Very delicious came from down the hill not looking for barbecue, but found some and it was delicious

Food was delicious! Had the brisket and chicken Brisket was better, of course. But chicken was good as well I don't typically like Mac and cheese. But this was pretty perfect. It was so soft, a tad bit sweet. I got a side of potato salad. Unfortunately I realized a little late that the mustard provided was to mix into the potato salad. Once I did that, it was literally the perfect meal read more

The food was amazing! The spot is tucked away in the back of the building, and when we first arrived it looked closed since it was empty. But once we walked up, we noticed a window where you place your order. We got the 2-combo meal with chicken and baby back ribs, and both were incredible. The meat was so tender it literally fell off the bone, and everything was packed with flavor. The sides, mac and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw were all solid, with the mac and cheese and potato salad being my favorites. If you're visiting Big Bear, I definitely recommend stopping by for some BBQ. 4.5/5 read more

The Cookshak - 2-Combo Meal baby back ribs and chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This location is located to the rear of a country club style business. The location only had outdoor seating and we did not know it was heavy on DoorDash only orders. I give them the benefit of the doubt because they are in the process of opening up their main location. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. The flavor was good, not compared to some high end Texas bbq but it was good. The flavor was on point and consistent with what pulled pork sandwich should be. The customer service of the location was amazing. The worker checked on us to make sure everything was good and the food came out pretty quick. read more

We stopped by for a few drinks at the Elks Lodge and saw the menu for the Cookshack BBQ. We got the 2 item combo - pork ribs and brisket with beens and coleslaw. All four were the best we have ever had. The meat was so tender and perfectly cooked and the home made baked beans and coleslaw were excellent. We will do this again! read more

The Cookshak - 2 item Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Great deal if you get the combo and split with a friend. Portions are generous and the meat is tender and tasty. After a day of snowboarding this was a good place to fill up. Parking was easy but no access to bathroom. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Mannn this was some of the best bbq I've ever had I'm up here for a spartan race this place was highly recommended. I know why now the vibes is great I forgot the bros name who helped me out today had some great recommendations. The Mac and cheeese was the best, the turkey was so good let's not forget about the brisket fire the best . If you live in the area or are in town and want some bomb bbq stop by. read more

The brisket was great, but whatever is sold as gumbo is not true gumbo. it's a lot of dry rice with chicken and sausage. There is no roux. In my lifetime, every bowl of gumbo I've had involved a roux. It was very disappointing considering this place calls itself Cajun. This shouldn't be sold as gumbo in Big Bear. At least it should be communicated that it is a rouxless recipe. For $18 an order, it was a big surprise. I ordered 3! read more

Wow, what a gem. Incredible food and hospitality. I got the pulled pork sandwich and it did NOT disappoint, the bbq sauce was also delicious. Can't wait to come back. read more

Overall incredible bbq and huge portions. The hospitality was also great and very welcoming. Will definitely be coming back any time I'm in big bear lake area. Highly recommended! read more

This place used to be good but the menu is much smaller as are the portions. Very expensive even for a tourist town. Younger guy gets snotty when you ask him what happened to certain items. The smoked food is great but very expensive. Used to have discounts but no longer. I hate this when a restaurant starts out great just to establish customers then changes. read more

Delicious Barbecue! California Brisket Sandwich was amazing:) Look on the side with the string of lights for the entrance.

Great BBQ! I got the smoked chicken with potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread. The chicken was smoky and moist, the potato salad had great flavor, and the beans were sweet but not too much. The cornbread was good, just a little drier than I prefer. I do wish they offered some veggie sides or a salad. The place isn't a sit-down restaurant--it's tucked behind one of the Big Bear Village entrances, and you order from a window. There are a few benches outside but no heaters, so takeout is probably best when it's cold. They're on DoorDash too. I heard their actual restaurant space isn't ready yet, so hopefully that's coming soon. Loved the food, even if the setup wasn't ideal. I'd definitely go back! read more

We came at 5:30 and sadly, the brisket and the pulled pork and the ribs were sold out. They did say that there were burgers available for those different meats, but I think we really want to try the different ones. Overall, the juiciness of the meat was pretty amazing with the kielbasa sausage and I would say the chicken and all the other meats were pretty tender. The place where it loses a star is because I would say very salty and the cornbread was a little bit too dry. One thing to know is that the area has no bathroom and it is all food to go. Service was five stars and they were friendly and apologetic about not having all the food available read more

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It's okay! Cornbread is dry. Potato salad doesn't have much flavor. Ribs were good a bit salty but very very tender Service is nice!!! and there seems to be a ton of outdoor seating. read more

Normally, people say quality over quantity; the Cookshak does BOTH. I was quite amazed at the portion size of the meats; they were not stingy at all. Not only were the portions generous, but the quality was top-notch. The brisket was soft, seasoned generously, and TENDER. The chicken fell off the bone and had a slight charred flavor. The brisket sang a lullaby to my tongue. The mac and cheese was the best I've ever had, and the cornbread deserves its own rating. Impeccable. Outstanding. Flawless. Thank you guys for not only serving the best Texas BBQ but also making the holidays unforgettable for my family and I. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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This was the best, most authentic bbq place I've ever been to! My party of 6 enjoyed every piece of food we were served and couldn't afford to leave anything left on our plates! It was that good! The brisket and pulled pork were especially remarkable and fell apart in your mouth! Seriously top notch bbq. We will be back!! read more

Wow, some of the best food on the mountain! I ordered the smoked brisket po' boy, and it was SO good. Got the mac side as well. We also got the california brisket sandwitch which was also really good. Would highly recommend! read more

We ordered to go since we had a big party. The food was delicious, especially the brisket and bean. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Food was amazing! Kind of difficult to find but it's definitely a hidden gem. Loved how sauce was put on the side. Mac and cheese was chefs kiss!! Meats were tender and not too rich in flavor. Well balanced!! Not sure if the cold weather had anything to do with it but bbq in big bear just git different. Not much of a view but you're there to eat and enjoy the company. Will be back!! read more

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If you love restaurant quality bbq that also tastes like comforting homestyle cooking, this is the place to be. Though this place is take out only with no restrooms and a couple outdoor seating spots, the food speaks for itself. Highly recommend! read more

The awesome sides alone are worth the visit! Our family tradition is to head up to Big Bear for the zoo and bbq, our usual place was closed so we scrambled to find a backup and Cookshak did not disappoint. We were trying to decide between potato salad and baked beans to go with the mac n cheese we ordered with our plate. The cool dudes threw in the baked beans so we didn't have to choose. My wife loved the potato salad and the baked beans were probably the best I've ever had. The sides were so good that we couldn't even finish our pulled pork fries and main meat entrees, we had to pack them up for our drive back down the mountain. Their prices are pretty awesome too, we aren't small people, we expected a 2 item combo plate and the fries to be a quick snack for our family of 3 like most bbq joint plates, but their servings were easily twice the size of most places. Delicious food and a great value, can't beat that. read more

Food is amazing. Great slowcooked bbq brisket chicken ribs and fish and chips. Ambiance is very very casual (think outdoor cafeteria) but the food and friendly service would keep us coming back for sure! A little hard to find - back of the elk club patio w very little signage. read more

Brisket and ribs were tender and perfectly seasoned. Great food, friendly service, and I really appreciated the team going out of their way to prepare an off-menu meal for my food-sensitive son. Highly recommend! read more

Simply the best authentic smoked bbq ever! Everything was perfect! Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere. Couldn't ask for anything more.

You can find this fine establishment behind the Elks Lodge. The customer service was great - such cool and friendly guys manning the place! And the food was plentiful for the price and pretty tasty. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Great smoked bbq meats at very reasonable price! Everyone there was very accommodating and friendly. The pulled pork sandwich was delicious, made how I like it, meat almost like burnt ends on the edge. BBQ beef even better. Little mishap with our order... stuff happens but they gave everyone in our party a free dessert! We Would definitely come again but unfortunately it was there last day for dining service. We didn't mind waiting as we had the only large table on small deck with a great view. read more

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This is literally a shack nestled in the back of the Elks Lodge building. We lunched here on our way into Big Bear and shared the following: -pulled pork sandwich ($14.25): smoked pulled pork on a roll with BBQ sauce on the side + fries -3 piece fish & chips ($15.00): hand battered cod in tempura batter + fries The fish and chips were a 10 out of 10. The tempura batter was light and perfectly crisped around the meaty cod. The tartar sauce was nice and thick just like the one they use on the Fish Filet at McDonald's. This was unexpectedly good. While the sandwich was good, I found the pulled pork to be a little too dry. It needed a good dunk in BBQ sauce to help it along. It's all outdoor seating at Cookshak which I'm sure is really nice when the weather permits. It was rather cold when I dined here, however the guy at the window graciously offered us the option to dine indoors. I liked that the Cookshak is a little off the beaten path to avoid the throngs of tourists. Highly recommend checking out this cute little shack. read more

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The best barbecue I've ever had!! I don't think I will ever go to Texas So juicy and tender!

Some of the best brisket and ribs I've had in a while. Amazing service and vibe. That Mac and cheese was fire

We had the brisket, baby back ribs, and a brisket burger, and everything was so tender and absolutely delicious. Even the baked beans, fries and cornbread were amazing. It was truly an unforgettable meal. From now on, this will be my go-to spot every time I come to Big Bear. I'm so happy we found this restaurant! read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Picked up a take out order consisting of brisket sandwich, turkey sandwich and a sunshine salad . Person on the phone taking the order was very nice, stressed would need napkins and utensils. Place was not busy when I picked up the order and again asked for napkins and utensils to which I was told they're in the bag. Meanwhile, 30 minutes later and while on a boat in the middle of the lake, guess what? No utensils. Food was good, attention to detail is helpful. read more

Delicious meaty ribs and moist, flavorful pulled pork. Sides were excellent too. Creamy mac n cheese and fresh, crisp coleslaw.

The Cookshak is located at the Elks lodge. My family and I were visiting Big Bear so there was a total of 12 which the staff was accommodating with seating. They offer fountain drinks, apple juice and water. The view from the outdoor sitting area upstairs was beautiful. I ordered the mushroom vegetarian sandwich (it had lettuce, grilled mushrooms, onions, grilled peppers, plenty of avocado)with comes with fries or for $2 more an alternative side and choice of bread (sourdough, roll, rye bread). On the table they offer three types of bbq sauce and my favorite was the sweet mustard BBQ sauce. They have parking on site so no need to drive around to look for parking and it was a hidden little gem of a restaurant. read more

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The brisket is so good and the smoked sausage was so good with a lot of flavor. The baked beans had a nice Smokey flavor. Excellent food and great service. Definitely recommend this place! We ordered the two piece combination and we polished it off. read more

Highly recommend! Best BBQ place in Big Bear! We love the food here and great outdoor space for the family. We recently ordered catering for our family reunion and glad we did. Everyone raved about the food and generous servings. All offerings are delicious! Our favorites are the brisket, turkey, potato salad and beans.Thank you Garret and Chris, you run an excellent business! read more

This is an excellent Big Bear establishment! Brisket was to die for and ribs were smoked to perfection. When we arrived, I didn't see it on the menu but asked if they still offered their pulled pork fries and was thrilled to find they did. I would highly recommend an order of those! If it wasn't for the food, the dining area would leave a lot to be desired but once we started eating, it didn't matter! Fantastic food, great service! We'll be back and recommend anyone stopping through Big Bear give the place a try! read more

This is by far the best bbq joint in big bear lake. Get there early, they sell out. That should tell you all you need to know....dont miss out on the "smoked turkey". I wish I could give it more stars, it's a hidden gem. read more

This is by far the best food spot in Big Bear! Everything was extremely fresh and high quality. Meat quality was amazing, the California Brisket sandwich was mouth watering. Service was amazing, will definitely be coming back on my next trip up. Shout out to Garret and Shawn for the great service and food read more

This place was not exactly what we expected but worked out for our large party. Everywhere was crowded on a Saturday afternoon for lunch, but we stumbled upon the cookshak, which was behind the elk lodge (a bingo club). There was a lot of snow that weekend so the outside tables weren't able to be used, but there are inside tables that they let us use. The chili cheese tots were really yummy! Their tater tots were super crispy in general so I enjoyed those. We got the French dip sandwich, which was good. A friend ordered the fish and chips, and I would say these were better! Overall good basic diner-type food. read more

The Cookshak - French dip sandwich with tots and chili cheese tots - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California