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    The Bowling Barn

    3.3 (346 reviews)
    ModerateSports Bars, Bowling
    Open 10:00 am - 10:30 pm

    The Bowling Barn Photos

    Business Info

    THE BOWLING BARN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos

    So many screens!
    Mike B.

    This place is so fun!! Was driving through town with my fiancé and saw the big red barn. We had to stop and check it out! When we got in we noticed an arcade and a bar. I went to get the drinks, she went to the arcade to win some prizes! Then we got an hour of bowling. It was so much fun! Our first bowling experience together. The vids they have on the screen are so fun! You can also choose from different games not just regular bowling. It really makes the experience so much more fun, especially if you're the competitive type like she is. It's a fun atmosphere with a lot of neon colors lit by black lights. Huge place too with lots to do for family or kids. If you like bowling, arcades, food, and drinks you gotta spend some time here!

    They are not working, I am waiting on the waiting list while no people in the lanes.

    The place is great, but the service is the worst. They are rude talk back to you. They act like you're not paying for the service. I come all the way from Pasadena. I told her that I needed 30 more minutes and they said I couldn't play 30 more minutes because there were a lot of people waiting when there was five lanes open. I went back to tell ask if I can I still play? She said oh yeah I forgot you were here. So they were five lanes open and I was still in the waiting list waiting to play, but she was flirting with everybody around town so she didn't care if other people were waiting to play. They should hired professionals not someone that's here to flirt with else instead of doing her job.

    The lanes
    Gavin C.

    The Bowling Barn is not just a clever name. This large barn shaped structure in Big Bear does actually have a bowling alley. And as far as bowling alleys go, it's decent. This is a nice alternate activity for those of us who enjoy ski resort areas but lack the balance necessary to safely navigate the slopes. The Barn's lanes are modern, and can handle traditional bowling, as well as a number of "Hyperbowing" modes which add a modern spin to the game. They also have the usual bar and arcade, both well stocked with the classics. There was a snack bar, but we did not partake. Needless to say, this appeared to be standard bowing snack bar fare. This ski-challenged guy had fun bowling. My companions also had fun drinking. So the only miss here (gutter ball?) is the lack of reservations. Similarly situated alleys allow one to reserve a lane and avoid having to wait around. They would do well to look at a place like Bowl Incline as direction toward a better experience.

    Cristina D.

    Seems like a happening place! It was packed and there was a 1 hour wait for a bowling lane for a party of 3. While we placed our names on the queue, we hit the bar for some drinks: a Henny & Coke and just a simple, cold Cutwater. The bar was well stocked with some premium liquors and the bartender was really sweet. I also placed our food order and got the usual bowling fare: wings, pizza, onion rings and curly fries. The food was hot, crispy and pretty tasty. The vibe was pretty happening at 2pm on this Saturday.

    You'll never forget you're in big bear at this place...
    Jay T.

    I had been to the bowling barn before, but thoroughly enjoyed all the new upgrades since my last visit. There were a ton more games than in the past and it seemed like the bowling area was much more dynamic. The scoreboard did a thing where it capture pictures of your face and then make funny animations all during your game, which was absolutely hilarious & really fun! We didn't try any of the snack bar type food but just had a couple of beverages and enjoyed the bowling. The whole place seemed refreshed and new inside and we really enjoyed our time there. At $71 for an hour of two people bowling, it's a little pricey, due to this I probably won't be back for several more years.

    Frank L.

    Stop whatever you're doing and head straight to The Bowling Barn! This place is the ultimate fun spot in Big Bear--it's not just a bowling alley, it's a whole entertainment complex. The bowling is fantastic, especially during their nightly Glow Bowling sessions where the black lights and music turn the lanes into a party! They have a huge arcade full of games, and you absolutely have to try the new Virtual Reality (VR) experience; it's a blast. When you get hungry, their full-service grill is serving up great food like their awesome pizza. And for the adults, the Alley Oops Sports Bar has a full selection of drinks to enjoy while you bowl or catch a game. Whether you're a family, a couple, or a group of friends, The Bowling Barn is where the fun is at!

    Big bear bowling with the fam!
    thomas f.

    Absolutely 10 out of 10 recommend! Place is super fun with friendly staff, we will definitely be back !

    Raegan N.

    What a great time! I love this bowling alley! Fantastic visuals and light shows everywhere. Very many arcade games and even a virtual reality area. Before you start bowling you can snap a few pictures on their screen of yourself and they implement them in the funny graphics and you can watch while you're bowling. So much fun! They play some good music as well! It was $79 for the hour so it's not cheap but really worth it. Got two games in. All the staff was very friendly. Will definitely be back!

    Outside the barn
    Sergio P.

    The Bowling Barn was a good time. They had good jams going on and it was also cosmic during the day. They had a great arcade with many options to play. The whole staff was great, they were all friendly and helpful. The booths were nice, they faced each other making it easy to converse with our party. Great spot to bowl.

    Karlie M.

    What an amazing bowling alley. In a cool building that looks like a big red barn, completely renovated. Beautifully resurfaced lanes, spectacular video screens and graphics. Cosmic bowling was super cool and immersive. They play the best music with the music videos playing on big screens. Music for everyone - music from today, the 90s, 80s, and 70s. They have a helpful, nice staff and comfortable retro seating and decor. I appreciate that they have maintained the nostalgic 50s bowling alley theme. They have these really cool wall wraps that look like a log cabin complete with bears and a lake view, fitting the Big Bear theme. They have state-of-the-art arcade games, a lot of them, and an epic VR gaming room. You could spend the whole day there; have a great date night or celebration. Food is spectacular too, with lots of options made fresh to order. Wonderful apple cider donuts.

    View of the first couple of lanes from inside Alley Oops (the bar)
    Nasim V.

    Fun, family-friendly activity. We tried the Hyper Bowling experience, which reminded me of TopGolf, but for bowling. It was really fun, I would definitely recommend it. After a certain time, I think 12pm/4pm depending on the day, they do Glow Bowling where they turn down the house lights, turn on the colored lights and play good music videos. But don't worry guys... there are still plenty of TV screens showing the various sports games. Price for 1 hour of bowling and 2 adult shoe rentals came out to about $56. They also have a decent food/snack stand inside and a full bar with pool tables in the back area. We had to wait about an hour for a lane, so we ordered some cocktails and just hung out in the bar and enjoyed the music. Will definitely be back during our next visit to Big Bear Lake.

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    It can be crowded but a fun place. Lots of energy and plenty of stuff to do even if you don't bowl. Food was bar food - good.

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    1 year ago

    great day with my family on my birthday! great staff, energy and cleaniness. the bartender was amazing as well!

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - The Bowling Barn

    Review Highlights - The Bowling Barn

    Loads of fun with bowling, evening glow bowling, pool table, arcade games, food is also very good.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Oakside

    Oakside

    4.0
    (2.3k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    We had a wonderful meal at Oakside Restaurant & Bar over Fourth of July weekend. We happened to…read morearrive at just the right time and were seated quickly, but because it was so popular, I'd recommend making a reservation if they're available. The service was exceptional. Amanda was friendly, attentive, and made our whole family feel welcome, including our dog, which we really appreciated. Everyone enjoyed their meals, but the ahi burger and the strawberry spinach salad were definite standouts. The food, service, and relaxed atmosphere made for a great dining experience. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in Big Bear.

    We were walking around the village and decided to stop in here for dinner. The restaurant was…read morepretty crowded, which is a great thing. It was a rather chilly evening so we requested to sit indoors. This restaurant looks extremely upscale, but the servers and the employees are all down to earth very gracious and willing to help. We were promptly seated and asked for a drink order. When our server returned with the drinks, he asked if we had any questions about the menu. We didn't and placed our orders. My wife ordered the Oakside burger and sweet potato fries, and I ordered the French dip along with sweet potato fries. The wife thoroughly enjoyed her burger. It was cooked to perfection. The bun was fresh and the condiments crisp. She also really liked her sweet potato fries. They were hot and freshly prepared. I ordered the beef dip that was served on a unique roll that was outstanding. It really set off the whole sandwich. The Ajou was great, and the fresh horseradish was on point. The entire sandwich tasted amazing. Also, I enjoyed the sweet potato fries. This was a very nice dining experience. We will definitely be going back again when we're hungry for something more than just sandwiches. Their menu looked outstanding with some great looking steaks and seafood. This is a great little location. Highly recommended if you're in the area.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Chopped American Wagyu Steak Burger*
    Chopped American Wagyu Steak Burger*
    Tater tots with pulled pork

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    Tater tots with pulled pork
    The Bone Yard Bar & Grill

    The Bone Yard Bar & Grill

    3.4
    (1.3k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Brisket: 10/10 it was so tender and juicy! My husband ordered a pound of it and it was so good he…read moreate it all in one sitting! Collard greens: 10/10 cooked in hock soup! So tasty Garlic mash potatoes: 8/10 also delicious! Buttery and good garlicky flavor Pulled pork sandwich: 7/10 the pulled pork was a little dry, not enough bbq sauce. Definitely ask for bbq sauce on the side. I added more to mine and turned out to be much better with that Kids Mac & cheese: 7/10 my husband and I loved it, but not so much my toddler. They sprinkled some cayenne pepper on it which made it a bit too spicy for a toddlers palette Fries: 7/10 these were thick wedges which were tasty. I don't usually like wedge cut fries but here it was crispy on the outside and soft inside. Also had cayenne sprinkled on top which we liked except my toddler lol. Suggestion for the restaurant: please have an option to make the kids meal not spicy Service: 10/10 our service was a kind guy who check in on us regularly and provided us with anything we needed! Ambiance: 10/10 had great music playing. We came Thursday night which I believe was game night. They had some board games left out for customers and play doh for the kids! It kept my toddler nice and busy while we enjoyed our meal :)

    It's been a few years since I last visited BYB&G. The menu has changed and they've renamed some…read moreentrees. All in all, it was a decent experience. The food was okay, but they run out of popular items. I wanted the brisket but it was done by our 6pm seating. Granted, it was Sunday and they probably didn't plan for a late rush. I did have the greens but it was a small portion. I should've gotten the garlic mashed potatoes. The ribs were okay, and the fat pig burger was okay. Fries were decent and the drinks were standard (no alcohol ordered). You can expect to spend about $30 a person. Since I've not tried other BBQ in Big Bear, I'm not sure where this stands. However it was a decent meal. No big issues.

    Photos
    Tri-tip sandwich with flat Flat Fries
    Tri-tip sandwich with flat Flat Fries
    BBQ sauces are very good. The spicy has a good kick and builds the more you eat.
    BBQ sauces are very good. The spicy has a good kick and builds the more you eat.
    Chicken tenders were very moist and very good

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    Chicken tenders were very moist and very good
    Fire Rock Burgers & Brews

    Fire Rock Burgers & Brews

    3.8
    (1.9k reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Brought our little one here and Fire Rock Burgers & Brews turned out to be a solid call. Parking is…read moreeasy -- there's a lot right behind the restaurant -- and the seating is generous: patio in the front, patio in the back, and a full indoor area. Brought the stroller in without any trouble, which is always a win. The atmosphere is what gets you first. There's a ton of cool decor to take in, and the menu has music-themed names for everything -- a fun detail if you're paying attention. Food was delicious and the beers on tap are a great selection to pair with it. Service was attentive and the vibe is comfortable for families without feeling like a kids' spot. It's just a good place, period. Definitely coming back.

    Poor service. Staff acted like any interaction with us was an inconvenience…read more We were a group of 12 on a trip in Big Bear. We understand that's not ideal for most restaurants, but we would've rather been turned away than sat down and treated poorly. We walked into the restaurant and waited for someone to help us. Three different servers saw us, gave us dirty looks, and walked past. One of them rudely said, "why are you waiting here?" and walked away. Finally, we stopped an employee to ask if they would be able to seat our party. They bluntly told us we'd need to wait outside. We left, seeing that they clearly did not want to host us. Other restaurants were booked up for the night, so after walking around the village, we came back. They finally sat us at a large table outside. Our main waiter was friendly and helpful. The only decent service of the night. Another plus was food did not take too long, but the dishes were nothing worth returning for. The staff who came to take plates spoke to us with an irritated attitude. Not sure if the poor service had to do with the diversity in our group, but it sure felt like it. Not a positive experience in the slightest.

    Photos
    Bathroom guitar art
    Bathroom guitar art
    Sweet potato  fries with cheese and garlic
    Sweet potato fries with cheese and garlic
    Sweating Bullets Burger

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    Sweating Bullets Burger
    Village Sports Bar

    Village Sports Bar

    4.0
    (290 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    We had such an awesome experience at Village Sports Bar in Big Bear, and it was all thanks to…read moreHillary behind the bar. From the moment we walked in, she was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely fun to be around. She kept drinks flowing without us ever having to ask, made great recommendations, and somehow managed to handle a busy crowd while still making everyone feel taken care of. That kind of energy is rare. If you're in Big Bear and stop by Village Sports Bar, do yourself a favor and grab a seat at Hillary's bar. 10/10 service, amazing vibe, and we'll definitely be back!

    I had one of the worst service experiences I've ever had here. Hillary has to be the worst…read morebartender/server in Big Bear. After overcharging me for kids' chicken tenders, I politely asked to be reimbursed. Instead of correcting the mistake, she disappeared seemingly hoping I would forget about it. When I followed up, she yelled at me in the middle of the bar over $10. Completely unprofessional and embarrassing. To make matters worse, when I called back to speak to a manager, the phone was left hanging and I could hear staff insulting me on the other end. Absolutely unacceptable behavior. The only saving grace was Leah, the manager, who was kind and professional when we finally connected. Unfortunately, one good interaction doesn't make up for the overall experience. I would avoid this place if Hillary is working

    Photos
    Village Sports Bar
    Cobb salad
    Cobb salad
    Couple of drinks

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    Couple of drinks
    Big Bear Mountain Brewery

    Big Bear Mountain Brewery

    3.7
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    Walked in on a Friday night for a quick bite to eat and some brews after our drive to Big Bear. It…read morewas quieter than we anticipated for being a Friday night. We didn't mind at all though, we were personally serenaded by Randy & Terry. They were so friendly and quite welcoming! They asked us for requests and they both sang every single one beautifully! We ordered a pulled pork sandwich, burger, a lime margarita and a blonde ale. The pulled pork was amazing in my book! Very flavorful and the buns were so soft and fluffy! My boyfriend got a burger and he said it was just ok. We LOVED the French fries and thought the chipotle aioli sauce was excellent. Overall a very friendly and vibey place to hang out!!

    On a very cold night while vacationing in Big Bear we stopped in for dinner. It's ascetically a…read moregreat spot, warm, life musician but small and not a great menu. Everything on the menu is fried and greasy, probably was all frozen at one point. A canned/bottled soft drink is $6. (Non alcoholic). Must order from a bar Code, 1 Burger with Fries 1 order of 3 chicken strips and fries 1 Lemonade 1 Coke Guy brings your food and never comes back, yet they add a mandatory gratuity added in of 9%! For what? Total about $60!!! Felt a bit ripped off, considering it felt like we ate fast food junk. No real service and if you want water, get it yourself too. Unfortunately will go somewhere else next time. We did have some great meals while in Big Bear, this wasn't one of them.

    Photos
    Big Bear Mountain Brewery
    Big Bear Mountain Brewery
    Fun games
    Fun games
    Great Music, Great Food, Great Beer, & Even Better Memories.

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    Great Music, Great Food, Great Beer, & Even Better Memories.

    The Bowling Barn - sportsbars - Updated July 2026

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