- Attraction: Kelly’s Lake House Bar & Grill
- Location: 1702 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake City, MN 55041
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://kellyslakehouse.com/
Picture yourself savoring a perfectly grilled steak while eagles soar overhead and Lake Pepin sparkles just steps away from your table.
Kelly’s Lake House Bar & Grill transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary lakefront experience that captures the essence of Minnesota’s scenic river valley.
This family-owned establishment opened in 2000 as a humble working man’s bar before evolving into Lake City’s premier waterfront dining destination, complete with a sprawling deck overlooking the Mississippi River.
What sets Kelly’s apart is their commitment to crafting everything in-house, from grinding their own burger meat to smoking brisket with their log smoker. The restaurant boasts an impressive selection of 83 rotating draft beers, with approximately 30 Minnesota breweries represented at any given time.
Whether you’re craving comfort food classics or looking to explore local craft beer, Kelly’s delivers an authentic taste of Minnesota hospitality against one of the state’s most picturesque backdrops.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights
Hand-Cut CAB Steaks: These premium steaks are hand-cut in their temperature-controlled meat room by an in-house butcher, ensuring exceptional quality and flavor that rivals any high-end steakhouse. You’ll taste the difference in every tender, juicy bite.
House-Ground Burgers: Kelly’s grinds their own burger meat fresh, creating patties that are far superior to typical restaurant fare. The burgers are generously sized and cooked to perfection, offering excellent value for the quality you receive.
Grilled Haddock: This standout dish consistently earns rave reviews from visitors, featuring a substantial fish fillet that’s expertly grilled and served with vegetables and mashed potatoes. The preparation showcases the kitchen’s skill with fresh, quality ingredients.
Smoked Meats: Their log smoker produces exceptional brisket, pork tri-tip, and ribs that develop rich, complex flavors through slow cooking. The smoking process creates tender meats with that authentic barbecue taste that keeps people coming back.
House-Made Sausages: Kelly’s creates their own sausages, including pizza sausage, smoked polish, and jalapeño varieties. These artisanal creations add unique flavors to their pizzas and appetizer selections that you won’t find elsewhere.
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Discover MoreBoom Boom Shrimp: This popular appetizer features perfectly seasoned shrimp that delivers a satisfying kick of flavor, making it an ideal starter to share while enjoying drinks on the deck.
Bread Pudding: This dessert consistently receives enthusiastic praise from diners, providing a sweet finish that perfectly caps off your lakefront dining experience.
Craft Beer Selection & Atmosphere
Rotating Draft Selection: With 83 rotating draft beers and approximately 30 Minnesota breweries represented, beer enthusiasts will find an impressive variety that changes regularly. The focus on local Minnesota breweries creates an authentic regional drinking experience.
Lakefront Deck: The large deck overlooks Lake Pepin and the boat harbor, providing unmatched scenic views that enhance every meal. You might even spot eagles fishing while you dine, adding a touch of natural wonder to your visit.
Indoor Dining: The interior also offers breathtaking lake views, ensuring that even when weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll still enjoy the stunning water vistas that make this location special.
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Keep Exploring →Entertainment Options: Kelly’s maintains its roots with live bands and karaoke, creating a lively atmosphere that balances fine dining with casual entertainment. The establishment features quality folk singers performing classic hits, adding to the relaxed lakefront ambiance.
Practical Considerations
Pricing: Kelly’s offers reasonable prices for the quality and generous portions you receive. The pricing strikes an excellent balance between affordability and the premium lakefront location, making it accessible for both special occasions and casual dining.
Family-Friendly Environment: The restaurant welcomes families with children, and the spacious layout provides room for young ones to move around comfortably. There’s dedicated space in the back area for families with children.
Docking Access: The restaurant features its own dock on Lake Pepin, making it convenient for boaters to arrive by water and enjoy a meal without leaving the waterfront.
Service Pace: During peak times, the kitchen can experience delays due to high demand, so plan accordingly if you’re dining during busy periods. The quality of food typically makes the wait worthwhile.
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Discover MoreBest Times to Visit: The outdoor deck truly shines during warmer months when you can fully appreciate the lake views and fresh air. Winter dining still offers excellent food and views from the heated interior.
Kelly’s Lake House Bar & Grill
📍 1702 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake City, MN 55041
