
Photo courtesy of Lake Shots Photography
by Nathan Bechtold
Follow the powerboats into the back of the cove at the 21 Mile Marker and you’ll find one of the best places to eat and drink lakeside: Redhead Lakeside Grill at Lake of the Ozarks.
A powerboating mecca, an essential part of the experience at Redhead is watching all the marvelous powerboats come in and out of the docks. The roar of engines, people reaching over the gunwale to push off the docks, the sun sparkling on the crystal-clear pool next to Performance Boat Center — these all make dining at Redhead especially unique.
Find Redhead Lakeside Grill at 1700 Yacht Club Drive, Osage Beach, by land. By water, it’s at the 21 Mile Marker, on the south side of the channel. There’s plenty of parking either way.
To Eat

Photo courtesy of Lake Shots Photography
Bruschetta
Using local cherry tomatoes in-season, this bruschetta is a great way to start a meal at Redhead. Flavorful but not overpowering, the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic drizzle invite bite after bite. The bread is toasted to a lovely golden crisp.
6oz Filet Mignon
Superbly tender, the excellent sear and seasonings cause this filet to absolutely explode with flavor. Sometimes I avoid ordering steak at restaurants because it’s just so… overdone. Figuratively and literally. So if I’m going to have a steak it had better be excellent. This filet is excellent.
Pan-Seared Salmon
You’ve never had salmon like this. The orange-vanilla beurre blanc makes an outstanding impression.
For the culinary novices out there (*sheepishly raises hand*), save yourself the Google search. Buerre blanc is a white-wine cream sauce. In the words of Redhead Chef Michael Windsor, “Butter is love.” In that case, this buerre blanc is made with plenty of love.
To Drink

Photo courtesy of Lake Shots Photography
Mango Tango Martini
Sweet and smooooooth with just a little nip (not even a bite). This martini is 100% tropical vibes, so if you’re feeling the “Lake vacation” mood, this one is the perfect complement. Sip away!
Margarita
Extra marg and light on the -ita, the Redhead margarita is good and strong!
Lake Water
Probably the most popular — and most photogenic — drink at the lake. With pineapple juice, Coconut Rum and Blue Curacao in swirling shades of green and blue, Lake Water is sweet, drinkable, and eminently tropical. This one’s perfect for sipping poolside or with dinner at sunset overlooking the lake. When in doubt, order the Lake water!