The South Metro Restaurant Guide

Curated dining from Prior Lake, Savage, Burnsville, and Lakeville. From lakeside decks to whiskey bars, here is where to eat south of the river.

Craft Bar & Elevated Pub

Brick & Bourbon

Apple Valley, MN

Known for their "theatrical" cocktails and cast-iron presentations. It’s high-energy, trendy, and perfect for a Friday night out.

Must Try: Duck Bacon Wontons & The Bourbon Burger
  • ✓ Award-winning Whiskey List
  • ✓ Famous Candied Bacon Flights
  • ✓ Great for Groups & Events
Lakeside & Casual

Charlie's On Prior

Prior Lake, MN

The ultimate summer destination. Boat-access dining with a massive multi-level deck overlooking Prior Lake. The vibe is "vacation mode" year-round.

Must Try: Walleye Tacos & Lake Nachos
  • ✓ Boat Slips Available
  • ✓ Best Outdoor Deck in South Metro
  • ✓ Live Music in Summer
New American Fusion

PLate on Main

Prior Lake, MN

A sophisticated culinary gem in downtown Prior Lake. It balances high-end Chef plates (like Bison Sausage Penne) with a warm, local atmosphere.

Must Try: Tres Amigos Pasta & Crab Cakes
  • ✓ Extensive Wine & Martini List
  • ✓ Upscale Date Night Vibe
  • ✓ Seasonal Chef Specials
Wood-Fired & Elegant

Porter Creek Hardwood Grill

Burnsville, MN

A California-Mediterranean inspired grill. The open-fire rotisserie and massive stone fireplace make it one of the coziest spots for a winter dinner.

Must Try: PC Chicken Chowder & Rotisserie Chicken
  • ✓ Fire-Roasted Flatbreads
  • ✓ Top-Tier Outdoor Patio (with fire pits)
  • ✓ Gluten-Friendly Menu Options

South of the River: The Master List

Your authoritative guide to dining in Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee, and beyond.

Opening May 22nd 2026

Chula's Mexican-Latin Food

Prior Lake, MN

Highly anticipated family-owned Latin concept taking over downtown. Expect authentic heritage flavors and premium service.

Expert's Choice: Fresh Guacamole & Signature Margaritas
  • ✓ 4636 Colorado St SE
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Upscale Fusion

PLate on Main

Prior Lake, MN

Sophisticated culinary destination in downtown Prior Lake. Perfect for date night or a high-end lunch. Our favorite appetizer is the beef/steak bites. The calamari is really good as well. Definitely get yourself an old fashion or a martini if you sit at the bar.

Expert's Choice: Tres Amigos Pasta
  • ✓ 16228 Main Ave SE
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Meat House & Craft Bar

Whiskey Inferno Meat House

Savage, MN

Texas-style barbecue meets Chicago steakhouse vibes. High-energy atmosphere with a top-tier bourbon list.

Expert's Choice: Smoked Brisket & Old Fashioned
  • ✓ 14425 State Highway 13
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Hidden Gem

Asian Bowl

Savage, MN

A dedicated takeout spot on Egan Dr known for fresh ingredients and bold sauces. Strictly no-frills and high quality.

Expert's Choice: The best choice for a quick, high-quality weeknight dinner.
  • ✓ 5737 Egan Dr, Savage, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Classic Sports Bar

Buffalo Tap & Grill

Savage, MN

A Savage institution famous for over 20 years. Extensive craft beer list and TVs at every conceivable angle. Definitely order the wings if you go here. They have some pretty good Juicy Lucy's as well. Our server Dave is always attentive and the bartender Dan.

Expert's Choice: Specialty Wings & Waffle Fries
  • ✓ 4990 123rd St W
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Lakeside & Casual

Charlie's On Prior

Prior Lake, MN

The ultimate summer destination with multi-level deck seating and boat-access dining.

Expert's Choice: Walleye Tacos & Lake Nachos
  • ✓ 3950 Green Heights Trail SW
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Roadhouse Bar

Clive's Roadhouse

Burnsville, MN

Spacious with plenty of seating. Great for sports watching without the deafening volume of a typical bar.

Expert's Choice: Roadhouse Sliders
  • ✓ 1300 Lagoon Dr
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Pub & Grill

Crooked Pint Ale House

Savage, MN

Local HQ for the "Juicy Lucy." Great rotating tap list and a cozy, wood-heavy interior. We tried the mexican hash bowl for brunch last Sunday and it was excellent.

Expert's Choice: Beer Cheese Lucy & Jumbo Tots
  • ✓ 14120 State Hwy 13
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Local Staple

Fong's

Prior Lake, MN

A long-standing fixture in downtown Prior Lake. A 55372 community landmark that sparks local debate and tradition.

Expert's Choice: Classic Chow Mein & Fried Rice
  • ✓ 4770 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Arcade & Sports

Full Tilt Tavern

Bloomington, MN

Just across the bridge. A retro-gaming paradise with great bartenders and a killer atmosphere for watching the Vikings.

Expert's Choice: Tilt Burger & Craft Taps
  • ✓ Bloomington, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Casino Sports Bar

Hop House

Prior Lake, MN

Located inside Mystic Lake. State-of-the-art 20-tap system and massive 4K screens. Great for high-stakes game days.

Expert's Choice: An Ounce of Pain Burger & Beer-Battered Curds
  • ✓ 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
American Grill

Legends Club Grill

Prior Lake, MN

High-end grill located at the golf club. Attentive staff and consistent, high-quality American fare. This is one of those places we forget to go to for a night of great food, but don't overlook this golf course restaurant if you are looking for a night out to eat. Delicious food.

Expert's Choice: Clubhouse Sandwich
  • ✓ Prior Lake, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Casual Pub

McCoys Copper Pint

Shakopee, MN

Massive menu with wood-fired pizzas and a great 2-for-1 deal schedule. Very family-friendly.

Expert's Choice: Wood-Stone Pizza & Street Tacos
  • ✓ 1710 Adams St
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Irish Pub Vibe

McHugh's Public House

Savage, MN

Standard sports bar with an Irish twist. Plenty of pull tabs, beer, and big-screen TVs.

Expert's Choice: Burgers & Guinness
  • ✓ 5715 Egan Dr
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Grill & Chill

Muddy Cow - Shakopee

Shakopee, MN

Massive burger selection and double-patty monsters. It’s a high-energy spot with friendly staff and enough TVs to never miss a play.

Expert's Choice: Walking Taco Nachos & Moooshroom Swiss Burger
  • ✓ 1244 Canterbury Rd S
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Live Music & Sports

Neisen's Sports Bar

Savage, MN

No-frills sports bar that doubles as a local music venue. Great service and a classic "dive" feel.

Expert's Choice: Pull Tabs & Domestic Pints
  • ✓ 4851 123rd St W
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Modern American

NorthStar Tavern

Bloomington, MN

Upscale tavern vibe with a great trivia scene and an extensive patio for summer dining.

Expert's Choice: Street Tacos & NorthStar Mule
  • ✓ Bloomington, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Vietnamese Specialty

Saigon Palace

Burnsville, MN

The gold standard for Pho and authentic Vietnamese flavors. Offers a fresh, herbal alternative to traditional Chinese takeout.

Expert's Choice: Traditional Beef Pho & Spring Rolls
  • ✓ 401 W Burnsville Pkwy, Burnsville, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Bowling & Pub Grub

Shakopee Bowl

Shakopee, MN

24 lanes of high-tech bowling paired with a full-service sports bar. Known for the best music bingo and live music vibe in the city.

Expert's Choice: Beer Tower & Loaded Nachos
  • ✓ 3020 133rd St W
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Classic Local Bar

Sports Page

Bloomington, MN

The definition of a neighborhood sports bar. Affordable drinks, reliable wings, and plenty of screens.

Expert's Choice: Buffalo Wings & Cold Pints
  • ✓ Bloomington, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Classic Takeout

Super Dragon

Savage, MN

A community favorite known for massive portions and consistency. Widely considered the go-to spot for Prior Lake residents looking for value.

Expert's Choice: Huge servings and great value for family takeout.
  • ✓ Savage, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Community Pub

T.J. Hooligans

Prior Lake, MN

Known for music bingo and friendly staff. An inexpensive local favorite for a casual night out.

Expert's Choice: Inexpensive Mixed Drinks
  • ✓ Prior Lake, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
New American

The Better Half

Lakeville, MN

A sophisticated but approachable gem in downtown Lakeville known for creative plates and great brunch.

Expert's Choice: The "Better Half" Burger
  • ✓ 20851 Holyoke Ave
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Lakeside Sports

The Pointe Grill & Bar

Prior Lake, MN

Classic Minnesota grill where every seat has a view of the lake or a TV. Great community vibe.

Expert's Choice: Jumbo Wings & Walleye Sandwich
  • ✓ 16691 State Hwy 13
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Sports Bar & Pizza

Tin Shed Tavern & Pizza

Savage, MN

Neighborhood hangout with a heavy focus on sports and high-quality pub pizza.

Expert's Choice: Build-Your-Own Pizza & Cold Pints
  • ✓ 12250 Zinran Ave
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple
Themed Sports Bar

YT's Garage

Prior Lake, MN

Garage-themed bar with a focused menu and tons of screens for game day. Bob and Cindy are great owners and always have a smile on their face. For food try the wings, everybody loves them and their pizza is sourced locally and brought in. Limited menu but bar/finger food that doesn't dissappoint.

Expert's Choice: Garage Burger
  • ✓ Prior Lake, MN
  • ✓ Verified Local Staple

South of the River: The Master List

A comprehensive guide to the flavors of Prior Lake, Savage, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, and Shakopee.

🍺 Craft Taps & Elevated Pubs

Community Taphouse

Northern Tap House

Lakeville, MN

A high-energy, family-owned spot known for being the "anti-chain." It’s become a local hub for great beer and stone-fired pizza.

Must Try: The Sasquatch Smash Burger & Ellsworth Cheese Curds
  • ✓ 40+ Local Craft Taps
  • ✓ Stone-Fired Artisan Pizzas
  • ✓ Famous Jumbo Tater Tots
Local Legend

Buffalo Tap & Grill

Savage, MN

A laid-back, wood-paneled staple. It’s where locals go for a massive menu of burgers and the best wings in the area.

Must Try: Specialty Wings & The "Juicy Lucy" Style Burgers
  • ✓ Massive Selection of Craft Beers
  • ✓ Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
  • ✓ Famous for over 20+ years

🌏 Global Flavors & Hidden Gems

Award-Winning Dining

Kyndred Hearth

Eagan, MN

Located at Viking Lakes and led by James Beard Award-winner Ann Kim. It brings Minneapolis-caliber wood-fired pizza and pasta to Eagan.

Must Try: Ann Kim’s Signature Wood-Fired Pizzas
  • ✓ James Beard Award-Winning Chef
  • ✓ Upscale "Skol" Atmosphere
  • ✓ Exceptional Craft Cocktails
Seafood & Soul

Mallards Restaurant

Shakopee, MN

A consistent favorite for high-quality seafood and Southern-inspired comfort food. It offers a more refined experience without the pretense.

Must Try: Lobster Mac & Cheese & Fresh Oysters
  • ✓ Fresh Seafood Flown in Daily
  • ✓ Award-Winning Brunch
  • ✓ Great Cocktail Lounge Vibe

🏠 Homegrown Favorites

Retro 50s Diner

Ze's Diner

Prior Lake, MN & Eagan, MN

Where time stands still and the milkshakes are legendary. An authentic 1950s experience with rock memorabilia and homemade jam.

Must Try: Hand-Spun Milkshakes & The "Pot Roast" Special
  • ✓ 1950s Rock & Roll Decor
  • ✓ Affordable Family Dining
  • ✓ Best Breakfast South of the River