Sometimes you’re craving something different. Enter Shorty Pants Lakeside Cajun Restaurant & Marina on Lake of the Ozarks.

This popular eatery brings bold flavors and iconic Creole dishes to the waterfront.

The seasonal restaurant is equipped with deck seating overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place to find a new favorite meal amid a sunset backdrop. Customers can expect casual dining, friendly service, and lots of live music through August.

Boat to Shorty Pants at the 21 Mile Marker or drive by land to 1680 Autumn Lane, Osage Beach.

With a menu straight out of New Orleans featuring rubs and spices direct from Louisiana, you just might think you’re eating in the French Quarter and not central Missouri. There’s also a gluten-free menu with a variety of options.

Make sure you stop by Shorty Pants this summer. And when you go, here are some menu items to consider...

What To Order At Shorty Pants

To Eat

Original Smoked Wings

This starter is aptly named. The smoky flavor shines in the bone-in, tender wings that have just the right amount of sauce.

The original flavor is a classic option with a little heat, but the wings can also be served extra hot, with garlic parmesan, or barbecue. Either way, you’ll be licking your fingers!

Big Easy Shrimp

This app is a must-try! Large Gulf Shrimp are sautéed in butter, white wine, garlic, lemon, rosemary, and Cajun seasoning.

The cooked shrimp absorb the rich flavor and keep you coming for more. Plus it’s served with the sauce, which perfectly balances the savory and aromatic ingredients.

New Orleans Medley

If you can’t decide what to eat, order this plateful of signature entrees! You’ll get creamy crawfish étouffée, rich jambalaya, red beans, rice, and a half link of Andouille sausage. Cajun cuisine is embodied in the hearty jambalaya, smoky sausage, and luscious étouffée. The red beans also have a spice that sneaks up on you!

Black Jack Filet

Sometimes you just need a good steak. This blackened 7-oz filet takes you on a sweet journey. Topped with house-made Jack Daniel’s sauce, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, every mouthful is delicious. Pair it with a signature side like the vegetable medley – zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, mushrooms, and sliced carrots – and there’s no way you leave hungry.

Smothered Catfish

The crawfish étouffée once again shines in this dish, and is also the reason for its name! A thinly breaded catfish filet is fried and served on a bed of rice then smothered in the étouffée. The white rice acts as a filling base to the crispy and flaky catfish. Try it blackened!

Asiago Chicken Sandwich

This isn’t your typical chicken sandwich! A thinly sliced chicken breast is grilled and topped with white American cheese, grilled onions, and a balsamic sauce in between two slices of bread – the best kind that’s chewy with a crisp crust. This dish is savory and not overly sweet.

To Drink

Island Hurricane

This is one of three hurricanes made with Cruzan Pineapple and Tropical Fruit Rums, pineapple juice, and a splash of orange juice and grenadine. It’s smooth and sweet with a citrusy note, perfect for summertime!

Ozark Lemonade

When thinking of an Ozarks drink, moonshine comes to mind. Shorty Pants uses Ozark Distillery Blackberry Moonshine and mixes it with lemonade for a delicious combo of sweetness and tartness.

Spicy Margarita

Give your margarita some heat! Dulce Vida Jalapeño Pineapple Tequila, sour, triple sec, and a splash of pineapple juice brings a twist to the classic marg. The cocktail has a little punch that is balanced by the fruitiness from the pineapple.

Mojito

A go-to drink for many for its refreshing lightness! Mint is the primary flavor in this cocktail that is great during those hot summer days. It’s become a house favorite with Cruzan Light Rum, soda water, and simple syrup. Flavored mojitos are an option too!

Visit Shorty Pants by water at the 21 Mile Marker or by land at 1680 Autumn Lane, Osage Beach.