Big Bear Guidebook
Food Scene
GREAT place! Wide variety of beer, great food, and lots of pet-friendly outdoor seating. Have been only in summer but imagine it'sjust as great in winter.
421 locals recommend
572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot AveGREAT place! Wide variety of beer, great food, and lots of pet-friendly outdoor seating. Have been only in summer but imagine it'sjust as great in winter.
Really great cuisine! I've been several times, and the service is always prompt and courteous.
27 locals recommend
Dynasty
40989 Big Bear BlvdReally great cuisine! I've been several times, and the service is always prompt and courteous.
Tasty, tasty margaritas! I love to visit this place on a lazy afternoon and enjoy drinks on the patio. Food and service are always great.
249 locals recommend
Sonora Cantina
41144 Big Bear BlvdTasty, tasty margaritas! I love to visit this place on a lazy afternoon and enjoy drinks on the patio. Food and service are always great.
Cute little place with eclectic beer selection and phenomenal food. Bobaletta is a fantastic server! The road noise is noticeable but not overwhelming.
Local tip: Put spicy aioli on your grilled cheese!
92 locals recommend
Big Bear Mountain Brewery
40260 Big Bear BlvdCute little place with eclectic beer selection and phenomenal food. Bobaletta is a fantastic server! The road noise is noticeable but not overwhelming.
Local tip: Put spicy aioli on your grilled cheese!
Go the side way up/down the mountain so you won't miss this gem! Best dang chicken fried steak outside Texas. Large portions, fun ambience, and friendly staff.
6 locals recommend
Mill Creek Cattle Company
1874 Mentone BlvdGo the side way up/down the mountain so you won't miss this gem! Best dang chicken fried steak outside Texas. Large portions, fun ambience, and friendly staff.
Oh hell yeah! I was headed elsewhere for lunch but HAD to stop in here when I smelled the burgers. Great beer selection, great food (I had a cheeseburger w potato chips on it and a side of fries, easy peasy), and great staff. Had an awesome afternoon and can't wait to go back.
192 locals recommend
Fire Rock Burgers & Brews
618 Pine Knot AveOh hell yeah! I was headed elsewhere for lunch but HAD to stop in here when I smelled the burgers. Great beer selection, great food (I had a cheeseburger w potato chips on it and a side of fries, easy peasy), and great staff. Had an awesome afternoon and can't wait to go back.
Equipment
Chic rental/retail shop near the condo. I have my own skis but I think same-day equipment rental is easy peasy.
56 locals recommend
Goldsmith's Sports
42071 Big Bear BlvdChic rental/retail shop near the condo. I have my own skis but I think same-day equipment rental is easy peasy.
Bike rental/retail near the condo. They also do full tune-ups.
16 locals recommend
Chains Required Bike Shop
41869 Big Bear BlvdBike rental/retail near the condo. They also do full tune-ups.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
City Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Big Bear Lake is serious about compliance and will fine guests accordingly. Noise and parking are the biggest problems, followed by non-removal of trash. Please be a good neighbor!
Getting around
Don't Count on Taxis
There are very limited cab options in Big Bear Lake. Best options are walking, biking, or the Mountain Transit system (mountaintransit.org). Chains Required bike rental is about 1/4 mile away right on the corner.
Please don't drink and drive!
Don't miss
Celebrity Sightings!
Neighborhood celebrity Pigpen the cat is sure to visit during your stay! You'll know her by her fluffy silvery-grey fur and big turquoise eyes. She'll probably do the signature dirt roll that earned her name.
I leave a food and water dish out JIC she decides to grace me with her presence. There's food under the sink if you'd like to feed her, but please don't leave food out overnight.
Warning! She WILL try to get in the house and hide in places waiting to give you a heart attack. Please don't leave any doors propped open lest she get trapped inside between visits.