diff --git a/python/python/lancedb/table.py b/python/python/lancedb/table.py
index 49c00e1ff..a2ecf4dbc 100644
--- a/python/python/lancedb/table.py
+++ b/python/python/lancedb/table.py
@@ -3448,9 +3448,13 @@ class LanceTable(Table):
         batch_size: Optional[int] = None,
         timeout: Optional[timedelta] = None,
     ) -> pa.RecordBatchReader:
+        # Branch queries run locally: the server-side query protocol can't
+        # carry a branch yet.
+        # TODO: push down server-side once it can (with remote table support).
         if (
             "QueryTable" in self._pushdown_operations
             and self._namespace_client is not None
+            and self.current_branch() is None
         ):
             from lancedb.namespace import _execute_server_side_query