Although there are lots of good dining options on the BoA campus, sometimes it’s fun to get off campus and treat yourself and your family to a meal at a restaurant. There are a ton of great restaurants in Branson to choose from, so to make your life easier we’ve rounded up our top 5 favorite family-friendly spots.
1. Pasghetti’s
When you’re in the mood for some hearty Italian fare and a super fun atmosphere, look no further than Pasghetti’s. This affordable dining spot serves a variety of Italian favorites, including their signature Pasghetti and Meatball plate. In addition to great food, Pasghetti’s boasts themed dining rooms, a game room for kids, and a Ferris wheel inside the restaurant. Before you head inside, be sure to check out the world’s largest fork and meatball. You can actually walk through it!
Open Sunday–Thursday: 11 am–8:15 pm; Friday–Saturday: 11 am–8:45 pm
2. Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Why not turn dinner into dinner and a show? Head over to Dolly Parton’s Stampede and treat yourself and your kids to a show full of magnificent horses, top-notch trick riders, spectacular special effects, and fabulous musical productions. And while all the fun is happening, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious four-course feast of down-home cooking. Delight as riders battle it out in a friendly competition in the performance arena, and then sit back and enjoy your meal.
Shows run 7 days a week at 5:30 and 8 pm.
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3. Lambert’s Cafe
Okay, so technically, this one’s not located in Branson, but you don’t want to miss Lambert’s Cafe. Located about 40 minutes from BoA, this Missouri favorite is worth the drive. Not only do they offer some of the best comfort food around, but the atmosphere is also unlike anywhere else. Lambert’s is known as the “Home of Throwed Rolls” because, you guessed it, the restaurant is famous for throwing rolls. Servers decked out in red suspenders will chuck rolls at hungry customers from across the dining room. It’s quite a sight to be seen.
The servers also love to play hi-jinks on unassuming guests, so be on guard. One time we got a fake soda dumped on our table (and we may or may not have let out a shriek). Another reason to love Lambert’s is its pass-arounds. Pass-arounds are limitless sides that servers walk around and scoop on to your plate anytime you want more.
Open Saturday and Sunday: 10 am–9 pm; Monday–Friday 10:30 am–9 pm
Related post: 10 Things To Do in Branson During a Youth Travel Baseball Tournament
4. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner
The big attraction at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner is the singing servers. You heard that right. This 1950s-themed restaurant is home to Branson’s original singing servers. Get serenaded at your table by some of Branson’s most talented singers, many of whom perform in local shows. Your kids won’t be bored at Mel’s!
The menu is full of tasty salads, sandwiches, burgers, and sweet treats. The banana split and rootbeer floats are fan favorites, so go ahead and indulge.
Open Monday–Thursday: 11 am–8 pm; Friday–Saturday: 11 am–8:30 pm
5. Pop A Dogs
What kid doesn’t love hot dogs and soda? And that’s exactly what Pop A Dogs specializes in. Serving gourmet hot dogs with all sorts of amazing toppings and 1000 old-fashioned soda flavors, Pop A Dogs is sure to please kids and adults alike. We’re particularly fond of the Over Easy Dog, which is topped with smoked sausage, an over-easy egg, bacon strips, hash browns, bacon, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and its secret sauce. Looking for another reason to try this place out? A percentage of Pop A Dog’s sales is donated to a local medical clinic that provides medical care to the underserved.
Open Tuesday: 11 am–3 pm; Wednesday–Saturday: 11 am–7 pm
BoA is the Destination for Youth Baseball Tournaments
Ballparks of America is the premier stay-and-play youth baseball tournament facility. Not only are our baseball tournaments first-class, but we’re also located in one of the best family vacation destinations in the country. Book your next tournament at BoA and experience everything that Branson, Missouri has to offer.
