Eating Your Way Around the Lake – A Foodie’s Guide to the Lake of the Ozarks

Photos by BGO Photography

Story by B. A. Gibbs

People head to the Lake of the Ozarks for many reasons – fishing, boating, wake boarding, paddle boarding, swimming, tubing, kayaking, camping, concert going, parasailing, partying and much more. But one activity that every visitor participates in is eating! The range of culinary options is as varied as the visitors. From upscale to downhome, from barbecue to pizza, from eat-in to carry-out or cook-at-the-condo, the choices are plentiful and will please any palate or pocketbook.

With more than 200 restaurants and nightspots, the Lake of the Ozarks offers something for everyone, scattered from one end of the sprawling lake to the other. I’ve been visiting the Lake of the Ozarks for years, sampling everything from mom-and-pop diners to high-end fancy cuisine. Over the years I’ve developed some favorites, but I make it a point to try something different on every trip. If you’re new to the lake, these suggestions can give you some ideas of where to start, or if you’re a lake regular, you might see something that is new to you.

Lake Traditions

There are some things you just can’t miss on a trip to the lake. For me, no trip is complete without a stop at Randy’s Frozen Custard in Osage Beach, for a signature Ozark Turtle Sundae, a delectable combo of vanilla frozen custard, hot fudge and caramel sauces, and toasted pecans. As their Ozark Turtle slogan goes, “The original is still the best.”

Another must-do, when with a group, is breakfast at Stewart’s on the Strip on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark, for an order of the legendary cinnamon rolls. Be prepared: It’s a three-pound plateful of cinnamon rolls, with a knife stuck in the top so you can carve off a hunk and pass the plate. This down-home eatery has been making breakfast and lunch diners happy since 1953. There are also locations in Camdenton and Greenview.     

Although JB Hook’s in Lake Ozark has been known as a top-notch restaurant at the lake for many years, it is fairly recently that I gave it a try, and it has now become one of my lake traditions, both for the view and the food. Some of the best seats at the lake are on the balcony and patio, with the breath-taking 14-mile panorama of the lake and the Community Bridge. On a recent visit, before we even had time to order, a tugboat passed under the bridge, pushing a dock in front of it, heading for the dock’s new home. It’s hard to beat that for entertainment. Hook’s signature crunchy Pacific white fish – fillets or fingers (strips) coated in frosted flakes, fried golden brown, drizzled with honey and served with raspberry chipotle sauce -- is hard to beat, too. Extra stars for the attentive and welcoming waitstaff.

The Strip at Bagnell Dam

You’ll probably want to develop your own list of must-do culinary traditions at the lake. The historic Bagnell Dam Strip (just south of the dam) in Lake Ozark is a fun place to begin the search for your personal food favorites. There’s Stewart’s, mentioned above. Many people swear by the oysters at Tucker’s Shuckers (I confess I’m not an oyster fan, but the Lobster Roll certainly hit the spot.) or the brick-oven pizza at Casagrotto (Try the meat-heavy Jordanmeister or build your own.), on the lower level of Casablanca Pub and Grill.

Fans of the Netflix series Ozark will want to stop at Marty Byrde’s Gastro Pub for items inspired by the show, such as the Marty Burger or Ruth’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich, as well as traditional pub fare. I had to try the Roasted Cauliflower because it was so not a run-of-the-mill appetizer; it provides a welcome break from the fried foods found on many menus.

Eating on the patio at the Malted Monkey provides plenty of overhead entertainment with kids scrambling on the multi-level rope course high above, as well as great people watching on The Strip. Kids of all ages go for the milkshakes – there are boozy versions for adults – while chowing down on smash burgers and chicken sandwiches.

It’s impossible to miss the bright turquoise and pink of the Neon Taco buildings that start at street level on The Strip and ramble down to the water, at the 0 mile marker alongside the dam. The full menu of Mexican fare includes, of course, tacos, as well as a range of imported cervezas and signature margaritas.

That’s just a smattering of the fun and food awaiting you on The Strip. Simply wander up and down The Strip and pop into whatever bar, cafe or shop that looks appealing to you.

For Your Sweet Tooth

The Bagnell Dam Strip is also a good place for those with a sweet tooth, with Grandma’s Candy Kitchen offering house-made chocolates and 20 flavors of fudge, and Grandpa’s Ice Cream and Homemade Pies serving more than 48 flavors of ice cream and house-made waffle cones.

Heading further afield, look for The Littlest Chocolatier in Sunrise Beach. Packed with fun gift items and collectibles, the store houses both a coffee bar and a chocolate shop, so the aromas are enticing. It’s fun to peer through the windows of the tiny candy kitchen and watch as they make their specialty, upside-down chocolate-caramel-pecan turtles, as well as dipped Oreos and other yummy treats. The hard part is trying to decide, or you might do as I did and buy both dark and milk chocolate versions of the turtles. (You won’t regret it.)

At the intersection of Highways 54 and 5 in Camdenton, you can’t miss the three-story barn-shaped red building with the Ozarkland sign on top. This longtime roadside classic is a must-stop for fudge, ice cream, saltwater taffy and an assortment of made-in-Missouri food items, from jams and jellies to pickles and salsa, not to mention thousands of souvenir and gift items to browse through. Wandering through the aisles brought back childhood memories of trying to select a souvenir on family road trips long ago.

Just across the road from Ozarkland, you’ll spy tiny Ozark Cookie Company, which boasts a baker’s dozen basic flavors as well as seasonal creations. The staff at this family-run business is brimming with enthusiasm and pride, and eager to recommend flavors or offer samples. I succumbed to the clerk’s charm and was soon in possession of several cookies, each of which was delicious.

When driving through Osage Beach, look for The Landing shopping area on the west side of the parkway. Blair and Company’s Confectionery continues the tradition of the Ozark-Maid Candy Kitchen, a lake-area favorite since the 1950s. The glass shelves of the candy counter display a tempting array of hand-dipped chocolates, while nearby shelves overflow with assorted candies and flavored popcorn. After selecting your candy treats, take time to browse through the gift shop, and to visit some of the other shops in the mall.

Dock and Dine

One of the most iconic types of lake dining is the dock-and-dine option, where you boat right up to the dock and walk to the restaurant. (Not to worry if you don’t have a boat; all are accessible by land, too.) Some venues include swimming areas with beaches and sometimes beach games such as volleyball or cornhole. These multi-purpose eateries often attract families by day, when the kids can splash and play in the water, then switch to a more adult crowd at night. Many feature swim-up bars that are geared to the 21-and-over crowd. Live music is a popular draw.

One of the newest of these venues is the Cave Bar and Grill in Camdenton. Missouri is known as The Cave State, so visiting a cave-centric entertainment venue was a must-do activity for me. The natural air-conditioning of the cave feels great on hot summer days. It’s fun to swim in the large pool that runs along the beach in front of the bar and grill, then around the corner and into the cave. There’s live music on most summer weekends and a menu of traditional favorites including burgers, sandwiches, tacos and pizzas.

A local favorite since 1993, Dog Days in Osage Beach is the home of the wildly popular Canine Cannonball, a dog jumping competition, each June. Whether you want to sip a frozen concoction while watching boats zip by on the lake, have a meal with family and friends, or rock out to live music, Dog Days has you covered. With its friendly vibe, everyone fits right in (even those of us sipping a mocktail because we’re the designated drivers). And don’t forget the multiple pools and swim-up bar. The menu ranges from burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos and bowls to salads, seafood and pasta, with a wide assortment of cocktails and other adult beverages.

On the west side of the lake in Sunrise Beach, the entire family will enjoy Franky and Louie’s Beachfront Bar and Grill, with its beach, games, live music, and indoor and outdoor seating. With a bar, grill, pizza kitchen and snack shack to choose from, there’s definitely something on the menu for everyone at this popular hotspot that’s called the Key West of the Midwest. Steak, shrimp, fish and chips, tropical Caesar salad, Cuban sandwiches, pulled pork, and prime rib melt are just a few of the tasty temptations.

Also on the west side in Sunrise Beach is Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill. This pirate-themed entertainment venue might be familiar to you as the home of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, the largest boat racing event at the Lake, held every August. While you enjoy a drink or a meal outside on the covered deck, you can watch folks playing on the sandy beaches and boats coming and going at the dock. Landlubbers will know they’ve arrived when they see the pirate ship, Gypsy Rose, in the parking area.

Many resorts at the lake also offer dock-and-dine possibilities. At the Jimmy Buffet-themed Margaritaville Lake Resort (still stubbornly referred to by many, including me, by its longtime identity, Tan-Tar-A Resort), you can dock at the marina and take a short walk to LandShark Bar and Grill, to enjoy a “cheeseburger in paradise,” as the song goes, or maybe a slice of its signature Key Lime Pie. If you’d like to go upscale, head to Windrose Marker 26 Lakeside Dining for a fine-dining experience at the resort’s classic steak and seafood restaurant. I can still taste those delicious scallops. Margaritaville is in Osage Beach.

Watching the sunset while enjoying dinner or a drink on the balcony at H. Toad’s at Camden on the Lake Resort will create lasting memories, at least it has for me. From that fourth-floor perch, my friends and I like to sip margaritas and share nachos while watching as the lake begins to twinkle with boat running lights, dock lights and starlight. You might prefer to stay closer to the water, opting for Caribbean-themed food at Toad Island near the outdoor stage, Toad Pizza at the pool, or a drink at the swim-up pool bar. A jolly green toad statue greets you when you arrive via the dock.   

A recent addition to the dock-and-dine scene is 1932 Reserve in Osage Beach. The 1932 rock structure, which originally housed an early lake hotel, has been converted into six luxury rental loft suites, the Reserve Lofts, with the upscale eponymous farm-to-table restaurant on the lower level. The floor of the inside dining room is made from repurposed wood from the original hotel. Diners on the covered deck overlook a peaceful cove. If you really feel like a splurge, check out the 2019 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley on the wine list; when I was there in May 2023, it listed for $3,000 a bottle. (Don’t worry, there are many other more affordable wine and spirits options.)

Upscale, Please

Sometimes nothing will do but a top-notch meal, and there is no shortage of fine-dining establishments at the Lake. You won’t necessarily put a big dent in your wallet; most have a range of items of varying prices. Oftentimes the lunch menu offers a lower priced version of some dinner specialties. A few fine-dining options have been mentioned already; here are some other favorites.

A recent addition to the fine-dining roster is Jeffrey’s, in Osage Beach, which is known for its prime rib, steaks and lobster. The transformation of a previous golf course clubhouse is complete, and the elegant dining room sets the stage for tableside salad presentations and flaming desserts. The lobster-stuffed mushrooms, lobster ravioli and filet mignon were superb. We watched as our server used a blowtorch to put a crisp, golden crust on an impossibly creamy and delicious crème brulee, the perfect ending to a memorable meal.    

The Trophy Room at Old Kinderhook resort in Camdenton is a longtime local classic. Although the stately indoor dining room and remodeled bar are tempting, on a recent visit everyone headed to the deck to bask in the evening air and the peaceful views of the golf course and resort. In addition to the privately owned cottages and homes around the top-rated golf course, there’s an 84-room hotel, The Lodge at Old Kinderhook, plus a spa, the casual Hook Café, and a sand volleyball court that converts to an ice rink in the winter. I relaxed on The Trophy Room deck while enjoying my shrimp and grits with a glass of wine, before strolling over to The Lodge to my comfortable room and a good night’s sleep.

This and That

There are so many more great places to eat at the lake, it’s impossible to mention them all. Seeking good barbecue? Try Wobbly Boots Roadhouse in Osage Beach for a fun, casual experience and mouth-watering barbecue. In the mood for Italian? Li’l Rizzo’s at the Outlet Mall in Osage Beach has been a family favorite for years; there’s also one in Lake Ozark. On the Rise Bakery and Bistro in Osage Beach, is ideal for breakfast or brunch.

Looking for a bite on the west side of the lake? Get a Cajun fix at Shrimp Daddy’s in Sunrise Beach, where the large, fresh gulf shrimp and Cajun classics share menu space with Midwest favorites such as fresh onion rings and hand-breaded tenderloins. At happy hour, try some New Orleans-inspired cocktails.   

For down-home comfort food, try Southern Comfort Restaurant at Camp Bagnell, near Eldon. As I headed north on Highway 54 on my way home after my most recent trip, I opted for one more stop and made a short detour on Highway V to Southern Comfort. Chicken-fried steak, fried corn and baked beans really hit the spot, and I look forward to trying other down-home specialties on the menu, such as mac ’n’ cheese, catfish and fried chicken.  

Stocking Up

If you’re staying in a condo, lake house or at a campground, you’ll want to do your own cooking at least some of the time. There are plenty of places to stock up. Check out Dierberg’s Super Market or Hy-Vee’s, both in Osage Beach, or Woods Supermarket in either Lake Ozark or Sunrise Beach. The Macadoodles in Osage Beach is a one-stop shop for beer, wine and spirits. 

For assorted cheeses as well as specialty crackers, sausages and other gourmet treats, visit Harmy’s Cheese Store in Osage Beach. Want some special meat cuts for the grill? Head to The Butcher Shop in Camdenton.

And I haven’t even touched on the area wineries. Too many places, too little time….

For a complete list of dining options, visit www.FunLake.com or check out the 2023 Lake of the Ozarks Dining Guide at www.funlakediningguide.com/mobile/index.html.