- Attraction: Charlie’s On Prior
- Location: 3950 Green Heights Trl SW, Prior Lake, MN 55372
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.charliesonprior.com/
Picture pulling up to a restaurant in your boat like you’re arriving at your own private lake house. Charlie’s On Prior sits magnificently on the shores of Prior Lake, offering three distinct dining levels that cascade down to the water’s edge like a lakeside paradise.
This two-tier restaurant and marina opened in 2015 and features a panoramic view that is magazine cover worthy, transforming a historic gathering spot that’s been welcoming visitors for nearly a century.
Charlie’s sits on a restaurant site that goes back almost 100 years, having always been a gathering spot for people in the Prior Lake community and beyond. The restaurant pays homage to Charles Prior, the influential 1800s landowner whose railroad property helped establish the area.
What makes this place extraordinary is how seamlessly it bridges Past and present – vintage photographs of Prior Lake’s history line the walls, including a massive reproduction of a 1937 water slide that once graced these very shores.
Menu Highlights That Make Waves
Walleye Everything: You’ll discover why customers devour Charlie’s pan seared walleye, walleye sandwich, and walleye tacos.
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Keep Exploring →The blackened walleye delivers perfectly seasoned Minnesota’s state fish with a crispy exterior that gives way to flaky, tender meat inside. The walleye tacos feature beer-battered fish topped with pineapple salsa and chipotle mayo for a creative twist on the classic.
Gouda Hashbrowns: These aren’t your typical breakfast potatoes. The gouda hashbrowns are always favorites, featuring crispy potato shreds melted together with rich, creamy gouda cheese that creates the perfect golden-brown crust while staying fluffy inside.
Prior Punch: This mega rum cocktail, which serves up to four people, is served in a fish bowl. This special drink container and conversation starter is yours to keep upon finishing this summertime favorite. It’s become legendary among lake visitors and makes for an unforgettable group experience.
Broasted Chicken: The broasted chicken and walleye are always favorites. The chicken arrives with an impossibly crispy coating that seals in all the juices, creating comfort food perfection.
Weekend Brunch Specialties: Charlie’s Saturday and Sunday brunch includes Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, French toast, and Belgian Waffles. The Lago Benedict stands out with sweet corn cakes, fresh guacamole, chorizo patty, and house-made hollandaise.
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Discover MoreGenerous Portions: Consider splitting a meal or plan on leftovers as the servings are large. You’ll be amazed at how much food arrives – enough that many visitors turn one meal into two or three separate dining experiences.
Atmosphere & Multi-Level Experience
Triple-Deck Design: Charlie’s on Prior features a “crows nest” upper deck off the main dining room, as well an elevated deck with a wharf bar, and a third deck right on the water. Each level offers its own unique vantage point of the lake, from panoramic views up top to waterfront intimacy down below.
Marina Integration: Charlie’s on Prior’s 67-slip marina vastly exceeded Prior Lake residents’ expectations with slips sold out and a waiting list from area boaters. You can literally dock your boat and walk straight to your table, making it feel like a private yacht club.
Historical Ambiance: The interior showcases Prior Lake’s rich heritage through carefully curated vintage photographs. There’s a giant wall photo of a famous water slide that was part of the resort that sat adjacent to Charlie’s building footprint, dating back to 1937.
Family-Friendly Zones: Kids are attracted like magnets to the prominent ice cream sign that greets guests upon arrival. The seasonal hard-scoop ice cream stand creates sweet memories while parents enjoy lakefront dining.
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Keep Exploring →Year-Round Comfort: Making the deck climate-friendly with a canvas wrap and ceiling heaters means you can enjoy the lakefront atmosphere even during Minnesota’s cooler months.
Other Considerations
Mid-Tier Pricing: You’ll find it exceeds expectations for a mid-priced restaurant, offering excellent value for the lakefront location and generous portions. Expect to spend moderately for a full dining experience that includes the spectacular setting.
Parking Logistics: Finding a parking spot can be an adventure during busy times, with overflow lots available when the main lot fills up. Plan extra time during peak summer weekends.
Reservation Strategy: Reservations are available for inside dining only, limited to groups of 12 or smaller. Outdoor seating operates on a waitlist system during busy periods.
Peak Season Intensity: Weekends can be extremely busy, especially during prime summer weather. The energy is electric, but service can slow down during these peak times.
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Discover MoreDog-Friendly Areas: Wharf bar seating is dog friendly, making it perfect for boaters traveling with their four-legged crew members.
Live Entertainment: The venue hosts “Live on the Landing” events featuring musical performances that enhance the already vibrant lakeside atmosphere.
Charlie’s On Prior
📍 3950 Green Heights Trl SW, Prior Lake, MN 55372
