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Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the small city of Big Bear located in the San Bernardino, California mountains. This iconic American vacation town was made famous over the years in classic movies like Gone With The Wind and has been a year-round outdoor playground for celebrities and tourists alike for decades.
Whether you prefer summer sports like hiking or horseback riding or you prefer to ski or snowboard at Big Bear’s mountain ski resort, there’s fun to be had in Big Bear Lake for everyone.
If you’re planning your vacation or trying to decide which restaurant to hit up after a day of adventure, check out this guide to see our top Big Bear Lake restaurant recommendations.
Teddy Bear Restaurant
583 Pine Knot Ave Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Teddy Bear Restaurant is the quintessential rustic roadside diner specializing in home-style cooking. It is most famous for its homemade pies completely made from scratch and its delicious American breakfasts.
Are you feeling a little nostalgic for the old days? Don’t miss out on ordering one of their old-fashioned malt shakes.
Teddy Bear Restaurant has been a staple in Big Bear since 1944. If you crave good ol’ traditional, homemade American classics, you won’t want to miss stopping in.
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake CA 92315
This tiny lil’ cafe offers grizzly-sized portions and has a reputation for serving the best breakfast in town. Known for the laid-back vibe and friendly servers, this is a must-stop for all your big breakfast dreams. The menu covers everything from eggs and omelettes to waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy. We recommend stopping here and fuelling up when you have a big day of adventures ahead. It’s first-come, first-serve, so you’ll want to plan to arrive early to avoid the breakfast rush. You definitely won’t leave hungry.
Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria
618 B Pine Knot Ave Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Who doesn’t love hitting up a great pizza joint after a day of hiking or snowboarding? While takeout is an option, you’re going to want to dine in and take advantage of the ambiance that has Big Bear charm written all over it. We recommend heading over to the bar, pulling up a stool, and watching the game on the big screen. Make sure to order a pint of one of their frothy beers as you wait for one of their delicious pizzas, with more topping options than you’ll even know what to do with. Some even say it’s the best pizza on the mountain!
Maggio’s Pizza
42160 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
If you’ve never had a pizza baked in a wood fire brick oven..then it’s about time. Maggio’s pizza is the real deal with their timeless family pizza recipe and wood-fired pizzas. Not to mention that their sauce and crust are made fresh onsite, daily. They also offer gluten-free crusts and cauliflower crusts so that no one with dietary restrictions is left out.
Maggio’s is truly the full Italian restaurant experience all the way down to the red and white check table cloths and warm family atmosphere. Not able to get out to the restaurant but got a craving for pizza? No worries, Maggios offers takeout and delivery.
This pizza joint is a local’s fave, and we can completely understand why. See you there!
Old Country Inn
41126 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
If you’re looking to experience one of the staples eateries in the culinary world of Big Bear Lake, then you’ll have to plan a stop at the Old Country Inn. Known for their menu of classic American dishes & German fare. Locals sing the praises of their massive sandwiches and recommend you try their pastrami on rye, BLT’s and fried zucchini’s, seasoned to perfection. Bring the whole family for super affordable prices with breakfast specials at $6.99, and all you can eat fish & chips on Fridays for only $12.99. You can even bring along your fur baby to their pet-friendly patio, but do not forget your appetite because you are going to need it.
The Old German Deli
40645 Village Dr. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
This old-school deli is a must! It’s famous for its delicious sandwiches, potato salad, cold cuts, sausages and friendly service. When you visit, you’ll have the option to have a plate made up for you to eat in the dining room or patio, or you can have their delicious sausages packed up to take home and bbq with the family.
Be sure to get there early, though, because when they run out of their drool-worthy potato salad and bratwurst, the doors close till the next day.
Jaspers Smokehouse
607 Pine Knot Ave. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Famished after a day of hiking? Head on over to Jaspers Smokehouse, conveniently located in The Village. When locals think of Jaspers Smokehouse, they think of food, fun and family. Jaspers takes pride in the fact that no propane or gas is ever used to smoke or bbq their USDA Choice Steaks, or burgers and they guarantee you will taste the difference. There’s also a great kid-approved menu so the kids can enjoy the top-notch brisket, pulled pork or spare ribs.
Come hungry and leave satisfied!
Oakside Restaurant & Bar
40701 Village Dr. Big Bear Lake 92315
Oakside Restaurant & Bar is one of the newest restaurants in The Village. Specializing in California cuisine, this family-friendly casual dining restaurant is a hit with everyone. We recommend stopping here after a day at Bear Mountain for an apres-ski, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when they have live music.
What we love about this place is its chalet-style design and massive wrap-around balconies to take in the views while you sip on your favourite cocktail or warm beverage. Just remember that they currently aren’t taking reservations, so definitely plan to get there before the rush or call ahead to find out wait times.
Laguna Grill
40844 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Laguna Grill is a Mexican restaurant established in 2015 by the same family that owns and runs Alpine Cafe. They specialize in unique and authentic Mexican cuisine with a menu that delivers delicious, happy, colourful food. Whether you’re looking for tostadas, burritos or tacos, they’ve got it all and then some. If you have a chance, plan to stop in on a Tuesday for their Taco Tuesday deal where tacos are only $1 each and their spectacular Marguerita’s go for only $4.
It’s a great spot to get your burrito fix and take in the mountain views.
The Pines Lakefront
350 Alden Rd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Did you pack some heels or a dress shirt for a place to get fancy for a night? Then, The Pines Lakefront is the place for you with its classy ambiance, fine dining menu and extensive wine list. Should you choose to call ahead for reservations, ask to be seated near a window or on the garden patio where you can take in the panoramic views of the North Shore.
The Pines Lakefront isn’t just a dinner spot, though; they also offer a decadent breakfast menu. We recommend the Eggs Benedict and Salmon with their gorgeous hollandaise sauce, or if you’re looking for a peaceful lunch, we recommend their Classic Caesar salad that regular patrons swear by. Another great service they offer is their Pines Lakefront Picnic Basket, available to take along on your Big Bear adventures.
Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House
40729 Village Dr. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Pack up the crew and get yourselves over to Amangela’s (owned by two sisters named Angela and Amanda…how cute is that?) for 5-star gourmet sandwiches with specialty coffee and smoothies. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian, their menu has something for you.
Amangela’s is also conveniently located in The Village and is a great place to start your morning with a bagel sandwich, coffee, or smoothie before hitting the slopes, trails or a day of shopping. This place is sure to become your daily habit.
Fire Rock Burgers & Brews
618 Pine Knot Ave. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Get ready for a-rockin’ good time at Fire Rock Burgers & Brews. Established in 2016, the owners Kayla & Erick decided to bring an entirely new experience to the small town they grew up in, and Fire Rock Burgers & Brews was born. Their creativity and passion for what they serve can be felt and experienced from the moment you walk through the door. The owners have taken the rock and roll decor theme to the next level with framed guitars on the wall, Zeppelin posters, and even a drum repurposed into a garbage can in the bathroom.
Even more impressive are their delicious burgers on brioche buns with hilarious names like “Freak On A Leash” & the “Sweating Bullets Burger.” Make sure you leave room for dessert because no meal here is complete without trying their one-of-a-kind beer shakes.
Mountain Munchies
4217 1/2 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
There’s no other place in Big Bear to be than Mountain Munchies when you’ve got a case of munchies. This place is a locals hotspot, so you know it’s got to be good. They’ve been serving up all American diner & comfort food since the 1980s and are still going strong. If you’re a breakfast aficionado, you do not want to miss trying their all-day breakfast or heading in for a quick lunch.
Murray’s Saloon & Eatery
672 Cottage Ln. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
I mean, have you even been on vacation if you haven’t hit up the local Irish pub? Murray’s Saloon and Eatery is a gem of a dive bar offering hearty portions of pub fare with a smile and friendly hospitality. We recommend ordering their fish and chips that are a hit with adults and kids alike.
Feel like letting loose? There’s karaoke here every night – 7 days a week. This is the kind of place you’re going to want to pull up a stool, pour a pint and share a story or two with the locals and get a real picture of what life is like living in the mountains of California.
Sweet Basil Bistro
40629 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake CA 92315
Sweet Basil Bistro is the perfect place for a romantic date night, but if you’re not careful, you might miss this hidden gem located on the bottom level of the Bowling Barn. This charming little restaurant is owned and operated by beloved Chef Sally Hill, who daily pours her heart and soul into serving authentic country Italian dishes. We highly recommend their signature Lobster Lasagna for dinner or stopping by at lunch for a delicious Caprese salad and gourmet panini.
Insider tip: No meal here is complete without trying their divine dessert menu, particularly their house-made mini donuts and dipping sauces. You can thank us later.
Captains Anchorage Restaurant
42148 Moonridge Big Bear Lake 92315
Captains Anchorage Restaurant has been a tradition in Big Bear Lake since the 1940s and was once owned by cowboy character actor Andy Devine, made most famous for his role as “Jingles” in the Wild Bill Hickok tv series. This restaurant has an expansive dining room with two big fireplaces providing a cozy atmosphere for singles, couples and large family gatherings.
It’s a local watering hole and a great place to let loose, get comfy and enjoy a delicious steak or lobster meal that you won’t soon forget.
Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot Ave Big Bear Lake 92315
Peppercorn Grille is best known for its large and diverse menu, serving everything from specialized salads to brick oven-baked pizzas. But, they are best known amongst the locals for their ever-popular fried calamari steak & macadamia nut-crusted Maui crab cakes!
This restaurant is conveniently located in The Village and offers not only a heated patio but a heated tent for those who wish to dine outside. This is a fine dining experience with top-notch service that leaves you feeling like family.
Big Bear Lake Restaurants Wrap-up
This 4 season vacation destination nestled along Big Bear Lake in Southern California offers so much year-round to anyone seeking adventure or wanting to escape the grind of their city, which will undoubtedly leave guests with hungry tummies. Restaurant owners here offer the best of the best, from classic all-American favourites, authentic Italian dishes, unique Mexican food to cafes and eateries offering up sandwiches you’ll be dreaming of long after you’ve headed home. There truly is no better place to work up a big appetite than Big Bear. Its restaurants are friendly, diverse and ready to serve.
Header image photo credit: Alizada Studios
