My wife and I went to Branson, Missouri for a much needed vacation. We had often talked about going to Branson but just never got around to it. Of course no visit to a new city would be complete without trying some local BBQ. We had some fantastic barbecue on our Branson BBQ Tour. We ended up having BBQ four times in six days.
There were plenty of options to choose from and after a little online research and a visit to the Branson Visitors Center we had our first target. By the way if you are going to Branson be sure and pick up a coupon book from the visitors center. Just about everywhere you might want to eat will have a coupon for free appetizers, discounts or free dessert.
Gettin’ Basted
Gettin’ Basted is located where much of the action is on Highway 76. Our little coupon book had an offer for a free appetizer. We cashed that sucker in for a free order of Basted Nachos. A huge pile of crispy fried wontons, pulled pork, jack cheese sauce, slaw, onion straws and drizzled in BBQ sauce showed up at our table. We were off to a great start with this delicious appetizer.
When I saw Burnt Ends on the menu I knew I had to get some of those. They did not disappoint. It was my wifes first time to try burnt ends and she loved them. The menu was a bit confusing as I normally order 3 or 4 meat plates upon visiting a new BBQ restaurant. The friendly waitress helped me out and ordered the burn ends, sliced brisket and ribs. Being a low carb kind of guy I appreciated the seasonal veggies and pork rinds. My wife’s favorite is a traditional chopped beef sandwich. .
We both can say that this was the best BBQ we have ever had the pleasure of eating. The brisket was tender, juicy and flavorful and the burnt ends were heavenly. I kind of wish I had eaten there every day. We did end up eating there twice as we went out of our way to go back for lunch on the way home. This time it was sliced brisket, sausage and more burnt ends for me. My wife had the Blackout with a full pound of meat including brisket, sausage, pulled pork and turkey. Often smoked turkey will be dry but not here.

This all may sound a bit over the top but we really were blown away by the taste, tenderness, juiciness and diverse menu at Gettin’ Basted. If I ever make it back to Branson I’ll definitely get in line for some awesome cue.
Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop
This little gem is off the beaten path in Branson on Hwy 165. We checked out Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop for dinner on our way to see Sampson at the Sight and Sound Theatre. They were pretty busy but we managed to order just before the flood gates opened. This rustic location kind of has the feel of a catfish place near a lake. Don’t let the modest appearance fool you this place is hopping with people and great food.
Their BBQ menu is not the typical fare you see at most BBQ joints. For example, for beef they only serve it chopped. They do offer pulled pork, ribs and a half smoked chicken. Based on what I saw most people ordering the Burgers and the Catfish are the stars here. We had the Danna Burger that comes with a patty piled with pulled pork, cheese, lettuce, tomato and BBQ sauce.

The burger patties are fresh and hand pattied cooked to perfection. The pork was tender and moist with a nice smoky flavor. I added some sausage too that had that perfect snap. We were in a rush to get to the show but we really enjoyed the food at Danna’s.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
The third stop on our BBQ Tour of Branson was Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que located down on Branson Landing. I’m sure most of you have heard of Famous Dave’s before. I’ve seen Dave compete on a BBQ show before and if I remember correctly he won. Anyway, this was the first time I had been close to a location so I had to check it out. Plus, it was just a short walk from our hotel across from Branson Landing.
We got there just as they were opening for lunch service. We were the first customers in the door so we got to pick our table. We picked one with a view of the zip line that runs across the lake. I ordered St. Louis Style Ribs and Sliced Brisket. My wife ordered her traditional chopped beef sandwich. The ribs and brisket were good but not the kind of good that you tell your friends you have to go try. Maybe because the bar had been raised so high on the 1st day at Gettin’ Basted anything less would not measure up.
The next time a Famous Dave’s crosses my path while traveling I’ll give it another go. But if I’m ever in Branson again you know where I am going for Barbecue. If you plan a Branson BBQ Tour let us know how your trip went.

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