7 Best Restaurants in Branson, MO

The Ozark town of Branson in southwest Missouri is a popular family vacation and is packed with fun for the whole family such as the 1800s-themed amusement park with live music known as Silver Dollar City and the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction. The city also has several excellent restaurants for romantic dining ranging from fantastic Mexican cuisine and margaritas at Cantina Laredo to classic Italian fare at Florentina's Ristorante Italiano. Here are some of Branson’s top spots for intimate dinners and special celebrations. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

7 Best Restaurants in Branson, MO

• Cantina Laredo, Photo: Cantina Laredo
• Florentina's Ristorante Italiano, Photo: Florentina's Ristorante Italiano
• India Clay Oven, Photo: India Clay Oven
• Black Oak Grill, Photo: Black Oak Grill
• Mitsu Neko Fusion Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Photo: Mitsu Neko Fusion Cuisine and Sushi Bar
• Level 2 Steakhouse, Photo: Level 2 Steakhouse
• Shogun Japanese Steak and Sushi, Photo: Shogun Japanese Steak and Sushi
• Cover Photo: Corinna Gissemann/stock.adobe.com

More Ideas in Branson: Branson Scenic Railway

Located in Branson, Missouri, the Branson Scenic Railway is a historic passenger railroad offering 40-mile roundtrip picturesque tourist excursions through Branson’s downtown business and entertainment area and the nearby Ozark Mountain range. The city of Branson, Missouri primarily owes its status as a major tourist destination to its railroad operation at the turn of the 20th century.

History

Early business in the Branson area dates back to 1882, with the opening of a country store and post office by Rueben S. Branson, near the confluence of the White River and Roark Creek. Development of a small town, named Lucia at the time, followed Branson’s development, and in 1902, the White River Railway began to develop a route through the area. Because of the rugged terrain of the Ozark Mountains area, construction for the railway proved difficult, requiring thousands of workers and more than $12 million in construction costs to achieve its 1905 start of operations. Following the opening of the railroad line, which ran between between Batesville, Arkansas and Carthage, Missouri, the area started to develop as a tourist destination, earning the nickname the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” by the 1990s. The railroad route was eventually incorporated into the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and later, into the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad. In 1993, the rail line entered into an agreement with the MNA to create the Branson Scenic Railway for the purposes of historic tourist railway excursions.

Routes and Tours

Today, the White River Route departs out of Branson’s historic 1905 depot station and operates two routes from March through December, a northbound route to Galena, Missouri and the James River Valley and a southbound route to Arkansas’ Barren Fork Trestle. Much of the route’s territory is fully inaccessible by car and other transportation, offering unique views of the Ozark Mountains that cannot otherwise be reached by tourists. Two to five train routes operate daily according to seasonal schedules, embarking for morning, afternoon, and evening tours. As the railway shares its route with operating commercial lines, excursion route direction is determined by the MNA immediately prior to departure due to traffic and track conditions.

Within the Branson area, the train’s route runs next to the White River, renamed Lake Taneycomo within Branson city limits as a result of its confinement by the Powersite Dam in 1913. Once the route leaves Branson city limits, the railway traverses through the Ozark Mountains, crossing a number of tunnels and trestles, including Crest Tunnel, Cricket Tunnel, and Walnut Creek Trestle. All Railway excursions are fully narrated, highlighting natural and cultural landmarks such as the ghost towns of Melva, Gretna, and Ruth. Routes travel approximately 20 miles from Branson before returning along the same tracks, with excursions lasting approximately one hour and 40 minutes. Due to limited seating space, advance reservations are strongly recommended for all excursions.

For northbound excursions, a 1951 EMD F9PH locomotive is used, originally constructed for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and formerly used as part of Maryland’s MARC train system. Southbound excursions are powered by a 1962 EMD GP30M locomotive, a B&O Railroad train formerly used by the CSX Railroad. Seating aboard the Railway’s passenger cars is unassigned, encouraging passengers to travel freely throughout historic train cars and enjoy the panoramic views provided by the 1947 Silver Island, 1952 Silver Garden, and 1952 Silver Terrace dome cars. A concession area located within the 1951 Silver Lake Buffet Lounge car offers snacks and refreshments aboard regular excursions. Between April and October, Saturday evening dinner trains are also offered, providing traditional four-course meals by candlelight aboard a 48-seat 1956 Silver Chef Diner car.

Nearby Attractions

Since the 1980s, Branson, Missouri has risen to become one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the American South, coined the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” after a 1991 60 Minutes feature on its many live country and popular music venues. More than 50 theaters are located along the city’s famous “Strip” portion of Highway 76, which serves as a popular destination for more than eight million annual visitors. Country and popular music stars such as the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters perform regularly at theaters, along with a wide variety of tribute artists honoring performers such as Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, and Patsy Cline. More than 200 retail options are offered, including the 95-acre Branson Landing shopping complex and a Tanger Outlets center. Other major attractions include the Silver Dollar City amusement park, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum, and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. A variety of family-friendly outdoor activities are also offered, including go-karting, miniature golf, and horseback riding.

206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616, Phone: 417-334-6110

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More Ideas in Branson: Chateau on the Lake

The Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri offers a total of 43,500 square feet of space for events, making the venue a popular location for event planners and weddings. The site includes light-filled and spacious meeting rooms, delicious cuisine, on-site technical support, and a state-of-the-art convention center. All of this is backed by a professional and experienced staff that provide personalized and seamless service.

The amenities of the upscale Chateau on the Lake resort offer an enhanced experience for guests during events at the venue. Lake views, stunning sunsets, and romantic garden terraces all make up the property’s signature setting of the “Castle in the Ozarks.” Beautiful elements such as the alabaster chandeliers and the fountain courtyard, amazing cuisine, and the on-site team of event specialist provide an opportunity for blissful wedding ceremonies and receptions at the Branson wedding venue.

The Chateau on the Lake works with every wedding couple, offering personalized attention to create the wedding of their dreams. As one of the Midwest’s most scenic places, the venue offers an amazing lakefront location with spectacular views that guests are sure to enjoy. As guests arrive at the AAA Four Diamond Resort, they are welcomed by European style luxury and service.

Amenities and Facilities

The Chateau on the Lake, situated in Branson, is both a resort and convention center. The picturesque hotel is located right on the edge of the water of Table Rock Lake. Wedding ceremonies are breathtaking at the venue, as the bride and groom, along with their guests, enjoy the intimate exchange of vows at the Garden Terrace. The blue sky, lush landscaping, and the lake create a natural serene space for such a special moment. After the wedding ceremony, a cocktail hour can be enjoyed at the fountain courtyard.

A stunning celebration space is also provided at the Chateau on the Lake for wedding receptions. The venue’s Great Hall boasts alabaster chandeliers, an expansive area for a night of dancing and dining, and hand-painted murals featuring castles in Europe. Both the bride and groom and the wedding guests will feel an enchanting excitement as they take part in an elegant, fun, and memorable evening.

The Chateau on the Lake is able to accommodate up to 500 guests for indoor wedding ceremonies, and up to 250 guests for outdoor ceremonies. Up to 300 guests can be accommodated for indoor wedding receptions. The wedding venue offers an array of settings for ceremonies and receptions, allowing couples to choose the space that best reflects who they are.

Services

The catering team at the Chateau on the Lake offers the perfect menu for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and even post-wedding brunches. The bridal party can relax at the Spa Chateau for the wedding ceremony and reception. Special rates are also offered for out-of-town guests for accommodations at the property. Wedding rentals also include tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, setup, clean up, and more.

General Information

Chateau on the Lake is located at 415 North State Highway 265 in Branson, offers on-site parking, and is wheelchair accessible.

415 North State Highway 265, Branson, MO 65616, Phone: 888-333-5253

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More Ideas in Branson: The World’s Largest Toy Museum

The World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex in Branson, MO contains more than one million toy attractions across multiple collections and six museums. The eclectic toy collection includes toys ranging from the nineteenth century to present day. There is something for anyone of any age to appreciate and enjoy at the museum.

Branson is well-known for invoking feelings of nostalgia. It's quite possible that nothing say nostalgia better than a toy that takes people back to their childhood. From the moment visitors step out of their vehicles, they will feel like they are in a different world. Two enormous toy soldiers stand to the sides of the doors of a graphic covered building that takes visitors back to the past. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the toys, several of which are considered as Branson antiques. The museum features antique toys from just about every era that are sure to bring back fond childhood memories.

Six museums featuring various toy collections actually make up Branson's World's Largest Toy Museum Complex. These museums are the World's Largest Toy Museum, World of Checkers Museum, Harold Bell Wright Museum, Stearnsy Bear Museum, Paul Harvey Jr. Museum, and the National BB Gun Museum. All of these museums are at the same location, making it even easier for visitors to see as many toys as they like, providing an entire day of fun.

It's almost like it's Christmas every day at the World's Largest Toy Museum, an expansive antique toy museum. Visitors can rediscover the joy they felt as a child with their favorite toys and be reminded of childhood heroes like Tom Mix, Groucho Marx, and Shirley Temple. Toys from as far back as the 1800's to as new as Star Wars, from as small as a thimble to as large as a Rolls Royce can be seen at the museum. The toy shops and museums at the complex are also filled with more than a million toys for kids of all ages to enjoy. This is why the World's Largest Toy Museum is considered to be one of Branson's best museums.

There are many interactive toy exhibits for children to have fun with at the World's Largest Toy Museum, such as various coin operated rides, checkers, Lincoln Logs, and a Hot Wheels track. Along with a tour of the whole museum, the interactive toys provide hours of fun in Branson. Children of all ages can explore exhibits for Super Heroes, space toys, trains, NASCAR, cast iron toys, Disney, Barbie, A Christmas Carol, Roy Rogers, and tin toys.

Visitors looking for toy gift shops don't need to look further than the World's Largest Toy Museum. Once guests are done looking at all of the toys, they most likely will want to buy toys to take home with them from the museum's well stocked gift shops. The shops specialize in collectibles and toys that are difficult to find and won't be in other shops.

3609 West 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, Missouri, Phone: 417-332-1499

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