Ice Cream

Seventeen places on this list, and the useful distinction is between scooped ice cream, frozen custard and the newer rolled style – Branson has all three.

Mr B’s Ice Cream Parlor and Scoops Ice Cream & Sandwiches are the traditional parlours. Truman Cafe & Custard at Big Cedar and Culver’s do frozen custard, which is denser and richer than standard ice cream. YOLO Rolled Ice Cream makes it to order on a frozen plate, which is as much a show as a dessert and works well with children. Pop’s Dari Dell in Reeds Spring and the Snack Shack and Sweet Shack are the walk-up stands, The Yard Milkshake Bar the maximalist option, and Oasis of Blue Eye covers the far side of Table Rock Lake.

Seasonal note: several of the stands run summer hours only or close through winter. The parlours and chains stay open year-round. For baked desserts and pastry instead, see desserts and bakeries.