Dinner was great! We sat on the patio with our little pups. Service was friendly, fast and very helpful. I recommend. read more

Sonora Cantina - Delicious shrimp enchiladas in a green sauce with rice and beans. Service was great and friendly. - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Boo to this place! Visiting town and decided to check out the happy hour. It was kind of an anti-happy hour. The waiter sat us on the patio then left for almost 15 minutes. When he did come around he was not stoked that we were there just for the happy hour. We got our taco sampler and nachos sans any salsa or chili. Bland. We waited for a few minutes thinking Carlos must be coming back with them, he wasn't. We didn't see him again till it was time for the check. He never checked on us for more drinks, for salsa, for anything. The place wasn't busy, we were one of two tables on the patio... Good luck if you decide to go. read more

Four of us had "dinner" at this place. One star rating is one to many! Bob ordered a veggie taco combo. He said the Taco and side beans were horrifying. The side rice was okay. Roger ordered 2 fish tacos ala Carte. He said the fish was burned and tasted terrible. Celeste and I ordered chicken street tacos and a side of beans. These were the worse tacos we ever had! They were soft shells that fell apart trying to lift them off the plate. The meat tasted like boiled sludge. The beans were also inedible. This was by far the worse Mexican meal we have ever been served. We can only hope no long term consequences to our health occurs. read more

The food is always great. Customer service is great and always a fun atmosphere. Love the decor read more

Sonora Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This is American Mex. No flavor no spice. I would guess the sauces come out of Sysco cans, tortillas also delivered by Sysco, cotija cheese is basically non existent, lots of Sysco delivered pre-chopped iceberg lettuce and tomatoes and onions. Trust me, no one is in the kitchen preparing tomatillos to make a chili verde from scratch ingredients. This may be your idea of Mexican food but it absolutely is not mine. Viva Americana bland food read more

I'm really glad to see that they're still in business, and I truly wanted to enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, the food no longer seems to match the prices. Both the quality of the ingredients and the overall taste fell short of what I would expect at this price point. I hope they can improve the food quality and bring the experience back to the level it used to be. read more

Sonora Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Saw another review from today that echoed a similar situation. I went in for the happy hour menu a couple days ago, and waited to be sat for about 5 minutes. Eventually, the 1 guy working sat someone else from the other entrance of the restaurant, had caught my eye, and didn't come back to me. I went up to him a few minutes later, and he told me to sit wherever I wanted, that he would be bring me some chips & salsa. I sat down, and waited for about 10 minutes or so for those chips & salsa that didn't come. He answered the phone 3 times for phone orders, inputting them into the computer, and didn't come to me at all. There was another employee who showed up that seemed a little lost in what to do. I finally went up to them and let them know I was heading out. They stared blankly my way, and then went back to what they were doing. I have been here on other occasions where service was good, the food was good, but this 1 review is deserved for this. Perhaps staff are on vacation, or they're short-staffed in general? But common decency in customer service would've been appreciated. There may have been 4 other tables filled during my time there - pretty empty. I saw the guy bring 1 basket of chips/salsa to 1 table, and 1 beer to guy at another during the 15 minutes I was there. Hope they figure out their staffing issue. read more

The interior is super cozy while colorful and vibrant. The staff are always friendly and accommodating. You start of with comp chips n salsa. Salsa- perfect! Chips- fresh n crispy and perfectly salted. We enjoyed albondigas soup, chile relleno , arroz con pollo and a side enchilada. All were well seasoned with authentic flavor. The green verde sauce did not disappoint! The roja /red sauce on the enchilada was exactly what I was craving! There are large booths for seating large parties btw. Tuesdays are happy hour/ taco Tuesday ALL day. One of our fav spots in BB. read more

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Food: Two Shrimp Tacos Rice & Beans pretty good could of use more beans Chicken Flautas not bad a little greasy Service: was a little slow maybe because under staff Ambiance: patio seating nice would come again read more

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100/10 for this great place! The inside is super cute, nicely decorated. Service was excellent. Every single item of food from the rice and beans to the Fajita trio and chimichanga we ordered were delish beyond words. The rice was very moist but not mushy. The shrimp in the fajita trio was huge! They didn't skimp on the meat portions at all. I could only eat 2 tacos made from my fajitas and can easily eat a more meals out of my leftovers. The icing on the cake, the horchata! Perfectly flavored. And they even offered me a to go cup for my coffee! Highly recommend and will definitely be back. We haven't stopped bragging all day to everyone about how excellent our meal here was. read more

Great food Great service Ambience was nice cozy and clean Would definitely come back read more

Sonora Cantina - Gin tonic - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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This was an unexpected level of disappointment. Food either had no flavor or was burnt, uncooked tortillas that disintegrated into the worst refried beans. Meat was a slop, mush, just bad. Agua frescas are just fountain syrups. Nothing is fresh, nothing. I put a blind eye to the thick build up of dust on the decor, but it was maybe a big red flag to the lack of pride taken in the food. One and sole positive was the server, attentive and pleasant . read more

We had been to the German restaurant across the parking lot multiple times and had always wondered what this place would be like so decided to finally check it out after several years of wondering. We came for lunch and it was quite busy. Their prices are really good and especially for happy hour, so I suspect it's a favorite with locals. Unfortunately, we did not enjoy our experience. The food just seemed to miss the mark at every turn. The initial chips and salsa were great with the salsa having a little extra spice that we really enjoyed. Next we ordered the mini nachos off the happy hour menu and what came looked like something that was made by my college roommate, very un impressive. Next, we got the mini bean and cheese burrito off the happy hour menu, which just seemed kind of flavorless and not tasty. For my main dish, I got the taco sampler off the happy hour menu, with the grilled fish, the fried fish, and the chicken. I started out with the grilled fish and kind of got a fishy taste in my mouth that was completely unexpected. It kind of ruined the rest of the tacos for me, although the fried fish & the chicken were a little bit better, they still didn't taste great. All the food here seemed to be missing something which surprised me as I pretty much like Mexican food at any place I go. Very disappointed by the quality of the food, although I can't complain about the happy hour prices which were about as good as you can find in big bear. I think my favorite part of the experience was the artwork on the benches and tables, pretty cool, I wish the food had measured up... read more

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Worst Mexican food I've ever tasted. Absolutely flavorless. We ended up throwing most of it away. Service is not great either. No one at door to greet customers. Waited 15 minutes for someone to take my "to-go" order, then it took 3 different people trying to figure out how to place the order and I had to keep repeating my very simple order. Horrible experience! read more

Lack flavor Mexican food is about flavor. But it alright for the portion. That is all they need here.

Lunch was excellent, service was great and the place was lively. Also, and wonderfully unexpectedly, they had legit vegan options: including tacos, wings and fajitas. Will def be back. read more

Maria and Gabriel are the greatest, friendliest restaurant owners in town, who devote their lives to their awesome family, friends and community. Highly respected in this community for their dedication to helping families in need. I try to support their willingness to always offer Monday afternoon fundraisers for families in need. Although, I seldom attend these fundraisers, I purchase, at least, a thousand dollars in gift certificates when I first return from Rancho Mirage, which I distribute to hard working locals so they can enjoy this restaurant after a hard day's work. My husband loves the fajitas and beef, pork and chicken enchiladas. As a vegetarian, not too many options, but Don Jose, the friendliest chef in the valley, prepares excellent vegetable tacos for me! One of the greatest places to celebrate with large groups. Seating indoors and outdoors. Great family I have ever met, including my forty years in education as a highly honored teacher, counselor, and school administrator, working, for the most part, with first and second generation immigrant families. Carlos will always be one of favorite waiters in the Big Bear Valley. Great father, loyal employee who will make your dining experience enjoy! Sonora Cantina is the place to dine is your want a festive environment. There have been challenges in the Big Bear economy, but new media groups are emerging which is showing immense potential. This community needs to never forget the effort that the Rojas have put into building the Big Bear Blvd. business area. The multi talented, Theodore Trentman, owner of Big Bear Television, along with the three cohosts, will, I am certain, give this business the honor they deserve. Love The Village's restaurants and businesses, but the focus needs to extend east and direct future growth and advertising to the hardest working, kindest family in Big Bear! Of course, Taco Tuesday is a no brainer, as so affordable, even for those on limited incomes. However, every day should be so inviting. read more

Food was ok. Service could've been better. I had a Paloma and it wasn't what a Paloma should taste like. Over all I wouldn't recommend this place. read more

Amazing service, super welcoming staff. The margaritas are huge and delicious. We also got a michelada that was super refreshing. The complimentary chips and salsa was pretty good too. We'll return for dinner! read more

Was looking for a good meal before heading back home. Saw reviews and gave it a try. I was disappointed...It was not busy but our server didn't come by for awhile. The hostess went to ask...order was taken and it took awhile as well to be served. The coke was flat. The flavor of the food was okay. Idk if this was an off day at this restaurant but at least they took off the soda from the order as a courtesy. I also thought the food was pricey; $18 for a torta read more

Overall, just okay! We chose outdoor seating on a nice 80° day in Big Bear. Was brought waters and orders taken quickly. Alcoholic beverages are worth the price. $5 for a Dos Equis and $15 for a 22oz fruit margarita that you can definitely taste the alcohol in. Green sauce for enchiladas and chili verde is their winner. Perfectly balanced with spice. But their rice and beans fall short amongst other Mexican restaurants I've had.. read more

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Went for happy hour on a Tuesday. I ordered off the happy hour menu and my family ordered off the regular menu. The food was ok, the service was fine as well. I ordered the happy hour Cadillac margarita which was listed at $5.50 on the happy hour menu the server handed me when we were seated. After two of those, we finished eating and asked for the bill. The price they charged me for the drinks was not $5.50 but $7. I asked the waiter why the different price he didn't know so he called someone else over and they didn't know either. Then they came back and said it was taxes. So you display one price, change it and call it taxes then tax me again on the final bill? I know it's only $3 but if this is a practice every Tuesday during happy hour or in general those $3 add up pretty quickly. read more

Sonora Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

The fajitas were so good! We also ordered the wet pork burrito, and margaritas. Definitely good Mexican food. Our service was great, we appreciated the quick time lapse too of how quickly the food came out and how quickly our drinks came out. This place is definitely chill vibe fun to come in when you get done boarding or before you go up snowboarding. Happy eating! read more

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Always a reliable and tasty favorite place to eat in Big Bear. The inside has a fun vibe, the drinks are good and my kids enjoy their kids menu. Service is always fast and friendly. Look forward to next time up the mountain. Cheers. read more

From the service to the food I had an awesome experience here. Our server was on it. Very patient with our group. The margaritas are great 10/10 Chips and salsa are delicious here. Salsa was authentic. Me and a friend decided to get the Mixed Fajitas for 2 people. Omg this was a massive portion. This could honestly probably feed up to 4 people. I highly recommend this dish. I know sometimes fajitas can taste bland and dry, but these fajitas were far from that. This dish was well seasoned and juicy. Will return next time in Big Bear. read more

Sonora Cantina - Mixed Fajitas for 2 people 10/10 (Can feed 4) - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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4/5 The parking was plenty and we were seated immediately upon arriving. There are a lot of options on the menu. The staff served us fast with chips and salsa. The first one is complimentary. The chips look homemade and not purposed in store because I could see the oil. One complain that I had was that I ordered whole beans and flour tortillas but received refried beans and corn tortilla. Everything else was okay. The service was fine. My boyfriend is a 3D artist and likes to make 3D models of food. The staff was patient when he attempted to make a full screen rotation of the food. The food tasted fine, not too extra ordinary with a medium price. I had two meals out of the carne asada fajita that I ordered. Also, that was because I ordered a cup of menudo alongside. read more

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Delicious food nice staff. We come here first every time we visit Big Bear. We absolutely love this place. read more

Sonora Cantina - Nachos and Happy Hour 6 street tacos of your choosing. All of it scrumptious! - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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This is the best Mexican food in big Bear Lake. Their chili Riano is fantastic. Their tacos are great that damn margaritas you ever had. I would get a Cadillac on the rocks. Can't beat it and if you want a real deal go their own taco Tuesday they've got Six tacos for 10 bucks with all the chips and salsa. You can possibly eat. What a deal. read more

Sonora Cantina - Here's the chili combo plate. I ordered. Fantastic Best chili Riano in town. Hands-down you will not be disappointed. - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

The food was amazing, and the pricing is very reasonable. I only placed a to go order, but everyone was very friendly! They also have vegan/vegetarian friendly options. I loved this place and would highly recommend :) read more

Great food! Tostada salad has an enormous amount of white meat chicken and fantastic guacamole. Margaritas are really good. And the service is always friendly. We've been coming here for years and will continue to be patrons. read more

Pretty good food, but I cannot believe the fees. 2nd salsa= fee 2nd chips= fee Using debit or credit=fee Eating there=service fee We will not be returning! read more

Amazing, huge margaritas, and great food. Service very polite, professional, and helpful. Highly recommend. My favorite place to go when in Big Bear read more

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Chips Salsa Cold beer tostadas this place is great! Love the atmosphere and location. It's a must stop after snowboarding

I love this place! The interior design and the Mexican art is the cherry on top. Great service beautiful ambiance great for any occasion! Food is delicious too. Highly recommend their skinny margaritas. read more

Sonora Cantina - Skinny margarita was delicious - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

From a local i'm not really sure why this place isn't the hot spot during very touristy weekends. This is hands down the best mexican food on the mountain, and the fish tacos alone are worth any wait they may have. read more

Sonora Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

best mexican food in Big Bear by far, the fish tacos alone make this place worth visiting. From a local if you are visiting this is the place to go, the service staff is also amazing. Never had a bad experience here. read more

Sonora Cantina - Fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Chicken tacos are dryer than the Sahara Desert waiting room is really bad and enclosed it take a long time before you get your order and your food waiters are alright interior is very mid overall probably not coming back read more

No flavor at all. Fajitas bland, flautas, beans, rice has no flavor. Everything needed salt. Machaca burrito with beans and cheese inside tasted totally like eggs. Would ever eat here again. I'm a nutritionist and health coach and had a hot fudge sundae for dinner instead so what does that say? Don't eat here. read more

the food was amazing !! Very cultural restaurant with beautiful decorations from the outside to the hallways, the wall paintings and even the seating furniture!! I've personally never seen such dedication. Fresh and tasty food. By far one of the best margaritas I have tried plus the sizing was definitely worth the price. Staff was attentive and nice. read more

We always stop at Sonora Cantina for a great meal and delicious margaritas when we are in Big Bear. Friendly staff too!