LAKE OF THE OZARKS - Searching for a lakefront place to hang out and enjoy the water, great food, cold drinks and entertainment? Head to Captain’s Galley for a taste of the tropics. Enjoy the floating tiki bar and lounge, relax and enjoy.
According to its fans, it’s the Caribbean cuisine and laid-back atmosphere that makes if the perfect place to wile away a day. Its new owners and manager is the driving force behind the spirit at Captain’s Galley.
It’s always been popular but with a new look and a new attitude, it is definitely becoming one of the hot spots on the lake. Whether it’s the tiki bar or the inside dining room, Captain’s Galley offers a full service with cocktails and drinks made-to-order.
Bryan Whitmore and his son, Tyler, have spent six to seven years working in and, for Whitmore, owning restaurants and bars in their native Emporia, Kan., area. But the lake has always been a second home to the Whitmore family. Tyler said as long as he can remember, he and his family has spent many summers vacationing at the lake.
Getting to know many of the fine dining establishments on the lakefront, the Whitmore men decided to find a location to make their own. After searching for existing properties for sale, they came across Captain’s Galley. In July 2007, they bought the longstanding restaurant.To help in this venture, the Whitmore’s requested the assistance of their longtime friend, Lance Sullivan. Growing up near Emporia, Kan., Sullivan obtained his business and management bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University. He then worked for Coca-Cola for six years before utilizing his experience in the food and beverage business for Pepsi and Budweiser over the next four years in the Kansas region.
When asked to join the Whitmore’s in developing Captain’s Galley as its manager, he jumped at the chance.
“My family and I use to vacation at the Lake every summer; I just love it here,” Sullivan said. “I’m have a great time here now and we really hope to get this place going strong.”
Now, Tyler and Sullivan oversee the restaurant’s day-to-day business and Whitmore comes down on the weekends to assist in between working for an accounting firm in his hometown and running his other two bar and grills.
With a friendly staff and top-notch customer service overall, their hard work is coming back 10-fold as the summer progresses.
The hit at Captain’s Galley this season without a doubt the new floating tiki bar and lounge. Equipped with a full-service bar, ample seating, gift shop and game room for kids to hang out, guests can enjoy dining or relaxing under the covered floating bar. It’s a family-friendly place offering something for everyone.
So far, larger acts such as Blaine Younger, Pete Gile and Jon Zager have entertained the crowd every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer, several local musicians play a few times a month and others play regularly in the afternoon.
Local bands like Donny Larsen, Phat Mike and the Bartenders, James Clay, Johnny G and the Allstars, Kirk Brown Band and Complimentary Nuts will be playing throughout the summer,
Music and the floating tiki bar are not the only huge draws to Captain’s Galley this summer. Another reason to stop by the Galley is their amazing cuisine. The menu carries a wide selection of choices and prices to fit every budget.
Most requested dish: In this case it’s a toss up between Jamaican Jerked Pork Chops and Jerked Chicken, cowboy cut bone-in Ribeye, which is aged 21 days for maximum tenderness, Coconut shrimp and the seafood. Don’t forget the fried green beans.
Don’t want to miss: Swing by from 8 to 11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday to sample made-to-order omelets, country biscuits and gravy, pancakes, French Toast and more.
Libations: Known best as the home of the original Rum Runner, Captain’s Galley also has awesome margaritas and frozen speciality drinks.
Parking: With 10 brand new waverunner slips and 24 cruiser slips, more captains and crew can frequent the popular restaurant. Ample parking on land.
Open: March - Nov 30
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Music 7 -11 p.m. weekends
Attire: Lakefront casual, t-shirts and flip flops
Price: Varies
Seating: 140
Where: 364 Galley Road in Camdenton. Lake Rd. 5-89 (then 3 miles), or 31 Mile Marker on the Niangua Arm
573-873-5227
Contact this reporter at joycem@lakesunleader.com
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. —
