There is a lot to do in Branson, Missouri, and the best way to fuel up for a day’s-worth of sightseeing is with a great breakfast.
Greetings from Branson, it’s time for breakfast. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Branson may be the live entertainment capital of the Midwest. And other visitors may come here for shopping, outdoor recreation, or to visit a theme park. However, what many travel guides may be overlooking is the first meal of the day, long before the stomach gets ready for afternoon barbeque or a down-home, dinner theatre meal. Here are seven of the best breakfast places in Branson, from stellar coffee to unique, local favorites.
Sit down and relax with some quality coffee at Vintage Paris. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Best coffee: Vintage Paris
Vintage Paris could also be on this list for “best vibe.” This is where to chill and enjoy a coffee, either in one of their plush seating areas inside or at a table outside with views of the Ozarks. Vintage Paris opened in 2019 and is owned and operated by Jessica and Matt Farmer. All coffee is roasted in-house, and the baristas excel with the use of online training tools. Vintage Paris is located a few miles outside of downtown Branson, but it is worth the drive for coffee shop enthusiasts. By all means, try Le Chat Noir blend.
7900 State Highway 165, Hollister
Best in Theatre District: McFarlain’s Restaurant
The much-visited Theatre District is home to dozens of eateries. And for many visitors, McFarlain’s is quickly becoming an old standard. The restaurant, located in Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex, pushes out consistent dishes inspired by Ozark cuisine. “Pa’s Legendary Breakfasts” include items like country fried steak and eggs, a cinnamon roll big enough to be a meal, and the Ozark Mountain Skillet—cast iron cookware loaded with hashbrowns covered in white gravy, topped with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, and cheddar cheese. Almost everything here comes with a giant biscuit. Catch a flick afterwards as IMAX films start as early as 10am on the weekends.
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expy
Some Parlor Doughnuts favorites include the campfire and the carnival. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Best doughnuts: Parlor Doughnuts
One of the fastest growing doughnut chains in the US, Parlor pumps out fresh doughnuts daily and provides a couple of great alternatives for savory-loving guests. Residing somewhere between flaky croissant and delicate doughnut, the Parlor breakfast treats come in a variety of fun flavors, like raspberry pistachio, campfire, and turtle cheesecake. Our favorite was the carnival, a simple honey glaze with rainbow sprinkles. Parlor has vegan, keto, and gluten free options, too. Traditional breakfast foods, like a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich or avocado toast, come on a customer’s choice of bread, which can be an unglazed doughnut. Treats for dogs are available, too.
482 Branson Landing Blvd #105
Best Sunday brunch: The Keeter Center
Brunch at The Keeter Center overlooks the sprawling College of the Ozarks campus. But the better view may be of the brunch buffet containing hot items, side dishes, salads, seasonal fruits, and domestic and imported cheeses. A carved meat station featuring award-winning smoked ham entices diners who may not, or may already, have perused the made-to-order waffles and omelet selections. The Keeter Center is the spot for elevated cuisine in Branson. The restaurant strives to be as farm-to-fork as possible, bringing locally grown produce, dairy, and meats to the table. Take a listen, student musicians provide dining entertainment. Special holiday brunches occur on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Thanksgiving weekends.
1 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout
The gallery-like Pie Safe is where pie is art. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Best take away: The Pie Safe
When in Branson, it is perfectly acceptable to have pie for breakfast. The Pie Safe is a downtown icon, fashioned in an 18th century theme. Some of the fun flavors include Nita’s Blueberry, Lemon Cream, and Vivian’s Pecan. However, in Branson there is one pie to rule them all: blackberry. At The Pie Safe, this is a berry-studded, thick custard pie with a crunchy sugar topping. Seating inside is limited, but pies and other sweet treats can be boxed up to be enjoyed back in a hotel room. Better yet, enjoy a breakfast picnic at nearby North Beach Park where Roark Creek meets the winding White River.
109 N Commercial St
Best pancakes: Belgian Waffle & Pancake House
Open early and closing right after lunch, the Belgian Waffle & Pancake House specializes in the first meal of the day. And they aim to make it fun! This eatery uses the same Belgian family recipe for its waffles and pancakes as it did when it opened in 1976. The late owner, Morrie Taghorn, built a menu around recipes his immigrant mother brought from Belgium. The standard waffle comes sprinkled with powdered sugar, but variants include cinnamon, fruit, pecans, and the dessert waffle comes with ice cream. Diners may even meet local performers stopping by to promote their shows.
3120 W 76 Country Blvd
The Haystack at Clocker’s Café may be the perfect breakfast combo. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Best Overall: Clocker’s Cafe
Clocker’s Café feels like a place where locals meet and where regulars always eat. The quaint, hometown restaurant is the place where everyone seems to know each other, and strangers are friends not yet met. The breakfast menu is loaded with scrumptious options, but the star of the show is the Haystack. Hashbrowns and an egg to order rest on a sausage patty atop a biscuit and the whole stack is smothered in smooth and delicious sausage gravy. However, some of the more popular items on the menu are the platters. Some platters come with sirloin steak or country fried pork tenderloin. Bring a gift of the gab and an appetite.
103 S Commercial St