You don't have to be a pirate to hoist some grog at Jolly Roger's nor do you have to be wearing much more than a swimsuit.
"Oh yeah, we're pretty casual around here," manager Nick Long explained. "We try to have an energetic, fun and relaxed atmosphere."
From its male and female mannequins holding court at the guardhouse to a bar menu that has fruity drinks served in fish bowls, Jolly Roger's is a rollicking place for sea-worthy patrons as well as those who prefer being dry-docked.
"We have quite a few boaters as regulars," Long said. "But we have plenty of people who just enjoyed being by the Missouri River and not in it."
Located a few hundred yards from Bev's on the River, Jolly Roger's (1100 Larsen Park Road) is one of the dockside eateries that dot the Mighty Mo.
More than 40 miles south is Pop-N-Docs, a popular eatery located at the marina in Decatur, Neb.
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"The appeal of Pop-N-Docs is it's a great place to people-watch from our docks," co-owner Mark Kwikkel said, inside the restaurant located 123 N. First St. "There's always a lot of things going on in the river and our deck is a fun way to view it."
Also, part of the fun is Pop-N-Docs' resident doorman or "door dog."
"As soon as Coco see customers get out of their cars, he'll show them the rest of the way," Kwikkel said, referring to his Terrier/Labrador mix. "Coco especially loves kids."
In addition, Kwikkel's customers love Pop-N-Docs' menu of bar food favorites.
"We don't serve fancy food," Kwikkel said. "We serve casual food that is made using fresh ingredients."
Among the most popular dinners is Pop-N-Docs' Alaskan walleye (hand-trimmed filets breaded and fried to a crispy golden brown) that is served with a signature tartar sauce, homemade cole slaw and crispy French fries.
"We have older customers who come out especially for our walleye," Kwikkel said. "There's something special about eating seafood outdoors in the summertime."
This is also a selling point for Jolly Roger's, according to Jesse Miller.
"People love to be by the river when the weather is so gorgeous," he said. "Even when the weather isn't great, it's still fun to be here."
In addition to Jolly Roger's, Miller's family also owns Bev's on the River and the Hilton Garden Inn.
"While Bev's has a more upscale decor, Jolly Roger's is just a high-energy and festive place to be," he said.
That is reflected in Jolly Roger's food menu, which includes such staples as the Anchor Burger (all-beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and cheese) and Philly sandwiches (served with green peppers, onions, cheese and a choice of chicken or steak).
"Personally, I love our Chicken Philly sandwiches," manager Long noted. "They're incredible."
Equally incredible are many of the signature drinks, which includes the Jolly Roger's, made with coconut rum, peach Schnapps, lemon liqueur, along with cranberry and orange juice.
"That's our signature drink," Long said. "You can't come to Jolly Roger's without sampling the drink named after the place."
Likewise, you can't go to Pop-N-Docs without trying its famous "Painkiller."
"It contains lemonade, vodka and a few secret ingredients," Kwikkel said, mysteriously. "There's a bit of a mystique around it."
However, there is very little mystery surrounding the enduring appeal of riverfront restaurants.
"We're just a fun place," Kwikkel said. "It doesn't matter how old you are, it's relaxing to have a drink or eat a good meal by the river. It's very relaxing."
"Relaxing," though, isn't the adjective that Long uses for Jolly Roger's.
With live music or DJs booked every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night, he said customers can expect excitement all week long.
"We just want to be a place where people can kick back and enjoy themselves," Long said. "There is no better place to be than by the Missouri River in the summertime."
