If you spend any time around White Bear Lake, you eventually end up at Tally’s Dockside. Not because it’s trendy or trying to be something it’s not—but because it feels like summer on the lake should feel.
I’ve eaten at Tally’s more times than I can count. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and one of those places where both kids and adults feel welcome. You can pull up by boat, walk over from downtown, or make it part of an evening after being on the water. It fits naturally into the rhythm of the lake.
What stands out first is the setting. Being right on White Bear Lake changes everything. On a summer night, boats are coming in, music is playing, people are laughing, and the sun is dropping over the water. It’s not forced—it’s just happening. That’s hard to replicate, and it’s why places like this matter to a lake community.
The menu hits that perfect balance of casual and done well. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and seafood options that actually feel fresh. It’s the kind of food you want after a long day on the lake—filling, approachable, and consistently good. You don’t have to overthink it.
And if you have kids, you already know why Tally’s works. Ice cream alone makes it a win. My kids love stopping there, especially on warm nights when the lake is busy and the music is playing. It feels like a reward without being a production. Parents can relax. Kids are happy. That matters more than people realize.
At night, the energy shifts just enough. Live music, outdoor seating, and that buzz that only shows up in lake towns during the summer. It’s social without being overwhelming. You can stay for one drink or settle in for the evening.
What I appreciate most is that Tally’s feels authentic to White Bear Lake. It’s not trying to compete with downtown Minneapolis or be overly polished. It’s a lake restaurant doing exactly what it should—bringing people together around food, water, and good weather.
Places like this are a big reason people choose to live near White Bear Lake. The lifestyle isn’t just about the house or the shoreline. It’s about being able to walk or boat to dinner, let the kids get ice cream, listen to music, and feel part of a community.
Tally’s Dockside is one of those places that quietly defines summer here. If you’ve been, you know. If you haven’t, you will.
And if you’re thinking about living on or near White Bear Lake, this is part of what you’re buying into—moments like these, not just square footage.
