Best Boat-Up Spots at the Lake
ON THE WATER
10 Best Boat-Up Spots at Lake of the Ozarks
One of the best parts of a Lake of the Ozarks day is never having to leave the water to find great food, cold drinks and plenty of fun. From lively pool bars to family-friendly beaches and laid-back waterfront restaurants, these boat-up stops are worth adding to your next Lake day.
A Lake classic near the Grand Glaize Bridge, Dog Days combines boat-up convenience with waterfront dining, pools, live music and plenty of Lake-day energy. It’s an easy choice when you want lunch or dinner to turn into an afternoon of fun on the water.
Backwater Jack’s is made for a full Lake day, with boat docks, multiple outdoor decks, a pool and swim-up bar, live entertainment and a menu that even includes sushi and Asian-inspired options. It’s especially popular when you want a lively atmosphere rather than just a quick meal.
3. Redhead Lakeside Grill and Yacht Club
Pull into Redhead at the 21 Mile Marker for waterfront dining, a huge dock setup and a resort-style Lake experience. Hand-cut steaks, burgers, seafood and wood-fired pizza give groups plenty of choices, while the pool and swim-up scene make it easy to stay awhile. Redhead lists 90 boat slips for arriving guests.
4. Shorty Pants Lakeside Cajun Restaurant & Marina
Shorty Pants brings a little Louisiana flavor to Lake of the Ozarks. Located around the 21 Mile Marker in Salt Hollow Cove, this boat-up restaurant pairs Cajun and Creole favorites with waterfront views, live entertainment, a marina and a gas dock.
5. Franky & Louie's Beachfront Bar & Grill
If your perfect Lake stop includes sand between your toes, this one belongs on the list. Franky & Louie’s offers boat parking, a sandy beach, frozen drinks, pizza, casual grill favorites and even a gas dock, making it an easy stop for families spending the entire day on the water.
Captain Ron’s is part restaurant, part beach day and part Lake tradition. Boaters can tie up and enjoy casual food, four tiki bars, a sandy beach, live music and frequent special events. It’s also the longtime home base for major Lake events, so the atmosphere can range from relaxed lunch stop to full-on celebration.
7. Shady Gators
For visitors looking for the bigger Lake party atmosphere, Shady Gators delivers. The sprawling waterfront complex has boat slips, multiple levels, bars, live entertainment and plenty of space to settle in with friends while watching the action on the water.
Jolly Rogers brings a fun pirate theme to the Gravois Arm and works especially well for families. Arrive by boat, grab breakfast, lunch or dinner overlooking the Lake, and make it part of a bigger adventure with the Pirate Ship Calypso experience.
The Cave is one of the Lake’s more unusual boat-up experiences. Located on the Big Niangua, it combines waterfront dining with a pool complex that extends into a natural cave, a swim-up atmosphere, music and docks for arriving boaters. It’s as much an attraction as it is a place to eat.
10. Boathouse Lakeside Bar & Grill
At the 3 Mile Marker, Boathouse gives boaters a combination of food, drinks, live music and a pool with both family and adult areas. Guest slips are primarily on B Dock, making it a convenient early-Lake stop for anyone cruising near the dam.
Before You Go
Lake restaurants can get extremely busy on summer weekends, and dock space can fill quickly. Seasonal hours, entertainment schedules and docking availability can also change, so it’s always smart to check with the destination before heading out.
Build Your Lake Day
Planning to hop between a few waterfront favorites? Save restaurants, attractions and other stops to My Lake Day, then add dates and times to build a Lake itinerary that works for you.