There are a lot of good places to eat in the Ozarks, and many different types of cuisine showcased here. There are restaurants serving Mexican food, or cubbyhole sandwich shops, or fine dining Italian venues. You can find Chinese food (Springfield, Missouri, is actually the birthplace of cashew chicken!), Greek food, American food (think fried chicken or hamburgers and milkshakes!) and every sort of food in between. Many of the restaurants that serve food around here are quite well know and have been at it for some time. But none are as popular, or as famous, as Lambert’s Café in Ozark, Missouri. It’s well worth the drive if you are staying in Branson – so get ready to catch some throwed rolls, folks!
“We hope you come hungry, leave full, and hopefully have a laugh or two!” This is the motto of Lambert’s Café, the only home of throwed rolls. Folks who are from out of town and visiting Lambert’s for the first time are often amazed by the generous portion sizes of hearty, home cooked food – and of course, the fact that food is regularly thrown around the restaurant! Most people will agree that Lambert’s Café is certainly one of the most fun and filling places to eat in the Ozarks!
Lambert’s Café came about on March 13, 1942, when Earl and Agnes Lambert made a business transaction that would later make history as the home of throwed rolls. With a mere 14 cents between them both, they borrowed $1,500 from an acquaintance, hired 5 people to work from them, and opened for business in a small building on South Main Street in Sikeston Missouri. The café could seat a total of 41 people, and served meat, vegetables and sweet treats. The café was establishing a foothold during the difficult years of World War II, and rationing of supplies made for a tough break in the restaurant and food service industry. But through perseverance and dedication, Lambert’s Café came out on top and today, boasts three locations: one in Sikeston, Missouri, one in Ozark, Missouri, and one in Foley, Alabama.
This historically rich and tasty café does not accept credit cards, but instead prefers to deal in cash and checks. Chances are, if you arrive at meal time, you may have a long wait ahead of you! But don’t worry – this cool, old fashioned restaurant has plenty to look at while you pass the time. Once you’re seated, get ready to enjoy foods like fried okra, chicken and dumplings, taters, macaroni and tomatoes, black eyed peas, and of course, those throwed rolls. Save room to polish off your big meal with some tasty dessert! You can even order a few things to take home, like a cinnamon roll or some house BBQ sauce.
With such a long history and such a great eating experience, it’s no wonder that so many folks will go out of their way to visit Lambert’s Café. Be one of their next guests – you are sure to leave full and happy!
