If you’ve ever spent a Saturday afternoon on Prior Lake, you know the vibe. It’s loud. It’s sun-drenched. Everyone is looking for a spot to dock. And usually, they’re all aiming for the same place: Charlie's on Prior. It’s a staple of the South Metro, sitting right there on the water, beckoning people with the promise of cold beer and something salty. But honestly, if you're just looking at the Charlie's on Prior menu for the first time, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Is it a dive bar? A high-end bistro? A casual patio spot?
It’s actually a mix of all three.
People come here for the view, but they stay because the kitchen actually knows how to handle a deep fryer and a flat-top grill. You’re not getting Michelin-star molecular gastronomy. You’re getting Minnesota lakeside comfort food executed at a level that’s a step above your average suburban tavern.
The Heavy Hitters: Burgers and Sandwiches
Let’s talk beef. The burgers here are the backbone of the whole operation. They use a proprietary blend—standard for most "chef-driven" casual spots these days—but the execution is where they win. The Prior Lake Burger is the one you see on every other table. It’s loaded. We’re talking bacon, cheddar, and those crispy haystacks of onions that make it impossible to eat without a napkin (or five).
The bun matters. A lot of places ignore the bun. Here, it’s a toasted brioche that actually holds up to the grease.
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Then there’s the Walleye Sandwich. Look, we are in Minnesota. If a lakeside restaurant doesn’t have a walleye sandwich, is it even legal? Charlie’s does a "Shore Lunch" style walleye that hits the nostalgia button hard. It’s lightly breaded, not over-battered, so you can actually taste the fish. It’s flaky. It’s fresh. It’s exactly what you want when you’re looking out at the water.
Shareables That Actually Feed a Group
Don't skip the appetizers. Seriously.
The Totchos are a rite of passage. It’s exactly what it sounds like: tater tot nachos. It sounds like something a college kid invented at 2:00 AM, but when you’re sitting on that patio with a group of four, it’s the most logical thing on earth. They pile on the queso, the pico, and the jalapeños. It’s salty. It’s heavy. It’s perfect.
If you want something slightly—and I mean slightly—more refined, the Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a consistent winner. It’s served bubbling hot.
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But here’s a pro tip: look for the seasonal flatbreads. The kitchen likes to rotate these based on what’s fresh. Sometimes it’s a standard Margherita; other times, they get weird with balsamic glazes and goat cheese. It’s the one part of the menu where they seem to experiment a little more.
Salads and Lighter Fare (Yes, They Exist)
Believe it or not, you don’t have to leave Charlie’s feeling like you need a three-hour nap. The Cashew Chicken Salad is a sleeper hit. It’s got that crunch, a bit of sweetness from the dressing, and it feels appropriate for a 90-degree July day when the thought of a half-pound burger makes you want to hide in the shade.
They also do a Salmon Salad that is surprisingly consistent. The salmon isn't overcooked—a rare feat in high-volume lakeside dining—and the greens are usually crisp, not wilted.
The Drink List: More Than Just Domestic Pints
You can’t talk about the menu without talking about the bar. The tap list is respectable, featuring a rotating selection of Minnesota craft staples—think Castle Danger, Surly, and Fulton.
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But the Prior Lake Lemonade is the real star of the summer. It’s dangerous. It goes down like juice, and before you know it, you’ve ordered three and you're considering buying a pontoon boat you can't afford. It’s bright, tart, and designed for the heat.
Timing Your Visit to Beat the Rush
Here is the truth: Charlie’s gets packed. On a Friday night in June, the wait times can be brutal. If you want to actually enjoy the Charlie's on Prior menu without the chaos, aim for a "late lunch" or an early Tuesday dinner.
The service is generally fast, but even the best servers can only do so much when the patio is at 100% capacity and the docks are full.
What to Know Before You Go
- Parking: It can be a nightmare. If you aren't arriving by boat, get there early.
- Outdoor Seating: It's first-come, first-served in many areas.
- The Vibe: It shifts. Lunch is families and retirees. Happy hour is the local crowd. Nighttime is a party.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience, don't just walk in and hope for the best.
- Check the Daily Specials: They often have off-menu items or drink deals that aren't on the main physical menu.
- Order the Walleye Early: During peak season, they’ve been known to run low on the popular fish items toward the end of a busy weekend.
- Use the Dockside Pickup: If you’re actually on the lake, you can call in your order. It’s way better than trying to find a spot to tie up your boat just to get a burger.
- Try the Bread Pudding: If you have any room left, it’s the best dessert they offer. It’s dense, sweet, and worth the extra calories.
The menu at Charlie's on Prior isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s trying to be the perfect companion to a day on the water. It succeeds because it stays simple where it needs to and puts effort into the classics that people actually want to eat.