Right On The Lake, This Minnesota Restaurant’s Food Matches Every Bit Of The Scenery

Water laps just below the tables here, and the view earns every headline it gets. Minnesota built this lakeside spot for slow afternoons and long dinners.

Three stacked decks climb straight up from the shoreline, putting every seat close to the action. Walleye tacos, warm pretzels, and towering skillets keep the kitchen humming nonstop.

Boats pull right up to the dock, turning lunch into part of a whole lake day. Weekend brunch draws crowds early, then winter quiets everything down to soft snow and warm light.

Locals mark the calendar around ice out like it is a second New Year. Minnesota knows how to make one address feel like four different restaurants.

Ready to find your favorite deck? Start planning that trip before the patios fill up.

Three Levels Of Deck Seating Above The Water

Want a table where the lake sits right below your feet? The outdoor space climbs across three levels of patios and decks.

Each level gives a slightly different angle on the water. The upper deck reads wide and open, while lower seating brings you closer to the shoreline.

Umbrellas cover many tables, which helps on bright afternoons. Still, late-day sun can reflect off the lake and reach certain seats.

Ask the host about shade when you check in. Staff can often work with seating preferences when space allows.

Outdoor tables run first-come, first-served, so no reservations apply there. Weekend afternoons in warm months fill fastest.

Arriving earlier in the day usually means a shorter wait. Weekdays feel calmer and easier for larger groups.

Menus may differ slightly between patio and indoor areas. Confirm that before choosing where to settle in.

Sound carries outside, mostly boat motors and nearby conversation. Quiet dinners work better indoors.

The address for the restaurant is 3950 Green Heights Trail SW, Prior Lake, MN 55372.

Walleye And Seafood That Earn The Lakeside Address

Minnesota and walleye go together, and the kitchen leans into that. Walleye shows up in tacos and as a pan-seared house specialty.

Fried fish also draws steady attention on the menu. Batter-forward preparations pair well with the seasoned fries served alongside.

Seafood sits next to broader American fare, so tables with mixed tastes still work. Shrimp tacos appear too, and spice levels can run warm.

Ask your server about heat before ordering if that matters. Kitchens adjust plates when they can.

Portion sizes and preparation vary from visit to visit, as with any busy waterfront kitchen. Keep expectations grounded and order what sounds good that day.

Seafood dishes tend to land at the higher end of the menu. Sandwiches and bowls offer lighter spending options.

Sharing a fish plate between two people works fine here. Fries travel well across a table.

Weekday visits often mean steadier kitchen pacing. Peak weekend hours can stretch waits between courses.

Plan a relaxed meal rather than a rushed one, and the food fits the setting nicely.

Shareable Starters Worth Ordering First

Starters here get ordered fast, and for good reason. A warm pretzel with queso lands on many tables.

Fried avocado brings a crisp outside and soft center. Chips with queso, salsa, and guacamole feed a group easily.

Ahi tuna crisps show up often as a lighter opener. Presentation on that plate stays simple and clean.

Order one or two starters for the table instead of individual apps. That keeps room for entrees.

Appetizers also help while waiting for the kitchen during busy stretches. Something to nibble makes the pacing feel easier.

Prices on starters can feel higher than expected for a casual spot. Reading the menu carefully before ordering helps avoid surprises.

Portions generally suit two to four people. A table of six may want three plates.

Elote corn and wings also appear among the shared options. Both hold up to outdoor dining.

Skip stacking too many starters at once. Food arrives together sometimes, and deck tables run compact.

Charlie’s On Prior handles group grazing well when orders stay reasonable.

The Landing Keeps Things Casual Downstairs

Downstairs runs on a different rhythm entirely. The Landing serves as the lower waterfront gathering area with its own large patio.

A smaller menu covers quick bites and refreshments there. Full entree service belongs upstairs.

Choose The Landing when the goal is a short stop rather than a long dinner. It suits after-boating breaks well.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the lower patio. Water bowls are provided for them.

Bring a short leash and keep pets close, since walkways get busy. Other tables sit nearby.

Seating tends toward casual, with some high-top options. High tops lack backs, which can get uncomfortable over long stretches.

Request a standard-height table if comfort matters for your group. Availability varies with the crowd.

Noise levels rise here compared to upstairs, especially in warm months. Conversation works, but expect background energy.

Access between levels involves a fairly long ramp. Anyone using a wheelchair should ask staff about the most accessible table before heading down.

Charlie’s On Prior gives two different moods in one building.

Boat Slips Make Arriving By Water Simple

Pull up by boat and walk straight to a table. Slips are available for restaurant patrons along the dock.

Jet skis can reach the shoreline as well. That access turns lunch into part of a lake day.

Dock space depends on how busy the water gets. Weekend afternoons in summer see the heaviest traffic.

Plan an earlier arrival if docking matters to your group. Availability is never guaranteed.

Boaters heading in should still expect a wait for tables during peak stretches. Arriving by water skips parking, not the line.

Wet swimsuits and towels fit the casual lower-level vibe better than the upper dining room. Bring a cover-up either way.

Winter changes the picture completely, since the lake freezes over. Deck use shifts with the seasons.

Locals often talk about ice out as the start of patio season. Timing varies each year with weather.

Check conditions before counting on water arrival. Lake access depends entirely on the season.

The restaurant sits at 3950 Green Heights Trail SW, Prior Lake, MN 55372, right on the shoreline.

Weekend Brunch With A Water View

Mornings on the lake hit differently with a plate of hashbrowns in front of you. Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday, with earlier opening than weekdays.

The menu mixes breakfast plates with lunch-leaning dishes. Skillets, benedicts, and a brunch burger appear among the choices.

Gouda hashbrowns get mentioned frequently by regulars. They work as a side or a shared plate.

Morning light on the water feels softer than afternoon glare. Deck seating can be pleasant before the sun climbs.

Brunch also tends to be quieter than dinner service. Families with young kids may find the pacing easier.

Strollers can reach the upper deck without much trouble. Ask staff for help routing through.

Arrive close to opening for the best shot at a water-facing table. Late brunch overlaps with the lunch rush.

Coffee and juice availability can vary, as with any busy kitchen. Ask about substitutions if something runs out.

Brunch at Charlie’s On Prior turns a simple weekend morning into something a little more scenic.

Indoor Dining For Cozy Off-Season Meals

Cold months bring out a different side of this place. Indoor dining stays open year-round, with wood accents and big windows framing the lake.

Snow-covered water makes a surprisingly calm backdrop. Winter visits feel slower and less crowded than summer.

The dining room can get loud when full, so keep that in mind for conversation-heavy meals. Earlier seatings usually run quieter.

Indoor reservations are available for smaller groups, typically twelve guests or fewer. Larger parties should contact the restaurant to arrange plans.

An online waitlist may be offered on busy days. Waitlist times work as estimates, not confirmed reservations.

Menus shift toward heartier dishes as the weather cools. Comfort plates like tortellini carbonara and creamy wild rice soup fit the season.

Late-day sun can still reflect off the ice through the windows. Ask for a different table if the glare bothers you.

Seating gets tight when neighboring tables are full. Groups of six or more should mention space needs when booking.

Off-season dining here trades bustle for breathing room.

Parking, Valet, And Timing Your Trip

Parking is the one thing to sort out before you go. The lot fills quickly during warm-weather weekends.

Valet service has been offered in a lot across from the restaurant. That option helps a lot on packed afternoons.

Weekday visits usually mean easier parking and shorter waits. Saturday and Sunday afternoons run busiest.

Doors open late morning most days, with earlier hours on weekend mornings. Kitchen closing times shift slightly on Friday and Saturday.

Check current hours before driving out, since seasonal changes happen. Weather can affect outdoor service too.

Live music is sometimes scheduled on a stage near the water. Availability varies, so confirm before planning around it.

Accessibility deserves a call ahead if someone in your group uses a wheelchair. The ramp to the lower patio is long, and some tables are high tops.

Mention seating needs when you arrive so staff can plan. Requests are usually accommodated when tables allow.