This place is pretty huge. We still have young kids and while they are always bummed about the 10 years and over pool, they still ask to come for the amazing food. We have been several times and have literally NEVER had anything that wasn't delicious. Our favorites are the crab clusters and grouper fingers! read more

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A solid place to stop by! We came during an extended weekend trip for lunch, drinks, and the pool. We were seated pretty quickly but this place DOES fill up fast (that includes the pool). The front has a place to order different t shirts from the wall then there's a small indoor seating area and a lot of patio seating outside. We ordered the jumbo crab rangoons, jalapeno poppers, and club sandwich. Although there was a bit of a wait the food was good and had good portion sizes which helps if you're there day drinking. Our waitress was friendly and helpful although a bit on the slower side with checking in and bringing items we requested. We waited about 20 minutes to get boxes and our checks. If you walk down the stairs from the restaurant there's the gated pool area. As it was summer it was packed even on a weekday. There's bars and bathrooms right next to the pool as well as a swim up bar. This was helpful since we had to get out to order drinks we at least didn't have to go far. Although it was a nice vibe I didn't enjoy that it felt like a hot tub especially in the summer and while drinking. In knowing a large amount of ppl come for the pool I would've hoped they cooled the water down & circulated the water better. Additionally a bit of added staff or security would be helpful to ensure ppl aren't getting ridiculous. I saw someone passed out in a chair from drinking too much and someone else falling over into the chairs unable to walk because of how intoxicated they were. Ofc we're all adults and should be able to control our drinking but ppl prove that theory wrong every time. It caused a bit of an issue with ppl & their stuff being trampled by ppl too drunk to walk and no staff around to help. For those who don't know the added another add on to the location off to the right side of the property. This includes a stage for performances which is cool! Although there isn't a restaurant like there is at the main pool there are food trucks which is a cool concept to get different types of food. Overall will be back to check out the other side. read more

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BWJ's new Level 5 pool and concert venue is amazing. Wow! Best pool depth on the lake. large bars, great water temps, music isn't so loud you can't talk. Badass job....Prewitt added all the best features from everyone else. Now they have to put some rules in place on the cruisers, blocking entrance to the Docks! Big Dumbies! read more

Typical lakefront bar with boat docks, pool, music , food and drinks. The frozen drinks were good especially the Mudslide, rich with chocolate and coffee flavor , rum runner was good as was the frozen strawberry' margarita.Service was good in spite of a lot of semi intoxicated people. read more

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By the water. By the pool. Whatever your pleasure. Come by car, come by boat. Parking for all. **The parking lot is a tight fit. The closer you get the tighter it gets.** We even saw a vehicle back out and hit another while we were there. They were able to work it out, but its tight. We went for a late lunch, but can tell they are banking on the bar traffic. We were sat right away out on the deck. The place was busy! People in the pool, people at the docks, people eating. Lots of energy! No kids in the pool. This is aimed at clean adult entertainment. Our waitress was busy, but was a table of 8 we kinda felt forgotten in the beginning. Our table had dietary needs. We had to get a separate gluten free menu. My table wanted to try a couple thing. We decided to try the "Colossal Crab Rangoon" - You get four of these with the sauce. They were good. Then I got a blackened fish sandwich with the fried potatoes salad. I had to take the fish off the bread cause it was a lot of food. I was head over heals for the fried potatoes salad. Everyone got what they wanted. Everyone said their food was good. We enjoyed what we had. The photos are red because were were under a red tent. Its a fun summer spot. I can see that this place gets packed. read more

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Atmosphere is great. It's worth the wait to eat in the shade or inside. Not recommended for young children. They cater to an over age 21 clientele and don't mind sitting you in extreme heat. Ok if you're there to drink. Big menus selection. Food is very good. The wait staff is very attentive. read more

We had high hopes for Backwater Jack's, but our visit was incredibly disappointing. The entire place reeked of sewage -- both inside and outside -- and the bathrooms looked like they hadn't been cleaned in weeks. It was seriously off-putting. The food was just as bad. The Cuban sandwich had a strange, fishy taste (definitely not what a Cuban should taste like), and the burger was dry and overcooked. No one even asked how we wanted it cooked. Service was slow and inattentive the entire time. We brought up our concerns to the GM, Jessie, and a manager named Mary. Instead of trying to make things right, they laughed at us. I asked for a refund for our $52 meal, and they refused. When I mentioned filing a complaint with the health department, Mary said, "Go ahead -- we already had our inspection this year," and told us we weren't welcome back. Between the unsanitary conditions, poor food, and unbelievably rude management, I can honestly say this was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. We drove from Jefferson City to visit, and I regret wasting our time and money. Save yourself the trouble -- there are much better options at the lake. read more

Best sushi at the lake by far!! Sad it's only open during the summer. Sushi shack is down beside the pool, behind the bar. Winter food is definitely just typical bar quality. read more

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Backwater Jacks has been a favorite of ours. They have really stepped up their game and the experience is so great. The pool bar is amazing, the sushi is delicious and the staff and service is always on point. The wings and crab ragoon are our favorites and we can't find the carribean jerk anywhere else in our area. Its always a fun atmosphere and usually has great bands playing- definitely recommend a stop when you are in the area. read more

Illegal use of "Convenience Fee"!! There was no disclosure that a convenience fee was added to the bill. This was added to the check before the waiter knew how I was paying. Convenience fees are legal to add if ordering online or by phone but not when using a payment at the point of service. Very disappointed in this illegal use of a convenience fee to an in restaurant bill. Restaurant has to state it is adding a surcharge if using a credit card. There is a difference if you use the word convenience fee. Very disappointed in this sneaky, and underhanded manner to illegally take money from customers. Visit date: 8-22-25 read more

Server was attentive and quick. There was a fun band playing while we had dinner. We had nachos, chicken fingers, crab rangoon and cheeseburgers with cocktails. Chicken fingers tasted good everything else was fine. read more

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We loved our time at Backwater Jacks! We went at 11:30 ish on a Wednesday and got to be the first ones in the pool, which I think is the move. It started to fill up within the 3-4 hours we were there but never got too wild. I can imagine being there in the night would be fun but also that the pool would be crowded and potentially dirty so I think the weekday afternoon crowd is ideal. We started with some drinks, we both got the Pain in the A**, they were good and reasonably priced. Then we hung out in the pool for a couple hours and had some Dirty Shirley's (absolutely delicious) and enjoyed some good people watching. We had 5 drinks between the both of us and it was a little over $40 before tip, so less than 10 a drink which we thought was great! After we were done in the pool and got hungry, we tried the sushi and Asian grill for lunch. I got the coconut shrimp and an order of fries. The shrimp was great but I didn't love the mango salsa is came with. My roommate got the passionate shrimp roll and said it was good. Staff was great and we really enjoyed our time! read more

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Get the jalapeño poppers. This place is a dive bar. Do t expect anything fancy. Just a good time and yummy fried food. Service was nice and prompt and we had a great time on a girls trip. read more

Backwater Jacks - Onion rings. - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

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Stopped here for lunch while exploring the lake. I was told there crab Rangoon was the best on the lake, I can attest to that statement. Absolutely phenomenal crab Rangoon's, big as a hockey puck and stuffed with cream cheese and imitation crab meat. Im addition we got some jalapeño poppers which were baseball sized and filled with cream cheese and spices, it came with a sweet and spicy fruit dipping sauce which make for a killer combo. I also had to try the "pain in the ass" 1/2 & 1/2 pina colada and strawberry daiquiri which was the perfect combination. For the main course I got the Jamaican lime grilled chicken which was tangy and juicy. Which came with a side of fried potato salad and a side salad both of which were great. Fun beach decorations and phenomenal music make this place a must return destination. read more

Backwater Jacks - Jamaican lime grilled chicken - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

We wanted to stop at their dock while we had the boat but ran out of time and doubled back in the car. It was a fairly warm day and many customers were outside enjoying the weather and the music (too loud for us). We chose to dine inside and were seated and greeted immediately by our server, Victor. We chose the restaurant in part because of the proximity to our Airbnb and that our daughter is vegan and always difficult to find a restaurant. She loved the selection and all her questions were answered knowledgably. She ordered and loved the Blackbean Burger with a Hummus plate. I'm SOOO sorry I didn't get a pic of that plate, it was beautiful--and quite large. Hubby and I ordered their Jack hamburgers. The plump and tasty hamburgers come with a side and we chose the Fried Potato Salad. The latter was not quite what we expected, nor as tasty. Still, the food was good, ample, and priced reasonably. read more

The food here is good, most things are house made but not all. Service has been good every time I've been here. This is a little local place close to home. Always welcoming and friendly staff. The atmosphere is good especially if you are a Green Bay Packers fan (I'm not), but to each their own. I feel like this place doesn't get the rating it deserves. This is exactly what you want close to home. They even have theme nights, live music and Karaoke. Come give them a try. read more

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This was my first visit. We tried the grouper fingers, they were fantastic! We also had the Cuban and the Tenderloin. They were both really good. The drinks were good, but I would have preferred a mule in a mule cup rather than a plastic solo cup. Lastly, the waitress was great, friendly and made good recommendations. read more

Burger is subpar but GIANT jalapeño poppers are why we come here. The sushi is a bit expensive for what you do get. The soy sauce that came with it was definitely too salty. The ability to dock your boat and walk up and with an adult only section is a big selling point. read more

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I was here at 8 pm on a Tuesday night in September. A few diners were finishing up, and after my first beer I was the only one left in the place. It's big, so with all the docks and big parking lot I imagine it's pretty hopping in the peak season. I had two local beers. The bar tender was friendly. Huge outdoor patios. read more

Backwater Jacks - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

Atmosphere is cool and the pool looks inviting. Staff was friendly and attentive. This review is for the food only. Food wasn't good. The fresh raw oysters, priced at $30, had a ton of sand in them and we had to spit them out. A couple of them tasted gross, fishy, "off". The seafood salad boasted "shrimp, bay scallops, and crab meat". Salad came topped with bait shrimp and three of the tiniest scallops I've ever seen. And no crab. I asked about the crab. Waitress said the salad doesn't have crab. I showed her the menu description, which clearly said "crab meat". She went back and asked the kitchen staff. They said, "no it only has imitation crab flakes and they're mixed in the salad," which they were not. There was no crab, imitation or otherwise. Not the servers fault at all, but the menu creator and chef can do better, for the prices. The seafood pasta lacked seafood but made up for it in oil, butter, Parmesan cheese, and over-richness. I may pay for that later. I would never eat here again but I'd come for the pool and drinks. I'm probably more upset than I should be but I feel that when you spend a couple hundred dollars on a meal the food should be decent. read more

It was good food. Got food in short time really grateful for that. Restaurant has a nice style. Server was really nice!!

We were here early this year with another couple that we frequently vacation with. We love the upbeat atmosphere and being right on the water. The food is always good, and the service is energetic and attentive. They really know what they're doing here, and we always have a great time whenever we visit. I've never had a bad entree here, and there are lots of choices. The food is consistently fresh and prepared with care, and the servers are fast and friendly. Next time we hope to time it so we get to enjoy live music, which they have regularly. There's also a pool, so you can sit near the pool and watch your kids swim, or you can sit by the lake and watch boats and skiers. The place is huge, so they can really accommodate the high volume of customers that come through. We've never had to wait very long for anything when we come here. read more

One of the most popular hangouts on the lake for a younger crowd. Great pool, swim up bar, tables in the pool. Fun place to bring a crew of people or a bachelor/bachelorette party. DJ during the day, bands at night. The restaurant is right above the pool and food is pretty good. Restaurant menu has a lot of selection, recommend the Grouper (app or sandwich). Get the key lime pie for dessert. Overall, will definitely return! read more

Backwater Jacks - Live Music - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

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My boyfriend and I were not impressed. The staff did not seem too friendly and the food was not very pleasant either. The restaurant also did not seem very clean and taken care of. read more

One of our favorites when we visit OB! Fortunately, we arrived just in time, less than 15m after, there was a long wait line for tables. Great food & environment! Prices are moderate & as expected for a lakeside eatery. Our server, I can't recall her name, was very affable & pleasant. The chicken tenders are huge. Nachos were great, but if i recall, no option for beef on them. Just chicken. read more

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As of the time of this review I have not had to take the Browns to the Super Bowl, but I suspect I will be seeing a man about a horse anytime now. The sketchy oysters are the primary reason for the low review. Shame on me for naively thinking I could survive ordering oysters at a dive bar, but these things were offensively (bigly!) bad. They came out swimming in water that might have come directly from the lake. Specs of ice floating in this backwater bonanza evidenced the potential that there had been proper ice in the oyster tray at some point prior (approximately an hour?) to their arrival at our table. Against my better judgment, I slurped a couple down with the questionably brown horseradish and watery cocktail sauce they came with. Again, shame on me! Other than the big miss on the oysters the food was OK for what it was--bar food. I enjoyed the jalapeño poppers and grouper "fingers." Both dishes oddly came with a raspberry dipping sauce (lots of raspberry on the menu in geneeal. Maybe a local thing?). Drinks were decently strong. This place gets paaaacked in the summer. If you're not claustrophobic and don't mind the potential of contracting communicable diseases, check out the pool! It's certainly a vibe. Service is also really slow. We ordered drinks when we sat down and our drinks didn't come until the food AND that took some prodding. I will say, this place has potential. I think it could pass the sniff test after a couple of drinks with some live music in the evening. One other plus--people of all ages come here and it seems to be kid friendly despite the summer party orientation. We might try it again when we want some evening entertainment, but I suspect we'll be taking our future dining needs to the seemingly ritzier Reserve down the way. read more

Backwater Jacks - Oysters came jumbled in lukewarm water speckled with what was once ice - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

This place was AMAZING!!!!! Maybe the best part of our summer vacation! We ended up going here the first couple days of our vacation honestly just to swim haha AND THEN ended up staying because we saw the menu. This place had everything and anything you'd want. Nothing here will disappoint!!!! There was also love music that is amazing! Swim up bar was real nice and not pricey, heated pool was so refreshing on a hot night. read more

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Food, drinks and views. We have stopped by a few times. Haven't been disappointed . Music was great. Service was fast.

Delicious food and great servers! Always make a stop here when in the area, never disappoints!

This place is on the water with free docks for customers. There is also a pool and there was live music. Service was initially great: taking drink orders and bringing them promptly. He then took our food orders efficiently. Food arrived quickly and was quite good. I had the Grouper blackened. Portions were generous, so couples could easily share. The negatives: I was seated with a huge industrial fan 3 feet from my right ear. This made conversation very difficult for our table of 6. Also, our waiter disappeared after we started eating and did not reappear until 20 minutes after we finished eating. A storm was coming in, and we wanted to leave ASAP. Also, conversation was difficult with the loud fan. Even with the frustrations, it is a pretty cool place with great amenities and good food. read more

Place is awesome, Sushi only in one area wish it was the whole Resturant. Cams Friday, live music and place is huge right on the water, will be back! read more

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The food was great people were great but our server "Bailey" told us that half our group can't be at the tables while the other half is in the pool cuz she is losing money. Half of the people weren't done eating and she was asking people that were still eating to leave the table. I've been here twice every server I had were sweet and respectful and the environment there is so nice but "bailey" our server was extremely rude this place is a vibe I would recommend everyone to go here but Bailey is vibe killer. read more

Backwater Jacks is truly the best spot on the lake! This place has everything you could want - indoor/outdoor seating, a huge pool with a swim-up pool bar, GREAT food, super friendly staff, clean restrooms and great views. You can arrive by car, boat, or jetski! The staff is so efficient and friendly. Leah, PJ, and Bailey have all made my experiences SO fun and are great bartenders. BWJ hosts live music and other fun events throughout lake season. I've listened to some really great bands while enjoying a beverage at the outdoor tiki hut! My favorite menu items: Grouper Fingers - white flakey fish with a crunchy outside and raspberry tarter sauce Fried potato salad Backwater Cobb Salad (packed with great toppings) Everything from the Sushi & Asian Grill They also have daily food/drink specials posted on their website! @amyeatsanddrinks read more

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mid food, server took my id when I tried entering pool area with my parents even though it was REAL! That grandpa looking bouncer should go find a job he's better at. read more

This place had a good vibe! The drinks were high because of the location. They had a 21+ swimming pool which was so cool. Right on the lake. It was a beautiful venue. My friend said the bar food is really good. The music is pumping and it's a nice and different spot to try. The walk back to your car will be up hill which is a killer but so worth the trip! read more

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Great service! Great food! I recommend the pork loin! Great drinks! Has a clean pool and pool bar! Hunter did a wonderful job! read more

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super fresh rainbow roll. very good service and overall great experience. loved sitting outside. read more

Backwater Jacks - rainbow roll - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

Skylar, and Bailey made our visit incredible! Their service was preJalapeño stuffed poppers were great!

Awesome service waitress RAN to get a sushi menu!!! Crab Rangoon was excellent with an orange marmalade sweet and sour sauce. Dogs welcome in outdoor area with live music and vocals! read more

Backwater Jacks - Sorry it was too indecently wonderful to photograph! But you get the idea! - American Near Me - Osage Beach, Missouri

This place is a lot of fun. Food is tasty. Atmosphere is good. Docks are well-kept. Dock girls actually know what they are doing. Socks are on the shorter side but they have a variety of widths for all boats. All that aside...their "rules" and security personnel are a bit "twisted". I 100% understand the rule of no kids after late hours and/or weekends, BUT...They have zero problems letting highly intoxicated "adults" in the pool area during specific hours, yet deny a single kid who is there with over 3 dozen people. They have zero problems over-serving said adults yet refuse to let the most obedient "kid" in due to his age. He's not sitting at the bar. He's not trying to drink alcohol. He's not being rude or hyper or disrespectful. He would simply sit against the fence and enjoy being with his "crew". Their reasoning...kids jump in the pool and splash and piss off paying patrons. Again, I understand that reasoning. However, when said very mature 12 year-old is more well-behaved than 90% of the over-served adults they let in the pool area, who are so beyond drunk that they jump & splash and piss off more patrons than any single child could, is not allowed in is beyond ridiculous. Especially since he has been allowed in since the pool was built. When you have a group of over 3 dozen full boats roll up at 7:00 on a Thursday evening and there are literally 30 people in the pool area, denying them access because they have a pre-teen who is more responsible than 1/2 the people in the pool, is, in my opinion, a poor business decision. Especially when said group typically buys OVER 1,000 shots in a couple hours. The sign states: "No children under 10 in pool" Not pool "area". Let's not forget that they put a piece of tape over the day and time and constantly change the "rules". How is anyone supposed to plan a vacation with ever-changing "rules" that are sometimes enforced and sometimes ignored and sometimes don't exist?????? Your best bet, if you have kids and want to cool off in a pool, spend your money at kid-friendly places like Redheads Dog Days or Coconuts or H. Toads. read more