FAQ

What is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant, bar, and entertainment destination in Shakopee, MN, located next to Canterbury Park. Guests can enjoy scratch-made food, craft cocktails, trackside patio dining, live entertainment, sports viewing, and horse racing energy in one place.

Where is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar located?

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is located at 1125 Shenandoah Drive in Shakopee, MN, right by Canterbury Park. The venue is 25 feet from the horse track, making it a convenient place to dine before, during, or after a day at the races. Boardwalk is also about 600 yards from Mystic Lake Amphitheater, making it a great stop for food, drinks, and gatherings before or after a concert or live event.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar offer a shuttle to Mystic Lake Amphitheater?

Yes. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar offers a shuttle option for select Mystic Lake Amphitheater events. The shuttle begins running one hour before showtime, circulates throughout the show, and picks guests up from the amphitheater for up to one hour after the show ends. No shuttle ticket required! Simply purchase food or beverages at Boardwalk and present your receipt to ride the complimentary shuttle.

What kind of food does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar serve?

Boardwalk serves harbor-style American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, oysters, wood-fired steaks, shareable appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, and craft cocktails. You can explore current offerings on the Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar menu.

Is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar family-friendly?

Yes, up until 10pm. Boardwalk has a casual, upscale atmosphere that works well for families, date nights, group dinners, race day outings, and private celebrations. The patio, lawn games, food menu, and entertainment options make it a flexible destination for many types of guests.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended for groups of 8 or more and can be requested through our contact page. We also recommend planning ahead for weekends, race days, special events, and patio seating. Walk-ins may be available for parties under 8, but availability can vary during busy times.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar offer happy hour?

Yes. Boardwalk offers weekday happy hour specials in the restaurant and The Stable. Happy hour is not available on the patio. Check the current happy hour menu before your visit, as menu items, pricing, and availability may change.

Can I order food to go?

Yes. Boardwalk offers online ordering for guests who want to enjoy their food at home, at the office, or on the go. You can use the order to go option from the website.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar have outdoor seating?

Yes. Boardwalk has a large 18,000 sq ft trackside patio with views of Canterbury Park. The outdoor space is one of the most popular parts of the restaurant during warm weather, race days, and special events.

Is the patio weather-dependent?

Yes. Patio seating and outdoor events depend on the weather, but Boardwalk does offer two gazebos that can be helpful for most rainy days. For private events, we still recommend creating an indoor backup plan ahead of time. Your event planner can walk you through the best setup based on your date, group size, weather, and event style.

Is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar a good place for date night?

Yes. Boardwalk is a strong date night choice because guests can build the night around dinner, cocktails, patio seating, live music, racing, or entertainment in The Stable. It offers more than a standard dinner reservation.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar have live entertainment?

Yes. Boardwalk regularly hosts live entertainment and special events. Visit the events calendar for upcoming music, parties, racing-related events, and other entertainment.

What is The Stable?

The Stable is Boardwalk’s adjacent entertainment venue. It offers a high-energy setting for live music, sports viewing, casual food, drinks, and post-dinner entertainment.

What types of private events can I host at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

Boardwalk can host a wide range of private events, including birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, family celebrations, networking events, business meetings, company parties, fundraisers, charity events, team outings, and race day gatherings. You can learn more about corporate events or submit a request through the private events inquiry form.

Can Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar host charity events or fundraisers?

Yes. Boardwalk is a great fit for charitable events, nonprofit gatherings, fundraisers, and community-focused events. You can view Boardwalk’s current charitable partnership information on the Charitable Partners page or submit an event request through the event inquiry form.

How far in advance should I book an event at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

For weekend events, larger groups, and high-demand dates, booking eight to twelve weeks in advance is recommended. For smaller groups, weekday events, or more flexible dates, four to eight weeks may be enough. Availability can change quickly during racing season, holidays, and peak event periods. 

How do I book a private event at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

The best way to start is by filling out the private events inquiry form. Include your preferred date, event type, guest count, estimated timeline, and any special requests so the Boardwalk team can help you plan the right setup.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar offer indoor and outdoor event space?

Yes. Boardwalk offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including two large outdoor gazebos, giving groups flexibility based on the season, weather, guest count, and event format. The patio is especially popular for warm-weather events and race day gatherings, while indoor options are a better fit for year-round planning and weather backup.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar accommodate allergies, vegetarian, or vegan diets for events?

Yes. Dietary accommodations can be discussed during the event planning process. Share allergy notes, vegetarian requests, vegan requests, gluten-free needs, and other dietary considerations ahead of time so the team can plan accordingly.

Can we customize the menu for a private event?

Yes. Private event menus can often be planned around the size, style, and goals of your event. Options may include seated dinners, passed appetizers, shared plates, cocktail-style receptions, or curated food and beverage packages depending on your event needs.

Can Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar help plan the event layout?

Yes. The event team can help you think through seating, timing, indoor/outdoor flow, patio use, food service, bar setup, and weather backup options. Sharing your guest count and event goals early helps the team recommend the best layout.

Is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar a good place for large groups?

Yes. Boardwalk is well-suited for large groups because it offers a spacious restaurant, a large patio, entertainment options, and proximity to Canterbury Park. For the smoothest experience, large groups should inquire in advance.

How close is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar to the horse track?

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is located right next to the horse track at Canterbury Park, with seating as close as 25 feet from the track. Guests can enjoy food, drinks, patio seating, and race day energy just steps from the action. You could not get any closer to the action without being on the track!

Can I watch horse racing from Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

Yes. Boardwalk offers trackside views from the patio, giving guests a unique dining and entertainment experience during live racing season.

Does Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar offer onsite betting?

Yes. Boardwalk offers an onsite betting experience tied to the excitement of horse racing at Canterbury Park. Guests can enjoy drinks, dining, and race day energy in a trackside setting. Learn more on the onsite betting page.

Do I need to know horse racing to enjoy Boardwalk?

Not at all. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is enjoyable whether you follow horse racing closely or you’re just here for food, drinks, patio seating, and the energy of Canterbury Park. First-time guests can still have a great time without knowing every racing term.

If you want to feel more confident before race day, check out our guide on how to read a racing program, which explains the basics.

When is live racing at Canterbury Park?

Live racing dates vary by season. For current race dates, post times, tickets, and promotions, check the official Canterbury Park live racing schedule.

Is Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar a good place to visit on race day?

Yes. Boardwalk is one of the best race day dining spots in Shakopee because guests can enjoy food, cocktails, patio seating, and front-row racetrack energy in one visit.

Can I host a race day event at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

Yes. Race day events are a great fit for corporate outings, birthday parties, client entertainment, team gatherings, and group celebrations. Submit a request through the private events inquiry form to discuss available dates and event options.

Where can I find upcoming Boardwalk events?

Upcoming events are listed on the Boardwalk events calendar. This is the best place to check for live music, bingo, racing-related events, holiday parties, watch parties, and other scheduled entertainment.

Are gift cards available?

Yes. Boardwalk offers gift cards that can be purchased online. Visit the gift cards page to buy one for family, friends, coworkers, or clients.

Who should I contact with questions about a private event?

For private events, corporate events, charity events, and large group gatherings, start with the event inquiry form. The event coordinator can follow up with availability, planning details, menu options, and next steps.

What is the best way to plan a visit to Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar?

Start by checking the menu, events calendar, and Canterbury Park racing schedule. For casual dining, make a reservation when possible. For private events or large groups, submit an event inquiry early so the team can help coordinate your date, space, menu, and backup plans.