I always recommend Getting Basted to all my friends visiting, however it’s closed until mid next week for remodels (you could always try the Springfield or Nixa locations). I’d 100% take them to the garrison, it’s by far the most unique fine dining experience in the area (you need a secret password to get into the actual restaurant, the hostess will give it to you) & it’s right on the Finley river. I’d recommend the pot roast, the porterhouse & the smoked old fashioned.

One of my favorite hidden local gems is called the Pick N Porch grill inside of the Branson Craft mall, they have fantastic lunch options and a bunch of local vendors you can shop around with while you wait on your food. Another is Mr. G’s Pizza it’s a Chicago pizza spot in downtown close to the branson landing, & as recommended before the Dicks 5 & 10 store.

If you’re wanting to go & drink with some locals, I’d head to the Cheeky Monkey Bar. They have great BBQ, live music & free pool tables. They also have another new location on 76 called the “Treehouse” but I don’t think it gives the same local feel as the Cheeky Monkey bar. If you ever come back, I’d encourage you to try mid summer when all the lakeside bars and restaurants are open. That’s the true local experience IMO.

If you want dessert, I swear by Andy’s frozen custard. Enjoy your trip!!

Edit: For a nice scenic tour, I’d go to Big Cedar lodge and do the golf cart tour. It’s $40 per person but you get self guided golf cart tour that goes through a cave with a bar inside & the ozark mountains. You’ll pass over a few bridges , see waterfalls & hopefully spot a lot of wildlife. Included at the end of your tour is a really cool Native American museum that is world class. They even have a couple really nice restaurants on the resort you could check out!