Restaurant Review: Outback Steak and Oyster Bar in Branson, Missouri

Do not mistake Outback Steak and Oyster Bar with the chain called The Outback Steakhouse. They are not even vaguely related. While The Outback Steakhouse promises Aussie cuisine, Outback Steak and Oyster Bar delivers it.

In fact, this was around long before the Steakhouse chain came into being. The Outback Steakhouse even had the audacity to ask them to change their name. The tables turned when Outback Steak and Oyster Bar proved they were there first. heh. Outback Steakhouse now has to get specific written permission from Outback Steak and Oyster Bar to even open one of theirs within a 100 mile radius of Branson, MO. Let's hear it for the little guy!

Driving down Hwy 76 from the Springfield direction, OSOB will be on your left, situated among trees. You may spy their souvenir store before you notice the restaurant. They also have a bar. Do check out everything.

The restaurant is a wood structure that reminds you of a building you might find on a beach somewhere. I love when the ambiance starts outside. There is a big wrap-around deck that you can dine on or just sit, have a drink, and enjoy the scenery. Inside is two levels. Downstairs is the bar and a dining area with massive wood picnic tables, upstairs is a more formal dining area, but not so formal that you can't stop in as you are. Along the walls you will find things like boomarangs and those Australian hats I adore. It's a very open and airy feeling.

The waitstaff is the best I've seen. They know the menu backwards and forwards and are not shy to make suggestions. They are very outgoing and friendly. Efficiency is top notch. They are dressed in khaki shorts & shirts with the cute hats that flip up on one side. You feel like you are amongst tour guides about to take you out to wrestle gators.

Ahhh the food. To die for. Seriously good. I have been here many times, but cannot recall individual prices. I can tell you that dinner here will run from $20-$30 per person without drinks. Very reasonable for what you get. They have all manner of item here. From steaks with the most heavenly seasonings to Alligator to Emu, grilled snapper, lamb chops, seafood... The steaks are perfect every single time, the Alligator tastes like chicken (I'm serious here!), and Emu is extremely tough. I like to get an alligator appetizer then a steak for my main meal. I tried the Emu once just to say I did, but it was just not to my liking... the meat, not the cooking of it.

Appetizers are abundant and range from the aforementioned fried alligator to coconut shrimp. Mixed drinks are about $4-6, and of course you have to have a Fosters! Other Australian drinks are available. There are 160 beers to choose from...that would keep you beer reviewers busy for a year!

The souvenir shop Outback Outfitters is more than just trinkets. They import Australian clothing and odds n' ends which they sell there. Everything from t-shirts to Dusters (a great ankle-length oiled coat), and they are not all that high priced. Do browse through here.

Want to write those 160 beer reviews and never leave the property? Stay at Outback Roadhouse Motel and Suites right there by the restaurant. I'd add that and review it also, but alas, I've never had the pleasure. Maybe on my next trip to Branson...

If you are anywhere near Missouri on your travels, do make the trip to this restaurant. Outback Steak and Oyster Bar is one of those rare finds that is good enough for a major detour to experience.

Before you go, do check here for coupons:
http://www.outbackbranson.com/specials.htm

Open daily, 11am to 10pm weekdays and 11am to 11pm on weekends; live music Thursday through Sunday from 6pm to 9pm.

1914 W Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616
1-800-562-0622