The Keeter Center
College of the Ozarks,1 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO, 65726
The Keeter Center Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant diabetes menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
College of the Ozarks,1 Opportunity Ave
Point Lookout, MO, 65726 - Phone (417) 239-1900
- Website https://www.keetercenter.edu
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jennifer C.
Hands down this is my favorite place to eat in the Branson area. I usually eat lunch here. The Vegetable Garden Sandwich with sweet potato fries is my favorite. The ingredients are so fresh. The dish is full of flavor and texture. Simple, natural ingredients - so delicious! Sunday brunch at The Keeter Center is special, especially during the Christmas holiday season. The choices are overwhelming - savory breakfast items, baked goods, ham, chicken, fish, pasta and so many delicious sides. Be sure to make a reservation. My only negative is service can be a little slow when they are busy but this is offset by the friendliness of the staff.
(5)Skip H.
A beautiful lodge style restaurant served by students of the college. A wonderful experience and the food was excellent.
(5)Peggy D.
We had the BEST DINNER ever here tonight! I had the pork tenderloin and it was delishious!! The servers were great and had the coconut bread pudding that was out of this world! A ten star dinner and prices were very reasonable!
(5)Jerry A.
We are back in town so we must go to the Keeter Center! The Sunday Brunch is still the best you will find! Excellent food and service. The students that work there are the friendliest waiters you will find. Do not miss going to the Keeter Center, you will love it!
(5)Jerry T.
Excellent place. Have been here several times. Food is very good. Much of it is raised on the campus by the students. Service and setting are both very good. Recommend reservation even at lunch.
(4)Julie L.
What a special gem nestled in the College of the Ozarks. The Keeter Center is a giant log lodge at the College of the Ozarks that is home to the restaurant/hotel management program. COTO is unique where they have a free tuition because their students work to pay off their education. Students are the ones running the center and making your visit as memorable as possible. You can stay in one of their hotel rooms, eat at Dobyn's Dining Room, get ice cream from the creamery and there is tons of homemade goodies at the bakery and homemade items in their gift shop. The one thing the students will tell you is not to be afraid to ask questions about them, the program, the college, whatever it might be. They are super friendly and ready to show you what it means to them to be a part of this awesome adventure.
(5)Meri M.
Fantastic Sunday Brunch! Desserts, waffles, fresh fruit and salads, breakfast, carving station, pasta bar, sundae bar, and lunch options. Everything we ate was fresh and delicious. My kids ages 4 and 1 year loved the food, especially the desserts! The restaurant is nice with white tablecloths and stemmed glassware. It was an unexpectedly nice dining experience, even with kids who wouldn't sit still. The servers are all college kids working their way through the College of Ozarks--so tip well. I
(5)Pamela R.
Amazing experience! We went here for our anniversary. My husband had his doubts that he'd find anything on the menu that he'd like. However, he tried the barbecue mac and cheese, and he loved it! I had the steak and bleu over pasta - it was also phenomenal. Everything was "Farm to Table" fresh! Even the ice cream was made right there on campus with cream from their milk cows! The only issue we had was the server was very delayed in refilling our (made from scratch) raspberry lemonade (but it was FANTASTIC and worth the wait!) and I had to ask several times for a straw. However, it was busy, so I'm still giving 5 stars because I don't think it was entirely his fault. The food though, I have NO complaints about! Would definitely recommend!
(5)Jen M.
Fantastic meal! They don't serve alcohol so be prepared for that. We ordered the pecan chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette and corn fritters. Atmosphere was very nice and relaxing. Servers are the hard-working college students who are very kind and helpful. We will definitely return!
(5)Katie W.
Great food. Super friendly service. Live piano music during dinner was lovely! Prices were reasonable. Beautifully decorated inside and gorgeous grounds outside. The whole idea of this place is truly wonderful. Definitely recommend and will be returning!
(5)Clayton O.
What a special place this is!!! I found the Keeter Center on Yelp and decided to make the drive over since it had 4 1/2 stars. We are so glad we did. The KC is an giant log lodge with incredible views. We set on the patio and watched one of the best sunsets I've seen in a while over a gorgeous view of the campus. All of the employees are college students working for their room and board, a tradition at College of the Ozarks. Our sever Jesse M was great! I had the spinach salad with smoked chicken, strawberries & apples. It was delicious. Isaac loved the gluten free bun on his burger which is not usually the case. Bellas Caesar salad was great too!! I would've liked to have tried the prime rib that was on special because I'm sure it is amazing. We will be back!!
(5)Jill G.
This place isn't far from Branson and popular with the guests. The ratings on this place is a hard call because on food, I would give it a 2. On service and quality I would give it a 5. We did have to wait so I highly recommend reservations even for lunch. The turkey sandwich was very greasy and my 50 50 burger was not tasty. The lodge chips were yummy tho. The cranberry biscuits and cinnamon bread with Apple butter was delicious and complementary The desert pastry selection looked yummy with cupcakes, chocolate dipped cheesecake, butter cake and macaroons. Swing by the creamery for a homemade waffle cone of espresso ice cream.
(3)Whitney P.
Truly a gem in Branson, so glad we found on yelp! Been visiting Branson for many years and this was the first time to try this restaurant. Service was top notch, very attentive and friendly. Fine dining in an inviting atmosphere at a great value. Food was presented beautifully. I had the strawberry spinach salad, salmon over lemon linguine and a dessert sampling with creme brûlée and flourless chocolate cake all for $25. They even offered complimentary baby food for my 1 year old. We are planning on going back for brunch on Sunday.
(5)Angela C.
This is the best place to eat in Branson. Pretty much everything is grown locally by the students at College of the Ozarks. I had the meatloaf sandwich for lunch and it was amazing. We are already planning to come back for dinner one night this week on our vacation. Highly recommended!
(5)Andrew O.
I've lived in Springfield for 10 yrs. I can't believe we have eaten here, clearly we have missed out! We will be back to explore the menu further :)
(5)Emily S.
Who knew there was such great food in Branson? I had the meatloaf sandwich and it was delicious. The lodge fries are very good as well. There was about a 20 minute wait or so, but there was plenty to look at while waiting. Service was excellent, I can't wait to go back! The prices are surprisingly low for how great it is.
(5)A. J.
Wonderful food and amazing service. We were very very happy and will visit every time we are in the area.
(5)Jennifer S.
After we were seated, our waiter asked us what we were celebrating and seemed surprised that we weren't there for a birthday / anniversary. The best part of eating here was the baby plate -- a complimentary plate of fruit cut into tiny bits for the very small member of our party. I ordered the chicken fried steak, and that's why this review isn't sitting at five stars--I've had better, for less. My husband's steak was perfect. The green beans were fantastic, the white gravy was not quite right--a bit too much buttermilk. The students were all lovely. Service was fantastic. I ordered half and half tea, and they made a point of refilling it that way as well. I'd recommend coming, just skip the chicken fried steak and save room for dessert.
(4)Derric C.
The spice guy in Branson said to eat here! Wow, was he right! From the gigantic log cabin that it's housed in to the amazing view, even on a foggy night, it's a 10! The college has a great program for students that work here to pay for their education. If you want to give back to the community and eat like royalty, eat here! The trout is so good, you might just eat the fork to get all of the flavor off. The pork medallions can give bacon a run for its money. Come, eat, give back, enjoy.
(5)Hansel S.
Lunch. Classic Ruben with Marble rye. Home made chips. Wife had 50/50 burger and side salad. Wow. One of the best Ruben's I've had. If the sauce would have been tastier it would be perfect. Burger was great. The fried cheese on top was too much, but we set it to the side and enjoyed the flavor! All the breads were to die for. You have to experience!
(5)Joyce C.
I love the concept! The students are so pleasant and inviting. Our waiter, Dai Sun, was from South Korea. He shared his interesting story and was very engaging with our kids. We are supposed to be camping at a nearby camp resort, but as a foodie I couldn't resist sneaking away to this place. I'm so glad we did! Out kids age range 2 to 13 (5 of them) were with us and they all loved their meals, especially the ice cream treat. For only $7 (dinner price), the kids meals come with an entree, side, drink and dessert. The burgers were pretty big and the vegetables were great. Everyone was full and satisfied and the free drink refills was also a bonus for the kids. After having had camp food and road trip junk food for a while, hubby and I were anxious for a good meal with veggies. He ordered a salad that was phenomally good. I had the grilled trout with crawfish étouffée and polenta. Yowza!! So good! We should have skipped dessert, but couldn't resist. He had the homemade ice cream and I had the gooey butter cake since they were no loner offering the coconut bread pudding. Everything was so good and we were so miserably full afterwards we strolled around the beautiful campus and exhibits to walk off some excess baggage lol. We spent less than $90 (without tip) for a fine dining experience with 5 kids. This is a must go spot if you're in the area!
(5)Daniel D.
Great, high quality food and cooking.
(5)Vikki A.
OMGoodness. There are not words to describe how wonderful this entire lunch experience was. We were a family of 6. The service, the atmosphere and the food could not have been better. The appetizers were fabulous especially the home made chips smothered with hot blue cheese and garden tomatoes. The fresh green beans and garlic Potato mash were to die for as well as the chicken fried chicken and the 50/50 burger. I loved the honey pear dressing and pecan crusted chicken breast . The huge chunks of blue cheese in the salad dressing made it a table favorite as well as the homemade bread and butter served in a small skillet of campus made apple butter. Not to be left out of this review is the fabulous copper paneled ceiling the view from the table out of the wall of windows.
(5)Linda P.
Phenomenal place. Outstanding Military exhibits. Even a display about the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action. And now we're waiting for our buzzer to partake of what we have heard wiIl be a sumptuous lunch! And proceeding...the meal was excellent. Afterward we were given a CD to play as we took a self guided tour of the campus. We visited the greenhouses and the Tractor Museum and would have visited more but we had an event that evening and had to return to Branson. If we're ever in the area again, we WILL return and spend more time on this intriguing campus. Oh, and at the greenhouses, I talked to a student and told them I LOVED their campus. She responded, "Thank you...we do too!"
(5)Alex H.
There is a reason this is number one. The service is amazing (thank you Ismael) along with the environment. I had the grilled Trout and it was awesome. The tastes were amazing and the presentation was too. The quality does not stop at my plate. My wife's dinner and daughters were equally very good. On top of a great meal, the price for our dinner was a steal. I would have paid more for the plate that I selected. This is the second time we have eaten at a culinary college and we will continue to find them for these 5 star meals. If we make it to Branson again, we will dine here again.
(5)George D.
Really fun place. Thank you for the Vietnam memoribilia. A place to experience. Have the chips. I had the pot roast. Shared the fried chicken. And pork. Excellent and no over salted Waitress was very friendly and got a big tip. Must go in Branson.
(5)Kitty K.
I need more stars. I love the concept of the students working off their tuition. We actually toured here for my son, but he passed. :( BUT, the food and service is unmatched, not only in Branson, or the Midwest, or my home in CO, I think it's got to be in the top five of my life, ever. anywhere. It is THAT good. They love God, country, and the customer. In a world where customer service is lacking, and quality of product is scarce, this place is a shining example for all in the industry.
(5)Jackie B.
Wow!! Where do I start with this review? This restaurant is on the campus of the College of the Ozarks, a liberal arts school that charges its students NO TUITION, only requires work study. That's where I can start-ingredients for the kitchen start out in the grounds. They have their own dairy, raise their own meats, grow their own vegetables, even grind their own grains. That must be why everything is so delicious. I had a 50/50 burger, which was half ground beef and half ground pork. Oh yeah, and it also had ground bacon cooked into the burger. I think they have a changing menu, so this might not always be available, but if it is-GO FOR IT!! I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone. The food was amazing, and the service was impeccable. It was hard to believe that these were college students taking such great care of us!
(5)Phon W.
Yum this is probably this best place I have eaten around Branson. We started with the portobello fries and I had the chicken fried chicken. All the food was good I think and service was excellent
(4)Mike H.
The Sunday Brunch was outstanding .... and I would recommend as a "must do" if in Branson on a Sunday! At about $25 per person, a great value compared to other brunches of similar quality! Great setting! Recommend reservations!
(5)Billie Ann C.
This is a great place to visit when in Branson. The food & service is very good. The atmosphere very comfortable. I enjoyed sitting close to fireplace and having a nice view of campus grounds from window. My one tip would be to go before your hungry because typical wait time is 35-50 minutes. We browsed the Veterans display cases in lodge area & could have walked outside if weather was nice that day.
(5)Ziggy S.
College students work for their tuition in this on-campus restaurant. It's a gorgeous dining facility with a neighboring lodge, educational exhibits and a gift shop. Professional attitude servers for their age. I'd give the food 4 stars but the concept of the college deserves 5.
(5)John L.
You won't go wrong here. Everything is made fresh onsite. My child loved her clown ice cream. Truly a diamond in the Branson area.
(5)George H.
Very interesting concept. This college had a unique approach to helping students work through their tuition. - the ambiance is wonderful - beautiful view - wonderful appointments - friendly service - fresh ingredients - farm to table Very good experience. It's worth your time.
(5)Dave M.
We had a delightful dinner at the Keeter Center. It's a lodge-looking place with very comfortable seating. The food was delicious. My companion ordered a salad and the Moroccan chicken, which had good flavor to the peanut sauce plus an enjoyable bite to it. I ordered the smoked meatloaf, made in part from college-raised pork. It was probably the tastiest meatloaf I've eaten, plus not as finely ground as most. It came with a delicious BBQ-type sauce which it didn't really need. For dessert we ordered the lemon cake and the strawberry-rhubarb crumble. Both were delicious beyond compare! Coffee was full-bodied and tasty, too. Our student server was very friendly and skillful, and lacked the "I'm groveling for your dollars" vibe one meets in most restaurants. It was a pleasant change! If you're in the area, this would be an excellent place for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Be assured that Elvis will NOT be appearing.
(5)Garry H.
This is the visitors center and restaurant at the College of the Ozarks. 6 stars if I could. The building, food, and staff are fantastic. All staff are students and do a great job. The food was delicious and very reasonable. You need to go here just for the experience.
(5)Wendy F.
I will start by saying this was the best meal and best service we had while staying in the Branson area. I had ribeye cooked medium and it was perfect. My husband had the smoked meatloaf and he said it was amazing! It was so good we were planning on coming back the next night while we were still eating our dinner. Love the concept and don't understand why there aren't more colleges operating this way. Love the fact there was a definite dress code for the staff. Everything here appears to be held to a very high level. Way to go! Hope your tradition and success continues!
(5)Sammy T.
Best place to eat in area. Food was fantastic and service was great. The students are doing a wonderful job. Will go back for dessert on another day. Don't miss.
(5)Chris M.
Meal was outstanding, from corn fritters to ham steak entree all the way to pecan pie bread pudding. This is a must if you are near Branson.
(5)Darrell M.
The best meal I have EVER had while in the Branson area. Where do I begin? My wife and I visited the Keeter Center on July 9, 2014. Our server Romina was an absolute ROCK STAR!!! We started with the Cranberry rolls which were so good, you couldn't put them down. From there, I had the chicken fried chicken and my wife had the fried green tomato sandwich. I cannot come up with the right adjective to describe just how good our meal was. At the end of the meal, we both had a scoop of ice cream and it was the best ice cream I had ever tasted. On the way out, we stopped at the pastry and coffee shop and took some biscotti back to our hotel room. It was the best biscotti we ever had. If you have never been to this place, you are missing out on a great treasure of a restaurant along with great service. If you are a tea drinker, the raspberry tea is to die for.
(5)Sam C.
Having only been once and seeing that most people had an incredible experience, I feel like I cannot give a terrible review, but it is close. The atmosphere of this place is top-notch. The tables are set under soft lights, and the ceiling is plated in ornate copper art. I really loved sitting down in the Keeter Center after a long day of exploring the area. Our server was polite, and while she struggled to remember menu items and answer our questions, she did an overall excellent job. Unfortunately, the atmosphere was where the good aspects of our visit ended. When my food arrived, it was over-cooked, bland and generally unpleasant. I ordered the catfish--not exactly a gourmet dish, but incredible if done right. I visited in the early part of the Autumn semester, which might have had something to do with the shaky food quality (I mean, a new batch of freshmen cooks can't be expected to prepare a dish as perfect as the atmosphere, right?).
(3)Rhonda H.
The best meal ever found in Branson. Go here and be served great food with amazing service. They deserve more than five stars!!!!!
(5)Ceri B.
What a dining experience! The concept of this restaurant is what really makes it special. It is run entirely by students, and there is a dairy on site. My family, which included 3 children, thoroughly enjoyed the freshly made bread, butter, apple butter, ice-cream, and pretty much everything. Our server was extraordinarily polite and attentive. The mints at the end of the meal are addictive. We even toured the dairy after our meal to watch the cows being milked (this happens at 5pm).
(5)Tea L.
This place was awesome! A few weeks ago we went for the first time and had dinner there. The food was delicious. I love the entire concept of the place, all run by the students. You could definitely tell that the food was fresh. We liked it so much that we returned for Sunday brunch. Although we didn't need reservations for Friday's dinner, we did need them for Sunday brunch, and I can see why. It was an incredible spread and so tasty. Will definitely recommend this place and will return the next time we go to Branson.
(5)Jaime T.
A wonderful dining experience from start to finish! We love going for Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended. Students from the campus work in the dining area and are very well trained. Our servers have always been just wonderful. The food is delicious and several selections have been grown/ raised on campus. The campus raised ham is some of the best I've ever eaten and I just love the homemade pasta. You must visit the keeter center if you are staying in the Branson area. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Mike T.
The atmosphere is like you're at a fine dining establishment, but it's down home real food. Excellent service too by college of the ozarks students working their way through school. If we get up this way again, we'll be coming back for sure!
(5)Karen R.
This place is beautiful, amazing service and food, and great prices. While I was on vacation for 5 days/nights in Branson, I dined here twice! Must try the blue cheese chips, catfish cakes, and the pecan bread pudding. MMMMMM!!!
(5)Trevor H.
3.5 star food, gets bump for the excellent service and great environment. As other reviews, and table-top info notes, the College provides employment opportunities to all its students to pay tuition and graduate debt free. 5 stars if that were a category. Saturday night dinner @ 7, group of 7 after a show. Made a res, though the dining room was about half-full. Looks like their busy time is lunch & Sunday brunch. Comfortable wearing jeans & a button down shirt. Entrees range mostly around $20-30 (steaks & prime rib). Big winners at our dinner--cranberry rolls with apple butter (yum!), smoked tomato soup, and prime rib. Mixed reviews on fried green tomatoes, but having little experience in such matters--I thought they were very good. Server was friendly and earnest as a couple in our group asked her questions about the college. Dining room is beautiful with the requisite log cabin styling, but the incredible copper ceiling panels. Kudos, KC, on a job well-done.
(4)Richard D.
I don't even know where to begin. Great food, outstanding atmosphere, and the service was the best I have ever had outside of $120 plate restaurants in New York City. The dining room was beautiful! Prices were far better than I would imagine for such a lovely place. Pretty much all the meals are between $8.00 and $16.00. The kids meals come with dessert. The complimentary bread rolls with house made apple butter were to die for. The experience is so positive I am now doing what I can to try and get my son a chance at attending this school. Beautiful campus.
(5)Andrew R.
The Pork Parmesan & Pork Pomodoro was outstanding. The service from the working students was excellent. The product quality matches the concept of the university. Definitely worth coming here.
(5)Clayton C.
Best food in Branson BY a mile!!!! Skip the overpriced, subpar steak houses, sea food restaurants and fun little 60's diners and eat here! Plus it's for a good cause. This place fully funds their college students (who make amazing food by the way)!!!
(5)Jason H.
Wonderful service. Great food. The Moroccan chicken in phenomenal. Dessert is delicious and will leave you mournful that you cannot eat it all. A must visit place for a fantastic dinner.
(5)C T.
Restaurant was recommended by friends. We tried it, and unanimously voted (by 3 adults & 1 teenager), it was the BEST meal from our whole vacation. Food & service was beyond excellent. We also ended up buying tons from their gift shop which included many of their own products (jams, muffin mixes, etc). This should be a MUST if you're in the area. PS Make a reservation; it seems to always be packed (good sign!).
(5)K K.
First visit to Branson and this place made it all worth the travel, no need to go back to Branson but I would come back here in a second. The bus driver that took us to our rent car made the comment that there were no good places to eat in Branson unless you went to the Keeter Center. He was right! Without reservations and no knowledge other than the bus driver's remark we were transported so quickly to this place, greeted at the door with a smile, and whisked to our table, restaurant on a Saturday packed. Beautiful day, servers were so helpful in answering questions and the sustainable food grown here made you want to eat more and more. Started off with the clam chowder and flash fried green tomatoes. Pork chops, and their muffins and the salsa served with the fried green tomatoes, tells me why I gained 5 pounds on this trip. Fruitcake snob that I am, ecstatic that I could buy a fruitcake in several sizes, but one size fits all, yummy. Wish I could go back to college again. Suffice it to say their gift shop and some of it's contents found it's way back to Texas. Excellent jams, jellies, and books make instant gifts and the prices were not outrageous. Have told everyone I know check this place out, the grounds are a photographer's dream, especially the chapel and the blooming vibrant purple tulips and the fountains that spell serene. Brochures about staying here were helpful, am sure that whatever room you were lucky to get would be better than a 4 or 5 star hotel. Easy to get to, parking was a breeze and the grounds majestic. To be surrounded by something good in our troubled world reassures one that Christian principles and education can be combined.
(5)Jo L.
Great prime rib. Fresh veggies. Very good food for excellent prices. Students are very friendly and attentive wait staff. Love their desserts and their fruitcake is great.
(3)Charles H.
Had great food and service. We each had different menu items and all were superb. A beautiful place to eat. Thank you to Jean our server from Haiti.
(5)Pat B.
OMGosh, I just died and gone to heaven! The food and presentation is awesome and the student servers are A-1
(5)Gerald W.
Attractive surroundings, friendly student staff, good food at reasonable prices, piano music...best place we dined in one week in the Branson area. Two caveats: get there early if you want roast beef; we were there at 7 pm on a Friday and it was gone. Second, be aware that this is part of a Christian school and no alcohol is served or may be brought in. Dinner for 4 with 2 deserts, tax and tip after a 10% discount coupon from a booklet given by the hotel was just over $100.
(4)Katie L.
We had a wonderful week in Branson, thanks partly to our great friends who gifted, yes gifted, us their timeshare for the week. It was nice to be able to cook breakfast every morning and a few of the nights we were in town. It helped keep costs down and provided a more family atmosphere that we were looking for since it was a family Christmas after all. On Wednesday morning at 9am, we took the kids back to their Dad's house in LeGrand, IA and then turned around and came back to Branson, MO for two more nights. We arrived back in Branson at 3:30am on Thursday. Wow... After trying to recover a bit Thursday night, The Hubby surprised me with a dinner date to The Keeter Center. While others may just see a huge log cabin, amazing interior and incredible food, I found the place tremendously astounding. The Keeter Center is on the property of the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. The students at the college all work on campus in some sort of fashion in order to graduate debt-free. Their workstations include the restaurant as servers and cooks, the mill, where they grind their own flour and sell bread mixes, the fruitcake and jelly kitchen, the dairy, milking cows, and many other places. There are 44 majors in the college and are internationally accredited. Service was impeccable from Reagan, and the food was beyond spectacular. I ordered the special, Chicken Cordon Bleu and the sauce was literally mouthwatering. Grilled carrots fresh from the garden along with asparagus that couldn't have been cooked any better. The Hubby ordered the Chicken Duet with mashed potatoes and the same veggies. The meat practically fell off the bone. The Hubby actually had room for dessert!! White Chocolate Bread Pudding with an apple cider sauce... oh my goodness... During the meal, another student came in and graced us with her wonderful piano playing abilities. What a great night! He sure does know how to touch my heart in the hospitality field. What a dear! I can't wait until we go back to Branson for many reasons, but one specifically being to take the tour of the campus and eat in the restaurant again. They also have a 15 room bed and breakfast I just might have to try out as well. The Keeter Center gets a huge 5 stars in my book!!
(5)Em D.
The students run the Keeter Center restaurant. The facilities is beautiful. We first took a tour of the campus and then went for a late lunch. The restaurant was nice and the food was delicious. Four of us each ordered something different to share and all dishes were excellent, except the chicken tostado salad. The salad itself was good, but the tostado was so tough you could not really eat it. Not sure why it was not crispy and could barely tear it apart with your hands? Otherwise all the other dishes were excellent. We had the coffee ice cream for dessert and one of the creamiest and coffee bean tasting ice creams I have ever had. I would highly recommend you try this place. Great concept for this college students.
(4)Kelly S.
Fan freakin' tastic! I strongly recommend reservations, even for a Tuesday at lunch, if you are under a timeline. We got there 11:45ish and had a :30 wait without a reservation. When we left past 1, they were telling people 60-70 minute wait. The Yelp description says dress is 'dressy'. Not true for lunch so don't feel you can't go if you are in tourist drag. And our server said dressy is not the case for dinner either. We had on shorts for lunch and I would feel comfy in business casual for dinner. We had a LOVELY time. The Keeter facility is truly exceptional -- from the handcrafted furniture to the copper ceiling tiles right down to the copper salt and pepper shakers. The gargantuan fireplace at one end of this enormous building is impressive. If you like architecture, save time to walk around the building! Our server was just darling and everything flowed smoothly. All the servers are students. The Keeter center operates year around and in summer some of the students work full time at the restaurant in exchange for free room and board. The College of the Ozarks which houses Keeter Center is a great concept. Students who are accepted attend all four years tuition FREE but are required to work around campus. Dairy and pork is raised and processed on premises so we had to have pork. To start, we shared yummy corn fritters. For my entree, I had pork bbq quesadillas with sweet potato fries. My bf had the '3 Little Pigs' sandwich (roast pork, ham and bacon) with fresh chips. The sandwich was Cuban like with pickle and melty cheese. The entrees were good but not standout. The truly exceptional part of the meal came in the form of double chocolate cream pie. Creamy, dreamy PERFECTION. It was topped with decadent, real whipped cream from the dairy and shaved chocolate. They also offer 6 or so homemade ice creams made fresh each day. You can get ice cream desserts in the dining room but also at the front desk area if you want to dash in for a cold treat to go. We sampled strawberry while waiting to be seated. The bill for the two of us with tip was $44. The sandwich type entrees were about $10 and bigger entrees were $13-$20. They don't serve alcohol - and no byob option but they do accept credit cards.
(4)Diane R.
The Keeter Center-College of the Ozarks has a vegetable garden, dairy farm, raises pigs, makes it own ice cream, and much more. Everything you eat is FRESH. Even the mints they give you after dinner are homemade and the best mints I have ever had. When you enter the dining room for Sunday brunch, you are met with a huge display of desserts. The Sunday Brunch is famous for its award-winning College of the Ozarks Smoked Ham. Yes, they even have a smokehouse. The ham is so tender you can cut it easily with a fork. The breakfast buffet includes a made to order omelet and waffle station. The salad and fruit station is decked out with a beautiful ice sculpture. The main dishes ranged from seafood to chicken and of course the ham. The food was truly award-winning in my book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Sunday Brunch at the College of the Ozark. I would also recommend dinner at the College. I in no way get paid to write about the Keeter Center. I just truly love Branson and write about things to do in Branson often. See VIDEOS AND PICTURES of Keeter Center at: recipesforourdailybread.… Blessings, Diane
(5)Bar C.
This is a great place and a great concept. I went at 5:00 and there weren't that many people there yet. The wait was 30 minutes. It's a long wait because the restaurant is staffed by the students and there are only so many available that early due to their classes. The food and service are exceptional. I had the breaded pork tenderloin, which was great. I didn't want the vegetables, which were squash and carrots, which I don't even want near my plate. The server/student came back to me and said that they could substitute the veggies with a grilled vegetable selection, which was impressive. So many times, it's easier just to say no. They went above and beyond. I have been here 3 times during my 4 day visit to the area.
(5)Dave F.
"Center for Character Education"... So if you want to be a real character get your education here! That is my joke because it is this is a great restaurant @ "Hard work U". The staff are college students that well trained & motivated because their future is judged by this college, fruit cake & restaurant. After asking for a table, we were told there would be a 30 minute wait. While walking around looking @ the interesting Ozark designs, I was surprised how a man stood at a relaxed "parade rest" armystudyguide.com/conte… waiting for the hammered copper elevator after cleaning the glass. While oversized stone fireplace with leather couches was being enjoyed by most, I kept watching the young students perform their tasks w/ posture & patience. Each was polite and could tell you what their degrees what they are working towards, WITH NO SARCASM! (ok, our waiter was a future cosmetic dentist and had a statement about that not being affected by health care reform) We were given some very good wheat & cranberry rolls with miniature iron skillets of butter & excellent homemade apple butter (I have worked @ a Apple Butter festival so I have experience gokimmswick.com/events ) Now my mom wanted to have the fried green tomatoes (5 slices) with cornmeal breading & salsa. My brother & I thought it was a interesting take on the southern fav, but my mom wanted the traditional regular white flour batter. We all thought it needed more seasoning, but we raised on seasoning. The Spinach Artichoke Dip was very thick with nice large chunks of spinach artichoke to spread on thick slices of toast. I enjoyed it, mom wanted the more traditional soft flat bread (pita). For the main course, I ordered the smoked catfish on mixed greens. Interesting concept... The end result is good flavor with a "?" outer texture (dry & chewy like fish jerky- just on the outside). My bro had a great burger and sweet potato fries. My mom had the battered & fried steak w/ gravy & side of beans. She loved everything & so did I when I ate the leftovers. Everything for lunch was $10 or under. The dinners are closer to $20. We were suggested the "Fudge chocolate cobbler". In another Iron Skillet was a brownie cooked over rich fudge, scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, drizzled w/ more fudge & sprinkled w/ powder sugar. Very Rich. Some how the twisted driftwood that was used to form comfortable chairs in the foyer seem fitting. The College of the Ozarks takes teenagers & make something useful out of them. Now I understand why my parents have always bought the fruitcake for Christmas.
(4)Michael B.
This was me and my wife's first visit to the Keeter Center restaurant. The Staff there were really friendly and they are also the students of the College who work on campus to learn practical applications of jobs in the work force and it pays for their education at the same time. More colleges should do this. We went for lunch, so our choices were the egg salad and club sandwiches. Our sandwiches were very good, however I had fries that came out a bit cold but still good. Some of the people around us were ordering the entrees which were large portions. Well worth the price of those plates. We would have gone back for dinner but were leaving Branson. My wife got the creme brûlée trio for dessert, which was vanilla, coffee, and pumpkin flavor. She devoured the vanilla and coffee leaving me with the pumpkin. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)John S.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant. It is a unique place with a student work concept worth supporting. They were a bit off their game the night we went but went out of their way to make up for it. I stood at the hostess desk for what seemed to be a long time before my presence was even acknowledged as the hostess was involved in a conversation with one of the staff. Even when she did acknowledge me, it was more like an interruption than a welcome. Even though the dining room had numerous empty tables we were told we would have to wait until our reservation time which was 10 minutes away. I suspect the purpose of this was to get us to peruse the gift shop. I just don't believe you should have to wait if there are empty tables in sight. In this case one of the empty tables in the front was the one we ended up sitting at after waiting for what I don't know. The ladies in our party did enjoy the gift shop. The food was definitely good. Everyone enjoyed their meal. We were surprised they didn't serve alcohol but it wasn't an issue, just caught us off guard. The baked fresh wheat rolls and cranberry muffins were excellent. I did end up sending back my prime rib as it was medium well to well when I requested hot pink center. Our other order of prime rib was the same way but they didn't want to send it back. The assistant manager came over and apologized for the error and said he would personally insure I got what I ordered. It didn't take long and I had a perfectly cooked, albeit much smaller, piece of prime rib, and it was very good. They ultimately did not charge me for the prime rib which was most generous. I asked them to add it back to the bill because the final outcome was good, but they insisted to apologize for the inconvenience. I felt bad as it is wasn't that big of problem and they rectified it immediately. Yes, I did tip the waitress based on what the check would have been if they hadn't removed the charge. Overall, I thought the service was okay and the young lady willingly answered our questions about the college and the student work program. We tried the salted caramel ice cream, which they make themselves with cream from their own dairy, as well as the triple crime brûlée, both of which were extremely good. The whole facility is extremely nice with a unique upscale lodge architecture you just don't see. Beautiful copper ceiling in the dining room. The night we were there they had one of the music students playing the harp. It was great!
(4)Sammy W.
The prime rib is excellent. Garden fresh vegetables, grown on campus and the ice creme is a must. How can you beat home made ice creme, made from the milk of cows raised on campus.
(5)Charles H.
I like Tomato Basil soup but they add a smoke flavor I didn't care for...To me the restaurant food is average...What I really think is great is students of College of the Ozarks are the wait staff and working at the restaurant approx. 80-100 hrs per semester so that when they graduate they are debt free...I admire these young people.
(3)Andy m.
Not what I expected after stepping off the plane from L.A. (neither was the Branson Airport-pretty sweet!) Very neat building and campus too. I love the idea that you have to work for your education-should be implemented everywhere! At Dobyn's Dining Room we had fried green tomatoes for an app. Mom had a burger, Dad had Chinese chick salad with side of smoked tomato soup, GF had small ceasar w/ side of smoked tomato soup and I had spinach salad. Everyone enjoyed their meals but the standout was the SMOKED TOMATO SOUP! Also, didn't expect the salads to be as good as they were considering most restaurants are "diners" and serve fried this n' that everywhere. Total bill: $50. Serious? Fine dining?? Don't go to a chain restaurant when these students are around!
(4)Sue H.
Amazing facility and views. Went for Sunday brunch. Good variety and quality. A bit pricey ($170 for party of 5) for a buffet. Fantastic concept, students working for their tuition. Nice atmosphere with live music on the baby grand. A dessert selection which is unbelievable. Would be interested in trying an evening meal as well.
(4)Peter M.
Good food and prices for lunch. I had the 3 little piggies sandwich which consisted of pork loin, smoked ham and bacon on a roll with pickles and cheese. All of the meat as well as the roll were produced at the college. The sandwich, which came with homemade potato chips, as well as every other sandwich and entree on the lunch menu was under $10. It was also nice chatting with the students that work as servers. Everyone we met was very pleasant. We also had the chocolate cream pie which was very tasty. All in all it was a nice experience and if we're in the area again we'd go back.
(4)David L.
You cannot go wrong with this place. I've been here twice and the food and service were always above par. The brunch features a a wide selection ranging from a waffle bar to a carving station. I agree with the other reviewers that reservations are highly recommended. Rest assured a visit to the Keeter Center will be on my list every time I'm in the Branson area.
(5)John M.
What a fantastic surprise! Every part of the meal was exceptional. The portions were ample and the student servers and managers were great. I had the mixed salad (don't forget the pear honey dressing). It was unusual in its fresh taste. For the entree I had the walleye and the seasoning was excellent. The potatoes were well prepared and how often can you give the mixed vegetables a good review. They are grown on campus and there is no doubt about the freshness. There was no room for desert, but they all looked good. If you get a chance have the smoked tomato soup, it won't disappoint.
(5)Maire H.
I read about the Keeter Center on the back of one of those tourist booklets. The ad said that they had a Sunday Brunch, just what I was looking for, and the fact that it was away from the crowds of the 76 Strip another plus. In addition, it was part of the campus of College of the Ozarks, a school I'd heard of for years. I drove south of Branson on 65 taking the Hollister Exit. The Keeter Center was VERY easy to find. It is a huge polished log lodge, polished stone steps, perfectly manicured landscaping...a very classy looking Ozarks style building. As we entered the doors we were greeted by a host of young hosts in white chef garb with little flat caps. The dining room was expansive. The seating and furniture & lighting were top quality decor. Our server was attentive throughout the meal, never letting our water glasses reach empty; and we were thirsty. There were 6 food bars at every side of the huge dining room. Every item was painstakingly arranged and prepared with artistry. The taste of every single item was beyond compare. The value of the meal was well worth the 20+ charge. A pianist played the grand softly during the entire meal. Do not miss the wonderful food, atmosphere and service at the Keeter Center.
(5)Carrie M.
This is a definite stop for breakfast if you like buffets. There were 7 buffet stations ranging from a salad buffet which had an excellent Caesar salad to a dessert bar with lots of different desserts. Very nice atmosphere and super nice wait staff which happen to all be students of the College of Ozarks in which this restaurant is owned and operated by. In fact they raise most of the product that is served at the restaurant. Breakfast buffet does cost over $20 per adult but we all thought it was worth it! Give it a try! (Husband wishes he could have purchased the blue cheese dressing they serve; it was that good)
(5)Meredith S.
I have eaten brunch here many times over the years. It is always wonderful with great service. Reservations are always suggested. The lodging is beautiful and I was treated to a tour one day by a student. If you ask at the desk they will show you the rooms. Hard Work U...an awesome concept for college students to get a good education while working to pay their way through. Graduating with no debt is something more college students need to think about. I've been told The School of the Ozarks is very selective about who is accepted to go to school here but if I was looking for a college today, I would sure apply. They have strict policies and academics is their number one priority so its not a party school. The gift shop has some interesting items and the museum is worth visiting. The chapel on site is very pretty inside and out. I passed by here many times over the years before finally stopping for brunch. Don't be like me, check it out on your next visit to Branson. It is actually located in Hollister which is south of Branson just a few short scenic miles.
(5)Angela W.
LOVE IT!!!!!! The best food in Branson. 5 star dining with great service. Delicious walleye, salads, home made desserts and bread. A great value. They grow their beef, pork and mill their own flour. Make their own ice cream too. A great experience.
(5)Katie W.
We are part time locals, and this is my first recommendation for tourists and guests. The students are adorable, the food is always the best, and you can't beat their prices. Unfortunately, for the locals the tourist now have found the place and I recommend you get a reservation.
(5)Al K.
The food is above average. Their roasted tomato basil soup is exceptional. The service is worthy of a six star rating. Away from the strip it's definitely on my I'll be back list.
(5)Randy B.
Dobyns dining room is fantastic. The food is expertly prepared by culinary students right down to the hand made mints at the end of the meal. Everything is freshly made on campus. This is a must dining experience while in Branson. Loved it so much, we went back twice!
(5)Elmer M.
This place deserves 5 stars but I gave it 4 because the Alfredo sauce was a little off the day I went but everything that is said about this place is true. Probably will give it a 5 star next time.
(4)Bill C.
I've been here 3 times and NEVER had a bad meal. The Father's day buffet was fanstastic - great selection, presentation, and quality. The servers are students who are very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is very warm and cheery - take time to walk around and admire this lodge. You won't forget your visit here.
(5)Paula M.
This is one of my favorite places in Branson. The lodge ambiance and decor are incredible, the hillside views and sunsets are endless and you are served by students who are attending College of the Ozarks. C of O is one of the only colleges in the US that students can work for their tuition and most students graduate without any school loan debt. Each time we've eaten here we have had excellent food, great soups and salads, and entrees at reasonable prices and excellent service. Everything is beautifully presented, especially the desserts. Some evenings they have student entertainment - a jazz quartet or piano player and singer (all students) Jeans are always acceptable which makes this a very enjoyable fine dining experience. They also have a museum, a mill, a dairy farm, a tractor exhibit and beautiful grounds. You won't want to miss this....
(5)Bill R.
Absolutely best place to eat in Branson area for the money. Service is great and food is tasty with a wonderful view of the Ozarks
(5)Larry B.
great location. friendly service. good food and a very good value. Nice ambience and soem of the nicest kids I've met as servers. the kids who work here are students and work here to pay thier tuition. the menu is classic confort food and all well prepared.
(4)Joann T.
No one should visit Branson without going to the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks!! Dobyns Dining Room is staffed by students who are working their way through college. The food is excellent, many of the items raised or grown here at "Hard Work U." The Dining Room is open for lunch and dinner and has a beautiful interior and exterior views. The food is outstanding. Ask anyone how to get to the college, located 2 miles south of hwy 76, on hwy 65. You don't want to miss this amazing experience.
(4)