Branson

Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation destination. Its 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with theaters, which once hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park with live music.
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Featured guides
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Picture of Best attractions in Branson
Best attractions in Branson
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Wanderlog
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5-Day Branson Itinerary
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Wanderlog
Picture of Hotel Near Silver Dollar City – 21 Places to Stay
Tripster Travel Guides's Hotel Near Silver Dollar City – 21 Places to Stay
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Picture of Nightlife in Branson MO – 18 Unexpected Things to Do After Dark
Tripster Travel Guides's Nightlife in Branson MO – 18 Unexpected Things to Do After Dark
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Tripster Travel Guides's Hotels in Branson MO with Indoor Pool: 15 Amazing Places to Stay
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Top things to do in Branson
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If you only have a day
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Google
Picture of Branson in the Fall: 17 Cozy Activities to Experience in the Ozarks
Tripster Travel Guides's Branson in the Fall: 17 Cozy Activities to Experience in the Ozarks
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Picture of Branson Kids Activities: 14 Fun and Entertaining Ideas
Tripster Travel Guides's Branson Kids Activities: 14 Fun and Entertaining Ideas
Popular guide by a Wanderlog community member

Top places to visit

4.6
(12753)
4.6
(7554)
Mentioned on 
Museum
Specialty Museums
The TITANIC Museum Attraction offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the experience of being aboard the iconic ship. With hundreds of artifacts from the original Titanic, visitors can take a self-guided tour through the hallways, parlors, cabins, and Grand Staircase while learning about the ship's history.
Very nice and educational tour, 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Wear a sweater as Air conditioned. Alot to see and read. On line app to hear narrative on your phone. Also staff explained details. Everyone receives a boarding pass with details of a passenger aboard as first class, second class or third. Memorial wall of those that lived and died. Would recommend seeing.
Kathy G — Google review
Nice museum with lots to read and learn. All of the staff was kind and in character which made it more fun. We spent about an 1.5 hours. There is a free audio tour, chance to dip your hands in frozen water, and climb what the deck felt like as the boat sank. Plenty of photos, videos, and interactive trivia for kids. The price is expensive but its a tourist town, what does everyone expect?
Heather F — Google review
Location and parking are good. There’s a Walgreens across the street if you need it. Complaints Buying your ticket in advance you must wait in the same line as if you hadn’t. The lobby area is super loud and someone shouts instructions every ~ 15-30 mins? Entry doesn’t seem to be staggered and there are far too many people per group to really be able to see anything. Since most people are pretty inconsiderate. Not many staff giving stories/details. The person who takes your souvenir photo takes it before you pose. Doesn’t check it or retake it when your eyes are closed. Pictures are printed and shoved at you for $46 - even when your eyes are closed bc the person taking pics of didn’t tell you or check ? lol. You’re “welcome” to go back and retake but it’s kind of a lot to go back the way you came out. The app is out of order for some exhibits. Also the exhibits have numbers and things that don’t work any longer. Think for the price paid the exhibits could be maintained better. Praise Someone was monitoring and stopping the bottleneckers taking pictures. The Titanic is a very interesting story Dog details are sweet Staff we interacted with outside of the photos was great.
Amber K — Google review
8/9/25 Came today with my group of family around 10:30am. I highly recommend attending this attraction. Worth the price, informative with amazing staff. Everyone was so pleasant. Made the experience more fun. Definitely stop by the gift shop.
Shi C — Google review
We thought the tickets were a bit too much (about $50/person after fees/taxes) which made half my group back out. It was more expensive than quite a few of the shows we went to. The few of us who did visit thought it was a nice museum. The staff were extremely helpful and polite. One of our party was in a wheelchair and they helped us get around with no complaints. At the start, they give you a card with a passenger's name and at the end you see if "you" lived or died. My whole group got siblings, so we were pretty invested in their survival from the jump. It was a wonderful touch. All the exhibits were well cared for and contained little info cards, so a bit of reading was required, though the text wasn't too much. They also provided audio tour guide devices. I would love to go again, as it was extremely crowded and I felt a little rushed through sections due to the flow of people, but I'm not sure I could justify another $50 to do it. Hopefully there's tickets on sale somewhere next time I'm in town.
Linda — Google review
Felt like first class as soon as we walked in the door. Staff was super knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. Can not wait to visit again when we are in town. Definitely recommend going at least once.
Rachelle D — Google review
The museum has lots of artifacts and loads of information covering the history of the Titanic. Unfortunately, our experience seemed rushed. There were a lot of people let in all at once that made us feel like we were holding up others. I personally would have appreciated a guided tour providing tidbits of interesting information rather than having to stop and read about it myself. Unless you have a way to get discounted entrance fees, or if you have a diehard interest in the Titanic, I would not recommend paying full price to see this museum.
Kayla W — Google review
Such a fun experience! Each person is given a passenger profile and at the end you learn if yours survived or perished. No pictures allowed in the first floor but they were allowed in the second floor of the tour. There was a download options with audio to listen to during your tour. First floor had artifacts and the second floor had more interactive experiences. On the second floor you could ask a crew member about your passenger to learn more about them. You also got to see the last few remaining life vest, spin the steering wheel, learn about the boat, take a picture, touch the cold water temps, try to stand on the deck at different angles of the boat while it sank, and lastly learn if your passenger survived.
Tonee C — Google review
4.8
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4.5
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Lake
Nature & Parks
Dams
Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri is a picturesque destination offering a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and camping amidst stunning natural surroundings. The area also boasts a rich history with cultural events such as music festivals honoring iconic figures like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley. Additionally, visitors can explore hidden gems along the lake's shoreline and indulge in traditional Ozark cuisine.
Wow, this lake is beautiful!! We loved exploring all of the forks and coves. It’s a bit busier in the wider sections of the lake, but it’s easy to find quiet corners for swimming. Perfect lake for boating and tubing!
Shawna Z — Google review
Love this lake. Over the 4th at nights all the boats are lit up.on the water it's awesome
Selena S — Google review
So much fun we went boating and tubing on the lake with a boat rented from the state park marina. Kids and adults loved every minute of it.
Diana H — Google review
What.a.trip!!! This was one of the best vacations I have ever had (and I go on a LOT of vacations!) Maybe it was the lake, maybe it was the company but I'm guessing it was a little of both. The lake was so big we never covered the whole thing after being there for an entire week! The water was perfect and smooth - just right for water sports. The sunsets we're to die for and the weather was perfect (we went in August). I hope we are lucky enough to experience it again with the same amazing crew!
Amanda H — Google review
Absolutely stunning lake. The lake provides a variety of activities to locals and visitors including swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, diving, cliff jumping, and more! You also can't beat a Table Rock Lake sunset!
Tabitha F — Google review
The lake was very pretty and busy with boats. We where there after a lot of rain and got to see all the water flowing from the dam. The visitor center has a video you can watch about the history of the dam. Across the street from the visitor center is a great spot to see the dam.
Lara S — Google review
Very popular destination for fishing and recreational water sports! Great places to dock and the natural beauty is something to behold. An upcoming place for vacation rentals and second homes. Good school districts and reasonable prices for an upscale area.
Lauren W — Google review
Pretty place for boating, jet ski, and water sports. Lots of coves to pull into to drop anchor and swim. We spent our time on the east side of the lake around Indian Point, Kimberling City, etc. Water can get choppy out in the more open areas with the wind, but coves are calmer. Weather and water temp were still great in late Sept.
Katie G — Google review
4.7
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4.3
(1712)
Mentioned on 
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the wonders of nature at The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, a tropical-themed attraction featuring a butterfly aviary, rainforest discovery center, and mirror maze. Visitors can embark on a self-guided journey through the rainforest to encounter over 1,000 live exotic butterflies from around the world. The experience includes opportunities to hand-feed the butterflies with complimentary nectar flowers and explore educational videos about these beautiful insects.
The Butterfly Palace was such a fun and unique experience! The mirror maze added a little extra fun for my husband and I, and the 3-D film about Monarch butterflies was interesting and educational. Stepping into the butterfly aviary was magical — the butterflies really interact with you, landing on you and fluttering all around. Highly recommend for a memorable visit!
Stephanie S — Google review
We’ve been to Branson for years and never came here to The Butterfly Palace, so we wanted to experience something new! They are going through a renovation and expansion project, so there’s a little construction going on, but it didn’t detract from the experience. The mirror maze was a bit of fun and gave us something extra to do while there. The short 3-D film about the Monarch butterfly was interesting and educational. We stepped into the butterfly aviary and it really was a fun and unique experience. The butterflies definitely interact with you - landing on you, enjoying the nectar from the flower they give you, and fluttering by you throughout. It was unique and we enjoyed the experience, but for what it was it did feel a bit high in cost, and there is a bit of wear and tear on the place, hence the need to renovate. With tax it runs about $35 per person. We paid less than $10 more for much more in depth nature experiences in the area. It was still a good visit and the only place I’ve ever been where butterflies are flying all around you, so it was unique for sure. I recommend buying tickets on site - online there’s a fee, and they can get you a better deal at the door.
Jason W — Google review
We first came here many years ago. They have added a little reptile display and a mirror maze on the side. It looks like they are expanding even more. The happening place is the butterfly sanctuary. They have hundreds of beautiful butterflies flitting about in a neat little jungle like area. There was a guy jamming out Christmas music on a hammered dulcimer (I think that what that was). The entire place was decorated for Christmas with a Butterfly Christmas tree down by the highway too. The highlight of our trip was when my wife got to release a new butterfly into the sanctuary. The handler said he had been in the jungle in Malaysia only a week ago and he had just emerged from his chrysalis. My wife released him and he took his very first flight ever. It was so cool she began to cry. We had a lot of fun there. If you keep your bracelet on you can come the next day for free.
Jeff S — Google review
I love that the butterfly Palace was opened Tuesdays and Wednesdays when it seemed like this city had closed down in those two days. It was an absolute blessing it wasn't really crowded at all The workers went above and beyond and we're so polite and kind. The butterfly Palace had amazing workers they were full of wonderful knowledge and information. The butterflies were very active and the children loved it, not only did we learn so much about different types of butterflies but even got to let a few of them go in the exhibit. It was a fun little hunt for the kids as they were trying to find each butterfly on the list while beautiful music was being played live, afterwards we had a great time making crafts and playing games and their craft section. They had a wonderful little 3D movie The kids were jumping up and down trying to catch the butterflies that were coming at them. They had a wonderful mirror maze The kids loved running through it back and forth I honestly say it was confusing for me as I walked into many mirrors lol. The gift shop was absolutely stunning it was pricier but you're supporting a wonderful cause.
Valerie K — Google review
This was such a magical and fun experience for all of us! From the enchanting mirror maze to the breathtaking butterfly atrium, every moment was filled with wonder. We loved learning more about the butterflies we care so much about—especially as we’re building our own monarch waystation. Feeding the butterflies and having them land on us was unforgettable! We enjoyed it so much, we went two days in a row and each visit offered something completely unique. Highly recommend for all ages—it’s both educational and absolutely beautiful!
Courtnie B — Google review
Amazing! I have always loved butterflies, but these are like none I've ever seen except on nature shows. You get these little nectar flowers and they attract the butterflies. I wore red t-shirt, my husband wore an orange shirt, and our adult son who is disabled, but can still walk, wore a red, black, white t-shirt. He attracted the most butterflies. I attracted the 2nd most, and my husband, well, they must not like pale orange as much, but they did like his bald head!! We spent several hours in here just with the butterflies. I totally relaxed, and our son was amazed at all the butterflies on the flower and his shirt. He smiled so much, which I haven't seen in a long, long time. Everybody was quiet and enjoying the experience. The soundtrack is really from rainforest. We did enjoy the small reptiles, but didn't do the 3d movie or the mirror activity. Worth every penny!!
Tina O — Google review
The staff is so sweet and considerate and they are always so excited to tell us about the butterflies. We were able to actually able to release some too. It's a great treat for those who love the animal world and want an up close experience.
Chase E — Google review
The Butterfly Pavilion was such a fun and kid-friendly experience! My granddaughter absolutely loved seeing all the butterflies up close, and there were so many hands-on exhibits that kept her entertained. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommend for families!
John E — Google review
4.6
(18049)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Shopping mall
Branson Landing is a vibrant waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment district located in Historic Downtown Branson, Missouri. It features over 100 specialty stores, outdoor dining with fantastic views, live shows, water features, and a range of mainstream stores.
This is a great place to walk, shop, eat, and drink. We liked it so much that we had to go back a second time before we left to go back home. There is a very nice walking trail along the edge of the water.
Jonathan C — Google review
Excellent place for walking, shopping, eating and drinking. Some of the restaurants and bars overlook the river. There is also a walkway behind the shops that is good for walking along the river.
Mansour A — Google review
We arrived later than we were entertaining so we only got to see a small part of the area. However we were impressed with what we saw. We caught the fire, water and lights with a rock song which was cool. We also caught a giant Christmas tree that Christmas lights were matching the tune of All I Want For Christmas ( Mariah Carey). We had to leave but it's a place to come back and spend the whole day. There is a Hilton down there so this could be an option for another visit.
Dotti A — Google review
Really cool lots of stuff to do.. Things to look at, stores to shop at places to eat! Don't miss the water show right on the lakefront every hour on the hour!
Doug D — Google review
There is so much to see and do in the Branson Vacationplex you could easily overlook this downtown delight. Here you’ll find interesting shops with “find it only here” merchandise, including the prerequisite T-shirt or sweatshirt. Surprisingly, to us anyway, there were at least two flea market shops with more to offer than you might expect in such a popular tourist zone as this. Take time to go-back-in-time on the historic train that you’ll find at the base of Main Street. If you get hungry looking at all that’s available, new and otherwise, there are plenty of great places to get an exceptionally good meal at an almost reasonable price! For an added bonus, continue down Main Street beyond Branson Landing Blvd, almost to the river, and you’ll find the Bass Pro Shop and many hidden shops, bars and restaurants including one by Guy Fieri of Diners Drive ins and Dives fame.
Ken V — Google review
I enjoy coming out here and fishing off the landing. It's a nice place to go visit if you're not from the area any time of the year. Plenty of stores to visit and beautiful scenery.
J C — Google review
Fantastic place for shopping and eating. Christmas list decorations are wonderful
Zoe N — Google review
Lovely evening. Sat on a bench and watched a bus boat go back and forth. Enjoyed the fountains!
Daughterofthe K — Google review
100 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, USAhttps://bransonlanding.com/(417) 239-3002Tips and more reviews for Branson Landing
3.8
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3.1
(1526)
Mentioned on 
Heritage railroad
Tours
Step aboard the Branson Scenic Railway for a nostalgic journey through the picturesque Ozarks. Departing from downtown, this vintage passenger train takes you on a 40-mile round-trip adventure through stunning landscapes, including lakes, rivers, forests, and hillsides. Choose between the northern route, passing by Galena and the James River Valley in Missouri, or the southern route crossing the Barren Fork Trestle into northwest Arkansas. The railway also hosts special events like the Polar Express during winter.
This was a very fun time! I was able to get in the train just fine on my transport chair although the entrance into the car as a pretty close squeeze, I don’t think an extra large wheelchair would fit through. We did the dining edition of ride and had tickets for the “silver island”. This is the car that doesn’t require stairs to get to. If you can’t climb stairs or need extra room to move around, the bathroom will not be a good option for you. It’s smaller than an airplane bathroom. The food was pretty good, started off with a salad, then the main course. Our group of 4 all got the chicken. It was pretty decent. I think all of our favorite course was dessert 😂 we had a 2 layer cake, a chocolate layer and a vanilla layer. The train ride itself was enjoyable, it was cool to see the rolling hills, beautiful greenery, and rivers. The car did away quite a bit and I had to hold onto the table for most of it (which made eating kind of a challenge 😂) but overall the 4 of us loved it. Would recommend either the scenic car or the dining car. Ride did last about 2 hours total. The staff was very nice and friendly and the service was very nice!
Sarah S — Google review
Never having ridden on a train before this was a great experience. The views are mostly woods but every once in a while you will get some beautiful scenery. The highlight was Liam, the narrator for the tour. His voice is so soothing and easy to listen to. All the staff were very gracious and friendly. I highly recommend this excursion and there are many times to choose from. We took the 9:30 am tour.
Kathy S — Google review
This was cool but NOT WORTH the money I spent for the dinner train. Food was ok I guess not a lot of flavor. When they said scenic it was not that pretty just a bunch of trees nothing I hadn’t seen before. I guess it would be worth the price without the dinner but I spent over $200 for the ride and the dinner and I did end up regretting it! Was 2 hours long it just stopped on a bridge after an hour going one way and just started going back in the opposite direction which when I was riding backwards it made me a little nauseous.
Linda S — Google review
Family friendly. Timely. Safe. The staff was great & helpful. Convenient snacks on board & inexpensive. The gift shop is nice with a good variety to offer. Liam was great and cool to listen to. Overall it’s a pleasant experience to be on a train but you do see a lot of trees and hillside, nothing outrageously scenic (photos included are the most scenic).
Tiffani T — Google review
On one hand I want to complain and the other I still feel like it's an experience worth experiencing. We had upper deck seats as a family of four. The morning of our trip we get notification we have been relocated and scattered on the bottom deck. Upon our arrival we were advised our seats were not available due to rain leakage. . . . . . .. this makes no sense to me as a man employed in the maintenance sector. Waterproofing caulk is basically pennies on the dollar. With what they charge to sit up top its a great investment. It's flexible and useful on many applications. Sure the cart flexes, but the Waterproofing caulk flexes more. It was still a scenic view, but I got the feeling we weren't valued passengers, but dollar signs and when the lady with the guitar came through it totally broke the "peaceful" scenic ride to me. I don't wanna call it a tourist trap, but it seems thats what Bronson is.
J D — Google review
Polar Express. We have visited Branson Scenic Railway for the Polar Express for the past 13 years. This was by far the most disappointing. We have always paid for the VIP tickets. This year many of the additions that are typically added, with the additional costs for VIP tickets, were eliminated (endless hot chocolate, seconds on cookies, etc.) The personalization of the past (such as the name on the tables) has also been eliminated. The souvenir mug is the only addition with the extra costs and those were just placed ion the tables in a to-go bag, rather than being given to families after arrival. There was no extra time with Santa and we actually felt like we had to basically beg to get one picture of the kids with him. There was no emphasis on the outside Christmas lights and the lights in the cars remained on throughout. So, viewing the lights was not good. Everything felt very ‘rushed’ and downgraded. The changes that have taken place with the new company are very disappointing. For people who have never experienced Polar Express in Branson, the experience may be fine because of no expectations. But, for experienced (VIP) ticket holders, beware that this is not the experience of past years. (Also, for those with cinnamon allergies, cookies have been changed from sugar cookies to snickerdoodles, with no other options available. As my daughter stated, this year’s trip sucked the magic right out of the experience.)
Sue T — Google review
The train ride was a good experience. It could have been a bit shorter but overall I recommend it. The audio could be a bit louder, it was hard to hear about the history over the chatter of folks. The atmosphere was casual, the dinner was all right. I had the chicken, my partner had prime rib. Caesar salad was decent and the vanilla and chocolate cake was tasty.
Moth W — Google review
I've been wanting to take this ride for years and was very excited that we got tickets for the Silver Terrace dome car. When we got on the car, every seat had iced tea and water and each glass had a lemon in it. I hate lemon so that wasn't a good start. It took 20 minutes to get new glasses without lemons in them. Additionally, every table but ours and the one across from us had rolls - we asked for some but they didn't arrive until dinner came out. I got the prime rib and it was not good. It was hammered - it was an unappetizing grey color and as I cut it, it made steak "sawdust" on the plate because it was so dry. I have no idea why the caterer chose to serve prime rib - that's hard to get right in an actual restaurant. The veg mix wasn't the best either. The sauce and horseradish that came with it were quite good. My wife had the baked chicken which came out with very cheap tasting BBQ sauce that was very liquid-smoke heavy. The food was very disappointing. The wait staff, while slow, (they probably have to cover a LOT of tables) was very nice. The evening's entertainer, "Ginger Blue" had a surprisingly rich and smooth voice - she was the highlight of the interior service and I'd have like to heard more from her. The train itself seemed in good condition and was clean. The tracks are another thing though - they need serious maintenance. The train rocked constantly and the rocking became aggressive in several sections. Inside the tunnel was VERY rough. I understand rail maintenance is catastrophically expensive, but a derailment would be worse. I've been on several other trains and none of them had that rough of a ride. Overall I am not motivated to return for another trip. The food needs a major overhaul and the tracks need serious maintenance.
Michael B — Google review

Top places to eat

4.5
(5688)
4.5
(4709)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Diner
Mel's Hard Luck Diner, located in Branson, MO within the Grand Village Shopping Center, offers a unique dining experience with its 1950s-style decor and singing servers. The staff consists of professional musicians, singers, and songwriters who entertain guests throughout their meal. The menu features classic comfort foods like the Hard Luck cheeseburger and High Rollin beef pot roast.
Fantastic fun at Mel's Diner. We were a party of two and managed to get right in on a Friday afternoon. I ordered the Cheese steak sandwich, while my wife decided on a Banana split with a side of Onion rings. Our waitress recommended to order my sandwich with onion rings and have the fries as the side to save a bit of cash, which is what we did. Once the food arrived we were both entranced by the size of the banana split. I decided to help my wife try to eat this enormous offering and basically just enjoyed a couple bites of my sandwich with the Intention of taking it home. We just couldn't finish the delicious split, although we gave it a valiant effort. During the meal we enjoyed hearing 5 or 6 different wait staff sing various genres of music. All are very talented and were local performers at various shows in Branson as well as working here at Mel's Diner.
Hebrews 1 — Google review
Fun atmosphere with talented singing servers (they have to audition to get a server job). I had the Ruben with fries $16.50 which was served hot, but very soggy. The flavor was good, but I really missed the usually raspberry accompaniment. Hubby had a huge Southwest salad with crispy chicken $16.50 and said it was very good. We saw a cherry float made and it made us promise each other we'd come back for ice cream 🍨another day.
Patricia V — Google review
Like everything in Branson, Mel's Hard Luck Diner is designed to entertain. The portions and prices were not bad and the singing servers were entertaining and a nice change. Come when you have time to enjoy a group meal and split a desert. You will not be disappointed.
George S — Google review
We were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed this place. The wait staff are also performers and take turns serenading the patrons. It is a little louder at times because of the performances. The food was the best we've had our whole vacation and they are on our list of places to revisit. Portions are big and flavors are wonderful.
Herb L — Google review
This was a great place! The servers sing while they're serving and it was just such a fun atmosphere. Food was good too and they offered several gluten free options and had a gluten sensitive menu.
Cat ( — Google review
The cheese steak, fries, and chocolate shake were all pretty good. Our first server, Kharie, seemed very nice, but for some reason she was switched out for a different server as soon as we sat down. I was bummed we didn't get to hear her sing because her track list seemed cool. It said there were CDs available for purchase but I couldn't find it in the shop. I think Matt was the second server and he was also nice, and he had a pleasant singing voice. 4 stars mainly because the intermittent singing made it hard to have conversations and also it meant that the server was unavailable for several minutes when we had already finished our food and were ready to leave.
Alec D — Google review
We LOVED our experience! We were so happy that we got to finally have a meal at Mel’s diner! There was a huge line when we got there but we literally waited for maybe 5 minutes!! Our waitress, Ondria was sooo sweet and an amazing singer! My brother & his fiancé loved their meals along with my girlfriend and I! We will definitely be coming back!!!
Emily W — Google review
This is such a cool place to go! Only downside is they close early, so make plans to be there early. The servers are singers, and they're good! Really good! This restaurant is not for people looking for a quiet spot to eat. They have ice cream desserts you feel like you'll only ever see on TV. Ice cream pilled so high, filled with cookies. The food is really good too. I got the pot roast and would definitely order it again. Will have to come back next time we're in Branson.
Nikki P — Google review
2800 West Highway, W 76 Country Blvd ste 103, Branson, MO 65616, USAhttp://www.melshardluckdiner.com/(417) 332-0150Tips and more reviews for Mel's Hard Luck Diner
4.1
(4212)
4.0
(3308)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Family restaurant
American restaurant
Nestled within the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, McFarlain's Family Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its charming antique-filled ambiance. The restaurant is renowned for its delectable homemade cobblers and pies, including the exclusive Branson Traffic Jam Pie featuring a delightful blend of cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, and cranberries.
Lovely fantastic experience. Best roast beef and potatoes I've ever had. Kimberly was very sweet and provided exceptional service for us. The included honey cornbread is preferable to the rolls most places offer. My mom also got a free piece of pie for Mother's Day. Outstanding!
Randal C — Google review
We ate here after seeing a musical show. Lunch was good. I had the rest beef. It was tender and not fatty. Didn’t have a whole lot of flavor. The creamed corn was very good. My wife had a club sandwich and fries was good. Table bread is cornbread.
Greg J — Google review
Stopped in today for a beer and some appetizers. I can’t believe we haven’t stopped here before. It is a fun place with a neat atmosphere. They have cafe style seating, a bar and a patio. The patio is technically indoors however but still neat. We will be back!
Angie F — Google review
The online menus are misleading. The prices shown must be years old.This place was very well advertised, but really pulled up short in its expectations! We could barely find the front door as it was well camouflaged. It’s very confusing as they are a movie theater, game arcade, shopping stalls and somewhere there was a restaurant in there. We entered at 3:00…. Not a lot of people there. The hostess finally seated us (she seemed like it was a burden) with menus. The waitress showed up and took our drink order. Came back with our drinks and asked if we were ready to order (less than a minute). We did ask for another minute. That’s the last time we saw her. She got a large group behind us. She took their drink order and then started taking their food order We had been there over 15 mins and only had water and menus Needless to say we got up and left Terrible service. Don’t go I won’t
Henry M — Google review
Haven't been here for a couple years. They have expanded since the last time I was there. My lady and I shared a fried green tomato appetizer. 6 large slices, breaded and deep fried. They were delicious. We ended up bringing 4 slices home. The complimentary corn bread came out hot, and it was like home made. My lady had the chicken pot pie, and I had the deluxe club with house made potato chips. The chef here knows what he's doing. Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and staff is courteous and professional. All in all, I recommend McFarlains for a good meal in Branson. The only reason I gave 4 stars for the atmosphere is it's in the IMAX mall, and the decor is early tourist kitsch.
Pastor P — Google review
Large portions great food. We had Mac ‘n cheese with burnt ends and a roast beef dinner. Cornbread is delicious. Price for what we got was great!
C S — Google review
Amazing Breakfast and Warm Atmosphere I had the pleasure of having breakfast at this charming restaurant, and it did not disappoint! The cinnamon rolls were absolutely amazing — warm, soft, and perfectly sweet with just the right amount of icing. Definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was cozy and nostalgic, with old pictures lining the walls that gave the place a lot of character. What really stood out was the tribute wall to veterans — a heartfelt touch that showed real appreciation for those who have served. It added a meaningful and personal feel to the whole experience. Great food, friendly service - thank you Kari! and a warm, welcoming environment — I’ll definitely be back!
D'Ann C — Google review
Looks to be newly remodeled. Service was good. Fairly quick for the type of food it is. Speaking of the food my friend got the pot roast and I got the meatloaf. Both were amazing. The creamed corn was authentic southern cream corn and was great! Potatoes seemed to be real potatoes as well not the powder or can stuff. Great experience!
Allen H — Google review
4.3
(643)
4.1
(423)
Mentioned on 
very expensive
Steak house
Nestled within the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, Level 2 Steakhouse is an upscale dining destination that promises a delightful culinary experience. With its modern decor and sophisticated ambiance, this steakhouse specializes in serving exquisite steaks and fresh seafood. Guests can indulge in a hearty steakhouse soup brimming with cheddar cheese, smoked tomatoes, and tender steak tips—perfect for kickstarting your meal.
This place was absolutely amazing! Good food, good vibes, & good service! Anton was a fantastic server & explained everything so patiently & and precisely. The most incredible feature of our experience was getting to choose your own steak knife! They explain each in detail & let you choose your own. They're If also located in the convention center, so you get a nice view on the way to the restaurant. If you're in Branson, please go check them out!
Aimee D — Google review
Visited Level 2 for the first time for our anniversary, the atmosphere was impeccable and the service provided by Anton was top tier. Staff was extremely helpful offering pairing advice and information. A wonderful evening
Ryan D — Google review
We went to Level 2 to celebrate a birthday. We didn’t intend to tell them but the hostess overheard us and let our server know. Our entire meal was delicious! The steak was seasoned and seared perfectly and they brought us a dessert with Happy Birthday written on the plate! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
AnneMarie S — Google review
The food was wonderful! The butter cake was probably the best cake I have ever eaten. Cory was a Fabulous waiter. Attentive, kind and funny! He made our anniversary the best!!
Melinda L — Google review
Gerald was our waiter at the Hilton Branson Convention Center - Level 2 Steakhouse. He is a people person and has great customer service, so much so that we requested to be seated in his area for each of our dining experiences. He took time out of his schedule to visit with us and recommended sites to see. He made us feel valued. The food and prices are very comparable to other local restaurants. Highly recommended.
Sara M — Google review
Cory did a wonder job! He decorated our table for our anniversary dinner, the food was delicious and Cory even paid for our dessert for our anniversary! Highly recommend and will return!
Eric M — Google review
We had the best time last night . Our waiter Eugene was very nice , very bright , very attentive . We will be requesting him when we come back. Kisses to the chef last night, our cowboy ribeye was one of the best steak we ever had. We need no sause it was seasoned to perfection & succulent & juicy. Bacon wrapped dates where a flavor explosion in your mouth! The fresh crab cakes and aoli out of this world. We got the rooted carrots & cream brulee corn hands down just delicious. We loved our drinks... I'm now obsessed with a French 75 & Manhattan, high 5 to our bartender last night. You can't go wrong with this steakhouse . The experience the food is so worth it . You want high-end & fine dining this is the place!!!! Thank you all so much ❤️! Ps. Was to full to eat our ooey butter cake, so we got it to go ! 10/10 . Just scrumptious!
Danielle C — Google review
We had the pleasure of visiting this establishment on July 18th, the last day of our vacation. Our server was Anton. He was attentive and professional, which provided for a great experience. Everything was to our liking, and no one had any complaints. I can't speak for the other reviews, but I'm glad our experience was phenomenal. Definitely will visit again when in Branson!
Brittney A — Google review
4.3
(3107)
4.5
(1704)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Mexican restaurant
Caterer
Cantina Laredo is an upscale Mexican restaurant located in Branson, MO, offering a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Situated at the waterfront with both indoor and outdoor seating, it provides a stunning view of the Branson Landing Water & Fire Show. The menu features a variety of gourmet Mexican dishes, including upscale versions of classics like guacamole and tacos, as well as specialty items such as the Cameron Poblano Asada.
This was Team Retreat and dinner on a Friday evening. Our wait was about 40-Min. We sat outside as requested. Waitress was Amazing! Food was good. The only issue that we had was one if our teammates food came out incredibly wrong. Good thing she looked at it our there would have been a allergic reaction in the works. It was corrected but a close call. Overall, Great atmosphere, food and drinks. Light show was great also.
Dayan D — Google review
The only thing good about this place is if your outside and can watch the water show. The food cost to much for what you get. Our waitress came back only 2 times and once was to bring us food. My friends had nachos. They were so soggy and rubbery they couldn't even tear them apart. They were soggy. One friend got steak. There was only about 5 pieces on top. One my friends was only able to eat a little bit. The other one gave up.
Claysangel2 — Google review
Being a vegetarian, ordered spinach enchiladas and veggie quesadillas. We also had combo dip with queso corn and guacamole. The food was really good, and the service was awesome. We went on a Sunday evening, to watch the Branson Fire and Water show from the patio of the hotel. The experience was really good. There was a small wait time of 20 mins to find a seat on the patio, but was worth enough for having the food and watch the show. The price was reasonable, like 20 to 30$ per head. The staff was very good, and was never hesitant to refill the free chips and providing salsas of different spice levels. Overall, a great restaurant for dinner with a good ambience.
Anand G — Google review
Do not miss this if you are headed to Branson!! Cantina Laredo is not your typical Mexican American fare. It is fine dining. The atmosphere and the servers are top notch. The food is plated beautifully, with care. It is delicious and the prices are not much more than typical Mexican restaurants. The patio and window seats inside overlook the river and the fire/ water show on the river promenade can be viewed from the patio. I have made the 2+ hour drive to eat here and if you are already headed there, do not let the construction downtown deter you. It is a small inconvenience at best and well worth the trouble.
Paula G — Google review
The lakeside is FABULOUS. The chips and great with the freshly made salsa. Service was a little slow but the food was delicious and the Blood Orange Sangria hit the spot.
Frederick J — Google review
This has become my favorite Mexican restaurant! Great margs, the fireroasted salsa was excellent, as well as the fresh crispy chips and tableside guac. We had the carne asada dinner and it was outstanding and had a crispy pork bowl.
Kim M — Google review
The salsa was amazing, and my fajitas were perfect!! We will definitely be back again.
Terisa J — Google review
One of the few restaurants that offered a couple of vegan options for my family from Germany. The food was abundant and nicely prepared and presented. We sat on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lake and water fountains on a perfect fall day! I HIGHLY recommend this outdoor seating. Only the lack of attention by our server
Luise B — Google review
4.1
(3323)
4.0
(1831)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Restaurant
White River Fish House is a charming, lodge-style restaurant located along the shore of Lake Taneycomo and the famous White River in the Ozarks. Voted as one of the best seafood restaurants in Branson, it offers hearty country cooking with a focus on seafood dishes. The historic floating eatery provides stunning water views and is a popular spot for locals arriving by boat.
Went here with my grandma, it is her favorite and a very nostalgic restaurant for her. We enjoyed gator bites to start, which were very good along with the sauce that came with it. I got white fish with a creamy sauce with shrimp (do not remember the name but it was delicious!!!) The broccoli and mashed potatoes that I got as my sides were so good. The vines were so cozy and cabin like. It was warm and inviting. Our server was very kind and we even had a good conversation about our stay and events nearby.
Clara B — Google review
The location of this restaurant (next to Bass Pro Shop and on a Barge) is really nice. It looks over the river and we even got to watch the zip liners go. The biscuits at the start were really good. The main food was decent. I got fish and it was ok. The cobbler at the end was fantastic though. For a nice view and a decent meal, this works.
Chuck B — Google review
Very appealing and pleasant atmosphere. The staff was very friendly and courteous. Our server was Ariana. She did a great job. Very attentive. I got the fish and chips and my wife got the bacon wrapped shrimp. We like both. The broccoli was steamed just right and the rice was really good along with the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
William B — Google review
Our group of 35 was traveling with Diamond Tours and one of our stops was the fish house. The atmosphere was amazing, the service was awesome the only downside is our food was either luke warm or on the cooler side. However everyone was still happy over all.
Lisa W — Google review
The White River Fish House was a fantastic dining experience. The rustic atmosphere with river views set the perfect backdrop for a great meal. Service was outstanding — attentive, friendly, and welcoming. The food was excellent. The salmon and mahi-mahi were both fresh, perfectly prepared, and full of flavor. Easily better than what we’ve had at Top of the Rock Restaurant. What really stood out was the hospitality. The manager even came by to personally celebrate and feed the birthday guest — a memorable and fun touch that made the evening extra special. Highly recommend White River Fish House for both the food and the exceptional service.
Gordon F — Google review
Entering was amazing front desk and clerk very helpful. Our server Shelli was the Best. We had two starters, grilled to perfection walleye and fish and chips. Fresh ice tea. The manager stop an checked on us. Wonderful experience after a train ride.
Doug B — Google review
White River Fish House was everything I expected a fish house on the water to be. Heavily fish themed, great atmosphere, lots of seating inside with limited seating outside around the perimeter. The food was excellent. Several fish options. Highly recommend the fish and chips.
Shannon S — Google review
Very good food as far as what we got. Indoor and outdoor dining. Outdoor dining was very calm and relaxing. Indoors had a rustic feel to it but very cool setup. Side rooms for family dining. All in all a very cool restaurant.
Ken J — Google review

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