Celebrity names are hunting down commercial property in Branson, Missouri because of the millions of tourists that come through each year looking to be entertained, wined and dined.

The Crispin Team at Keller Williams Tri-Lakes took a trip to the new Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant, downtown on the Landing, right before Christmas break. Inside the big double doors awaits a country merchandise paradise with retail items you can’t find anywhere else.

The country French interior decorating makes for a bright, cheery environment with a “relax, you’re at home” vibe. As we were greeted by the hostess with a smile, we were sat at a large oversized booth large enough for 10 or more. A lot of times, when going out to eat as a large group, you will find restaurants cannot accommodate your party sitting together, well Paula Deen can!

Our waitress was warm, welcoming and accommodating to the fullest. The energy inside of an establishment with positive spirited employees always makes for a smooth experience.

Once seated, you are handed a menu where you may choose which meats you would like and then you pick your sides. Everything is served “family style” which means large bottomless portions are served in family size serving dishes… pass the potatoes, please!

We ordered the fried chicken, fried pork chops and ribs along with green beans, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and salad. Right at the top of the meal we were given a basket of amazing rolls topped off with butter that melt in your mouth. Our tastebuds were prepped for take off.

After everyone was done eating, we went around the table gathering our personal opinions on the meal we shared. Everyones favorite, right out the gate, was the fried chicken. Jamie, our listing manager, enjoyed the ribs and agent, Matt Brown liked the pork chops though buyers agent, Elisha thought they needed more seasoning and a crispier breading. 

The mashed potatoes made the grade, but the mac and cheese could use more cheese, perhaps? Most of the sides had a bland taste to them which was unexpected.  A side of green beans had a the brightest color of green to them and lacked a little flavor. No one wanted any refills or needed any with the exception of ordering more fried chicken. The fresh salad tasted more like something from a cafeteria. At the end of the meal, there was an option for the dessert and we chose the ooey gooey cake which was rather rich but portioned out appropriately.

Overall, out of 5 stars, the Crispin Team would score this restaurant a 3. This is based on the overall experience where the service, timing and environment can always take the heat off of any other department lacking. When you’re marketed as a everyone’s favorite TV country cooking diva, you better bring it from the kitchen all the way to the table because the expectations are set high. Everyone knows country cookin’ is the best tasting food you’ll ever have.

The setting is wonderful, the staff is fantastic and the location is prime. We are grateful for the opportunity to give this new establishment a try and hope you all make it down to form your own opinion on the Paula Deen Restaurant in Branson, Missouri.

Thank you for tuning in for another Crispin Team Review and be watching for the next local business we will be dropping in on in 2020!