You’re walking down the 76 Strip in Branson, and the air starts hitting different. It isn’t just the smell of exhaust from the go-karts or the sugary scent of fudge shops. It’s that heavy, sweet, oaky perfume of hickory smoke. If you’re a local or a frequent visitor, you know exactly where that’s coming from. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Branson MO 65616 has become a bit of a landmark, even if it’s a franchise.
Honestly, people get weirdly snobbish about BBQ. They think if it doesn’t come from a shack with a dirt floor, it isn’t "real." But here’s the thing about the Branson Famous Dave's: it actually puts in the work. We're talking about pitmasters who start their day at 4 a.m. to get those hickory logs smoldering. That’s not corporate marketing fluff; that’s just how you get a decent smoke ring on a brisket.
The Move to 1855 W. 76 Country Boulevard
If you haven't been in a minute, don't go looking for Dave at the Landing. They moved. They used to be right there on the water at Branson Landing, which was cool for the views, but a nightmare for parking. Now, they're located at 1855 W. 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616.
It’s right in the heart of the action now.
You’ve got the Presley’s Country Jubilee and the Titanic Museum nearby. Basically, it’s easier to hit for dinner before a show. The vibe inside is exactly what you'd expect—lots of kitschy Americana, wood beams, and that "lodge" feel that just makes you want to eat a pound of meat with your hands.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
Look, the menu is massive. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and just order a burger. Don’t do that. You’re at a smokehouse.
- The St. Louis-Style Spareribs: This is what put Dave Anderson on the map. They’re hand-rubbed with a "secret" blend of spices and pit-smoked for hours. They aren't that mushy, fall-off-the-bone-if-you-look-at-them meat that some places serve. They have a bit of tug, which is how a real rib should be.
- The Burnt Ends: If they haven't run out, get these as an appetizer. They’re caramelized with a Sweet & Zesty sauce. They’re like meat candy.
- Georgia Chopped Pork: It’s smoked for 12 hours. It’s reliable. It’s fine. But if you want the real experience, the ribs or the brisket are the better play.
- The Wilbur Beans: These have chunks of brisket and pork in them. It’s basically a meal disguised as a side dish.
One thing people overlook is the Famous Feast. If you’re with a group of four, just get the All-American BBQ Feast. They serve it on a literal trash can lid. It’s a spectacle. It comes with a full slab of ribs, a whole chicken, brisket or pork, coleslaw, fries, beans, and corn. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s the best value on the menu if you’re trying to feed a family without breaking the bank at $100+.
The Sauce Situation
Dave’s sauces are a whole thing. You’ll see a row of them on the table. Rich & Sassy is the standard—sweet, thick, classic. But if you like a bit of a kick, go for the Devil’s Spit. It isn’t "call an ambulance" hot, but it has a nice lingering burn.
Funny enough, the founder, Dave Anderson, spent something like 25 years touring the country to perfect these recipes. He’s obsessed. That obsession trickles down to the Branson staff. You can tell when a kitchen is just "going through the motions" versus when they actually care about the bark on the meat.
Current Operating Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Note: These are their winter hours, so if you're visiting in the height of summer, they often stay open a bit later to accommodate the tourist rush.
Why This Location Specifically?
Branson is a weird town for food. You have a million buffets and a lot of "okay" tourist traps. Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Branson MO 65616 manages to bridge the gap. It’s consistent. When you’ve been walking around Silver Dollar City all day, you don’t want to gamble on a "hole in the wall" that might be terrible. You want a massive platter of protein and a cold beer.
They also do a ton of catering. If you’re staying in one of those big rental cabins in Indian Point or near Table Rock Lake, you can have them drop off a "Smokin' Meat Kit." It beats cooking for 15 people yourself.
Common Misconceptions
People think because it's a chain, it’s "fast food" BBQ. It isn't. The meats are smoked on-site. If you walk behind the building at 5:00 AM, you’ll see the smoke coming out of the vents. It’s a labor-intensive process. Another thing—people assume it’s overpriced. While it isn't "cheap," the portions are huge. A "Pick 2" combo is usually enough for two people if you aren't absolutely starving.
The service is usually pretty "Branson-style"—meaning the servers are aggressively friendly. It’s part of the charm.
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If you're planning a visit, definitely try to hit them up during "off-peak" hours. 2:00 PM on a Tuesday is the sweet spot. You’ll get your food faster, and the meat is usually at its peak tenderness right after the lunch rush transition.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their website for "Football Season Specials" if you're visiting during the fall; they usually have deals on wings and buckets of beer.
- If you’re ordering to-go, use the "Curbside Pickup" option at the 1855 W. 76 location—the 76 Strip traffic can be a nightmare, and this saves you from having to fight for a parking spot.
- Ask for "Naked" ribs if you want to judge the quality of the smoke without the sauce covering it up.