Eat like a local – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake has a surprising variety of great restaurants, and staying at Vista Getaway puts you in the middle of it all. I’ll share some of my favorite spots for each meal. By the way, I’m always happy to make dinner or cooking recommendations – just ask!

Breakfast

I absolutely recommend to start the day off at Grizzly Manor Café. This legendary little diner is famous for its giant pancakes and generous portions. The walls are plastered with awards and note cards from happy diners. The “Grizzly Pancake” you get is often bigger than your plate – one reviewer even remarked that a single pancake was “bigger than my plate” and absolutely delicious. My go-to order is the blueberry pancake stack (they’re fluffy and light) plus their thick-cut bacon and eggs. They also have hearty skillets and omelets if you need a true fuel-up. (Pro tip: Grizzly Manor opens early, so you can hit the trail while it’s still morning.)

Be warned: This breakfast cafe is good enough that there is a long wait, be sure to go early to check in, and take the chance to walk around and enjoy the weather until space opens.

Lunch

For a quick and tasty midday meal, our top picks are Get the Burger and The German Deli. Get the Burger is exactly what it sounds like – a build-your-own menu with fun names. My personal favorite is the Producer (two quarter-pound beef patties, cheese, grilled onions, tomato, and their special sauce). You can add bacon, onion rings, or jalapeños; I sometimes try the John Wayne burger which includes BBQ sauce, bacon, and even beer-battered jalapeños for a kick. The burgers are juicy and well-made – pair one with fries or sweet potato tots and you’re in burger bliss. If you’re a burger lover like me, don’t skip Get the Burger on Big Bear Blvd!

I know – your in SoCal – you have to get In & Out. But this is worth it. There is an In & Out down the mountain near the 210. Feel free to get that when you check out, but please get this burger while you are visiting Big Bear Lake.

For something different, the nearby German Deli (on Village Drive) is a hidden gem. It’s a market and sandwich shop in one, with authentic German breads and imported sausages. I recommend getting a sandwich on a soft pretzel roll or hefty rye bun – my top pick is their German salami or smoked bratwurst sandwich. Don’t forget to grab a side of creamy potato salad or tangy sauerkraut from their deli case. (They even have German beers and treats to take home.) It’s casual counter service, and perfect to pick up a hearty lunch before a lake afternoon.

Dinner

In the evening, Big Bear has plenty of delicious options. Jaspers Smokehouse & Steaks is a classic for meat lovers. Here you can order big plates of BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or brisket. The ribs are tender and smoky, and a side of mac ‘n’ cheese or coleslaw completes the meal. If you’re into international flavors, I also love The Himalayan for Indian cuisine (their butter chicken and lamb vindaloo are full of spice and served with flaky naan bread) or Dynasty Restaurant for Chinese. Dynasty specializes in Cantonese-style dishes – think crispy Peking duck, sweet-and-sour pork, or fresh stir-fried vegetables. (A bowl of hot, savory wonton soup there is great for chilly nights.)

No matter where you go, book Vista Getaway knowing I’m just a message away for local tips. I can help with reservations or “what to order” suggestions. After dinner, return to relax in our cozy living room or on the deck under the stars. It’s all part of the Big Bear experience.

Ready for your Big Bear getaway? Pack your appetite and book Vista Getaway today. I look forward to hosting you – and to sharing even more local recommendations when you arrive!