1932 Reserve On Lake Of The Ozarks Defines 'Upscale Casual' Waterfront Dining

In one of the oldest buildings at Lake of the Ozarks, 1932 Reserve welcomes guests by water and land for one of the finest dining experiences, anywhere. The restaurant itself is a relative newcomer in the Lake area but with premium service and even better food, it’s clear they’re going to be here for a long time.

Reserve 002.jpg — LAKE SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHYY

With tasteful strands of string lights overhead and a beautiful view of the water, 1932 Reserve offers one of the highest class dining experiences at the Lake with innovative recipes and glamorous cocktails all served in an elegant atmosphere. It’s big-city food with the service and pace of a lakefront, small-town place.

Reserve 008.jpg — LAKE SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHYY

The waterfront dining experience at the Reserve is best enjoyed on the sprawling, covered patio. Well-spaced tables create a sense of a private dinner, and the fire burning in the midst of the nearby granite bar adds a flair of elegance. The Reserve’s access by land and boat means elegant attire is optional. Some come in shorts and a t-shirt; others arrive dressed to the nines. Managing Partner Mark Spears calls it “upscale casual.” It’s the best of both worlds, with a view of the sunset.

On assignment from Lake Expo (such difficult work, this!), I went down to the 17.5 Mile Marker to sample and survey dinner and drinks at 1932 Reserve. Here were some of my favorite dishes.

Double Cut, Bone-In Pork Chop

This dish brings the porkchop to a new level with a deep, juicy flavor of the meat that falls off the bone and pairs exquisitely with the sweet glaze. And, unlike the stereotype of fine-dining, 1932 doesn’t scrimp on portions. This porkchop will fill you up, especially with a bed of potatoes and quinoa, a combination that creates a unique texture and elevates both ingredients to a new level.

Chilean Sea Bass

A lot of dishes claim to melt in your mouth, but the 1932 Reserve Sea bass actually delivers. The sea bass is impossibly tender with a slight salt crust on the outside and a hot and juicy center with a side of sweet, pea puree and small purple potatoes. It’s a simple dish done perfectly right, hard to get any better than that!

As I was finishing this dish, a woman leaving the restaurant called out to ask what I was having, “The sea bass!” I called back, “It’s very good!”

“I don’t even like sea bass, but I like it here!” she answered with genuine effusiveness, waving to me as she left.

Ahi Tuna

A smart and snappy appetizer, the Ahi Tuna comes with crunchy wheat crackers and a tuna dip that has a vinegar sharpness that pairs perfectly with the generous pieces of tuna that are soft and juicy without a hint of fishy taste. The Tuna Ahi is a sharp, flavor-rich dish that’s a great starter for any meal.

To Drink

Blackberry Bramble

A slow-burn cocktail with a slight carbonation and a mellow sweetness of blackberry without the berry’s overwhelming tartness, and all with a lovely pastel pink color. Despite the slight burn of Beefeater gin, you can still barely taste it in the calm sweetness of the Bramble. The Blackberry Bramble is the perfect summer drink, your only worry will be indulging in too many!

Smoked Pig

An impossibly smooth old fashioned that comes out in a smokey box that adds presentation to quality, this in-house smoked bourbon is a slow-burn drink that you’ll want to savor all night. With strong notes of citrus and the smoky bite as you sip, the Smoked Pig is a drink that no bourbon drinker will be able to turn down.

A Memorable Dinner Spread At 1932 Reserve — LAKE SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHYY

1932 Reserve’s menu prices are surprisingly good, considering the high quality fare: this is the kind of place you’ll find reasons to go back to again and again.

Click here to view 1932 Reserve’s menu online, and plan your next lunch, dinner, or drinks: https://www.1932reserve.com/reserve.htm