Old 76 Smokehouse
Old 76 Smokehouse, located on Highway 76 in Branson West, is our personal favorite. It has the feel of a place locals know about, and the food has always been excellent when we have gone.
Their brisket is smoked for over 16 hours, and in my opinion, it is some of the best around. You can choose fatty, lean, or somewhere in the middle. I usually go with the middle, and it has never disappointed. Their BBQ sauce reminds me a little of Kansas City style, which is probably one reason I like it so much.
The corn casserole is also excellent, and if they have the double-decker key lime pie, it is absolutely worth saving room for. Drop by and let them know Autumn Creek sent you.
Oscar’s Famous Ribs
Oscar’s Famous Ribs in downtown Branson is another strong choice. They are known for their ribs, and they have won awards for them, but one of my favorite things there is the White River Trainwreck. It is loaded up, hearty, and very satisfying.
Their beans are also worth trying. They have been voted number one in Branson, and I can see why.
Big D’s BBQ
Big D’s BBQ on Highway 248 in Branson has become a favorite for both locals and visitors. They have a good variety of dishes, but one of my favorites is the Pitmaster sandwich, with brisket, sausage, and jalapeños.
Their Pit Beans are a great side, and we also like watching for their daily specials. Some of those off-menu items can be pretty creative, so it is worth asking what they have that day.
Come and Take It BBQ
Come and Take It BBQ, often called CATI BBQ, is another place where you can tell they care about what they are serving. The meats are well-smoked, and the sides are a little different from the usual BBQ menu.
Their Smoked Mac and Cheese and Smoked Elote are both worth trying. Their sauce is not exactly Kansas City style, but it has its own flavor and works well with the food.
Pop’s Smoke Shack
Pop’s Smoke Shack in Branson West is a spot we had driven past several times before finally stopping in, and we’re glad we did. The burnt end sandwich was the highlight of the visit, with big chunks of meat that were nicely blackened, juicy, smoky, and well-seasoned. As someone with Kansas City BBQ roots, I thought it held its own very well.
They had several sauces available, and the ones we tried were all good. We especially liked the mustard sauce and the jalapeño sauce with the burnt ends. For sides, we had the mac and cheese and baked beans. The mac and cheese was extra cheesy with just a little spice, and the beans had a deeper, more layered flavor than expected. We would order both again.
Based on this visit, Pop’s is definitely worth adding to your BBQ list.
Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop
Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop has two locations, one on Highway 165 in Branson and another on Highway 13 in Branson West. It is a good casual option, especially if you have a group that may not all want the same thing.
They have BBQ nachos, fried catfish, burgers, and the usual BBQ favorites. The Danna Burger is especially good, so even if someone in your group is not in a BBQ mood, they still have plenty of options.
Good BBQ is closer than you think
Branson has more good BBQ than many visitors expect. These are the places we are most comfortable recommending when guests ask where to go. Each one has its own style, so the best choice may depend on what you are hungry for, but you should be in good hands with any of them.