The Craft Beer Scene is Growing at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Craft beer and home brewing seem to be increasing in popularity across the country. Events such as beer festivals have popping up in new places all the time. While somewhat slow to adapt to this new fad compared to some of the big cities, the Lake of the Ozarks area continues to add new craft beer options that both locals and vacationers can enjoy! In the past several years, we have seen a variety of new breweries open at the Lake of the Ozarks. In addition, more and more bars are choosing to feature Missouri-made beers at their establishments. Keep reading to learn more about the best places to try a new craft beer at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company

Located in the heart of the Lake area, in Osage Beach, Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company has been serving up locally brewed beers since 2019. This family-owned and family-friendly business not only offers some unique “lake themed” beers, but also features homemade sodas, wine slushees and snacks including soft pretzels with homemade beer cheese, a meat & cheese tray or a build-your-own thin crust pizza!

Be sure to try their “Osage River Red,” a malty beer with a full body toasted toffee flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can try the “Damsel (in distress) Blonde”, an ale that’s surprisingly sweet, light and refreshing. If IPA’s are your thing, they’ve got several to choose from. Not really sure where to start? You can get a flight of 4 or 6 beers, and try a variety before settling on your beer of choice. In addition to great beer, Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company offers a variety of events throughout the year, making it the perfect place to gather with your friends. Checkout their Facebook page for dates and times of upcoming Trivia Nights and more!

Shortleaf Brewing

While Shortleaf Brewing originally started in O’Fallon Missouri, it now has a second home in Camdenton, Missouri and the Lake area could not be more excited to welcome their craft beers to our area! They offer a wide variety of craft beers, as well as a full bar in their taproom. Therefore, if you’re not a beer drinker, you can still enjoy a cold beverage while your friends are trying all their beers. Among their most popular brews are the AmericAle and the MexicAle.

The AmericAle is a pale, light bodied beer with a neutral flavor profile and low bitterness, offering a refreshing option. The MexicAle on the other hand is a tart, fruity sour featuring pink salt and key lime puree for a margarita-like flavor profile. If neither of those sound your style, that’s okay because they offer a wide range of beers from IPAs to porters and stouts. There’s something for everyone here. And also, be sure to checkout the Swallowtail Scratch Kitchen food truck that regular parks outside the brewery. Their fresh-made creations pair perfectly with Shortleaf Brewing’s beers!

The Sanctuary Brewery

Newly entering the craft beer scene at the Lake is Sanctuary Brewery in Osage Beach, which opened in 2023! Their in-house tap list is growing each month. Grab a flight and try them all! In addition to craft beer at the Lake of the Ozarks, they also offer wine and other drink items; there’s something for everyone here. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, plus they offer a nice food menu to accompany your craft beer selections. The venue is open Wednesday to Sunday from 3-9 PM, but it’s also available for private events!

Ozark Distillery and Brewery

What started as the first “legal” distillery in Camden County is also a brewery! Here you can try both craft beer and handcrafted Missouri Moonshine! It is a small, family-owned business, located on Hwy KK in Osage Beach. Head on over to their tasting room to sample their distilled products and beer, as well as some fresh made pizza. They are open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Follow their Facebook page for updates on what’s happening at the distillery and brewery, upcoming events, and more!

Pappo’s Pizzeria & Pub

While not an actually brewery, Pappo’s offers a great selection of craft beer on tap! Their daily rotating craft beer selection has been carefully curated to offer a range of flavors and styles to suit all tastes. Featuring local and regional favorites, as well as some from further away, you’re sure to find something new to try. Plus beer pairs perfectly with a good pizza, and there’s no shortage of good pizza at Pappo’s. Choose from 32 handcrafted pizzas. Happy Hour is from 3-6 PM, where you can enjoy $1 off draft and domestic beers, $2 off well liquor and $3 off select appetizers. Be sure to stop in next time you’re at the Lake!

Macadoodles

If you’d rather drink your craft beer from the comfort of your private vacation home or condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, or if you just need some Missouri craft beer to take home with you, stop in to Macadoodles! They offer the widest selection of craft beer, seltzers, wine and liquors at the Lake of the Ozarks. You’re sure to find something for everyone in your group to enjoy!