Saturday, March 28, 2009

Billy Gail's Cafe --- The Best Breakfast in 417!

I love March in Branson! Not only do we see the buds and birds of spring, but we begin to see more out-of-state license plates than Missouri plates! The theaters begin another season of sensational shows, the unique shops are stocked, and all the attractions are shined up and welcoming visitors of all ages.

Branson offers so much to do and you need a lot of food to keep up your energy! We have many fine eateries, too. Let me introduce you to one.......

Billy Gail's Cafe is not your typical restaurant on the "76 Strip". It's not even on the strip, but 1/3 mile south of Hwy 76 on Hwy 265 and if you didn't know what to look for, you would probably drive right on by. So, take a look at Billy Gail's:


5291 Hwy 265, Branson, MO 65616 (Click here for map) (417) 338-8883
Open 7:00 am to 2:00 pm every day.

Yes, it was once a gas station and, yes, it is an old log cabin. But for the past 14 years it has been an eclectic and cozy cafe that is a favorite with local folks and visitors alike. In fact, it was recently named the best breakfast by the 417 Magazine, a publication of all things in area code 417, which includes Springfield.


Let me take you on a tour!

Entering the bright red screen door (which even squeaks!) you find yourself in a colorful great room which will take you back in time. I was first attracted to the log walls, then the collection of relics from antique farm tools to crocheted afghans.





As you are led to your table you will find that Billy Gail's is much larger than it appears from the front. You might find yourself seated in the "Flea Market" where the walls are lined with cabinets containing all sorts of collectibles. Dishes, toys, pictures, and tools from bygone days will spark many memories. Plus, as the name "Flea Market" suggests, they are for sale at very reasonable prices.




Moving on through to the back is another bright and welcoming dining room. All of the tables are covered with red checkered table cloths and coffee mugs at the ready for the always-fresh brew. The walls are lined with mirrors, paintings, and a collection of lanterns from railroad cabooses. This is my favorite room! Alongside this dining room is a spacious screened-in patio that is open all through the warm weather.





So, what about that "best breakfast" in 417? From personal experience I can attest to that claim and add old-fashioned and fresh. Billy Gail's is famous for their pancakes which literally fall over the plate. Below is a photo of my breakfast and that pancake is the small one! Light and tasty, much like a crepe, the pancake is really yummy with warm maple syrup all over it! I actually rolled my scrambled eggs in the pancake like a burrito --- then poured on the warm syrup! Oh, and the blueberry pancakes are amazing, loaded with fresh blueberries! You must try their new "French Cakes" which were created one morning when Billy couldn't decide on French toast or pancakes. So the cook came up with my new favorite, the French Cake. I'm not going to reveal the secret --- but try it, you'll like it!



While breakfast is the speciality at Billy Gail's, they also serve fresh hot and cold sandwiches, soups and hearty chili. Top it off with fresh-baked pie and you are set for a day of shopping, shows, and sightseeing!

Another thing you can be sure of at Billy Gail's is that you will be treated as a long-lost friend every time you visit!

Now meet Billy and Gail, proprietors:

Oh, and if you are from Minnesota, you'll probably get a hug from Gail!

Visit Branson --- often --- and bring the whole family!

25 comments:

Myrt said...

...Oh Barb, I enjoyed this story of Billy Gail's Cafe so much and actually felt like I was there. It is totally awesome inside and would never know by the first pic you show. I love the bright "red"
My word, I could not see the plate under the pancake! Oh how I love pancakes.
Billy and Gail look like such a wonderful heart-warming couple. Thanks so much for this beautiful story and I'm glad the picture of the lantern lead you here ;)

DonnaMundinger said...

Wow how fun! Sure wish we had a fabulous breakfast place around here. It's DH's favorite meal of the day. So much atmosphere which is sooo important to me when eating out. xxD

Weary Hag said...

Oh wow! This was WONDERFUL, Barb... so happy to find this particular blog of yours. I didn't know which of your 30 to write in, (I jest), so I chose the one with 'family' in the title figuring I couldn't go wrong.
So happy I did... this is AWESOME.
What a place. I might have to stop in sometime. :)
And thank you for coming by to see me. The invisible weary hag!!

Renkata said...

Wow this cafe is so precious. I wish to be there for my pancake and coffie :)

Unknown said...

My wife, daughter and I "discovered" Billygail's about a year ago and have made it a "destination" stop (we live about 25 miles north of Branson) ever since. It's our favorite breakfast stop...and you're certainly "right on" about the size and quality of the pancakes. Our daughter has fallen in love with the omelettes as well...and the coffee is among the best in the area, without having to have a "designer label". Thanks for the review...and I hope others will do whatever it takes to find their way to Billygail's Cafe!!

Unknown said...

My wife, daughter and I discovered Billygail's about a year ago, and we've made it a "destination" stop regularly ever since. We live about 25 miles north of Branson and try to take advantage of the magnificent breakfast options and relaxed, comfortable and friendly atmosphere at least once per month. You are "right on" about both the size (humongous) and quality (indescribably fine) of the pancakes, along with the great omelettes and great tasting coffee (without needing a designer lablet). I heartily encourage everyone to invest the effort to visit Billygail's Cafe. If you go away either hungry or unimpressed, you will be in the miniscule minority...guaranteed!!

Unknown said...

I will add Billy Gails to my list when we visit later this month...YUM!

Anonymous said...

Billy Gail's is Like stepping back in time to where people really care about service and quality of food.

And I heard it is the only place in the state of Missouri one can purchase a one of a kind "Bohemian Street" purse.

Melinda said...

Hey I heard Billy Gail's is being featured in Southern Living magazine next month!!!

Anonymous said...

We discovered Billy Gail's several years ago and make it a point to go there for their amazing breakfast every time we are in Branson. We have told everyone we know that the next time they are in Branson they have to go there for breakfast because it's the best you'll ever have!

Unknown said...

We moved to Table Rock Lake a year ago for retirement and just recently heard about Billy Gail's so my wife and I tried it this morning. Great, personable service loads of excellent food. Very affordable and just plain fun. Well certainly be back. Besides, Gail and I talked about Minnesota which is where I went to school. Their winters are unforgettable.

Anonymous said...

I love nostalgic cafe'S And BillyGails is at the top of my list! I've had an excellent breakfast there of eggs and a delicious huge pancake! Also the best pattymelt Ive ever had today for lunch!!! Sincerely Becky W

Anonymous said...

We have lived in Branson,Mo. 3 years and just got around to trying Billy Gails's this morning...The food was awesome, the service excellent, and loved the atmosphere there..The country music playing made it all worth while...We can't wait to take our family back...loved it!

Facebook said...

My husband and I used to work for Billy & Gail. They are such sweet people and we miss them very much. This site makes me homesick for Branson, Billy, Gail, and we miss Scott too. Best food in Branson with a all around atmosphere that will have you coming back for more.

Anonymous said...

The best breakfeast around!!! My husband and I went on May 28, 2011. I am so glad we did. Everything was excellent!! I will be going back as soon as we can!!

gordon dove said...

best food,prices and service (lori) in area.looking foward to returning.

Gary and Teresa said...

We found Billy Gail's about a year ago and have to say that my wife and I will have breakfast there whenever we are in Branson. The food is excellent and the service is outstanding. Be prepared for a slight wait, but it will be worth it.

Anonymous said...

My wife and I have tried to eat here for a couple of years but its always too crowded and I'm not much for standing in line. Today we decided we would wait regardless of how long it would take. It was only 15 minutes today and we were both excited because the food had to be great right? Well we must have caught them on a bad day then. There famous pancakes were not cooked completely and my omelete was missing one of the ingredients. Hashbrowns were greasy and my wife had asked for her syrup to be heated and we never saw that. We would have said something but the only time our waitress came by was to give us our ticket. Probably the last time I'll stand in line here. Sorry.

Malcolm and Teena said...

We stumbled upon BillyGails many years back while we were in branson. Now it is a part of our trip each time we go to Branson. The first time they brought our food all we could do is laugh, cause there is so much food! Over the years the wait time has gotten longer but worth the wait. We also love visiting with Gail such a sweetie!

Barbara said...

Dear Anonymous, I'm sorry you did not enjoy your experience at Billy Gail's. I do encourage you to give it another try. Just before the Christmas break their chief cook became seriously ill. Fortunately, prayers do bring miracles and he is doing well. In the meantime, breaking in a new cook sometimes alters expected results, especially when the cafe is open only a couple of days per week, as in January. And, as you say, you might have caught them on a bad day. It happens to the best of places. But, I do hope you will visit again.

Anonymous said...

My brother and his wife eat here each time they are in Branson, and every morning when they are staying for a week. We were in Branson the same time they were in October, so we met them there. The home cooked breakfast was excellent, and the coffee just kept coming. We were even given cups of coffee while we were waiting. I can't believe anyone would have a negative comment abouth the food or service. We plan to go again in 2 weeks while we are there for a weekend.

Bj Busse said...

An AWESOME and fun place to eat! You may be seated next to a total stranger, but they won't stay strangers for long! My breakfast was fantastic and I even took 2 pancakes back to the motel where I ate them cold straight from the frig the next morning! I'm looking forward to eating there while we're in Branson the second weekend of July for our old Ford F100 truck show, and I'm planning on bringing a lot of friends with me! Can't wait! I'm HUNGRY!

Anonymous said...

Best Breakfast every!!!! Not joking! Love the atmosphere too! Great family place!

Unknown said...

We found this place by accident, but was so glad we did. My sister and I took our parents to Branson 2 years ago and we came across this wonderful place in the woods... the best breakfast ever - I have never seen my dad enjoy his breakfast as much as he did that day... We tell our friends that are going to MO to find it and be prepared to have a big and wonderful breakfast. It is on our list to come back and enjoy again... pancakes were wonderful................

Terry and Rebecca Rash said...

My parents live close by and introduced my husband and I to Billy Gail's and now everytime we come to visit it's the old thing my husband d wants. It's delicious and feels like home when you're there. I'm sorry to hear about of Billy he will be missed. Hopefully you will stay open for years and years to come. We will always stop by when in town.
With love
Terry and Rebecca Rash