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Stayed nearby at the Glen Oak. Came for a quick dinner and we had a great experience. Everyone was nice and helpful. Super attentive. The fireplace was a nice touch! The I had a couple of margaritas, as was recommended by the front desk at Glen Oaks, and they were delish!! Wings were great, my partner had a burger and truffle fries which he enjoyed and I had the fish tacos as recommended by one of the ladies there. Super tasty!!
Fantastic view and even better food if that's possible. Strongly getting anything that has fish, such as the burrito or the fish and chips. Both were phenomenal and the stars of the meal. Also got a pizza, but did not come close to beating the fish.
I came here with friends on our first night for our glamping experience because we were all tired from packing and driving here. We got here a bit late closer to 830pm. So we checked in, dropped off our stuff in our tent cabin then headed over for some food. We came on trivia night which is nice for those that want to do trivia while camping. We didn't so we sat out on the patio where it turns out there are two camp cats! I can't remember their names and I didn't get a picture of both but it was a nice furry addition to our evening! It is something to keep in mind for anyone that has cat allergies. The cats were both friendly and will accept pets but won't purposely seek you out so don't worry! They do like to kind of beg for food but know that they aren't allowed any. So don't feed the cats! The ambiance out on the patio was perfect. There were plenty of space heaters so you don't need to worry about getting too cold in the redwoods. The string lights add to the ambiance and if you want to use the bathrooms, they are right in the middle and easy to access from the patio. We walked in and were seated pretty much immediately so no worries on that! Service was good! Definitely busy and they check on you occasionally without being too intrusive. Be aware that the drinks aren't refillable so enjoy but be aware if you're thirsty, have the water =) Finally, onto the food. I thought it was pretty decent for where you're at. I don't personally like shishito peppers but my friends do and they liked it! I ended up having nachos that were just a little too much for me but pretty tasty. I felt like they did a good job with topping to chip ratio and had it pretty well spread out so I didn't feel like I ran out of toppings too fast. We also shared their creme brulee which was pretty good! Not the best I've had but not bad at all. Overall, I thought it was a great experience to go to this place and it was nice to eat instead of having to unpack and cook on the first night there. It was a bit expensive but great overall! Would definitely recommend as the place to go if you get there and you don't want to cook the first night or just feel like getting a little more of city life versus camping life.
Surprise! Great pizza here. We stopped in for a drink with no idea what to expect. The outdoor patio has trees through the deck, fires pits and relaxing night time lighting. We stayed for a couple hours and ended up feeling hungry. We ordered a pizza, with no expectation. Out came a very delicious wood fired thin crust pizza. The sauce was especially light, well balanced with basil , garlic and tomato. Cheese and topping were fresh. Great experience. Too bad we didn't get a photo of that pizza! Service was typical for the area- friendly- but very chill/relaxed, so don't be uppity :)
The back deck was so nice to sit at. Overlooked the forest, had cozy lighting, and heat lamps. We got the burger, taquitos, and a silver something moquito (cant remember name). Everything was good, the burger especially was very good. I personally liked that my side salad wasn't just shredded red onion and iceburg lettuce, it was the real deal with mixed greens and great toppings. Service was laid back but attentive. Overall great experience. Loved the resident cat Coco.
Food: 3.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Overall: It's a good option to eat while in the area. If it's a nice sunny day I'd highly suggest the patio. The extended review... Food: Cheeseburger Burrito - 3.5/5 - This was pretty darn good I'd say. Literally all the fixins of a burger wrapped up and easy to eat. Service: 4/5 - Friendly service. Ambiance: 5/5 - We ate on the patio and it was amazing. You are basically eating in a forest which is amazing on a nice warm sunny day.
Nice little spot with amazing food, service and quite ambiance. We tried the fish and chips, pesto garlic pasta, pizza and kids hotdog. The appetizer we tried was the mazo platter, def try that!!!
Fantastic food, service, and views. We got the fish tacos and ate on the back patio. They were delicious, and our server Kara was great. Definitely going to visit again sometime.
I had the fish burrito , it was very good, clean and perfect portion the fish was frash. Recommend!
Epic, absolutely epic! So we're tooling north on 1 enjoying the amazing views when nighttime sneaks up on us. We hit the mother lode when we pulled into the Fernwood Tavern/Restaurant/Motel/Grocery/Store. The 1 is scary at night if you've never driven it so we were lucky to find the Fernwood. We got their overflow room that they only rent out when the place is totally packed, while teeny tiny with no tv the room is spotless and reasonably priced. The restaurant is straight out of an LL Bean catalog, rustic yet comfortable. We shared the Tri-tip nachos and I was surprised how good they were plus the Bud Light was cold so basically this place was perfect. We got the overflow room which they only rent out when every other room is gone, it's absolutely tiny but very clean and comfortable. If you're in the area stop in, you can thank me later.
Their menu was limited and not very good. The best thing we are was their pizza. Their salad was not good, their burger was dry and their wings were kind of gross. At least the staff was nice.
Staying at the Fernwood, one of the benefits was being close to its great Tavern. Walking in, this place really feels like a tavern. A dark, wood paneled interior. A large, central fireplace with some areas to lounge in. Oh and of course a bar. On top of that they have plenty of space for dining as well, and I would definitely recommend the patio. It is a great feeling having a pint at night literally amongst the trees, all in a lively atmosphere. Of course, the food is great too. Our favorites ended up being anything with their delicious, smoky trip tip - The Tri Tip Sandwich and absurdly large Tri Tip Nachos. Combined with a great selection of beer and nice staff, it is definitely a great addition to any Big Sur experience. On our last night, we had a great time meeting other fellow travelers, swapping stories and overall enjoying the social and relaxing atmosphere of the tavern. Regardless if you're staying at Fernwood or not, I think a stop in for some delicious Tri-tip or at least a pint on their patio is definitely warranted.
5 months ago
Stopped here while driving down Highway 1 and it was a great find. It's tucked right off the road with a cozy, cabin-style feel, and there's a really nice patio in the back with heat lamps (perfect if it's a little chilly). The food was honestly better than expected. Everything we ordered was solid, but the shoestring fries stood out, some of the best I've had. Definitely add the mushrooms to the French dip! Overall, a really good stop in Big Sur if you want something casual that still delivers on food and atmosphere. read more
Fernwood Tavern is such a classic Big Sur experience. We must see the kitty she was so cute and sweet. This place is tucked right in the redwoods along the river, the setting alone makes it worth the stop. It has that rustic, laid-back mountain vibe that feels authentic and unpretentious. We stopped in after exploring Big Sur and it was the perfect place to unwind. The food hit the spot (great comfort options), the drinks were strong, and the atmosphere was lively without feeling overwhelming. If there's live music, even better -- it really adds to the whole experience. It's not a fancy fine-dining spot, but that's exactly the charm. It feels local, relaxed, and full of character. Definitely a must-visit if you're in the area and want good food, good drinks, and a true Big Sur vibe. read more
So sad to see so many 4 star reviews - this is a gem. You're camping in Big Sur, there's plenty of restaurants, cell service, and accommodations. I think people have their expectations too high, but I was just grateful to have a solid meal with the best waitress & setting. Sitting on the patio was freaking fantastic, surrounded by lush redwoods, soft lights & heat lamps. The asada tacos with pickled onions were DELICIOUS - just what I needed - and the snores dessert was the perfect end to my night. Soooo peaceful. Christie / Kristie was an amazing waitress with a fantastic and bubbly attitude. One of the best there with such a fantastic laugh & personality. I love her! Hope everyone can enjoy the same experience! read more
4 months ago
Stayed nearby at the Glen Oak. Came for a quick dinner and we had a great experience. Everyone was nice and helpful. Super attentive. The fireplace was a nice touch! The I had a couple of margaritas, as was recommended by the front desk at Glen Oaks, and they were delish!! Wings were great, my partner had a burger and truffle fries which he enjoyed and I had the fish tacos as recommended by one of the ladies there. Super tasty!! read more
4 months ago
Fantastic view and even better food if that's possible. Strongly getting anything that has fish, such as the burrito or the fish and chips. Both were phenomenal and the stars of the meal. Also got a pizza, but did not come close to beating the fish. read more
1 month ago
2 months ago
I came here with friends on our first night for our glamping experience because we were all tired from packing and driving here. We got here a bit late closer to 830pm. So we checked in, dropped off our stuff in our tent cabin then headed over for some food. We came on trivia night which is nice for those that want to do trivia while camping. We didn't so we sat out on the patio where it turns out there are two camp cats! I can't remember their names and I didn't get a picture of both but it was a nice furry addition to our evening! It is something to keep in mind for anyone that has cat allergies. The cats were both friendly and will accept pets but won't purposely seek you out so don't worry! They do like to kind of beg for food but know that they aren't allowed any. So don't feed the cats! The ambiance out on the patio was perfect. There were plenty of space heaters so you don't need to worry about getting too cold in the redwoods. The string lights add to the ambiance and if you want to use the bathrooms, they are right in the middle and easy to access from the patio. We walked in and were seated pretty much immediately so no worries on that! Service was good! Definitely busy and they check on you occasionally without being too intrusive. Be aware that the drinks aren't refillable so enjoy but be aware if you're thirsty, have the water =) Finally, onto the food. I thought it was pretty decent for where you're at. I don't personally like shishito peppers but my friends do and they liked it! I ended up having nachos that were just a little too much for me but pretty tasty. I felt like they did a good job with topping to chip ratio and had it pretty well spread out so I didn't feel like I ran out of toppings too fast. We also shared their creme brulee which was pretty good! Not the best I've had but not bad at all. Overall, I thought it was a great experience to go to this place and it was nice to eat instead of having to unpack and cook on the first night there. It was a bit expensive but great overall! Would definitely recommend as the place to go if you get there and you don't want to cook the first night or just feel like getting a little more of city life versus camping life. read more
8 months ago
Surprise! Great pizza here. We stopped in for a drink with no idea what to expect. The outdoor patio has trees through the deck, fires pits and relaxing night time lighting. We stayed for a couple hours and ended up feeling hungry. We ordered a pizza, with no expectation. Out came a very delicious wood fired thin crust pizza. The sauce was especially light, well balanced with basil , garlic and tomato. Cheese and topping were fresh. Great experience. Too bad we didn't get a photo of that pizza! Service was typical for the area- friendly- but very chill/relaxed, so don't be uppity :) read more
11 months ago
The back deck was so nice to sit at. Overlooked the forest, had cozy lighting, and heat lamps. We got the burger, taquitos, and a silver something moquito (cant remember name). Everything was good, the burger especially was very good. I personally liked that my side salad wasn't just shredded red onion and iceburg lettuce, it was the real deal with mixed greens and great toppings. Service was laid back but attentive. Overall great experience. Loved the resident cat Coco. read more
4 years ago
Food: 3.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Overall: It's a good option to eat while in the area. If it's a nice sunny day I'd highly suggest the patio. The extended review... Food: Cheeseburger Burrito - 3.5/5 - This was pretty darn good I'd say. Literally all the fixins of a burger wrapped up and easy to eat. Service: 4/5 - Friendly service. Ambiance: 5/5 - We ate on the patio and it was amazing. You are basically eating in a forest which is amazing on a nice warm sunny day. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Nice little spot with amazing food, service and quite ambiance. We tried the fish and chips, pesto garlic pasta, pizza and kids hotdog. The appetizer we tried was the mazo platter, def try that!!! read more
5 years ago
Fantastic food, service, and views. We got the fish tacos and ate on the back patio. They were delicious, and our server Kara was great. Definitely going to visit again sometime. read more
3 years ago
I had the fish burrito , it was very good, clean and perfect portion the fish was frash. Recommend! read more
3 years ago
Epic, absolutely epic! So we're tooling north on 1 enjoying the amazing views when nighttime sneaks up on us. We hit the mother lode when we pulled into the Fernwood Tavern/Restaurant/Motel/Grocery/Store. The 1 is scary at night if you've never driven it so we were lucky to find the Fernwood. We got their overflow room that they only rent out when the place is totally packed, while teeny tiny with no tv the room is spotless and reasonably priced. The restaurant is straight out of an LL Bean catalog, rustic yet comfortable. We shared the Tri-tip nachos and I was surprised how good they were plus the Bud Light was cold so basically this place was perfect. We got the overflow room which they only rent out when every other room is gone, it's absolutely tiny but very clean and comfortable. If you're in the area stop in, you can thank me later. read more
5 years ago
Staying at the Fernwood, one of the benefits was being close to its great Tavern. Walking in, this place really feels like a tavern. A dark, wood paneled interior. A large, central fireplace with some areas to lounge in. Oh and of course a bar. On top of that they have plenty of space for dining as well, and I would definitely recommend the patio. It is a great feeling having a pint at night literally amongst the trees, all in a lively atmosphere. Of course, the food is great too. Our favorites ended up being anything with their delicious, smoky trip tip - The Tri Tip Sandwich and absurdly large Tri Tip Nachos. Combined with a great selection of beer and nice staff, it is definitely a great addition to any Big Sur experience. On our last night, we had a great time meeting other fellow travelers, swapping stories and overall enjoying the social and relaxing atmosphere of the tavern. Regardless if you're staying at Fernwood or not, I think a stop in for some delicious Tri-tip or at least a pint on their patio is definitely warranted. read more
7 years ago
I stayed a night in one of what they called there upgraded rooms. It was nothing more than a shack. No TV, No mini fridge, No microwave, No air-conditioner, The WiFi only works if you're standing in the check in office, The bathroom smell of mold! Most likely due to the large amount of water damage around shower. The floor is badly sloped down hill to the back off the room. Be careful you may roll out of bed if you ever fall asleep. I suspect the building may be sliding down the hillside! It's mind boggling that they charge $220 a night to stay here. If you have a decent size vehicle you maybe better off sleeping in it. read more
8 years ago
Love the outdoor patio underneath the trees. They have a ping pong table and it's dog-friendly. Jalapeño poppers and the Cubana were read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
10 years ago
Cool atmosphere in this bar (jukebox and decor) but food was only ok and service polite but not friendly. Food wise we got the tater tots, Caesar salad and the goat pizza. The tots and salad were really salty, the salad didn't taste refreshing like salads do. Portions were big but I don't recommend those dishes. The pizza though! It was amazing! Really cheesy with sundries tomatoes and fresh basil, and a good amount of them! It was huge and would have been enough food for few people. Next time I'm in Big Sur I'll try another restaurant instead of going back there, but if you happen to go, go for their pizza! read more
3 years ago
Came here two nights in a row while in town. First night we ordered pizza and buffalo chicken wings. Probably some of the best pizza I've ever had. Chicken wings were also great. Also ordered a lavender margarita.... FIRE! There was even lavender petals on the rim. So freaking cute!!' We had the same server two nights in a row, she was hilarious. Everyone who worked here was really cool, even the bar cat. read more
5 years ago
Big Sur vacations are all about balance: sweaty hikes and romantic sunsets; car-camping and gourmet dinners; hitchhikers and Range Rovers. And staying at the Fernwood Resort offers exactly this kind of yin & yang. Just up the hill from their riverside campground (there's a wooden staircase that takes you from your tented residence to the taverns back door), the Fernwood Tavern is the closest thing to "nightlife" you'll find along Hwy 1, unless you do the midnight hike up to Sykes Hot Springs, which will probably be on my bucket list forever. On Fridays they have trivia night, hosting a curious assortment of vocal locals and entertainment-hungry tourists. Although the trivia questions were some of the most difficult/ obscure I've ever heard, I definitely recommend stopping in for the people watching and comfy ranch-style leather couches. On Saturdays they have live music (or maybe we just got lucky on this particular Saturday?), garnering another lively crowd. The bartenders are pretty gruff, so try to stay under the radar and don't ask for a Cosmo or Apple-tini. We had dinner here one night - good, hearty pub grub with a healthy-hippie twist. I had a giant spinach & house-smoked turkey salad (overdressed, but the greens were much needed), and my camping partner had their burger: thick, gourmet, and garnished with all the goods: avocado, blue cheese, carmelized onions, AND a side of tater tots. A magnificent, manly meal compared to the non-perishable hiking snacks we'd gotten accustomed to. They have a perfect assortment of local beer and wines, taking your camping experience to new luxurious heights. We will probably always stay at Fernwood during our Big Sur adventures, and knowing the tavern is just steps away and full of lively characters and entertainment, really tips the scales in their favor. read more
5 years ago
12 years ago
After being stuck in a neverending traffic jam on the 1 and failing to get to Pfeiffer Beach, we were ready for a success of some sort. We drove past Fernwood and caught a whiff of the amazing BBQ, took one look at each other and drove right back to it. The prices were shockingly high -- they are on-par with Nepenthe (the gorgeous restaurant overlooking Big Sur). My friend wasn't too hungry, so we decided to just split a dish. We ordered the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with fries, and the waitress was kind enough to split it right down the middle and bring it out on two separate plates. I was blown away. I thought she would hate us for sharing a dish, but she actually went out of her way to make it perfect. Very, very appreciated! The pulled pork was ok - extremely chewy with about 50% of it being gooey/fatty bits and not actual meat - but the fries were awesome. Had I ordered this dish for myself at $16, I would be disappointed. Having split it, I was less-so. The fries made up for it, and the way they toasted the bun was awesome, too. It was soft and crispy at the same time. Yum! Service was fairly slow, and it took us over an hour start-to-finish (for two people and one sandwich). Not a place I would stop at if you want a quick meal, but it's decent otherwise. read more
12 years ago
11 years ago
This place puts the R in rustic. It's a combination of bar, restaurant, hotel, and campground. We got a nice table outside overlooking a beautiful Forrest. I had a crispy chicken sandwich whip was very good. It can with fries that were fresh and tasty. My son had the Tri tip sandwich which also was very good. The soup of the day was tomato bisque, not so good. This is a good spot to stop at for a very casual meal along the PCH. Looked like mostly locals their. They had ping pong table out back to play while waiting for your food also. They also had a decent beer selection which seems to be the trend now. Prices were a bit high, sandwich average was $15:00, but you are in Big Sur CA. One big complaint about eating outside were the abundance of nats, or whatever you call those flying bugs. read more
10 years ago
How I love this place. We stayed in a cabin and spent an awesome night with dinner in the Tavern and drinks in the bar. We showed up on a Sunday night in January. This is why I love this place. 1. Atmosphere is laid back and chill. 2. Food was great (tri tip sandwich). Flavorful and cooked perfectly. 3. The bar was manned by a East Coast bar keep named Dave. Not David. Dave made my night. He kept the place flowing and reminded me when I needed water. 4. The locals make you feel right at home. Here's to Kevin that patiently two stepped with me and Adonna for sharing her wisdom. The staff from all over eventually made their way to the bar and were all quick witted and fun. Everyone was friendly. 5. The outdoor patio is right outside the bar which allows for another area to hang out and make friends. Heaters, picnic tables and ping pong. The whole property is authentic and peaceful. Not pretentious at all. 6. The whole vibe - old time general store, fire pits outside the cabins, beautiful nature setting, low key tavern and a just a fun place to be. Until we meet again Dave. read more
12 years ago
We've been numerous times to the tavern when we go camping. This time while waiting, I wanted a girlie drink but couldn't see any on the menu. Luckily Eric made one up for me and it was yum! It was so yum I could've had another in a to go cup but we brought so much grog already. They smoke their own meats so I tried the HOT WINGS. Yum! It was smoked then fried so you get that yummy smokey taste. It will not be as juicy as like the just fried ones cuz I think you loose some moisture from the smoking process. Still, it was finger lickin good! My friend ordered the STEAK, OMG, it was so juicy and done exactly how she wanted it. I wanted more but I had the TRI TIP TACO. It was pretty good too. Hubby had the FISH & CHIPS but I think they forgot to season the fish or the batter cuz I didn't like it at all. It was tasteless. The fish tasted somewhat fresh. I asked my other friend about her POLENTA STACK and she said it was good. The only thing she would've liked it for the mozarella balls to have been melted. I didn't try the PIZZA so don't know the taste. It was huge though! I had the STICKY PINEAPPLE CAKE. It's definitely sticky, moist. It had cream cheese frosting but I wanted ice cream. They don't do substitution cuz it was so busy on a Sat night. I went to the store next door and paid $6 for 2 scoops and brought it back with me. We had about 20 folks so they will only split the check once and an automatic 20% gratuity added. I had called weeks ago to make sure we can split the check but when I mentioned to our server, she said this was not the practice. I had to say I did call in advance to check. In fact, I even asked for a separate table for hubby and I to be right next to the table of 18 folks. She finally did split the check. We had an awesome bluegrass band that was there. So entertaining! Yay! After their set, you can feed the jukebox there. $5 buys you 12 credits. Overall, it's a great fun tavern to be in! read more
5 years ago
11 years ago
A great dive bar in a beautiful location. Ping pong and amazing pizza! It's the place to go, for stiff drinks and they are open later then anywhere else in the Sur. So expect to see some locals who served you at your restaurant or sold you that art you wanted. They are rad! Except if you were rude on their shift. Did I mention ping pong? Not beer pong. Sorry, bros. Well, as far I know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more
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More info about Fernwood Tavern
Fernwood Resort
47200 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
Directions
(831) 667-2129
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.fernwoodbigsur.com/
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Ask the Community - Fernwood Tavern
Is the restaurant's outdoor seating dog friendly?
Yes, the outdoor seating is dog friendly. I brought my pup with me when I dined here a couple weekends ago.
Review Highlights - Fernwood Tavern
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Fernwood Tavern - bars - Updated August 2026
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