Nestled within the stunning landscape of Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, Missouri, the Osage Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it provides a complete dining experience. After hearing so much about this iconic destination, I decided to trade work trips for a personal visit, bringing along my husband, Eli, and our son, Oliver, for a Sunday afternoon adventure. Even with a seemingly full parking lot at the Top of the Rock visitor’s center, the expansive grounds never felt crowded. This sprawling destination boasts two restaurants, a bar, a wine cellar, a unique gift shop, an intriguing cave system, a natural history museum, a driving range, and a championship golf course – truly something for everyone. Our primary focus was dinner at the acclaimed Osage Restaurant, with a promise to Oliver to explore the wonders of Top of the Rock afterward.
Upon being seated at Osage Restaurant, the ambiance immediately set a tone of relaxed elegance. Before we even delved into the menu, our attentive server presented a delightful basket of warm, crusty bread accompanied by crisp crackers, and a fragrant olive oil and balsamic vinegar blend for dipping. For the main course, Eli and I, both self-proclaimed fried chicken aficionados, were immediately drawn to Genny Morris’ Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast. Priced at $23, this dish promised a hearty serving and delivered beyond expectations. It arrived with creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly al dente sautéed green beans studded with bright, tart grape tomatoes, and a luscious thyme-cream gravy. The breading was a standout – robust and peppery, reminiscent of the best chicken-fried steak, encasing chicken that was incredibly tender and juicy.
Genny Morris’ Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast at Osage Restaurant Top of the Rock
Opting for something different, I chose the Grilled Circle B Ranch Pork Chop, a $34 selection that highlighted local flavors. This generously sized chop was served atop just-spicy-enough jalapeño-cheese grits and a bed of sautéed fresh spinach, liberally seasoned with garlic. However, the star of the plate for me was the inspired pistachio and sage pesto crowning the pork. This pesto was a revelation, a creative twist on a classic that managed to be both innovative and comforting. The sage notes evoked a sense of nostalgia, and I found myself savoring every bite of the tender pork, generously coated in this nutty, herbaceous pesto, wishing there was more when it was gone.
Even Oliver was thoroughly pleased with his meal. In between several (slightly exaggerated) trips past the imposing taxidermy bear, he enjoyed a grilled chicken breast from the kids’ menu, accompanied by sautéed green beans and mashed potatoes. This was a substantial portion for a children’s meal, and surprisingly delicious even to adult palates (yes, I sampled it!). At $12, it felt like excellent value, and I always appreciate restaurants that offer wholesome, real food options for children rather than the usual processed fare.
While the menu prices lean towards the higher end (yes, $23 for a single piece of fried chicken!), the view from Osage Restaurant is truly priceless. Our table was perfectly positioned against a wall of expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an uninterrupted panorama of the shimmering Table Rock Lake. Dining while gazing at such a vista elevated the entire experience. To conclude our meal, we shared a raspberry lemon bar for dessert. This treat was a delightful layering of bright, fruity flavors resting on a crumbly, buttery crust – the perfect sweet ending.
After our satisfying dinner at Osage Restaurant, we took our time exploring the other attractions at Top of the Rock. A must-do photo opportunity was the selfie in front of the iconic infinity pool and the powerful “End of the Trail” statue, both overlooking breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake. Oliver was captivated by the collection of taxidermied animals and utterly mesmerized by the colossal woolly mammoth skeleton displayed near the entrance of the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. We also paused to watch golfers at the driving range, set against the stunning backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. The only experience we missed was the Lost Canyon Cave & Natural Trail, which we’ve earmarked for a future date night, especially after hearing about the unique bar hidden within the cave. Content and happy, we boarded the shuttle back to our car, already planning our return to Osage Restaurant and Top of the Rock.
