While you are visiting Branson, it's a must to visit College of the Ozarks and experience their exceptional student-run campus restaurant featuring farm-to-table American cuisine in a charming lodge setting! Read our review below...
Total Spend for two people (not including the tip): $32.86:
One entree, 2 desserts, free rolls and biscuits
The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks (Dobyn’s Dining Room) is a worthy evening destination. Their gorgeous lodge exudes rustic elegance, and the experience was made all the more memorable by their attention to detail and spic ‘n span cleanliness across their beautiful campus. Each full-time student at C of O doesn’t pay a single penny for their tuition. Instead, they work 15 hours per week at more than 90 different work stations ranging from the fruitcake and jelly kitchen to the grist mill, dairy, restaurant, and creamery.
I would definitely recommend reserving your seats ahead to avoid the wait time. Karen and I arrived at 6:45 on a Wednesday evening without reservations and were told there would be a 45 minute wait. After signing in so we would receive a text when our table was ready, we were free to walk around in a small Veteran’s museum and read the stories of fallen heroes, browse the items in their student-made gift shop/general store area, get freshly-made ice cream and spoil our dinner (It’s amazing creamy goodness! Read about it here.), or grab coffee at their bakeshop. After waiting 25 minutes, we got a text that our table was ready. Piping hot, freshly baked cinnamon cranberry biscuits and homemade rolls with cinnamon apple butter were delivered to our table and we dug in.
Just as Karen and I finished our rolls and biscuits, our entree was delivered. To finish off the meal, our server brought us some house-made mints which we had seen them making earlier at the Creamery. In place of dessert, I’d recommend heading over to their Creamery (inside the same building) for an after dinner ice cream treat!
Fun fact: By asking our server why we had to wait on a table when not all of the tables in the room were full, we discovered that they have new Freshmen in the kitchen right now. With this being their first week, the staff was making sure not to overwhelm the Freshmen. By reducing their load, the Freshmen could concentrate on the quality of the food. With that in mind, your experience may vary slightly, depending on who is serving and in the kitchen. Not to worry - the quality will definitely still be good.
The atmosphere was a bit loud, but it’s to be expected with their hardwood floors, walls and decorative ceiling. It is a truly beautiful, warm, and welcoming facility run by hard-working college students. I’d call it Ozark friendly in an upscale rustic way! It feels good to support an honest establishment of students working to learn, earn their way, and graduate debt-free. Plus, you are supporting local produce and farm-to-table ethics!
If you are wanting a Sunday brunch from 10am-2pm, I’ve heard theirs is top-notch! ($24.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 6-12 years. 5 and under are free.)
Dobyns Dining Room At The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
Lunch: 10:30-4
Dinner: 4-8pm
Sunday is brunch only: 10-2
417-690-2146
1 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726
https://www.keetercenter.edu/Dining.aspx
Restaurant reviewer: Laura Johnson
The local food experts: The Johnson Strings - Performers in Branson, MO!
The Johnson Strings: one family working together, living the dream, and capturing the hearts of those they meet. Visit their theater in Branson, MO! Get your tickets now at http://www.thejohnsonstrings.com/purchase-tickets/
Watch The Johnson Strings music videos here: http://www.thejohnsonstrings.com/music-videos/
