, we’ll know where to stop!
Branson is on my bucket list! There looks to be so many great things to do while visiting. Thank you for sharing these family friendly restaurants. It can be discouraging when trying to find a place that is kid friendly.
Taking kids out to eat can definitely be a challenge, especially for the real little ones. My kids are getting older, so it is a little easier, but my younger daughter is very picky about what she eats! These places sound great to visit as a family.
These all sound like yummy places to eat in Branson! I personally love Fudruckers, LOL!!
I adore Branson! We are headed there for a week during Christmas. My daughter and her husband will be away from home, so we decided we wanted to be away as well.
These dishes look delicious I would want to try them all. We need to get down there to visit.
My husband would enjoy in any of these places. The Pasghetti place sounds awesome!
All of these places look like fabulous places to eat! I would papally visit Pasghetti’s for their Pasghetti and Meatball. It is such a comfort dish.
I’ve never been to Branson. I would love to visit these restaurants though. Your food looks amazing.
I have never been to Branson, but it has always looked like a great place to visit. My grandparents went a long time ago and enjoyed it.
It sounds like there are some lovely places to dine out with the whole family. All of the food in the pictures looks delicious and classic American fare.
Great guide to Branson and the food looks great. You are so smart whenever I travel I like to go where the locals go not where the tourists are told to go.
I will keep this list. We usually drive through Branson every other year on our way to our family reunion. Pasghettis’ looks awesome
How ironic! We were just talking about visiting Branson soon. I am going to pin this so I can revisit once we plan our trip.
I have read that Branson Missouri is the place to go. It looks like they have a lot of good food for the whole family to enjoy. I am hoping to get down there in the next couple of years and I will have to pin this so that I can check out the restaurants you recommend.
Ooo now I’m hungry. All of these places look and sound amazing. I have been to Branson before, but it was a quick visit, so I need to get back.
This is what we always do when we travel. The locals know where the best food places are without the high prices. Another tip the bell boy at the hotels are full of knowledge if you take the time to talk with them.