The Lake of the Ozarks – a paradise in the heart of Missouri! This place is a magnet for fun-seeking adults looking to let loose and paint the town red. And by “paint,” I mean “drink at every bar humanly possible.” With more watering holes than you can shake a stick at, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to booze, grub, live tunes, and busting a move on the dance floor. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable bar-hopping adventure that’ll leave you with stories to tell (and maybe a few fuzzy memories). Just remember: what happens at the Lake of the Ozarks stays at the Lake of the Ozarks!
How to Get There?
- By Car: Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Lake of the Ozarks. The lake area is centered around the town of Osage Beach, located about 2.5 hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis via highways 54 and 70. So no matter if coming from the western or eastern side of Missouri, plan for roughly a 2.5+ hour drive depending on exact starting point and destination around the large lake.
- By Air: If flying in, the most convenient airport is Columbia Regional Airport (COU), just under an hour drive to the Lake of the Ozarks. Kansas City International Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport are also popular airline hubs, both around 2.5 hours from the lake. Rental cars or shuttles like GO Best Express can complete the airport transfer.
- By Shuttle: Some lodgings like resort hotels and family house rental companies around the Lake of the Ozarks offer shuttle service from major airports like Kansas City and St. Louis. Inquire directly with your accommodation about availability and costs. Shuttles allow relaxing without having to rent a car.
- By Bus While not as convenient for vacation travelers, Greyhound buses do offer routes connecting major Missouri cities like Springfield, Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis to the smaller town of Osage Beach with stops along the main highway commercial strip. Once arriving, taxis or local shuttles would still be needed to reach exact lake lodgings.
Getting Around on a Lake of the Ozarks Bar Crawl
The Lake of the Ozarks is like a giant, winding snake of a shoreline, stretching out for a whopping 125 miles. With bars scattered all over the place, you might be thinking, “How the heck am I supposed to get around without ending up in the middle of nowhere?” Fear not, my thirsty friends! There are a few clever ways to keep your bar-hopping journey stress-free and safe, ensuring you make it to your next watering hole without any unplanned detours or impromptu swimming sessions. So, buckle up, designate a driver (or a boat captain), and let’s navigate this boozy labyrinth together!
- Designated Driver: Take turns selecting a designated driver each night who refrains from drinking and can drive your group safely between bars. This is often the most budget-friendly and flexible option. Apps like Dryver and UZURV specialize in on-demand designated drivers as well.
- Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft both operate around the Lake of the Ozarks area, providing easy rides between bars for reasonable prices through their smartphone apps. Availability is limited late at night though.
- Water Taxi: For bars that are close together on water or difficult to access by land routes, hire a Lake of the Ozarks water taxi service to boat your group directly across the lake. Prices vary but make for a fun experience! Popular companies include Lakeland Taxi and WOW Taxi & Tours.
- Party Buses: For large groups visiting multiple bars in one night, consider booking a party bus or limo service equipped to safely transport higher numbers of people together. Some companies like Hey Party Shuttle even offer party supplies and ice buckets onboard!
Best Bars by Area at the Lake of the Ozarks
With so many bars and lodging options scattered around the vast Lake of the Ozarks shorelines and coves, it helps to understand where some of the best bars are clustered so you can determine the most convenient homebase. Here’s an overview of top bar districts:
Osage Beach Area Bars
Known as the entertainment hub of the Lake of the Ozarks with several large venues right along the main strip, Osage Beach is a prime area to stay for access to many lively bars within walking distance. Popular picks include:
- Shady Gators: A casual eatery and bar with live music, huge drink selection and lakefront views.
- Lazy Gators: Sister property to Shady Gators but more pirate themed inside and known for their strong Long Islands.
- Backwater Jacks: Massive lakefront complex with large sandy beach, multiple bars, live music, dancing, contests, events and more. Extremely popular with a younger party crowd.
- Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar: Lively open-air tropical bar with potent rum buckets, dance floor with DJs, bean bag games and beach volleyball. Gets packed on nice days.
Bagnell Dam Strip Bars
The Bagnell Dam strip refers to the corridor of restaurants, bars and attractions along Highway 54 across the Osage Arm of the lake from the actual Bagnell Dam. Prime picks include:
- Casinos: Several big casinos like the Lighthouse Bar & Grill at Lake of the Ozarks Casino and Thirty-One Bar & Grill at Ozarks Amphitheater offer flashy bars next to gaming floors.
- Bars at Retail Complexes: The Premier Retail area contains several popular chain and local bars at complexes like The Shoppes at Eagles Landing. Options range from laidback to upscale.
- Lakeside Bars & Restaurants: Chains like Tucker’s Shuckers serve comforting bar food and The Fish Bowl offers sunset happy hours with unbeatable lake views.
Bars Around the Grand Glaize Area
The beautiful Grand Glaize arm of the Lake of the Ozarks winds through hilly terrain, offering scenic bars in charming small towns. Recommendations include:
- JB Hook’s: A lowkey bar with wrap-around deck, local bands, bingo nights and tasty fried pickles in the tiny town of Sunrise Beach.
- Bobber’s: Lakeside outdoor patio bar nestled on a wooded cove in Gravois Mills, with live bands frequently playing during warmer months. Known for huge bloody marys garnished with entire meals during their popular Sunday brunches!
Small Town Bars Around the Lake
From dive bars to local gems hiding down backroads, don’t miss checking out some classic watering holes in small towns scattered around the Lake of the Ozarks including:
- Franky and Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill: Historic exposed-rafters bar open since 1935 in the tiny town of Laurie, right along the lakeshore. Features plenty of lake view outdoor seating and live bands during summer.
- Dog Days Bar & Grill: Another Laurie institution – a laidback biker bar with lake views, cheap drinks, arcade games and unique hot dogs baked inside actual beer cans!
- Redhead Lakeside Grill: Charming local restaurant and bar built right over water in Gravois Mills, with indoor and outdoor deck seating boasting romantic vistas. Live music on weekends.
No matter what part of the expansive Lake of the Ozarks you choose to stay in, there are sure to be several lively bars and restaurants conveniently closeby worth checking out!
Finding Bars Open Late Night or 24/7
While closing times for Lake of the Ozarks bars vary based on the day of the week and season, visitors looking to keep partying late into the night do have some reliable options for round-the-clock imbibing, including:
- Casinos: As they never close, casino bars like Jackpot Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Lake Resort or Rush Lounge at Ameristar Casino Hotel are always serving drinks 24 hours a day.
- Hotel Bars: Many hotels around the lake have lobby bars or pubs that stay open until 1 or 2am nightly, even between major holidays when other businesses reduce hours.
- 24 Hour Restaurants/Diners: Family-friendly all-night diners like Waffle House or Denny’s typically serve beer and cocktails anytime for those craving a nightcap with their late-night grub.
- After Hours Clubs: A few 18+ dance clubs like Shady Beach Club and Beach Club at Port Arrowhead stay busy until 5am on weekends, although beers stop flowing around 1:30am per Missouri liquor laws.
Finding all-night bars similar to those in big cities can still remain tricky at the Lake of the Ozarks. But visitors who arrive prepared with research on late-night and 24-hour venues should still be able to locate spots serving alcohol after last call – often alongside cheap, satisfying bar food perfect for soaking up all those delicious local cocktails and craft beers!
Unique & Unusual Bars Worth Discovering
Beyond the conventional hotel tiki bars and lakefront grill & pub combos, there are several creatively themed bars tucked around the Lake of the Ozarks for curious imbibers to uncover. Check out these uniquely fun bars on your visit:
Dog Lady Winery
Part hip downtown wine lounge, part doggie daycare – Dog Lady Winery in Osage Beach uniquely combines fine wines with adoptable rescue pups roaming the bar areas. Enjoy sipping sophisticated bottles of red, white and fruit infused wines while snuggling the adorable rescue dogs, some even available to bring home that day!
Redhead Lakeside Grill’s Houseboat Bar
The Redhead Lakeside Grill floats a converted retro houseboat, the USS Margaritaville, just off their shoreline that serves as a one-of-a-kind floating bar. Accessible only by small boat, locals refer to it as “Gilligan’s Island” and flock to it on nice days to sip bucket drinks and take Instagrammable selfies before the bar closes at sunset.
Franky & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill
This iconic lake bar in business since Prohibition occupies a historic exposed beam building right on the shore. Beyond the inviting lakeside tiki bar and local beer selection, their walls display an ever-accumulating array of bras visitors have grafittied and hung from the rafters over decades, similar to the famous Bar 32 brassiere ceiling display in New Orleans!
Dog Days Digsite Lounge
The Dog Days Bar & Grill serves their hot dogs baked inside actual emptied beer cans and they’ve carried over an amusing beer can theme to their adjoining cocktail lounge. Tables crafted from old beer cans and walls covered in thousands of flattened cans make for a funky recycled decor.
Casablanca on the Lake
This romantically tropical Osage Beach restaurant and bar goes all-out transporting guests to 1940’s era Morocco. You’ll discover servers in period costumes, authentic Moroccan cuisine and cocktails, live music, belly dancers, palm trees, starry skies with twinkling lights overhead and Rick’s Piano Bar – paying homage to the classic Humphrey Bogart movie Casablanca.
From the quirky to crafty to classy – make time between rowdier beach bars to uncover some of the wonderfully weird watering holes that help provide the Lake of the Ozark’s bar scene far more incredible depth and range to explore.
Seasonal Considerations for Lake of the Ozarks Bars
As a prime Midwest vacation destination, the Lake of the Ozarks sees dramatic seasonal shifts in crowds and available entertainment. Before planning your bar hopping adventures, consider the following seasonal factors:
- Winter Months: From November to March when snowbirds have migrated south, you’ll discover limited crowds, discounted lodging rates and reduced bar hours. However major holidays still draw lively turnouts – for example the popular St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl or partying crowds during Christmas/New Years.
- Early Spring: April and May see weather warming up and crowds slowly start returning to seasonal Lake of the Ozark vacation homes, although weekends draw the largest turnouts to bars before schools let out for summer.
- Prime Summer: June through August roars in monster crowds at area hotels, rental houses, campgrounds and of course bars every weekend. All bars run full tilt withextended hours, lots of live music and entertainment plus seasonal bars fully reopened. Expect long lines and big summer drink specials!
- Fall Shoulder Season: September and October continue pleasant weather and smaller weekend crowds. Annual fall harvest festivals, Halloween pub crawls and cooler temperatures make for enjoyable bar hopping before winter quiet resumes.
No matter what time of year you plan to visit, calling ahead to bars you want to visit in advance to check open days, hours and entertainment helps prevent unwanted surprises!
Getting Covered – Finding Drink Specials & Happy Hours
From extended happy hour deals every Monday-Friday afternoon to crazy late night drink specials fueling dance parties at area nightclubs, you can uncover some amazing bar promotions almost any night around the vast Lake of the Ozarks. Here are inside tips to help take advantage:
Happy Hour Heaven
Nearly all bars feature happy hour specials before 7pm nightly, with incredible steals like half priced appetizers, $2 domestics and 2-for-1 cocktails to draw lake crowds thirsty after long days boating or beaching in the hot Missouri sun. Prime picks include JB Hook’s Hillbilly Happy Hour, Franky & Louie’s daily specials and Redhead Lakeside Grill’s famous Friday Funday.
Sunday Funday for Real
Sunday brings both excellent daytime late breakfast bar specials like Bobber’s monster Bloody Marys and perilous late night drink combos like Machine Shed’s 52 oz fishbowls. Many bars also host open jam sessions for amateur musicians.
Wild Wednesday Bargains
Midweek Wednesday night happy hours tend to run latest – with specials sometimes extending until nearly midnight! Take advantage at rowdier places like Backwater Jack’s Tiki Bar that really get moving late nights midweek after weekend warriors have cleared out.
Late Night Last Call Steals
Pay attention to incredible late night drink specials running Thursday through Saturday at bigger bars and nightclubs around 1:30am near Missouri’s 1:30am last call. Enjoy crazy deals like five shots for $10 or huge draft beer pitchers priced under $5 as places try empty supplies before closing.
Visiting bars any afternoon, evening or late night around the Lake of the Ozarks nearly guarantees you’ll be able to score some kind of delicious drink specials – you just need to know where to look!
Tipping Etiquette Guide at Lake of the Ozarks Bars
Tipping is not only polite but expected both around the United States and at the Lake of the Ozarks for competent bar service. However rules differ whether you are tipping bartenders, servers or other staff:
- Bartenders: Tip bartenders $1-$2 per drink at full service bar locations or 15%-20% of your total bar tab for quality service. Tips typically go into a jar to split between all working bartenders.
- Servers at Bar/Restaurants: Servers working sections in bar/restaurant combo locations that also take your food order warrant a full 20% tip based on your entire check amount, rather than lesser beer and shot bar tipping rates.
- Cover Bands: If you really enjoy a live band performing at a bar, tipping band members a few dollars if they have a tip jar visible shows appreciation.
- Valet Parking: When utilizing valet parking at nicer restaurants or casino hotels around the lake, tip $2-$5 per vehicle at drop-off and pickup.
- Drink Delivery Services: For bars that offer cocktail servers circulating to deliver drinks waterside, tip a few dollars per round.
Following these Lake of the Ozarks bar tipping standards helps ensure you receive prompt, friendly service all day and night during your action-packed bar hopping adventures!
Late Night Bites – Best Bar Food Finds
After hours spent drinking and dancing the night away at Lake of the Ozarks hot spots, finding tasty grub to refuel makes for the perfect capper before stumbling home. Here are some of the best late night menu options for soaking up those cocktails:
- Backwater Jack’s: Their massive beachfront complex has it all, including kitchens serving loaded nachos, wings, pizzas and appetizer favorites until 1:30am nightly.
- Casinos: Open 24 hours a day, casino hotel late night menus offer substantial sandwiches, burgers and comfort food. Ameristar Casino also hosts an all-night diner.
- Denny’s Lake Ozark: Located along the busy Bagnell Dam strip, this franchise diner serves breakfast favorites plus sandwiches and burgers all night long.
- Waffle House: Another reliable chain eatery open 24 hours a day, the Waffle House whips up tasty budget comfort food like hashbrowns, eggs and breakfast meats after the bars shut down.
- Shrimp Daddy’s: A local late night institution on the Bagnell Dam Strip, they serve tasty po’boys loaded with fried shrimp or other proteins until 3am on weekends.
After closing down bars across the Lake of the Ozarks night after night, you’ll definitely work up fierce late night appetites. Knowing the best spots for some scrumptious post-partying hangover prevention meals helps keep the good times rolling all night around the lake!
Traveling Solo Guide to Lake Bars
For singles visiting the Lake of the Ozarks area solo and looking to meet friendly folks while grabbing drinks, it may seem intimidating figuring out the best bars to frequent solo. Use these expert solo bar tips:
- Patio & Outdoor Bars: Outdoor bars with communal seating like Coconuts Carribean Beach Bar or Bobber’s lakeside patio see more solo mingling versus sit-down indoor restaurants.
- Games Bars: Bars offering fun games like trivia, karaoke, billiards, darts, etc are ideal for breaking the ice with fellow bar patrons interested in the same activities. Prime picks include Dog Days, Backwater Jack’s or Franky & Louie’s.
- Local Music Venues: Places that get crowds swaying to live bands like Shady Gators, Mother’s Bar & Grill or Captain Ron’s see looser, friendly partying perfect for striking up new conversations.
- Daytime Happy Hours: Afternoon bar specials tend to pull more lowkey singleton crowds simply relaxing versus loud nocturnal party hounds.
- High-Top Only Bars: Tavern-style bars with no standard seating and mainly high-top community tables foster more social interaction for solo visitors – like JB Hook’s rustic bar layout.
While making new friends barside always contains an element of risk for solo travelers, these tips stack the deck in your favor at Lake of the Ozarks bars. Opening conversations along the lines of “Is this seat taken?” or “Haven’t seen you here before, just visiting?” helps break the ice as well when you encounter other potential singles loitering around pick-up bars!
Best places to visit around Lake of the Ozarks
- Lake Cruises: For scenic views of the lake, enjoy sightseeing, dining and party cruises aboard yachts like the Celebration or Tropic Island from companies like Lake Cruises and Tours. Learn about the lake’s history and scope out waterfront dream homes.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Just a 15 minute drive from the lake lies this gorgeous state park built around the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone mansion. Hiking trails pass sinkholes, natural bridges, caves and spring-fed streams perfect for picnicking.
- Bridal Cave: Missouri’s largest commercial cave system located in Camdenton features classic stalactite and stalagmite formations across two levels to explore on foot or by tram ride. In winter months, guided tours roam previously flooded lower cave passages.
- Ozark Caverns: These fascinating underground caves formed by an ancient underground river contain intricate crystalline cave formations estimated to be up to 320 million years old. Tours of Ozark Caverns are offered year-round except major holidays.
- Big Surf Waterpark: Family-friendly Big Surf Waterpark in nearby Laurie features pools, water slides,lazy rivers, splash pads and more kept at a comfortable 84° all season. Enjoy wave riding FlowRider and AquaLoop drop capsule rides!
- Outlet Malls: Can’t resist bargains? The nearby Osage Beach Premium Outlets and Lake of the Ozarks Outlets offer shops with deep discounts on brands like Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and Under Armour for some retail therapy.
Staying Safe While Bar Hopping
Above all else, you want to party smart and stay aware of safety risks unique to bar destinations that can quickly sink good times for careless visitors. Follow these tips to keep your Lake of the Ozarks bar crawl on course:
- Stay Together: Travel in organized groups between bars versus straying home alone, communicate clear meet-up times/places and ensure everyone returns together or confirms arrivals once home safely.
- Watch Your Drink: Don’t accept random free drinks which could be spiked, always get your own and keep near you, be wary of strange tasting drinks.
- Limit Cash: Avoid flashing thick wallets around that make you a target for pickpockets or muggers after leaving clubs. Pay with cards at possible and only keep essential cash needed for the night secured in front pockets.
- Arrange Travel Carefully: Never drink and drive – coordinate trusted designated drivers, a ride share or pre-scheduled pickup with your lodging shuttle driver to arrive on time.
- Make Back-Up Plans: If your phone dies, get separated from friends or have issues with your planned ride – always know of alternate bars nearby you can walk to if in trouble to get help or call a cab/Uber.
- Don’t Overdo It: Getting blackout drunk makes you vulnerable to all kinds of safety issues like falling victim to predatory patrons seeking to take advantage or alcohol poisoning health crises. Set reasonable limits with friends to prevent life-threatening issues.
While it’s easy to get caught up enjoying the Lake of the Ozark’s crazy bar scene, staying secure from harm remains crucial. Implementing smart precautions and traveling with trusted friends who have your back allows maintaining safety while still relishing this premier Midwest party destination!
Costs and Expenses
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel (per night, average) | $100 – $300 |
| Vacation Rental Home (per week) | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Campground (per night) | $40 – $80 |
| Restaurant Meals (per person, average) | $12 – $25 |
| Groceries (per person, per day) | $10 – $20 |
| Bars & Clubs (drinks & cover charges) | $8 – $15 per drink |
| Cover Bands at Bars (optional tips) | $1 – $5 per band member |
| Attractions (movie theater, go-karts, etc) | $5 – $30 per activity |
| Boat Rentals (pontoons, WaveRunners) | $150 – $500 per day |
| Fishing Trips/Excursions | $100 – $300 per trip |
| Souvenirs & Shopping | $10 – $50 per item/store |
| Gasoline (higher summer demand) | $3.50 – $5 per gallon |
| Rental Car (per day, average) | $50 – $100 |
| Ride Shares ( Uber, Lyft per ride) | $10 – $50 |
Summing Up Why Lake of the Ozarks Bars Rock
From lively beach bars with swimming pools to biker dives to crafty brewpubs to Vegas-style casino lounges and everything in between – all surrounded by the serene beauty of stunning lakeside scenery.
The tips and recommendations compiled in this comprehensive Lake of the Ozarks bar guide equip first-time visitors with insider knowledge helping unlock and take full advantage of the region’s amazing bar offerings. No matter whether planning boys weekend golf trips, bachelorette parties or family vacations – adults toggling free time away from kids won’t have to search far to uncover bars matching their style and budget. Now armed with specialized advice detailing the area’s best bars and drinks, iconic late night hangouts, bar food favorites and more – newcomers can also easily blend right into the wild local nightlife scene!
So what are you waiting for? Use this guide to start mapping out the perfect bar-focused itinerary matching your interests for an upcoming Lake of the Ozarks vacation certain to produce adventurous stories worth retelling for years ahead. Just don’t forget to rest up in between late nights out, lest you miss out enjoying the lake’s incredible daytime attractions and nature as well!
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