Due to Covid 19 I have added phone numbers or websites to assist with ordering curbside or delivery.

Mr. G’s Chicago Pizza and Pub (417-335-8156) located at 202 N. Commercial Street in Branson Missouri is the home of Chicago Pizza in the Southwest Ozarks.  We drive 40 miles to this spot for the best Chicago style pizza this part of Missouri has to offer.  Thick or thin crust, the sausage is awesome and the service is usually on point.  When they get busy, you may have a wait.  Or get it to go and eat down at the Branson Landing while people watching, just bring plenty of napkins.

Jose Locos with 2 locations in Springfield, Missouri.  Located at 853 N. Glenstone (417-831-1300) and 300 East Battlefield ((417-885-9097) they have great specials, fishbowl margaritas, and excellent service.  I have been eating at restaurants owned by this family since 1994 and have never been disappointed.  The Cancun Burrito is a special favorite.

Deb and Lou’s Café Gainesville (417-679-0048) located in the heart of downtown Gainesville Missouri at 345 S. Main.  Old fashioned Formica tables, metal chairs and great food.  Their cake is homemade and the frosting is fantastic.  Downtown Gainesville is also home to some cute shops so you might want to spend the afternoon browsing in this quaint town.  It’s a beautiful ride down Hwy 14 to Ava then south on Hwy 5 to Gainesville.

Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes in Downtown Springfield (417-319-5905) and Chesterfield Village (417-368-0227) is a must try.  There is also a Black Sheep ASAP on East Sunshine (417-351-3595).  The burgers are HUGE and the shakes are delicious and made with our own Andy’s Frozen Custard.  I seem to always want the Cowboy Carl burger and the Sugar Daddy or Elvis shake.  Share some fries with truffle dipping sauce and you will not want to move from your stylish seat for quite some time.

El Rodeo (417-777-7020) located off the square in Bolivar Missouri at 306 E Jackson is a sprawling Mexican restaurant that has earned its place in the hearts of Bolivar residents.  They have an excellent menu and their service has always been on point whenever I have visited.  My mom and her husband visit them at least once a month and are always satisfied.  Warning: no alcohol sales at this restaurant.

Mickeys 76 Drive In (www.Mickeys76drivein.com) located in Branson West on Hwy 76. Just look for the big Vienna wiener out by the street.  Mickey’s has excellent chocolate shakes, beefs, Vienna hot dogs and more.  Just what northern transplants look for in their Drive In restaurants.   Outside seating only.

Rosie Joes in Ozark (417-581-6047) serves some of the best fried catfish I have ever had.  Located on 1711 South  15^th St. in Ozark Missouri, you will not leave hungry.  Portions are large and meals come with 2 sides and bread including cornbread.  They have moved into this location and have more room in a newer building so look them up on Maps if you haven’t been down to visit them in a while.

The Boathouse (417-276-5361) in Stockton Missouri on Hwy 39 is temporarily closed due to Covid 19, but when they open it is worth the drive to check out their fried chicken, huge rolls, and eclectic décor.  Plan to take a walk around the dam after you eat, because you may not be able to resist the desserts.

 

Flat Creek Restaurant in Republic (417-732-5441) is an off shoot of the original restaurant in Cape Fair.  Catfish is their claim to fame as well as good service and interesting Ozark décor.  I had a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on the sandwich (don’t knock it til you’ve tried it) and fries which could have fed two people.  They also have daily specials that are reasonable.  Expect a wait on weekends.

Whole Hog Café-224 W. Sunshine ( WholeHogCafe.com)-has an excellent selection of BBQ sauces on the table all of which I tried.  Their pulled pork sandwich (coleslaw on the side this time) was delicious served with fresh potato salad and my favorite burnt end cheesy corn.  Delicious!

Your favorite, or new favorite restaurant is counting on your support during these troubled times.  Please do what you reasonably can to support their efforts to stay in business as this illness runs its course through our world.  I encourage you to safely get out, enjoy a car ride, limit your physical contact with others, and support your community.