I am asked nearly daily to recommend a good place to eat in Branson. I almost always send people to Vasken’s Deli. Vasken’s is an anomaly. They do not spend a bundle on advertising. They have a terrible location, in that they are off the strip, hard to find. Their sign is small, not much larger than a rummage sale sign. They are only open through the afternoon, and close just before dinner. Their deli is small, even cramped. Yet, Vasken’s is successful.
Located near the front of an office park at 1015 Hwy 248, Vasken’s seems to thrive on good word of mouth. When I eat their, which as not as often as I would like, I try to arrive around 11:30 or after 2 to avoid the rush. The place is always packed, mostly with regulars. The line to the counter during lunch is inevitably backed up to the door, and guests don’t mind the wait; it is worth it. One can always count on seeing friends in the place, or even a few stars. A couple of the Liverpool Legends, for example, are regulars. As the food is prepared in front of you, it is not unusual for staff and guests to become well acquainted, so hellos from the staff are sincere, and served with a smile.
Service is quick. Order at the counter, take a number, choose a table, fix your drink at the fountain, and your food is delivered to your table. Not only is the food served quickly, but it is always good. Vasken’s food is simple, affordable, tastes great, and is consistent. Vasken specializes in Greek food. For example, on a recent visit, I enjoyed the special, curry chicken salad, and my wife ate her usual, a falafel. The special, available on white, wheat, pita, marble rye, or without bread, was made to perfection, with just the right amount of curry, moist, meaty, and mild. The price is just $5.99. Each sandwich comes with chips, pasta salad, or potato salad. My wife always loves the food. Our recent visit was no exception.
Put Vasken’s Deli in your GPS, and find the place. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and what do I recommend? Well, I have never had a bad sandwich there, but my favorite… hard to choose, but I often order the corned beef on rye. It is piled high with meat sliced paper thin, just the way it should be. It is mouth-watering good.
Vasken’s Deli is located at 1015 Hwy 248 Suite D, Branson, MO. 65616. They are generally open 10-5, Monday through Friday, though I have been in there as early as 8 ordering lunch sandwiches to go. Find them on Facebook, here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vaskens-Deli/105720182835980 – Their website is found here: http://vaskensdeli.com/ – — Enjoy.
Branson Passport Rating: 5 out of 5
Quality of Food: 5
Portions: 5
Taste: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5

