Sneak Peek: Tequila Butcher at the Caribbean

The Caribbean in Tonka Bay has Extensive been my favourite spot for a chill lakeside meal. The boat-up burger shack is 1 of the oldest on the lake, and I loved it for the anti-boat-mob vibe, the silent community, the refreshing absence of bands. And I have long asserted that they experienced the very best burger on the lake, generally mainly because they had been new and not frozen hand-pattied beef bombs. But the old and quirky spot improved hands a couple yrs in the past, and while the new homeowners tried out to operate the cafe side of the marina, it just was not the exact. I built peace with that, I can handle improve.

But I might fairly handle this form of improve: the deck-only cafe is now becoming managed by a crew of accurate gurus. In a wise shift, the ownership has partnered up with Chanhassen’s favourite tequila and taco spot, so that this summer months we get The Tequila Butcher at the Caribbean

Of course, that usually means killer drinks from Ralena Youthful. Of course, that usually means you have to enable go of this becoming the spot exactly where you could provide your liquor bottle from your boat and get a “established-up”. Ralena’s combined drinks are better than something you might glurg into a Solo cup, so get all set. 

The entire setting up has experienced a refreshing coat of paint and some light-weight updates. The side-patio, which is screened in and the only spot with actual include if it rains, has been provided good lighting and paint. The bar is now nevertheless not a spot exactly where you can sit (because of to rules), but has a least been provided a fantastic makeover, with cocktails and tapped beer included to the menu. 

It is nevertheless a deck! The tables all have new umbrellas, and there is new staff to provide the tables, but the vibe is nevertheless walk-up or boat-up relaxed. 

You are going to have to walk by the smoker on your way in, and that’s not a bad factor. 

As for the food items, it is a globe of difference. And it is a bigger menu than has ever been carried out of that kitchen, as much as I can remember. If you’ve been to the Chanhassen spot, you may see some common bits, but there are also new things that are Tonka Bay distinct. 

Let us just deal with the burger in the home. They are offering a Caribbean burger, solitary or double, on the menu and striving to recapture the old hearts and the old strategies. But, you might just choose for the Sizzling and Smoky burger which tops the beef patty with smoked brisket, a split scorching link, crispy onions, and a profitable smoked gouda cheese sauce. Embrace the long term! And other than burgers, there are choices for a Cubano, a crispy rooster sandwich with diablo sauce, a bacon wrapped Guadalajara canine, even a lobster roll. 

Or, go tacos. Blackened tilapia, crispy fish, beef barbacoa, carnitas, and rooster tinga all make a fantastic hand snack. You are going to also discover a generous part of ceviche and a insane pineapple stuffed with spicy fruit. Include a side shot of tequila with that 1. Moreover, they will have a BBQ pack that serves three-four, if you want to get back on the boat or your own deck with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, elotes, fries and extra very good stuff. 

The drinks software listed here is truly worth supplying up your established-up society, and it has a whole lot of pedigree that can take it past the 2-four-one recreation identified all over the lake. The El Diablo with blackberry and coconut is your upgraded tequila drink. The Caipirinha is simple lime and rum, that kicks. They are sporting their signature Old Fashioned from sister cafe Bourbon Butcher, but the residence Old Fashioned has trip feels with coconut sugar, agave nectar, chai tea, and anejo tequila. 

While, you are unable to definitely go erroneous with the typical margarita. Pick your tequila or mezcal from the list, or enable them pick out, and sit back to observe the lake. There is 1 frozen drink on the list, the Caribbean Colada, which whips up a sunset-deserving mango, pineapple, coconut cream mind freeze. 

It definitely could be the very best summer months ever. Opening on Friday, the Butcher on the bay will do lunch and meal W-Su. No rezzies, so travel in excess of (be respectful of these limited community streets) or boat up to the dock (technically on Echo Bay), and you can get a deck spot or get takeout and sit on your boat. Adjust is very good.