Netflix’s gripping series “Ozark” has captivated audiences with its dark narrative and stunning visuals. While the show is set in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri, you might be surprised to learn that most of the filming actually took place in Georgia, particularly around Atlanta. This article delves into the real-world locations that brought the fictional world of Marty Byrde and his money-laundering schemes to life, offering fans a chance to explore these destinations themselves.
Ozark Filming Hotspots Just Outside Atlanta
The Blue Cat Lodge sign at Little River Marina, Lake Allatoona, Georgia, a key filming location for the Netflix series Ozark.
Little River Marina at Lake Allatoona in Canton
For viewers wondering “Where Was Ozark Filmed” in its early episodes, Little River Marina at Lake Allatoona in Canton, Georgia, provides a definitive answer. This marina served as the backdrop for the iconic Blue Cat Lodge, a central location in the first season as the Byrde family acclimated to their new surroundings. Interestingly, the Blue Cat Lodge set wasn’t just for show; after filming wrapped, it was transformed into a real restaurant named J.D.’s on the Lake. Visitors can now dine amidst props and signs from the show, offering a unique “Ozark” experience.
Beyond its television fame, Little River Marina is a fully functional and popular spot on Lake Allatoona, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Offering boat storage, rentals, and services, it’s a gateway to exploring Lake Allatoona. This vast lake, substituting for the Lake of the Ozarks in the series, boasts over 200 miles of shoreline and 12,000 acres of water, making it a recreational paradise.
A picturesque sunset view over Lake Allatoona as seen from Sunset Grille in Woodstock, Georgia, a filming location used in Ozark.
Victoria Harbour Marina and Sunset Grille in Woodstock
Continuing the exploration of “Ozark” filming locations around Lake Allatoona, Victoria Harbour Marina in Woodstock is another key site from the first season. Conveniently located near Little River Marina, it’s easily accessible by both car and boat. Adding to its appeal, Victoria Harbour Marina is home to Sunset Grille, a restaurant that offers American cuisine with stunning lake views. Fans can soak in the “Ozark” atmosphere while enjoying a meal or drinks. The restaurant’s Key West-inspired ambiance makes it a local favorite, particularly during the summer months.
The elegant Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Georgia, featured in season one of Ozark as a filming location.
Chateau Elan in Braselton
A short drive north of Atlanta leads to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, another notable “Ozark” filming location. This sprawling resort was featured in season one, episode eight, with various parts of the property making appearances, including a guest room, poolside cabana, and the restaurant and bar areas.
Chateau Elan is a premier destination in North Georgia, offering a comprehensive resort experience. Beyond its connection to “Ozark,” it features a fully operational winery, championship golf courses, and multiple restaurants. Established in 1981, the winery cultivates grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet, offering daily tastings and tours, making it an ideal day trip destination from Atlanta for wine enthusiasts and “Ozark” fans alike.
An aerial view of the historic Savannah Riverfront in Savannah, Georgia, which provided backdrop scenery for Ozark’s season three.
Savannah Riverfront
Season three of “Ozark” expanded its geographic scope, with the Byrdes venturing into the riverboat casino business. While much of the Big Muddy Riverboat setting was digitally enhanced, the Savannah Riverfront in Savannah, Georgia, is unmistakably visible in these scenes. The iconic Savannah Riverboat Cruises also feature in the backdrop, adding an authentic touch to the riverfront casino storyline. Savannah’s historic charm and distinctive riverfront contribute to the show’s evolving visual landscape.
Atlanta Metro Locations Featured in Ozark
The sophisticated dining room of Bacchanalia in Atlanta, Georgia, used as the “Oak & Sage” restaurant in Ozark season four.
Bacchanalia in West Midtown
For those seeking upscale “Ozark” locations, Bacchanalia in Atlanta’s West Midtown is a must-see. Often hailed as one of Atlanta’s finest restaurants, Bacchanalia, opened in 1993, provided the setting for the “Oak & Sage” restaurant in season four. Known for its innovative dishes by Chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison, Bacchanalia also has film industry ties, having been featured in “Baby Driver.”
Best Friend Park in Norcross
Switching gears from fine dining to everyday locations, Best Friend Park in Norcross played a role in seasons three and four of “Ozark.” Wendy Byrde’s farmers market altercation scene was filmed here, showcasing the park’s community atmosphere. Best Friend Park offers over 40 acres of public space, including seasonal pools, tennis courts, trails, and a playground, making it a popular local recreation spot.
Chops Lobster Bar in Buckhead
Eagle-eyed “Ozark” viewers might recognize the distinctive tiled ceiling of Chops Lobster Bar in Buckhead. This upscale restaurant, currently undergoing repairs, served as an opulent cigar club in season four. Known for its classic steakhouse fare and sophisticated ambiance, Chops Lobster Bar is a Buckhead dining institution.
Ecco Restaurant
Ecco Restaurant, with locations in Midtown and Buckhead, and even an outpost at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, stood in as the Arrowhead Tavern in season three of “Ozark.” This Italian eatery is known for its flatbreads, pasta dishes, and signature fried goat cheese, offering a taste of Italy in Atlanta.
The scenic riverfront at Jones Bridge Park in Norcross, Georgia, served as River Light Rapids in season one of Ozark.
Jones Bridge Park in Norcross
Jones Bridge Park in Norcross provided the setting for River Light Rapids in season one, episode four of “Ozark.” This family-friendly Gwinnett County park features 30 acres of amenities, including pavilions, a playground, sports fields, and scenic overlooks of the Chattahoochee River. A riverside trail and an old bridge add to the park’s charm.
J.R.’s Log House in Peachtree Corners
J.R.’s Log House in Peachtree Corners, with its distinctive rustic log cabin architecture, transformed into JR’s BBQ in season three of “Ozark.” This real-life restaurant, serving breakfast and barbecue since 1983, provided an authentic backdrop for the show.
The exterior of the Northside Tavern in Atlanta, Georgia, transformed into a Kansas City dive bar for Ozark season four.
Northside Tavern in West Midtown
Atlanta’s beloved dive bar, Northside Tavern in West Midtown, took on the role of a Kansas City dive bar in season four of “Ozark.” Originally a 1940s grocery store, this live music venue is an Atlanta institution, and has also been featured in productions like “Halt and Catch Fire” and “MacGyver.”
Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven
Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven, with its striking stone buildings, served as a filming location for season four of “Ozark.” Both interior and exterior shots, including the library, were filmed at this historic liberal arts university, founded in 1835. The campus also houses the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, open to the public.
Plaza Fiesta in Chamblee
Plaza Fiesta shopping center in Chamblee, Atlanta, became Mexico in season three of “Ozark.” This expansive strip mall, opened in 1968, features a diverse array of vendors, including a supermarket, flea market, clothing stores, and a food court offering international cuisine.
A vibrant fall scene in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, which stood in for Chicago’s Great Lawn in Ozark season four. Photo credit: @gcalebjones.
Piedmont Park in Midtown
Atlanta’s iconic Piedmont Park in Midtown stepped in as Chicago’s Great Lawn in season four of “Ozark.” This sprawling urban park has a long history as a filming location, appearing in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Anchorman: The Legend Continues.” Originally the site of the Piedmont Exposition of 1887, Piedmont Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, now hosts festivals, concerts, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and various recreational facilities.
The classic exterior of the Silver Skillet diner in Atlanta, Georgia, a long-standing eatery featured in Ozark season one.
Silver Skillet in Midtown
The retro Silver Skillet diner in Midtown Atlanta, a long-time culinary landmark, added “Ozark” to its filmography in season one, episode eight. This eatery, also seen in “Remember the Titans” and “The Founder,” offers a classic Southern breakfast experience. Open for over 50 years near Georgia Tech, the Silver Skillet is a step back in time.
Starlight Drive-In Theatre in Southeast Atlanta
Starlight Drive-In in Southeast Atlanta, one of the city’s last remaining drive-in theaters, provided the setting for a tense cash drop-off scene involving Ruth in season three of “Ozark.” Opened in 1949, this drive-in features four screens, digital projection, and hosts both first-run movies and swap meets.
The Skyride cable car at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia, offering views of the park which was used for Ozark’s casino boat scenes.
Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain provided the location for the Missouri Belle casino boat scenes in “Ozark.” The park’s former riverboats, once used to ferry visitors across the lake beneath Stone Mountain, were repurposed for filming. Visitors to Stone Mountain Park can hike the monadnock or take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views.
The imposing mausoleum at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia, disguised as the Navarro Estate in Ozark seasons three and four.
Westview Cemetery in West End
Perhaps one of the most surprising “Ozark” filming locations is Westview Cemetery in Atlanta’s West End. The cemetery’s mausoleum, with its grand architecture, served as the exterior for the Navarro Estate in seasons three and four. Established in 1884, Westview Cemetery is the final resting place of notable Atlantans and a location with unexpected Hollywood connections.
The exterior of Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q in Marietta, Georgia, a local favorite featured in Ozark season one.
Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q in Marietta
Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q in Marietta, a local favorite since 1990, was featured in season one, episode four of “Ozark.” Known for its traditional wood-smoked barbecue, the restaurant has expanded beyond Marietta and its bottled sauces are widely available.
Explore more Georgia film locations at ExploreGeorgia.org/Film and share your Georgia film location photos with #GeorgiaFilm.
