Even with the Lake as the main feature of the area, and the abundance of waterfront restaurants, the land based dining selections are quite extensive, as well as all the lakefront establishments which are also accessible by car. In addition to the common restaurant chains, there is a wide range of selections, all over the Lake of the Ozarks region, from fine dining to comfortable pubs to made-from-scratch homestyle cooking, and everything in between, catering to a wide range of palates and tastes.
With so many sporting activities on and around the Lake, sports bars and similar eateries are quite popular, and with majors cities in the general vicinity, and an influx of people from around the country, broadcast sporting events can get exciting at times, and local school and community sports coverage is frequently a part of the festivities. While all of these pubs serve food, the range of options can vary considerably, and in addition to traditional American burgers and fries, anything from frogs legs to lobster tacos and everything in between can be found in a sporting environment as well as indoor sports opportunities. Breweries and tap houses in the Lake area frequently spotlight these events as well, while providing a wide array of local craft beers and international beverages, in addition to the well known favorites on tap, and in addition to local wineries, several establishments feature extensive bourbon selections, or spotlight other top shelf alternatives.
Fine Dining is also plentiful around the Lake, and although many of these restaurants are not accessible by boat, they are often located on hillsides or bluffs common in this region, providing spectacular views comparable to the culinary experience itself. Surf and Turf is the predominant fare at these establishments, but the experience, skill and attention the chefs infuse into the menu items achieves unique creations that can amaze and fascinate any palate. Live music and entertainment often accompanies these meals in the evening and on the weekends, and combined with the attentive hospitality common around the Lake of the Ozarks, and the magnificent views, can manifest a satisfying and memorable experience worthy of edification and repetition.
Family style diners are popular at the Lake, some of which have been around since the 1950s, and all boast an individual interpretation of classic menus. Many begin this evolution by replacing traditional beef with Wagyu, elk, or wild boar, by adding to familiar favorites, such as a lobster mac and cheese, or by oversized portions like a monster pork tenderloin sandwich that comes with an extra bun which still doesn't come close to what is needed. Local and acclaimed chefs alike proudly create this home-cooked fare from scratch daily, often from locally sourced items, and featuring signature sauces, dips and jellies of all types to astound and impress the palate, adding extraordinary and sometimes surprising flavors to timeless standards.
International dining options also put a new spin on classic menus, as well as providing the traditional and authentic fare we all love, with Mexican, Asian, and Italian alternatives headlining the list. The Lake is replete with pizzerias, including all the regular topping options, in thick or thin crust, and more than a few places use Brick Ovens for pizza, calzone, toasted ravioli, and other baking options. The Margarita Pizza is favored around the Lake, and a variety of seafoods are also popular toppings, as well as more exotic alternatives such as fig and arugula, apple bourbon pulled pork or a breakfast pizza.
Traditional sandwich and sub shops are easily accessible around the Lake, as well as drive-ins, coffee shops, locally crafted ice cream and custards, donuts, bakeries, and a variety of other specialty foods and snacks of all types. There are also food based events throughout the year, including BBQ competitions and pub crawls, to name a few, adding another layer to the gastronomical exploration possible across the region. The food experience at Lake of the Ozarks, just like the activities in the area, can be as adventurous or relaxing as you like, and with the medley of culinary possibilities available year round, discovering your favorites can be a satisfying and enjoyable pastime.