Where to Eat Before and After a Mystic Lake Amphitheater Concert

Shakopee is already a major destination for good times in Minnesota thanks to attractions like Valleyfair and Canterbury Park. Starting on June 20, you can add Mystic Lake Amphitheater to that list. It's the first large-scale outdoor venue of its kind in the Twin Cities area and its inaugural season is positively stacked.

If you weren't sure if there was a Canterbury Park restaurant that you could go to before a show at the amphitheater, don't worry. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar, already a great destination for dining on a race day, has taken steps to ensure that you can get some good food and drink without missing a moment of the big show.

The opening night at the Amphitheater is full of Minnesota-tied acts like Morris Day & The Time and Motion City Soundtrack. To get psyched for such a great concert, it only makes sense to do some patio dining Shakopee -style at Boardwalk before taking our free shuttle the 600 yards from our door to the best new music venue in the state.

Why Boardwalk is an Easy Stop Before a Mystic Lake Amphitheater Show

A lot of people know Boardwalk as a destination for trackside dining in Shakopee on race days because our huge patio looks out on the Canterbury Park racetrack. The experience our staff has gained from serving racing fans translates very well to serving a pre-concert crowd.

Preparing race day food means that we have dishes meant to be made quickly for a fast, but satisfying bite before the gates open for your race as well as full meals that can be enjoyed at your own pace as you enjoy a day of races or horse racing tournaments. Basically, there are options for anyone in a rush and anyone looking to have a nice, chill time.

But beyond the variety of great items on the menu, our proximity to the venue and ability to make your evening of music easier on you is what makes Boardwalk a great stop before a concert.

It's no secret that we are a restaurant near Canterbury Park, but we are also really close to Mystic Lake Amphitheater. Only 600 yards or so from our door to their entrance! You can easily walk from our door to your show or you can use our free shuttle. 

Start Off with Drinks and Shareables on the Patio

Our trackside patio is simply huge. It is 18,000 square feet and is a great spot to relax before a show. Gather around a table with your group to enjoy some drinks and share some appetizers before moving over to the amphitheater for Dave Matthews Band (June 23rd! The second show Mystic Lake Amphitheater is hosting!)

Do you like wine? Specialty cocktails? A nice, cold beer on a hot day? Something non-alcoholic but still created with care and flair? We have all of those. So no matter how you want to relax and shake off the drive down before the concert, Boardwalk has you covered.

When it comes to shareables to snack on, worry not. You can get classic bar staples like a basket of fries or add a little upscale twist by grabbing an order of truffle fries — perfectly crispy with a little lemon zest and parmesan. Naturally, you can also grab some grilled wings or indulge in some of Boardwalk's outstanding seafood starters as well. 

The Best Quick Orders Before a Concert

Say you want to breeze in, have a bite, and then go grab your seats at Mystic Lake Amphitheater. There are a few options for quick, satisfying orders that can be prepared fast and eaten easily.

Anything off the starters section of the menu will be a good choice in this case, but you should also consider a Boardwalk Smashburger. The regular version comes with Bongards American White Cheddar, caramelized onions, and special sauce. 

If you want a version that's a bit more adventurous, grab the Bacon Jam Smashburger. It's got a richer flavor profile thanks to the inclusion of bacon jam and Boardwalk's special house mayo. It's still an order that you can get quickly, but it brings a robust taste to every bite.

Bigger Dinner Picks when You Want to Make a Full Night of It

There's nothing wrong with indulging in some of the best burgers in Shakopee, but sometimes you want to have a full evening of culinary delights before you watch your favorite band. Boardwalk has entrees that you will want to slow down and savor.

Take the Steak Frites as your first example. How could you say no to tucking into a ten ounce hanger steak served with bourbon-glazed shallots, truffle fries, and a delightful béarnaise sauce? You could also go with one of our pasta options like Shrimp Spaghettini or Spicy Rigatoni. We have entrees suited to every palate to ensure that you feel great before the big show at the Amphitheater.

Seafood and Lighter Options Before a Summer Show

Whether you want to eat quickly or take your time, one of the best ways to treat yourself on a summer day is by enjoying some light, fresh fish. Though not exclusively a seafood restaurant, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar has all sorts of delectable fish options.

Do you like fish tacos? We love them. You can get Firecracker Shrimp Tacos or classic fish tacos featuring mahi-mahi as the central ingredient. You can also get a Crispy Halibut Sandwich if you want a classic, fried fish and tartar sauce pairing while eating with your hands.

Those looking for sit-down entrees can luxuriate in the Wood-Fired Salmon with its roasted corn, heirloom tomatoes, red-wine vinaigrette, and lemon aioli. Or you can embrace the decadence of the Halibut Picatta — served with caramelized gnocchi and spinach, a lemon caper beurre blanc, and fried capers. The Boardwalk Kitchen and Bar menu is packed to the gills (pun intended!) with great fish options.

Post-Show Bites for When You Don't Want to Sit in Traffic

The worst part of a great concert is that everyone leaves at the same time. Even when people aren't trying to make the roads congested, so many people getting in their cars at once are going to move slowly.

Popping back to Boardwalk after the show lets you recharge your battery with a snack, celebrate seeing a great show with a drink, and enjoy yourself while you wait for the roads to clear up.

This is a great time to try something a little more adventurous like some Flash-Fried Brussels tossed in maple and Dijon dressing. Something simple like Tri-colored Carrots and a little honey bourbon sauce also hits the spot.

Music to Your Ears

The Mystic Lake Amphitheater has a huge inaugural summer of concerts lined up. In addition to the Minnesota-based kick-off show and Dave Matthews Band as its first two shows, acts as varied as Jack Johnson, Five Finger Death Punch, Hilary Duff, The Black Crowes, and the legendary Bob Dylan all have concerts coming this summer.

No matter who you are or what your musical tastes trend towards, there's likely someone in that list that resonates with you. So why not grab some tickets and factor Boardwalk Kitchen and Bar into your concert night plans?

We are far from your typical Canterbury Park restaurant. Our menu and drinks can help take a great concert night and make it amazing. Whether you want a quick bite or to make a day of it with some upscale entrees, Boardwalk can meet your needs while helping you get to your seats on time with our free shuttle. 

Make Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar a part of your Mystic Lake Amphitheater adventure to give your taste buds a great experience before you see an amazing show from your favorite musicians in the best new venue in Minnesota.