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Dining Guide

Restaurants in Big Bear Lake

Dining in Big Bear Lake ranges from casual local favorites to classic steakhouses and longtime spots with a bit of history.

Whether you’re grabbing donuts in the morning or sitting down for a hearty dinner, Big Bear Lake offers a mix of dining experiences that reflect its mountain-town character.

Cheeseburger with double patties, fries on wooden board.
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Dining Guide

Featured Restaurant Reviews

These in-depth reviews highlight some of Big Bear Lake’s most well-known and frequently recommended restaurants, based on first hand dining experiences.

Wooden lodge restaurant with brown roof, stone entryway, and sign for fine dining and cocktails.
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Captain's Anchorage

A long-standing Moonridge restaurant known for steaks, seafood, and being a local favorite dining spot.

Tudor-style building with white and dark brown exterior, American flag, windows, and trees.
Black cloche icon, likely representing food service or dining.

Peppercorn Grille

An intimate, upscale restaurant in The Village offering classic dishes, an extensive wine list, and a quiet, refined atmosphere.

Tacos on a plate, garnished with cilantro, on a table set with other Mexican dishes.
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The Hacienda

A casual and family-friendly spot serving Mexican favorites, margaritas, and generous portions in a relaxed setting.

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Dining Guide

Restaurant Guides & Dining Styles

These curated guides help narrow down where to eat in Big Bear Lake based on what you’re craving, from hearty steakhouse dinners to casual bites and sweet treats.

Hand holding a chocolate-frosted donut, partially wrapped in paper, with a city background.
Fork and knife icon inside a circle, representing a restaurant.

Best Donut Spots in Big Bear Lake

A local guide to donut shops and bakeries in Big Bear Lake, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or grabbing something on the go.

Filet mignon steak being drizzled with sauce on a blue plate, with a cream-colored sauce boat.
Black and white icon of a fork and knife inside a circular plate, representing a restaurant.

Best Steakhouses in Big Bear Lake

This guide highlights the top places in Big Bear Lake for steaks, prime rib, and classic steakhouse-style meals.

Dining Areas Around Big Bear Lake

Restaurants in Big Bear Lake are clustered into a few main areas, each offering a different dining experience depending on location, walkability, and atmosphere.

  • The Village

    The Village is the heart of Big Bear Lake’s dining scene and the area with the highest concentration of restaurants. It’s ideal if you don’t have a specific place in mind and want to walk around, browse menus, and see what looks good. 


    The atmosphere is lively, especially on weekends and holidays, with a mix of casual eateries, sit-down restaurants, and bars all within a compact area. Parking is a combination of street spaces and public lots, and while it can take some patience during peak times, the walkability makes it worth the effort for many visitors.

  • Moonridge

    Moonridge has far fewer dining options, but it’s an up-and-coming area with a more relaxed, local feel. At the moment, the food scene here is limited to just a handful of spots, including a coffee shop, The Moonridge Room, and Dank Donuts. 


    While the selection is small, Moonridge tends to attract newer, more creative, and slightly more “hipster” businesses, making it an area worth watching as it continues to develop. It’s also convenient if you’re already nearby for skiing, hiking, or visiting the zoo.

  • Big Bear Blvd

    Big Bear Boulevard is the second most popular area for dining in Big Bear Lake, largely because it runs directly through town. Restaurants are spread out along the boulevard rather than clustered together, so dining here is less about walking and more about parking at a specific spot. 


    Many visitors prefer this area when the Village feels overcrowded, as it’s typically easier to find parking and get in and out without dealing with heavy foot traffic. It’s a practical choice for a straightforward meal without the bustle.

  • Fawnskin

    Fawnskin is a quiet, scenic area on the north shore of the lake, but it currently does not have any restaurants. The area recently lost its only dining option, so anyone staying in Fawnskin should plan on driving into Big Bear Lake for meals. 


    While it isn’t a dining destination, Fawnskin remains popular for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful lake views, making it a relaxing place to stay even if you’ll be eating elsewhere.

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Best Times to Eat in Big Bear Lake

Dining in Big Bear Lake can be very busy during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons, especially snowy winter weekends and the height of summer. Lunch and dinner rushes tend to hit earlier than in larger cities, with dinner crowds often forming by late afternoon. Dining earlier in the evening or later after peak hours can help reduce wait times, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekdays are generally quieter, even during popular seasons.

Reservations, Parking & Planning Ahead

Some restaurants in Big Bear Lake accept reservations, while many operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially casual and family-friendly spots. During busy periods, planning ahead is important, as wait times can grow quickly. Parking is available throughout town, but The Village and surrounding streets can become congested, particularly on weekends and holidays. Traffic in and around The Village may slow during peak dining hours, so allowing extra time for parking and arrival can make the experience smoother.

A daily pass card hangs in front of a blue sky and forest overlooking a lake.
Black and white icon of a plate with a fork and knife inside, indicating a restaurant.

Haunted History of Captain's Anchorage

An article exploring the local legends and ghost stories connected to one of Big Bear Lake’s most talked-about restaurants.

Local Restaurant Directory

  • Oakside Restaurant & Bar

    A refined but casual restaurant featuring elevated American dishes and mountain charm. One of Big Bear’s go-to spots for quality food and lively ambiance.
    Oakside Restaurant & Bar

  • Peppercorn Grille

    An elegant restaurant blending mountain charm with upscale cuisine. Ideal for date nights or special occasions.
    Peppercorn Grille

  • The Pines Lakefront Restaurant

    Fine dining with panoramic lake views and an elegant interior. A classic Big Bear experience with excellent food and scenery.
    The Pines Lakefront Restaurant

  • The Teddy Bear Restaurant

    A long-standing local diner serving classic American comfort meals. Expect friendly faces and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.
    The Teddy Bear Restaurant

  • Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House

    Popular morning and lunch café serving fresh, hearty bagels and sandwiches. Great for a relaxed meal before exploring The Village.
    Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House

  • Murray’s Saloon & Eatery

    Lively saloon-style eatery known for generous pub fare, live entertainment, and friendly locals.
    Murray’s Saloon & Eatery

  • Tropicali

    Vibrant Hawaiian-Caribbean eatery offering fresh, healthy food and colorful décor. Ideal for casual lunches and summer evenings.
    Tropicali

  • Mountain Munchies

    A nostalgic diner serving hearty American fare at great prices. Loved by both locals and visitors for casual meals.
    Mountain Munchies

  • Café Crêpe

    European-style café specializing in crepes and espresso drinks. Cozy setting with a mountain twist.
    Café Crêpe

  • Sister My Sister Bake Shop

    Artisan bakery with a cozy atmosphere and exceptional pastries. Perfect for breakfast or dessert with a view of the pines.
    Sister My Sister Bake Shop

  • Dank Donuts

    Trendy donut and breakfast spot known for unique flavors and welcoming atmosphere. A must-stop for sweet-toothed visitors.
    Dank Donuts

  • The Copper Q

    Chic café and bakery offering quality coffee and pastries. Also features a small retail section with cooking goods and gifts.
    The Copper Q

  • Moonridge Coffee Company

    Modern yet cozy café offering craft coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and local hospitality in the Moonridge area.
    Moonridge Coffee Company

  • The Tea & Coffee Exchange

    Inviting café and tea shop with a wide drink selection and comfortable setting in The Village.
    The Tea & Coffee Exchange

  • Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company

    Independent coffee roaster and café offering top-tier coffee in a rustic mountain setting.
    Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company

  • De La Nonna

    Lakeside Italian restaurant serving elevated dishes with stunning views. A refined yet welcoming dining experience.
    De La Nonna

  • Grizzly Manor Café

    Iconic breakfast diner known for generous servings and local character. Expect lines, laughter, and great food.
    Grizzly Manor Café

  • Saucy Mama’s

    Family-friendly pizza restaurant in The Village known for good portions and a lively atmosphere.
    Saucy Mama’s

  • The Old German Deli

    Charming European deli serving authentic German meats and sides. Great for a casual lunch or to-go picnic meal.
    The Old German Deli

  • Azteca Grill Restaurant

    Casual Mexican restaurant offering fresh and hearty plates with a relaxed mountain-town feel.
    Azteca Grill Restaurant

  • North Pole Sweets & Treats

    Old-fashioned dessert shop filled with sweets, fudge, and frozen treats. Fun, whimsical, and family-friendly.
    North Pole Sweets & Treats

  • Pickle’s Pie Shop

    Small-town bakery offering scratch-made pies and cozy service. A sweet hidden gem near the city’s edge.
    Pickle’s Pie Shop

  • Café Cart (Big Bear City)

    Casual roadside coffee stand offering great coffee and fast service for locals and travelers alike.
    Café Cart (Big Bear City)

  • Frusion Juice & Coffee Bar

    Health-forward café offering smoothies, juices, and light bites. Refreshing stop for visitors looking for something nutritious.
    Frusion Juice & Coffee Bar

  • Lumberjack Café

    Rustic breakfast restaurant serving hearty meals with old-fashioned charm. Consistent food and great hospitality.
    Lumberjack Café

  • Fire Rock BBQ & Grill

    Casual BBQ joint offering hearty smoked meats and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
    Fire Rock BBQ & Grill

  • The Bear Trap (Bar & Eatery)

    Relaxed bar and grill offering hearty food, good drinks, and local atmosphere. Great for watching a game or live music nights.
    The Bear Trap (Bar & Eatery)

  • Masala Craft Himalayan Cuisine

    Family-run Indian and Himalayan restaurant known for flavorful dishes and warm hospitality. A hidden gem for international cuisine fans.
    Masala Craft Himalayan Cuisine