Guidebook for Big Bear
Food Scene
Great burgers and fries plus really nice mixed cocktails and beer on tap! Fun local scene and outside patio as well.
421 locals recommend
572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot AveGreat burgers and fries plus really nice mixed cocktails and beer on tap! Fun local scene and outside patio as well.
Pretty decent Mexican food and plenty of it. Self serve salsa bar and good margaritas, we like Cadillac. The patio is nice in warm weather and they have heaters outside as well. Often crowded but moves quickly.
129 locals recommend
El Jacalito Grill
535 Pine Knot AvePretty decent Mexican food and plenty of it. Self serve salsa bar and good margaritas, we like Cadillac. The patio is nice in warm weather and they have heaters outside as well. Often crowded but moves quickly.
Our favorite restaurant by far. Try the chef specials. Everything is fresh, made well and delicious. Great salads, nice mixed drinks and desserts and coffee as especially good! Make a reservation or be prepared to wait a bit.
507 locals recommend
Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot AveOur favorite restaurant by far. Try the chef specials. Everything is fresh, made well and delicious. Great salads, nice mixed drinks and desserts and coffee as especially good! Make a reservation or be prepared to wait a bit.
Sometimes you just need a frappacino or americano and you know what you're getting at Starbucks. They have a fireplace inside and outside and it's a nice place to sit for awhile.
91 locals recommend
Starbucks
42140 Big Bear BlvdSometimes you just need a frappacino or americano and you know what you're getting at Starbucks. They have a fireplace inside and outside and it's a nice place to sit for awhile.
A must stop place if you like jerky. So many varieties with different kinds of meat and you can taste them before you buy. Our favorite is whiskey BBQ. Try it and you'll know why.
9 locals recommend
Smokey's Jerky & Candy Co
42167 Big Bear BlvdA must stop place if you like jerky. So many varieties with different kinds of meat and you can taste them before you buy. Our favorite is whiskey BBQ. Try it and you'll know why.
Essentials
Vons
42170 Big Bear BlvdFresh bakery and well stocked store for everything. Often crowded.
This little gem has almost anything you need in a pinch. Prices are a little higher but it's easy in and out and close to the cabin. Try their fresh made sage breakfast sausage and home made salsa. Must haves for our refrigerator.
60 locals recommend
Community Market
100 E Big Bear BlvdThis little gem has almost anything you need in a pinch. Prices are a little higher but it's easy in and out and close to the cabin. Try their fresh made sage breakfast sausage and home made salsa. Must haves for our refrigerator.
Everything you need in the way of toiletries, pharmacy, etc. or alcohol. Good selection and easy parking.
42 locals recommend
CVS
42136 Big Bear BlvdEverything you need in the way of toiletries, pharmacy, etc. or alcohol. Good selection and easy parking.
Shopping
Our go to place for groceries. Love the meat counter for bacon and chorizo and fresh bread. Less crowded early morning and late nights.
297 locals recommend
Stater Bros. Markets
42171 Big Bear BlvdOur go to place for groceries. Love the meat counter for bacon and chorizo and fresh bread. Less crowded early morning and late nights.
This is an antique mall with numerous smaller shops inside which are individually owned. You can spend hours wandering around and looking at all the old goodies and usually find something to take home. The proprietor is very nice and always makes us feel welcome.
10 locals recommend
Fox Farm Antique Mall
42146 Fox Farm RdThis is an antique mall with numerous smaller shops inside which are individually owned. You can spend hours wandering around and looking at all the old goodies and usually find something to take home. The proprietor is very nice and always makes us feel welcome.
Entertainment & Activities
Bowling is a lot of fun and this a great way to spend a cold day. Crowded during peak season and weekends but worth the wait. Grab a beer or soft drink and enjoy a game or two with family and friends.
440 locals recommend
Big Bear Bowling Barn Inc.
40625 Big Bear BlvdBowling is a lot of fun and this a great way to spend a cold day. Crowded during peak season and weekends but worth the wait. Grab a beer or soft drink and enjoy a game or two with family and friends.
I love this place because you get a chance to view local animals up close and personal. All the animals are either recovering from injury or not able to be released due to issues. Entry fees pay for animal rescue and care.
723 locals recommend
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrI love this place because you get a chance to view local animals up close and personal. All the animals are either recovering from injury or not able to be released due to issues. Entry fees pay for animal rescue and care.
Sightseeing
Always nice to take a drive around the lake and stop for pictures. Stunning sunsets. There are places to rent kayaks and boats. There are trails to walk along as well.
603 locals recommend
Big Bear Lake
Always nice to take a drive around the lake and stop for pictures. Stunning sunsets. There are places to rent kayaks and boats. There are trails to walk along as well.
Drinks & Nightlife
A big bear iconic bar, especially for bikers. Always a nice place for a drink and to people watch!
218 locals recommend
Chad's Place
40824 Big Bear BoulevardA big bear iconic bar, especially for bikers. Always a nice place for a drink and to people watch!