What is more enjoyable and relaxing than enjoying an amazing dinner lakeside? Yep, not much! So here is a list of 10 Okoboji lakeside patio dining hotspots!
With three levels of outside seating, a comfy couch mezzanine level and playground for kids The Okoboji Store is your ultimate lakeside dining destination. The Okoboji Store kitchen strives to be as “from scratch” as possible. Hand battering, hand pounding, roasting, baking, slicing and dicing are all part of the quality formula reflecting true “Iowa comfort food”. Here local culture also means regional craft beers on tap, pork, beef, campfire s’mores, garden vegetables and herbs, even local corn on the cob. If you are there on a weekend you will also be able to enjoy some great live music. If you are coming by boat the Okoboji Store also offers valet boat parking on the weekend.
Bracco World Cafe & Island Bar is a Lake Okoboji hot spot with a unique menu including an extensive drink list featuring island favorites. The casual upscale atmosphere offers a veranda patio area, large bar, and beach bar area which features live music every weekend. Overlooking East Lake Okoboji. Come by boat or car!
Snappers is more than a great meal. It’s a fabulous meal in an extraordinary relaxing atmosphere. Family friendly and just steps away from the World Famous Barefoot Bar. Did we mention there are yard games for the kids? Open year round for lunch or dinner. Daily drink and food specials. Come by boat or car, there is plenty of parking.
Waterfront Grille & Event Center
Lakefront dining at its finest at Waterfront Grille & Event Center at Bridges Bay! Experience stunning lake views at our restaurants while you enjoy brick oven flatbreads, fresh seafood, and some of the best steaks in the Midwest! Our comfortable dining room and our seasonal outdoor lakefront patio dining areas will leave you waiting for your next visit! Open Year-Round!
The Barefoot Bar located at Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji is one of the region’s most popular family destinations. You can arrive by water or land with plenty of parking as well as docking for your boat. Featuring a full bar, great beach-fare food, pizza, and don’t miss the Seafood Boil monthly during their famous Full Moon Parties. Expect a casual atmosphere with most items prepared fresh on the grill. The Barefoot Bar offers the most free live entertainment anywhere in the region. The Barefoot Bar offers activities for children – a giant playground, the region’s largest sandbox to play and build in, and even a water slide.
Bob’s Drive Inn opened in LeMars, IA, in 1949 selling Hot Dogs and Taverns. The tradition lives on in Okoboji, providing the same quality as Bob did back in 1949. Serving soft drinks, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and so much more. Overlooking the Arnold’s Park Beach and beautiful West Lake Okoboji, Bob’s is a must stop on your Okoboji adventure.
An Okoboji Staple since 1986! Maxwell’s is a seasonal restaurant open for lunch and dinner from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They welcome walk-ins, but highly encourage reservations! For amazing steaks, seafood and cocktails in the heart of Arnold’s Park your tastebuds will thank you for dining at Maxwell’s.
Come by boat or car to indulge in some amazing food and Okoboji traditions such as the Lue Burger, Ritz Pizza and the famous fish bowl! You can find live music on weekends and fun all year round!
Boardwalk Bar and Grill is yet another new adventure by The Nautical team! Boardwalk is located in the former Godfather’s space just outside the gates of Arnolds Park Amusement Park, and has a fantastic view of the State Pier and West Lake Okoboji! Specializing in Gyro’s and Italian Beef, you will most definitely want to check out The Boardwalk this summer!
There is no shortage of GREAT places to eat inside or out in Okoboji! Be sure to check out our dining page on our website and the Okoboji Dining and Carry-Out Blog. You can also request a Vacation Okoboji Visitors Guide and we will mail it out to you!