Overview

Nestled near the serene waters of Smithville Lake, Between The Buoys offers more than just a meal—it delivers a full sensory experience steeped in lakeside charm. This vibrant restaurant, located at 3012 NE 180th St, Smithville, MO, captures the essence of summer with its breezy atmosphere, live music, and interactive activities that invite guests to linger and unwind.

The culinary focus here centers on fresh, casual American fare that resonates with locals and visitors alike. Signature dishes such as expertly crafted smash burgers and crispy chicken fingers highlight the quality and freshness that patrons praise. The side options, ranging from sweet potato waffle fries to classic chips and fruit cups, complement the main plates without overwhelming them, creating a balanced offering that suits a variety of tastes.

Between The Buoys skillfully blends great food with a lively outdoor setting. The presence of live bands and playful elements like Connect 4 and oversized Jenga boards transform dining into a shared social experience for families and friends. Children can enjoy bubbles and interactive toys, ensuring that this spot caters well to families seeking both relaxation and entertainment.

Drinks on tap, including local favorites like the Space Camper IPA and Boulevard Wheat, alongside classic choices such as Blue Moon and Michelob Ultra, provide refreshing pairings that enrich the dining experience. Whether you’re savoring a craft beer or sipping on a float, the beverage selection complements the laid-back lake vibe perfectly.

While some visitors note the entrance fee, the consensus suggests that it’s a worthwhile investment in atmosphere and enjoyment. The attentive detail to ambiance—from the summer-brunch offerings to the thoughtfully curated space—makes Between The Buoys an ideal destination for those looking to combine quality food with a fun, inviting environment in Smithville.


Amenities & Services

Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves organic dishes
Serves spirits
Serves wine

What Customers Say

Alex
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We LOVE to spend time here when we go to Smithville Lake! Great food, drinks and live music. A fun atmosphere, too.
Kaylin Lake
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Ate here for the first time today and it was so good! Everything tasted so fresh! I had the chicken fingers and fries and the pretzel with cheese bites! The drinks were delicious!
K
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Great experience. A little pricy after you pay the $6 entrance fee but free music made it worthwhile. They also have a few activities like connect 4 and big jenga.
Amanda Schaffer
Dec 11,2025
5/5
We had a great time. The burgers were so fresh and so delicious. The bubble station and interactive toys for the kids were a nice touch, our kids loved playing with them. The band was great too! The atmosphere is a complete summer vibe and it’s clear they’re doing a ton of work to create a whole experience for the customer, not just serving amazing food. We can’t wait to be back all summer long. Love that they have a brunch option as well.
Shawnda Roth
Dec 11,2025
4/5
We love the atmosphere. Being able to enjoy the water and listen to the music is relaxing. The food was great. We thought the smash burgers we ordered was a little to salty. But they were great! We will definitely be back!!
Danielle Wilson
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Great drinks and sandwiches. Wonderful atmosphere next to the lake. The nachos were so good and loaded with toppings.
Alissa Reynolds
Dec 11,2025
4/5
Directly on the water/dock. The portions were large, the wraps were good. We ordered 2 wraps, 1 side of fries, 1 beer, and 1 Paloma and it was $42. Quick service. Plenty of seating during the time we were there. Live music. I would definitely return. We did pay $7 to enter the marina area, plenty of parking.
David Reyburn
Dec 11,2025
5/5
I'm a BIG fan of restaurants on a marina. The ability to drive there or take the boat across the lake makes for an excellent experience. We had the Smash Burgers and they were perfect. Seasoned fries and sweet potato "waffle" fries were a great accompaniment to the burgers. Tried the pulled pork and it did not disappoint. Live music at night that turned it all into a party. There were several themed drinks that were just right along with a large number of beer choices (draft and cans). Our food barely scratched the surface of the menu, making it easy to plan return trips. All of the staff were pleasant and working very hard to take care of the customers (large crowd for dinner and the live music). Looking forward to giving the Sunday Brunch a spin. Cost was well below what I expected, being on an active marina. Several boat slips available for customers to park in. Smithville Lake has always been a great visit and now "Between the Buoys" will give us a place to dine "on" the water.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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