Vacation Vibes At Vibrant Neon Taco On The Lake Ozark Strip

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Traveling toward Bagnell Dam by car or boat, you are sure to see the bright pink-and-blue restaurant Neon Taco welcoming you to delicious food and drinks with a view of Lake of the Ozarks.

The festive atmosphere has three different levels. The top level, accessible from the roadway, offers the full menu and happy hour from 6-9 p.m. with half-off apps, $4 beer, and $5 seltzers.

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Located on The Strip, just next to Bagnell Dam (1076 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049), you sometimes might wonder if you have actually wandered into Mexico on the 0 Mile Marker. The unique and recognizable calavera Mexican skull art decorates the restaurant throughout. With views of the water, energetic music, lots of tequila and cerveza, you are practically guaranteed a good time.

Ready to go? Here are some menu items to consider (after ordering, play a round of cornhole or foosball while you wait for your meal)...

(Check out the full menu, here.)

To Eat

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Shrimp Tacos

Street-size, corn tortillas filled with grilled shrimp, guacamole, cabbage, pico de gallo, and topped with cotija cheese. Dip the tacos into the verde sauce for some extra tangy and "herby" tastes. Squeeze some lime over the top for a splash of citrus. Served with a choice of side like Spanish rice or street corn, which is drizzled with a light, creamy sauce and sprinkled with chili powder.

Fajita Bowl

If you’re feeling hungry, this is the right choice. The big bowl is packed with seasoned chicken chunks, lettuce, black beans, bell peppers, onions, guacamole, pico, cilantro lime rice, and topped with cotija cheese. Bursting with flavor, go slow with the very spicy, fiery orange diablo sauce on the side.

Cali-Burrito

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An excellently wrapped flour tortilla with chicken or carne, french fries, cheddar jack, queso, guacamole, pico, cotija cheese, and lime crema. A mild burrito with the ideal bite size and salsa on the side. Paired with salty skinny fries.

To Drink

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Mangonada Margarita

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Hornitos Reposado Tequila, margarita mix, fresh mango puree, and a chamoy swirl, which is a popular Mexican sauce made from dried fruit. The Tajín rim adds a little kick to the fruity frozen cocktail that balances the sweetness.

Cadillac Margarita

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A spin on the classic, this cocktail is made with Espolon Blanco Tequila, sparkling water, fresh squeezed orange juice, lime, and organic agave nectar. Clipped to the cup is a mini bottle of Grand Mariner that helps add that extra touch of orange to the drink.

Margarita Flight

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Can’t decide what to have? Try three seven-ounce margaritas featuring the house frozen, strawberry, and mango. Rimmed in sugar, the pink strawberry cocktail is by far the sweetest of the trio. The house margarita has the perfect amount of sour with a salty rim, and the mango drink is similar to the one previously mentioned.

With all this appetizing food, you should never leave Neon Taco hungry. Pair these fun Southwest-Mex dishes with a margarita and you are set for a memorable evening at the Lake.