Hacienda Restaurant Review – Big Bear Lake

Located on Big Bear Boulevard between the Village and Moonridge, Hacienda is one of those reliable, easy-to-love spots that works for everything from casual dinners to big family meals. It’s a well-known stop in town, especially on busy weekends, and a popular place to watch sports while enjoying classic Mexican food and strong drinks.

Overview

Hacienda sits right along Big Bear Blvd, making it convenient whether you’re staying near the Village or heading toward Moonridge. There’s a small parking lot out front, but it fills up quickly—especially on winter weekends. When it’s snowing, parking can be tricky since the lot isn’t always well plowed, so planning ahead or carpooling helps.

Inside, the restaurant offers a mix of dining areas, including a lively bar section and outdoor seating with heaters and TVs. It’s a social, energetic place that feels welcoming without being overwhelming.

Atmosphere & Setting

The bar area is a standout feature. There are roughly eight bar seats, multiple TVs, and additional tables nearby, making it a great place to catch Sunday football or other big games. Not surprisingly, this area fills up fast, especially during football season or holiday weekends.



Outdoor seating is available and includes heaters and TVs, which is a nice bonus for warmer days or when the restaurant is packed. Overall, the atmosphere is casual and comfortable—ideal for groups, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed night out.

Drinks & Bar Menu

As soon as you sit down, you’re greeted with chips and salsa, which is always a great way to start a meal. Hacienda has a full bar with a solid drink menu, including margaritas and palomas.



The paloma is a standout and a personal favorite—refreshing, well-balanced, and easy to enjoy with chips and salsa. It’s a great place to settle in, order a drink, and ease into the meal, especially if you’re sitting at the bar.

Food Highlights

The menu focuses on classic Mexican dishes: combination plates, tacos, fajitas, and familiar favorites. The food is straightforward and comforting—nothing overly experimental, but consistently well done.

A go-to order here is starting with fresh guacamole alongside the chips and salsa, followed by a paloma. For the main course, the chile relleno is a standout, especially when ordered with the sauce on the side so it stays crispy. It’s one of the better versions in town and a reliable choice.



The chicken fajitas are another favorite. They arrive hot and sizzling, with tender chicken and generous portions of onions and peppers. It’s an easy dish to share and usually more than enough food for two people.

Service

One of Hacienda’s biggest strengths is its service. Sitting in the bar area in particular, the staff tends to be attentive and on top of things, even when the restaurant is busy.

Drinks are refilled, orders are checked on, and the overall experience feels well-managed—something that really matters during peak weekends.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Best for: Groups, families, casual dinners, watching sports
• Busy times: Weekends, holidays, Sunday football
• Parking: Small lot fills fast; can be tricky in snow
• Wait times: Can be long on big weekends—plan ahead

Overall Impression

Hacienda may not be the best Mexican food you’ll ever have, but it doesn’t try to be—and that’s part of its appeal. The food is above average, consistent, and satisfying, the drinks are solid, and the service is reliably good. It’s a dependable choice in Big Bear Lake, especially if you’re dining with a group or want a lively atmosphere with TVs and a full bar.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, crowd-friendly Mexican restaurant with good drinks and dependable food, Hacienda is a strong option—just be prepared for a wait during peak times.