No trip to the tourist capital of the Midwest would be complete without some great food. When I go on vacation, the idea of eating at another chain restaurant kind of puts a damper on the experience.

Here’s a look at 10 of the best places to eat in Branson, Missouri so that you can eat like a local and make the most of your trip.

1. Black Oak Grill @ Branson Landing

If you’re looking for traditional American pub fare with great service and good pricing, put the Black Oak Grill on your list of must-eats while in Branson. We initially headed into Paula Deen’s kitchen and while I am certain that would have been an extraordinary dining experience, it was a bit heavier than we were looking for at 3pm in the afternoon.

Next door we found Black Oak Grill and the wonderful reviews of an outcoming patron paired with wafts of juicy sizzling beef and crisp fried potatoes brought us in. We sat down and quickly found familiar favorites on the menu for all in tow–including a few picky eaters.

2. Cinnamon Rolls at Silver Dollar City

Located just at the entrance of Silver Dollar City is Eva & Delilah’s Bakery, serving up sweet baked goods and giant cinnamon rolls the size of your face. I smelled the sweet aroma of sugary icing and cinnamon swirls and I knew this would be our first stop in Branson.

If you’re not at Silver Dollar City, rest assured that you can still enjoy the deliciousness of old-fashioned cinnamon rolls at Grandma Ruth’s Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls located on Green Mountain Drive in Branson.

3. Big D’s BBQ

I know that technically we’re omnivores–but my family really puts an emphasis on the carnivore tendencies to devour delectable meats. Naturally, we find ourselves right at home with a perfectly smoked platter.

Whether you’re in the mood for a pulled pork sandwich or a rack of ribs, Big D’s BBQ won’t disappoint! The staff is warm and friendly, adding that extra-special touch to the perfect family dining experience. Big D’s is locally owned and family operated, plus they’ve been voted the Best Barbeque in Branson for 5 years in a row!

4. Pasghetti’s

For a fun and whimsical atmosphere that’s perfect for a family dinner, try Pasghetti’s. This Italian family dining restaurant is home to the World’s Largest Fork + Meatball. We know, it’s a truly unique designation, but then again–we are talking about Branson!

5. Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl + Grill

Located inside Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge, you’ll find another dining experience extraordinaire! Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl + Grill serves all of your American cuisine favorites, like pizza, burgers, and quesadillas.

For the ultimate family night out, pair dinner at Uncle Buck’s with a ton of fun at Fun Mountain. You’ll find under-the-sea-themed bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, arcade games, and so much more!

6. Mellow Mushroom Pizzeria

So, Mellow Mushroom is technically a chain, it’s a whole lot less common than the likes of Papa Johns or Pizza Hut. Plus, the food quality is a whole lot better!

We’re Mellow Mushroom fans, so it makes sense that this pizza place makes this top 10 list. You can find this fun, family-friendly pizzeria at Branson Landing.

Of course, the pizza is an easy yes. However, we’re also fans of the chicken wings and bruschetta!

7. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner

Another absolute yes for us in Branson is Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. It’s a 50s-style diner serving up typical budget-friendly greasy delights. And, trust me, Branson has no shortage of 50s-themed diners. But what makes this one special to us is the built-in entertainment.

The waitstaff at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner will keep you entertained with singing while they serve your milkshakes and patty melts. For more than 27 years, Mel’s Hard Luck diner has been a showcase home of professional singers, songwriters, and musicians alike. The food is just the icing on top.

8. Tacos No. 1

A hidden gem that’s worth mentioning is Tacos No. 1, located on Highway 76. The food truck is open throughout the tourist season and serves up authentic Mexican fare with an emphasis on the tasty street tacos.

We’re always in the mood for tacos. And, to be honest, Branson is lacking in the taco department, so we were thrilled to find this food truck!

9. Crazy Craig’s Treehouse

While this one is technically a bar, you can get some good grub here as well! It’s located directly across the street from the Grand Country Resort and it’s one of the few places open to eat during the off-season outside of the resort so we made our way over to Crazy Craig’s Treehouse.

They met us at the door with sample shots of their unique jungle juice concoction, which was surprisingly delightful. But honestly, we were there for the food.

I had a salad (pictured), but as soon as I got a taste of their parmesan fries, I had to go back and order a side of those too!

Being a bar, they didn’t have a kid’s menu. But that’s okay because chicken tenders and battered fries are always the way to go with the littles. The two youngest in our group split a chicken tenders basket which worked out well.

Our group also gave an enthusiastic two-thumbs-up to the Rueben and Patty melt!

10. Grand Country Buffet

On our trip to the Grand Country Resort, we tried out the Grand Country Buffet located on site for breakfast. They are open, serving a full spread of food from 7am until 8pm (at least in the off-season). And it’s ALL GOOD!

Since we were there for breakfast, we enjoyed good coffee, perfect waffles, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and a selection of biscuits and gravy, sausage, and bacon that would make your grandma proud!

Honorable Mention >> Lambert’s Cafe

While not technically in Branson, Missouri, this tourist-favorite dining experience is a convenient and short drive from the mecca of Midwestern travel. Lambert’s Cafe, Home of the Throwed Rolls, is one part food and one part fun!

Explore more with our complete guide to Branson, Missouri >>