Steakhouses in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake has only a few true steakhouses, but the ones we do have are long-standing favorites known for consistency, classic menus, and a cozy mountain atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a reliably good steak, these local restaurants are the best places to start.

Featured Steakhouses in Big Bear Lake

Captain's Anchorage

Captain’s Anchorage is a classic Big Bear steakhouse known for its consistency, relaxed mountain-lodge atmosphere, and surprisingly fresh seafood for a mountain town. It’s one of the few spots that accepts and honors reservations, making it the most reliable choice during peak weekends and holidays. A favorite for families, celebrations, and anyone wanting a true Big Bear dining experience.

The Peppercorn Grille

Peppercorn Grille offers a more refined, upscale dining experience, making it one of the best choices in Big Bear for date nights or anniversaries. Located in the Village, it features steakhouse entrées, pasta, seafood, and well-crafted cocktails in a warm, polished setting. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during holidays and ski weekends.

Looking for a Quick Opinion?

See our picks

If you’re looking for a quick local recommendation, we’ve also created a short editorial list of the top steakhouses based on our personal dining experiences. It gives you the fast take, while this page offers the complete overview.

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Top Steakhouse Interactive Map

Click on the interactive map to get more information and directions to the top steakhouses in Big Bear Lake.

Tips for Choosing a Steakhouse in Big Bear Lake

Check out the following tips for selecting a steakhouse in Big Bear Lake

Reservations Matter — Especially on Weekends

Both Captain’s Anchorage and Peppercorn Grille accept reservations, and during peak weekends or holidays, reservations are realistically the only way to get a table. Walk-ins at either place are extremely unlikely when town is busy.
If you don’t have a reservation, Oakside is often the only viable option for walk-ins.

Best Times to Go (and When to Avoid)

  • Midweek dinners are by far the best time to enjoy Captain’s Anchorage without long waits.
  • During winter and summer  peak weekends, expect heavy crowds no matter which restaurant you choose.
  • On major holidays, the Village gets extremely congested — making Captain’s a better pick since it’s located outside the Village traffic zone.


Arriving early (before 5 PM) can sometimes help, but during major weekends, even early arrivals may face wait times without reservations.

Parking Tips The Locals Know

Parking varies dramatically between the steakhouses:

  • Captain’s Anchorage has its own dedicated parking lot, making it the easiest option during busy weekends and holiday traffic.
  • Peppercorn Grille and Oakside require parking in the Village, where spots can be hard to find, especially during ski season and summer events.

If you’re dining in the Village, plan extra time to circle for parking or use the public lots. Captain’s is the most convenient if you want to avoid Village congestion entirely.

Atmosphere: Choose Based on the Experience You Want

Peppercorn Grille → Best for quiet date nights or anniversaries; more refined and upscale.

Captain’s Anchorage → Classic, relaxed, old-school steakhouse feel; great for families and visitors wanting a traditional mountain dinner.

Oakside → Casual and modern; ideal for larger groups but doesn’t have the traditional steakhouse charm that Captain’s offers.

Seasonal Notes: Winter & Summer Crowd Patterns

Crowds in Big Bear depend heavily on what’s happening in town:

  • Winter ski weekends create the longest dinner waits and the most parking congestion.
  • Summer events and holidays produce similar crowds, especially in the Village.
  • Captain’s, being outside the Village, is the easiest option during major holiday traffic bottlenecks.

If you’re visiting during a big weekend or holiday, make reservations early and plan extra time for parking and travel.

Who Each Steakhouse Is Best For

  • Families: Captain’s Anchorage
  • Date nights / anniversaries: Peppercorn Grille
  • Large groups: Oakside
  • Classic steakhouse charm: Captain’s
  • Upscale dining experience: Peppercorn

Final Tips

If you’re here during a busy weekend, the most reliable plan is:

  1. Make a reservation at Captain’s or Peppercorn
  2. Avoid Village parking at peak times
  3. Arrive early to enjoy a relaxed dinner in town

Discover More Places to Eat

Looking beyond steakhouses? Big Bear Lake offers a wide range of dining options, from casual Mexican restaurants to pizza spots and coffee shops throughout town.

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