Depends on what they want. If they are big on atmosphere, go to Shorty Small's anyway. Or maybe to the White River Fish Company on Lake Taneycomo, though it's expensive. Altenhof Inn on Indian Point has a great view of Table Rock Lake when you eat on their patio. If they want good food, you can't beat Danna's for barbecue. Billygail's on 265 by The Wilderness is well-known (and usually packed) for breakfast, though my favorite is a bit further away - Aunt Martha's in Springfield. Grand Country Buffet is okay if you want a buffet, I suppose.
We used to like Fall Creek Steak House, but since the post-fire rebuild it's not as good. McFarland's seems to have jumped the shark as well. Uncle Joe's BBQ was pretty good, but it's gone now. I don't know about y'all, but we try not to do chain restaurants when on vacation. They're around any time we're not on vacation, and we like to sample the local culture a bit when we eat. That makes the restaurant pickings pretty slim though...
