Enjoy a Wholesome Meal at These Family Restaurants in Branson, MO

Jan 01, 2025

Enjoy a Wholesome Meal at These Family Restaurants in Branson, MO
By Westgate Resorts

Enjoy a Wholesome Meal at These Family Restaurants in Branson, MO

When vacationing in Branson, MO, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy. From thrilling theme parks and live entertainment to fascinating museums and marine life exhibits, there's always something exciting you can do with the whole family.

Branson is also known for its wide range of family restaurants that serve hearty, delicious meals. If you’re planning a family outing, these family restaurants in Branson, MO, are a must-visit. Many of them are also conveniently located minutes away from your favorite Westgate Branson resort.

6 Branson Family Restaurants To Eat In When You Visit

  1. Cordovano Joe’s Pizza

  2. Pickin Porch Grill

  3. Hungry Hunter Restaurant

  4. Farmhouse Restaurant

  5. McFarlain’s Family Restaurant

  6. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner

Have a day of family fun when you dine at any of these beloved Branson family restaurants.

1 | Cordovano Joe’s Pizza |

If you’re craving authentic New York-style pizza, Cordovano Joe’s is a must-visit spot for the whole family. The pizzeria serves fresh, hot pizzas in a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere—perfect for a relaxed family meal.

Cordovano Joe’s menu features a variety of specialty pizzas made from the finest ingredients. Try the Italian Trio Classico, a delightful pepperoni pizza made with Italian sausage and Italian-style meatballs. For a lighter, plant-based choice, opt for Very Veggie with mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers, black olives, and tomatoes. There’s also the personal pizza menu for families who want to order separate pizzas with cheese, pepperoni, meat, or veggie toppings.

At Cordovano Joe’s, you can choose from a long list of extra toppings and build your pizza to your taste. The restaurant serves more than pizza—you’ll also find salads, sandwiches, and starters like Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks.

Cordovano Joe’s is located at the Westgate Branson Woods Resort, inside the Wilderness Lodge. It offers dine-in, pick-up, or delivery options, and you can even have your pizza brought directly to the poolside while you’re lounging with your family.

WHERE: 2201 Roark Valley Rd, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-334-2324

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2 | Pickin Porch Grill |

Pickin Porch Grill is a local favorite in Branson, celebrated for its comforting, delicious meals and welcoming, folksy vibe. It's a go-to family dining spot, especially on evenings when there’s live music.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and its menu is diverse enough to satisfy every craving. From the Porch Platters section, don’t miss the Carne Asada Fries—crispy fries layered with melted jack and cheddar cheese, tender grilled carne asada, and a drizzle of house-made avocado sauce. The Plates menu includes hearty meat-based options like pulled pork, chicken tenders, or fried catfish, all served with baked beans and fries. Juicy burgers are another highlight—each served with a generous side of fries.

The kids' menu is thoughtfully crafted for children aged 10 and under. Options include grilled cheese with fries, chicken tenders, or cheesy quesadillas, all served with a drink.

Pickin Porch Grill is located inside the Branson Craft Mall, making it easy to shop and dine in one place. Plus, popular attractions like the Titanic Museum and the Branson Ferris Wheel are also nearby.

WHERE: 694 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-334-1223

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3 | Hungry Hunter Restaurant |

The Hungry Hunter Restaurant is a beloved spot in Branson for freshly made breakfasts in a quiet part of the town. With its cozy, American diner-style setting, it provides a warm, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for starting the day. While breakfast is the restaurant’s specialty, you can also enjoy brunch and lunch all day long.

The menu offers a variety of delicious options, including homemade cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, steak and egg platters, and more. If you love omelets, you can’t go wrong with the Mexican, Spanish, Western, or Philly varieties.

For something filling, the Rise and Shine menu features biscuits and hash browns served with homemade sausage gravy. The Big Boy Meals category includes options like chicken-fried steak, pork chops, or the Hunter’s Special, all served with eggs, hash browns, and either biscuits or toast.

Hungry Hunter is also known for its large pancakes, perfect for sharing with kids. For little ones under 10, the kids' menu includes fun options like Pigs in a Blanket and French Toast.

Though the restaurant is a bit off the beaten path, there are a few family-friendly activities nearby, such as hiking at Trailhead or snapping photos by John F. Kennedy’s Head.

WHERE: 5753 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-332-3663

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4 | Farmhouse Restaurant |

If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to dine and shop, head to Farmhouse Restaurant. Located in Historic Downtown, this restaurant offers home-style cooking in a cozy setting. After your meal, check out the Farmhouse Gift Shop next door for a selection of unique items.

Farmhouse’s menu covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and mouthwatering desserts. Start your day with a delicious omelet made with pasture-raised eggs, or enjoy a tasty sandwich with your choice of meat. The Buffalo Chicken Breast Sandwich, packed with delicious sauce, or the local favorite, Country Ham Steak, are both great options.

You’ll also find hand-breaded American catfish fillets or whole catfish, served with biscuits and classic sides like French fries, cole slaw, and hush puppies. For a well-rounded meal, try sides like baked potatoes, fried okra, steamed broccoli, and onion rings.

Farmhouse Restaurant also serves refreshing teas and soft drinks with free refills, but the meal isn’t complete without tasting the irresistible Blackberry Cobbler. While the restaurant doesn’t have a dedicated kids' menu, all meals are kid-friendly, and its relaxing vibe makes it a great place to enjoy a meal with the whole family.

WHERE: 119 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-334-9701

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5 | McFarlain’s Family Restaurant |

Nothing screams “Branson exclusive” louder than this family-friendly eatery. McFarlain’s Family Restaurant is known for its Ozark-focused cuisine and excellent homemade pies. The staff at McFarlain’s is friendly and treats you like family, so you never want to leave.

If you’re visiting McFarlain’s, make sure to go in with an appetite. Its menu is broad, and the restaurant serves large portions of breakfast and brunch meals all day. For a classic breakfast, try the Big Country Breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits, and gravy. Another popular option is Pa’s Morning Favorite—eggs, pancakes, sausage, and bacon.

Brunch favorites include the Ozark Appetizers and honey cornbread with a side salad. The kids’ menu caters to children under 10, offering dishes like chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes. A fun touch for kids is the “growing tables,” which rise as they eat and lower when they sing a cheerful song with the staff!

Located inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, McFarlain’s is a great place to enjoy a meal before exploring the area. Catch a family movie, watch a live show, or browse the nearby gift and antique stores.

WHERE: 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-336-4680

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6 | Mel’s Hard Luck Diner |

This 1950s-themed diner is not just famous for its great cuisine; it’s also popular for its singing servers. At Mel's Hard Luck Diner, you can enjoy live music while you eat, with award-winning musicians performing your favorite tunes.

The menu offers a great mix of dishes, including soups, sandwiches, burgers, and desserts. Start with the heartwarming Have It Mel’s Way, a soup served over spaghetti noodles, cheese, and chopped onions. For lunch, go for the Grand Village Cheesesteak sandwich or the juicy Love Me Tender Fried Steakburger.

Kids will love the variety of dreamy sweets and treats, including the Build Me Up Banana split with lots of toppings and sprinkles. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner is a family-friendly restaurant, but it may not be ideal for little ones startled by loud noises. If you’re coming with older children, they may find the place more interesting and even sing along as they eat.

Mel's Hard Luck Diner doesn’t take reservations. Its policy is that everyone from your group should come together to get seated. If you have to wait for a member of your group, feel free to explore the nearby stores and attractions, like the Kringles Christmas Shop.

WHERE: 2800 W 76 Country Blvd, Ste 103, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-332-0150

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FAQs About Family Restaurants in Branson, MO

Branson offers a variety of family-friendly restaurants, as it’s a popular destination for family vacations. Notable options include Cordovano Joe’s Pizza, Pickin Porch Grill, Hungry Hunter Restaurant, Farmhouse Restaurant, McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, and Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. Each spot provides a warm, inviting atmosphere with delicious meals that cater to families of all sizes.

Many restaurants in Branson offer kid-friendly options. You’ll often find smaller portions of classic favorites like chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, meatloaf, and pigs in a blanket. Sweet treats like French toast or banana splits are common, too, ensuring there’s something for even the pickiest eaters. Whether they’re after a savory meal or a sweet indulgence, there’s a dish for everyone.

Yes! Branson is known for its live shows, and many of its restaurants offer live entertainment. For example, Mel’s Hard Luck Diner features singing servers who perform while you dine, creating a fun atmosphere. Pickin Porch Grill also hosts live music on select nights, adding to the lively vibe.

If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxed place for a family lunch, Hungry Hunter Restaurant is a great choice. Tucked away on Historic Highway 165, it’s a cozy spot far from the busy crowds of Branson’s main tourist areas. And while it’s away from the hustle and bustle, you’re still close to some great local attractions for a fun day out.

Cordovano Joe’s is a family-friendly pizza place known for authentic New York-style pizza. It offers a range of pizzas, including the option for personalized pizzas where family members can pick their preferred toppings.

Branson, MO, the Perfect Family-Friendly Destination

The diverse culinary scene, family-friendly attractions, and welcoming atmosphere of Branson, Missouri, make it the perfect vacation paradise for the family. There’s so much to do when in Branson—from exploring the best restaurants with a view to visiting exciting museums, national parks, and more.

For more information on Branson hotels and attractions, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.


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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there's a LOT to Check-Out! Your Branson vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Aside from Cordovano Joe’s Pizza, Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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