We had to drive on Highway 165 every time we went anywhere in Branson since Fall Creek Resort, where we were staying, was just off this highway. Both Odee’s and Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House appealed to us based on their names and external appearances. On our last night in Branson, we ate at Odee’s. If we go back some day, we’ll try the Catfish House.
You’ll find Odee’s in one of those rough, unfinished wooden buildings with a corrugated metal roof that looks like it was just thrown together without any particular rhyme or reason. The sign on the tall skinny wooden tower in front of Odee’s announces "BBQ Steaks & More."
Odee’s was all lit up with partying, food, and music on their big covered wooden deck when we arrived, creating a festive mood. Inside, the decor is similarly rustic in the dining rooms and bar in back. Cheerful yellow-painted walls and scuffed floors from frequent scraping chair legs make it homey. "Two-Fisted Law" and "Boots of Destiny," old cowboy movies, posters hung side by side on the wall by our table. Next to the bar, cowboy chaps and saddle with riding paraphernalia. Next to that was a gorgeous antique nickel-plated, wood-burning heater. Obligatory bison, elk, and boar heads are mounted above the fireplace, which was not burning on this mild October evening.
Seated comfortably in a booth in the quiet bar, we began by ordering a pitcher of Killian’s Irish Red. Bob had been leaning towards ordering a big steak when we started looking at the menu. Instead, we decided on the Platter for Two – a meat lovers’ dream with sliced beef, ham, pork, half a chicken, and four ribs. On the side came baked potatoes, pit beans, and Texas toast. Cost: $22 for the platter and sides for the both of us. When the platter arrived, we divided it between us. The meats were succulent and tender, with a wonderful smoky flavor, and there was enough of it for us to take a good portion of it home to include in another meal. I ordered a baked yam instead of a baked russet potato and felt it went better with the barbecued meats.
The atmosphere at Odee’s is friendly and relaxed. A diner in the other room sauntered over to ask us questions about our cameras. Service was good; we didn’t have to wait long for anything, except once when our waitress got tied up chatting with customers in the main dining area (we and one other couple were around the corner in the bar, preferring booths to tables). The menu has quite a few selections at very reasonable prices. All the appetizers are under $6, including a basket of (yum) homemade potato chips. You can select from hickory-smoked barbecue (as ours was), steak and seafood, or other dinners, mostly chicken and pork. A whole catfish dinner costs $12. Desserts include cobbler, pies (cream and pecan), and ice cream.