Photo courtesy of Studio T Images
by Amanda Bretz
Palm trees & giant oaks, a sandy beach & fresh water… is this Key West, or the Ozarks? It’s both: it’s Franky & Louie’s on Lake of the Ozarks!
Located at 1028 Deer Valley Road in Sunrise Beach, or Mile Marker 10 by water, Franky & Louie’s offers an experience unlike anything else in the area.
This “Key West of the Midwest” boasts an outdoor beachfront dining area and covered bar, along with a private beach and swimming area. It’s truly a slice of the tropics right here at the Lake. The outdoor portion of the restaurant also features a spacious covered performance area where live music and events happen seven days a week, May through September.
To Eat
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
The most popular pie on the menu, and for good reason. House made buffalo cream cheese serves as the sauce base, topped with chicken, cheese, red onion and a drizzle of ranch and buffalo sauce. And a crust that’s just right: not too thin, not too thick.
Tuna Steak Sandwich
Seared tuna steak gets a light crunch from multicolored sesame seeds, served with cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled carrots and cabbage, with a hit of wasabi aioli that adds a little heat.
The John Wayne Burger
Named for one of the most beloved cowboys of the silver stage, this burger is loaded with flavor and a little sweetness from the barbecue sauce. A hint of smoke from the crispy bacon strips and crispy onion straws add texture and a slight zing.
Steak Kabob
Tender morsels of grilled steak, onion, multi-colored bell pepper and pineapple are tossed in a teriyaki bourbon glaze, and plated on a bed of rice. Served without the kabob stick so you can dig right in.
Buffalo Chicken Rangoon
Crispy on the outside with a melty, slightly spicy inside, this shareable dish contains all the yumminess of buffalo chicken wings, delivered in a less messy, but equally tasty manner.
To Drink
Pain in the A$$
Sweet, with just the right amount of tropical flavors from the piña colada, along with fruity notes from the rum runner, this is perfect for sipping lakeside.
Lake Water
One of the Lake’s most iconic cocktails, the drink’s gradient blue and green hue brings visual appeal, while the pineapple and coconut flavors are sweet and balanced.
Franky & Louie’s Mocktail
A mocktail that’s heavy on flavor, with a beautiful ruby color from fresh strawberry puree. It’s sweet and refreshing as well as beautiful.