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Stopped by El Jacalito Grill to watch a World Cup game and had a great experience overall. The servers were friendly and attentive, the drinks were good, and the atmosphere was perfect for catching the match. We took advantage of happy hour and ordered the margaritas, which were delicious and a great value. We also happened to visit on Quesabirria Wednesday, and the birria was excellent. My only complaint is the regular drink pricing once happy hour ends. While I understand they're located in the Village and prices tend to be higher in that area, $19 for a margarita felt a bit steep. Because of that, we ended up leaving when happy hour ended. Overall, I'd definitely come back for the service, food, happy hour specials, and game-day atmosphere--just be prepared for higher drink prices outside of happy hour.
The place was really good. I came here during the afternoon hours on a Monday. It was sad to see there was only one server taking on multiple parties. I think someone called off or was running late. The server was helpful and thankful for having patience. The shreeded beef burrito (no beans), wet style with red enchilada sauce was amazing. The complimentary chips and salsas were top notch. I loved the two spicy green salsas. The chips were fresh and delicious to pair with the burrito. The margaritas were good and the atmosphere was relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place.
We were visiting Big Bear from Las Vegas. Coming from a Service Oriented City, I tend to have high expectations. They definitely exceeded my expectations. We were a party of 9, and they were on top of quickly seating us, accommodating our needs, and making sure we were satisfied. It's a Mexican restaurant and cantina, it's a cool Day Of The Dead theme as you enter. Throughout the restaurant they stay true to the theme. Nine picky eaters ordered different items off of the menu. None of us had a complaint. I ordered the Carnitas Burrito. It was fantastic. Filled with flavor and a very generous portion! It is a cantina so I was able to order a 32oz beer. That made me very happy. If you like Mexican Food. I highly recommend El Jacalito Grill.
I really wanted to like this place. Our server was great and the atmosphere was fun, clean and great vibes. The food however was just bland. No real flavor to any of it. The salsa the rice or beans or the chicken just nothing really had any flavor to it.
The vibe here is good nice and Mexican style. I like that they had heat warmers outside which was great since it was so cold. I ordered albóndigas soup but it wasn't all that great. The taquitos I got for my daughter were good.
Good Mexican spot with large menu and drink selection. Salsa bar is great. The albóndigas soup was very delicious. Service was a bit slow when they are busy. There is indoor and outdoor seating options with a bar as well. Loud environment.
Unfortunately, this visit was a bit disappointing. I ordered the nachos and the chips were mostly crumbs, which made them hard to enjoy. The cheese also could have been melted much more--everything felt a little unfinished. The only real redeeming part of the nachos was the guacamole, which was fresh and tasty. I also ordered a blended Mango Cadillac Margarita, but it wasn't blended well at all and had large chunks of ice, which took away from the drink. On a more positive note, my husband did enjoy his burrito, and my son said the fajitas were very flavorful. So while some dishes were good, my experience personally fell short, especially for the price.
What a great find. My daughter and I were in Big Bear for the day and visited the village for lunch. We just happened to find this great Mexican restaurant. Clean comfortable surroundings, excellent food (chile verde was among the best I have had) and the service was the best in town. Their salsa bar is a great touch with salsa offerings from mild to wild! Portion size was tremendous. We will definitely be back. WELL DONE!
Absolutely one of the best Mexican spots in Big Bear. Hubby had the carnitas wet burrito with green sauce and the carnitas were super tender. Not salty at all and the green sauce was not too spicy. I had the enchiladas suizas with chicken with rice and pinto beans. My goodness were those beans and rice delicious!!!! I'm a huge believer that if they mess up something as basic as beans and rice everything else will be blah but man did they pass with flying colors. Our server was very nice and attentive. I love that they speaks Spanish here. I also appreciated that they brought out my toddler's plate before ours and that's a huge win in my book!!!! Definitely check out this spot whether it's a date night or family night out.
Went there with friends Tuesday and the service and food was great. We enjoyed sitting on the patio.
A girl gets hungry after a day of shopping so I came in for lunch and was very very happy with my visit here. Sarah was exceptional. She was attentive, she was friendly and just all around one of the best servers I've ever had. Very cute restaurant with a nice big outdoor patio towards the back and then a smaller front one and then interior seating has high top tables with TVs in one room and then comfy large booths in another room. I enjoyed a skinny margarita, my fave, and she brought out warm tortilla chips that weren't too flaky at all. They were sturdy so they could be dipped in all the sauces that you can choose from at their salsa bar! Then I had the combination enchilada and chicken taco on the lunch menu special and everything was extremely flavorful and unctuous! I truly recommend this place and the prices are pretty decent as well! Thanks again!
Gratuity for a family of 6 was automatically included at 18%. Fine, but the service was not very good. It seemed as though she knew she would get an ample tip without trying. We didn't get straws, rarely checked on..had to wait a while for the check and a to-go box. The kids meals were great, but adult food was eh. Sitting outside was nice, but we probably wouldn't return for the other reasons.
24 days ago
Up enjoying the weekend in Big Bear. Came across this place in the village. The rating was not particularly great but decided to give it a shot. Well, first impression was that there's a 'BIG' sign at the entrance stating wait to be seated. Ok, no problem, BUT... after a few minutes of standing in the sun and employees walking by. No hostess or anyone coming. We were about to leave when someone finally called to us and said to sit anywhere! WTF! Then why the sign!?Anyways, we entered hoping that we didn't make a mistake! Someone brought us chips and said that there's a self serve salsa bar and to help ourselves. Again no problem. We were talking and then I realized that it's been a while since someone came by to take our order. FINALLY, the server came apologizing for the delay and took our order. She was very polite or else I have no problem getting up and leaving. There are many other places to go to spend my hard earned money! The drinks and food came out in relatively good time and was pretty good. The taquito were nice and the Carnitas burrito was good too. It was a weekend and they didn't seem short staffed but I did see staff inside just talking, maybe they were assigned there, I don't know. But if you're going to put a big ass sign at your entrance telling people to wait, then you better have someone there to take care of them. Just saying. We sat outside and I never saw anyone attending the entrance, but I did see people walking in ignoring the sign or got tired of waiting and left. I probably wouldn't go back. There's a lot of different places to walk to in The Village and we'll probably try them out next time. I always try to support local small businesses, but sometimes the score is just a score. Thank you for your interest. read more
27 days ago
4 months ago
Stopped by El Jacalito Grill to watch a World Cup game and had a great experience overall. The servers were friendly and attentive, the drinks were good, and the atmosphere was perfect for catching the match. We took advantage of happy hour and ordered the margaritas, which were delicious and a great value. We also happened to visit on Quesabirria Wednesday, and the birria was excellent. My only complaint is the regular drink pricing once happy hour ends. While I understand they're located in the Village and prices tend to be higher in that area, $19 for a margarita felt a bit steep. Because of that, we ended up leaving when happy hour ended. Overall, I'd definitely come back for the service, food, happy hour specials, and game-day atmosphere--just be prepared for higher drink prices outside of happy hour. read more
4 months ago
The place was really good. I came here during the afternoon hours on a Monday. It was sad to see there was only one server taking on multiple parties. I think someone called off or was running late. The server was helpful and thankful for having patience. The shreeded beef burrito (no beans), wet style with red enchilada sauce was amazing. The complimentary chips and salsas were top notch. I loved the two spicy green salsas. The chips were fresh and delicious to pair with the burrito. The margaritas were good and the atmosphere was relaxing. I would definitely recommend this place. read more
We were visiting Big Bear from Las Vegas. Coming from a Service Oriented City, I tend to have high expectations. They definitely exceeded my expectations. We were a party of 9, and they were on top of quickly seating us, accommodating our needs, and making sure we were satisfied. It's a Mexican restaurant and cantina, it's a cool Day Of The Dead theme as you enter. Throughout the restaurant they stay true to the theme. Nine picky eaters ordered different items off of the menu. None of us had a complaint. I ordered the Carnitas Burrito. It was fantastic. Filled with flavor and a very generous portion! It is a cantina so I was able to order a 32oz beer. That made me very happy. If you like Mexican Food. I highly recommend El Jacalito Grill. read more
I really wanted to like this place. Our server was great and the atmosphere was fun, clean and great vibes. The food however was just bland. No real flavor to any of it. The salsa the rice or beans or the chicken just nothing really had any flavor to it. read more
8 months ago
The vibe here is good nice and Mexican style. I like that they had heat warmers outside which was great since it was so cold. I ordered albóndigas soup but it wasn't all that great. The taquitos I got for my daughter were good. read more
2 months ago
10 months ago
Good Mexican spot with large menu and drink selection. Salsa bar is great. The albóndigas soup was very delicious. Service was a bit slow when they are busy. There is indoor and outdoor seating options with a bar as well. Loud environment. read more
1 month ago
10 months ago
Unfortunately, this visit was a bit disappointing. I ordered the nachos and the chips were mostly crumbs, which made them hard to enjoy. The cheese also could have been melted much more--everything felt a little unfinished. The only real redeeming part of the nachos was the guacamole, which was fresh and tasty. I also ordered a blended Mango Cadillac Margarita, but it wasn't blended well at all and had large chunks of ice, which took away from the drink. On a more positive note, my husband did enjoy his burrito, and my son said the fajitas were very flavorful. So while some dishes were good, my experience personally fell short, especially for the price. read more
5 months ago
1 month ago
What a great find. My daughter and I were in Big Bear for the day and visited the village for lunch. We just happened to find this great Mexican restaurant. Clean comfortable surroundings, excellent food (chile verde was among the best I have had) and the service was the best in town. Their salsa bar is a great touch with salsa offerings from mild to wild! Portion size was tremendous. We will definitely be back. WELL DONE! read more
Absolutely one of the best Mexican spots in Big Bear. Hubby had the carnitas wet burrito with green sauce and the carnitas were super tender. Not salty at all and the green sauce was not too spicy. I had the enchiladas suizas with chicken with rice and pinto beans. My goodness were those beans and rice delicious!!!! I'm a huge believer that if they mess up something as basic as beans and rice everything else will be blah but man did they pass with flying colors. Our server was very nice and attentive. I love that they speaks Spanish here. I also appreciated that they brought out my toddler's plate before ours and that's a huge win in my book!!!! Definitely check out this spot whether it's a date night or family night out. read more
1 month ago
4 months ago
Went there with friends Tuesday and the service and food was great. We enjoyed sitting on the patio. read more
2 months ago
Best Mexican food in Big Bear for sure! They have a fresh salsa bar and the fajitas are so good. Their shrimp à la diabla is a very unique flavor, I recommend it. read more
A girl gets hungry after a day of shopping so I came in for lunch and was very very happy with my visit here. Sarah was exceptional. She was attentive, she was friendly and just all around one of the best servers I've ever had. Very cute restaurant with a nice big outdoor patio towards the back and then a smaller front one and then interior seating has high top tables with TVs in one room and then comfy large booths in another room. I enjoyed a skinny margarita, my fave, and she brought out warm tortilla chips that weren't too flaky at all. They were sturdy so they could be dipped in all the sauces that you can choose from at their salsa bar! Then I had the combination enchilada and chicken taco on the lunch menu special and everything was extremely flavorful and unctuous! I truly recommend this place and the prices are pretty decent as well! Thanks again! read more
5 months ago
Gratuity for a family of 6 was automatically included at 18%. Fine, but the service was not very good. It seemed as though she knew she would get an ample tip without trying. We didn't get straws, rarely checked on..had to wait a while for the check and a to-go box. The kids meals were great, but adult food was eh. Sitting outside was nice, but we probably wouldn't return for the other reasons. read more
11 months ago
Great food, good service, chips & salsa was great! Price wasn't too bad for the food, drinks were alil higher than usual but overall I enjoyed it. Nice little cozy spot, right in the village. I got the enchiladas! They were sooo good! Highly recommend! read more
We went on Labor Day weekend and the molcajete was pretty good! A little overpriced for what it was but it's a tourist area... so it's expected. We had decent service. Our server himself was very polite and helpful but the hostess wasn't when we first got there. The atmosphere is nice outside during September and it was pretty busy. It's a fun place with their own salsa bar, and every salsa we tried was actually pretty amazing and authentic! read more
1 year ago
Food was delicious and prices were fair, but the service ruined the experience. Our server, Sarah St. Clair, was monotone, curt, and clearly not interested in being friendly -- not just with us but with other tables too. When we complained, the person we spoke with first claimed to be the manager, then backtracked saying the manager had a "family emergency." It felt more like she was covering for her coworker than taking the concern seriously. To top it off, Sarah St. Clair waved at us with a smug grin as we left -- incredibly unprofessional. Great food, but unless the service is addressed, it's hard to recommend. If you like the Las Vegas restaurant called Dicks where they treat you as such, then Sarah St. Clair is your gal. read more
4 months ago
1 month ago
9 months ago
Food was great and lots of flavor. Service was fast and friendly. Ambiance was clean and authentic Mexican. read more
2 months ago
3 months ago
2 years ago
Got here on a Friday night hungry... mistake number one. Drove into town thinking there would be availability for a table of 10! Yeah, no. Luckily as we walked back we saw this nice little gem. Right away they accommodated my party of 10 (mostly kids to too it off). Clearly the service was great right off the bat! Our orders were taken right away and served impressively quick. The servers were attentive and accommodating. They had great attitudes and made us feel welcomed. The food... boy was I surprised. Quite authentic. I had the albóndiga soup due to the cold weather. Tasted home made! Right amount of vegetables and albóndigas. My kids had the quesabirria tacos and they were not disappointed. The portions are decently good. They have a salsa bar and each one of their salsas were delicious. My favorite was the "hot". Certainly homemade salsas. I was impressed with the refried beans! They do not taste like canned beans. I was very happy about that. I did not expect the over all great taste of their food. They also played great music that's loud enough to enjoy, but also you're able to have a conversation! read more
6 months ago
Greater & seated immediately. Sat on the patio, perfect day to enjoy the weather. Our server was friendly & attentive. Ordered happy hour margarita & IPA. Loved the salsa bar. All salsas were good. Had the carne asada fries & birria tacos. Both delicious! We'd definitely come back! read more
11 months ago
8 months ago
6 months ago
Great service and loved the salsa bar. Our food was good and the margaritas even better. Solid Mexican restaurant to visit if you're in Big Bear. It's super close to all the shops and has a nice patio area as well. read more
9 months ago
3 months ago
4 months ago
My friend and I came here for our bachelorette party dinner. The chips that come out are absolutely delicious! The seasoning they use tastes great with the salsa. Overall, we all really enjoyed the dishes we got: burrito bowl, pozole, and two different types of enchiladas. Personally, the red sauce for the three enchilada combo has a heat that grows. I didn't fully enjoy my meal because of it but overall it was good and the rice is delicious. Our sever was so kind and he was great for our party. He offered quick service and made sure our drinks came out way before our meals. The place itself is on the smaller side so it was a little tight. Luckily for us, the other people who were out for dinner match our vibes on a Friday night! read more
1 year ago
5 months ago
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More info about El Jacalito Grill
535 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
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(909) 866-3537
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