The beauty of a lakefront village, fresh mountain air, and a slower pace than a big city might be just what you need on your next getaway. You want to make sure all your needs are met, from sleeping accommodations to dining accommodations. The four-seasons climate and variety of activities keeps people outdoors for quite a bit of their Big Bear vacation. In the warmer months, eating al fresco is a popular option, whether it’s at your own home, a vacation rental, or one of our delicious dining establishments. Check out the top five restaurants with outdoor dining in Big Bear below!
Sweet Basil Bistro
Enjoy delicious Italian surrounded by fresh mountain air. Try the mista, a delight of field greens, pistachios, and Balsamic vinaigrette, or the caprese – fresh burrata, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, basil, red onion, Balsamic tar, and olive oil. For your main attraction, choose from a variety of pastas like ricotta cheese ravioli, hearts of palm spaghetti, and others. Choose chicken parmesan, Italian shrimp & grits, lobster lasagna, or delicious Italian meatloaf.
Azteca Grill
Named “the best Mexican restaurant in Big Bear,” you can sample their mouth-watering bites and time of day. Choose from Mexican breakfasts like the Mexican omelet – eggs with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeno, and topped with avocado and cheese, or the chilaquiles – pieces of fried corn tortillas smothered with red or green sauce and topped with cheese and sour cream.
Come back for lunch or dinner and enjoy appetizers like avocado fries – crispy breaded avocado strips, pico de gallo, and chipotle ranch sauce, or homemade guacamole featuring ripened avocados mixed with our secret ingredients and served with fresh chips. Enjoy a bean tostada, cheese enchilada, or bean and rice burrito. Adults can complete the meal with a specialty cocktail or beer, and there are a variety of soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
From the water source of the deep aquifers surrounding the Big Bear Valley to the final product that fills your glass, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company’s beers are crafted completely on site. Add a wide selection of cocktails and spirits including mojitos, margaritas, bourbon whiskey, rum, and more, and you have a myriad of options to pair with your meal.
Start the meal with seared ahi tuna or Bavarian-style pretzels served with cheese sauce and honey mustard. Add a house salad featuring spring mix, carrots, tomato, cucumber, black olives, sunflower seeds, and croutons. Choose a pizza topped with your favorite classic toppings, or fettuccine Alfredo pasta. Explore entrees like beer battered fish ‘n chips, Atlantic cod fish tacos, and more. Top off the meal with something sweet like a classic sundae loaded with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, caramel and chocolate syrups, whip cream, and of course a cherry!
Oakside Restaurant & Bar
Starters like roasted Brussels sprouts, bruschetta, and more will on whet your appetite for the other delicious goodies to come. Choose from an array of soups and salads, chicken mushroom ravioli in sage brown butter cream sauce. Try the 7 oz. lobster tail or ahi steak – pepper and sesame crusted, prepared medium-rare and served with yuzu and wasabi sauce. Sink your teeth into a delicious burger or try a specialty pizza or flatbread. Go for entrees like fish and chips or baby back ribs or stick to a diet with a Teriyaki chicken or Korean beef bowl.
Peppercorn Grille
Italian favorites ooze with warmth and flavor from appetizer to dessert while you enjoy your meal outside. Whet your whistle with roasted Brussels sprouts, ask about soup of the day, Italian style meatballs, bacon wrapped Medjool dates, or a refreshing salad. Try a specialty pizza like hickory sauce with chopped grilled chicken breast, or an old standby like pepperoni or cheese and marinara. There are a variety of pasta dishes, including lobster ravioli, shrimp and scallop pasta, and gluten free & vegan kale mushroom ravioli.
Enjoy pork or chicken dishes like chicken marsala or roasted five-spice pork tenderloin. Steak and lamb options include an 8 oz. certified Angus flat iron steak, bone-in 16 oz. rib eye, and charbroiled rack of lamb. Choose from seafood dishes like pan-seared red tilapia or filet of Alaskan salmon. Finish off the meal with something sweet! Choose from house made cheesecakes, warm lava cake, an old-fashioned root beer float, and more.
Al Fresco Dining in Big Bear
Before making all your outdoor dining plans for your Big Bear vacation, book a vacation rental Big Bear Vacations. Make your favorite home-cooked meal, or your new favorite from one of our restaurants, in the fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the meal al fresco on private balconies, decks, or patios.
Gather together on the couch and watch a movie or spend some leisure time outdoors. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for a sweetheart getaway, or a sprawling five-bedroom for a fun family or group reunion.
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