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The Pines Lakefront

3.5 (742 reviews)
PriceyAmerican, Seafood, Bars
Closed • Closed

The Pines Lakefront Photos

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THE PINES LAKEFRONT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Classy
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Pines Lakefront

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Amy L.

When you read bad reviews about the service here... you should believe them. We still gave a decent tip but it would be nice if the server didn't just toss the napkins / utensil on the table. Kind of seems like he didn't want to be there. Big bear was super rainy the day we went so it was only our table and one other table there at around 12:30pm on a Sunday. We ordered crab cakes, sauted mushrooms, chicken Marsala, and clam linguine. The chicken Marsala and the crab cakes come with the option of baked potato or mashed potato. Overall, the food was okay for me. Not particularly my favorite because all the sauces felt so heavy. The bill came out to be around $120 which is not the worst. We wanted to eat here for the lakefront view but terrible idea (due to rain). Not sure if I would return back here but it's a good one and done.

view
Victoria R.

The best steak I've ever had -- no exaggeration. It was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The mashed potatoes were easily some of the best I've ever tried too -- super creamy and delicious. We also ordered the pesto ravioli, which was fresh, flavorful, and a great addition to the meal. The view was beautiful and made the whole experience feel extra special, and the atmosphere was really nice and relaxing. On top of that, everyone working there was genuinely kind and welcoming, which you don't always find. Overall, an amazing experience from the food to the service to the ambiance. Definitely worth it, and I'll absolutely be coming back.

Salmon (L), prime rib (C), lamb (R)
Marisa K.

Nice restaurant, with a beautiful view of the lake. Attentive service. Food was really good, large portions. Great location for a celebration or to treat yourself just because. Only complaint is we were not offered rolls.

New York strip steak
Jason R.

This is one of the best steaks that I have had in a long time. It was cooked to perfection & the staff was really friendly they made you feel right at home

The sunset view from our table!

The French onion soup was delicious! We shared the beef Wellington. Amazing flavor and super tender! The service was excellent. Very attentive and friendly. We enjoyed the sunset over the lake from our table! Spectacular!

Dinner check including $9.00 for an ice tea!
Robney C.

Called to inquire about making a reservation and spoke to a horrible woman who was just very rude. Found out she's one of the owners. Not welcoming at all. The host acted like he was under the influence as I couldn't understand him. I was seated right away but it was over 20 minutes before the server came to ask me what I wanted to drink. I ordered an ice tea, again waited for it to arrive. The server finally came with the tea and I ordered the prime rib, they were out, server said he sold the last cut to the loud table behind me. Suggested I get the rib eye, I asked how big the cut was and the server said 10-12 ounces, he was incorrect. It was closer to 8. I also ordered the house salad, nicely prepared although with a strange looking vegetable (could be a sliced radish?). Raspberry vinaigrette dressing was too sweet. Waited a long time for a refill of my ice tea, (served in a 7 oz glass!) Flagged him down, disappeared quite a few times, waited again. Entree took over 40 minutes to arrive, tiny baked potato, 2 carrot slices and a bite sized broccoli stalk. Meat was very tough to cut and chew. Ran out of tea again, took over 15 minutes for a refill (restaurant had only 3 occupied tables!) I suggested he bring me a pitcher - was told he couldn't. I ordered a Crème Brûlée for dessert, in the meantime the server brought me my check while waiting for the dessert! Traumatized when I saw a $9.00 charge for the ice tea, should've demanded a pitcher! Crème Brûlée arrived, a small portion and devoid of any flavor. A waste! This restaurant, a bit hard to find off the beaten path, uninterested staff, slow and sloppy service and nine bucks for ice tea! Not worth the trouble, best to find another restaurant that appreciates your business as this one certainly doesn't!

Even more bugs
Enoch K.

They need a new Host. The host is an elderly lady with white hair--probably the owner. She is not kind, abrasive, and seems a little lost. When my elderly mother and I entered the restaurant we asked that our reservation change from three people to two, she said, "As long as you're willing to wait." No question just a statement. My mom has a bad knee so she had to sit down. When the host signal that our table was ready, I told her that we might be a minute because of my mom's bad knee to which she hollered, "C'monn" like calling a dog to follow. She showed us to our table with no menus and no mention of a server--just a blank stare. When my mom asked her where the bathroom was, she just simply pointed and said, "There." 10 mins in, no server to greet us. The ones that do look like servers seem stressed, in a hurry with no smiles--possibly overworked. Our server finally greeted us still no smile and we ordered our entrées. My mom got the trout and baked potato. I got the prime rib, medium rare, but more on the rare side. Presentation and plating left something to be desired. The prime rib was plopped on top of the steamed veggies, which was very awkward to cut slices. I had to move the meat off the veggies but there was no more room on the plate. The prime rib was super chewy and almost inedible. I had to spit out a few pieces that I couldn't get down. The pieces that I could chew made my jaw sore, but I was determined to finish because I didn't want to take it home. The view of the lake is spectacular so it's very sad that I won't be coming back to this restaurant due to the lack of hospitality from the host and poor service. The stars of the evening, were the busers and the expos. They were very attentive kind and even greeted us as we were leaving. Maybe they should be the ones serving tables. The only time the Host smiled was after I signed her petition against the city wanting to take down the restaurant and build a city park or so she said. Even though I didn't like how she treated us, I wouldn't want more development than there already. I do not recommend this place as long as the current Host is still there greeting people. PS - I know bugs are everywhere in the mountains but not exactly sure where all these bugs came from in the middle of our dinner... from under our plates or from the server check book but they all of a sudden appeared sometime in-between the plates being cleared or the checkbook being laid down.

Raegan N.

Came here for lunch and there was hardly any people in the restaurant. Walked in with my service dog and was confronted by two employees that made me show them my ADA card. So I did and I got let in onto the back patio. Tony was our server and never smiled one time. Just rushed away every time he answered our questions or served our food and drinks. I had the smoked chicken breast sandwich on brioche bun with a side of coleslaw and the bun was nice and buttery and soft and the chicken was very flavorful. Coleslaw was tasty as well. Just the right amount of vinegar and sugar. The views are beautiful. Then I decided to use the restroom before we left and was literally followed in by a crabby, older lady with white hair. She proceeded to say " I didn't see you come in to the restaurant" I said "well I did" lol. She had her little pen in her hand like she was about to write me a citation because I had my service dog with me. Then she proceeds to follow me out to my seat on the patio and looked at my dog's vest and said she has to be on the floor. Just an overall creepy vibe I got from her and another older gentleman. Not a fun experience, will not be coming back.

Big Bear Lake
LeAnn J.

Wonderful wild game menu with a beautiful view! The service was excellent. Very attentive staff with food being served hot and very fresh. Thank you for your very professional service!!

Indoor dining area
Jay T.

We came to the Pines because in the past, I had visited their tavern facility and so enjoyed dining right up against the water. Unfortunately, the tavern was closed and it seems it won't be opened again ever, just used for group events, how very sad! We sat on the back patio to try to get the best view of the water since the building is somewhat away from it, compared to the tavern facility. The food was good, fairly standard and nothing outstanding to note. What was noteworthy was the odd service we received. We had a service dog and were confronted by two employees upon entrance and requested to see the dog's documentation, this has never happened before anywhere in Big Bear. During the meal, our server never smiled once and seemed quite curt with us, getting away from our table as fast as possible. Just not a friendly interaction. And to top it off, when my friend with the service dog went to the bathroom, she was followed into the bathroom by an older woman, and then followed back to our table outside by that same woman. When the older woman, arrived at our table, she looked at the dog, seeing the service vest and said that's what she was looking for, which seems strange as she already saw it in the bathroom, and then the demanded the dog to be placed on the patio floor instead of in my friend's lap, as it had been the whole meal. This all felt very unwelcoming and made us realize that we shouldn't waste our time in Big Bear a place like this when there are so many amazing restaurants to enjoy. We won't be back...

Ata T.

We traveled here from Nevada to get away from the 119° Heatwave and enjoy the 4th of July festivities. We have never been to Big Bear Lake, and this is the first time we have tried The Pines Lakefront. Reading the reviews, it seems like it's been a hit or miss. Well, tonight, it's a hit! Driving in, they have a secured parking area just for patrons of the restaurant and a great view of the fireworks. We were graciously greeted by the hostess as we entered the restaurant, and she was super sweet! We were seated by a gentleman in a nice black suit and were seated right in front of the singer, who was awesome as well! Our server, Stephanie, was a sweetheart as well, and took care of our needs. Because tonight was the 4th of July, they had a special buffet menu, and the courtyard faces the lake for the fireworks display. The menu consisted of Caesars salad, steamed vegetables, pasta, baked chicken, baked fish, BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, and prime rib. Everything was pretty good, and my favorites were the Caesars salad and prime rib. I do wish that there were more dessert options because all they passed out were cupcakes. Maybe cupcakes with ice cream? Last, from our seated location, we could not see most of the the fireworks display due to the trees, so we took a very short walk out towards the lake and enjoyed the rest of the show!

Ivette G.

What a fabulous surprise. From the moment you walk in the door, the greeting party treats you like royalty. The decor suited its fabulous location on Big Bear Lake. There was also live music playing that added a great touch. My husband and I ordered the prime rib dinner and it was fabulous. Flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The price of our dinner was very reasonable as well. We will definitely come back again.

Big bear lake at sunset

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Beautiful location with view of the lake! Excellent service and the food was great! Enjoyed the evening and the music was wonderful!!

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Page 1 of 19

Ask the Community - The Pines Lakefront

Do they take reservations for dinner?

Absolutely!

Is this place dog friendly?

Possibly on the outside terrace but not inside. Just call them they're very friendly

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Oakside - Chopped American Wagyu Steak Burger*

Oakside

4.0(2.3k reviews)
0.6 mi
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Got up to Big Bear today for a long Weekend, and after a long day we were just craving really good…read moresalad and a beer for my man! So very glad we chose Oakside. It's, um, March 19th and we sat on the rooftop outside! Yup! Great ambiance with a view of entering Big Bear and the beautiful moon tonight. Shelby, the manager, was super friendly, sweet and helped us with our meal and Kalley was such a pleasant, high-energy waitress who were both great. Salads- well - hit the spot and more!! Jeremie's Caesar salad was topped with delicious and juicy chicken, flavorful house made croutons and Caesar dressing. Side of garlic bread- yum! Mine! All the treats! The kale apple bacon salad- minus the kale (because I'm just a romaine kinda gal). Sweet dried cranberries and green apples, perfect feta crumbles and bacon, with this amazing apple cider vineagrette! And that superb touch of garlic bread. (I could have eaten a whole loaf). I'd like that dressing in a bottle please! We didn't stay long bc we had people arriving, but will definitely be back. Thank you Shelby and Kalley for great service and delicious salads that hit the spot! Few times we've been up here so far and we haven't found our spots yet, but you're one now!

Started out, heading to a different venue, learning however, this town closes early and I mean…read moreearly! Here is my story On one hand, my journey to big Bear Valley was defeated because snow was scarce. And, I had to learn how to find the bald eagles. That is my preference now on to oak side I'm guessing Oakside as the place to go locals and visitors alike. Street level is patio dining upstairs second level is covered and rather dark. Food menu is what anyone can expect from a local pub restaurant diner Same thing can be said about their alcoholic beverages or their non-alcoholic alcoholic beverages You do need to check in with the gal downstairs if you want to sit on the street level patio dining. Otherwise walk up the stairs and sit at the bar. Food was decent. Service was excellent. If I'm ever in the area again.(I'm sure I will be) I definitely stop in again

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Oakside - Dining area

Dining area

Oakside - Tater tots with pulled pork

Tater tots with pulled pork

Oakside - 16 oz. Bone in Ribeye Steak

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16 oz. Bone in Ribeye Steak

Teddy Bear Restaurant - Chicken Fried Steak

Teddy Bear Restaurant

3.8(3k reviews)
0.3 mi
•$$

Cozy place, great service, and very friendly staff. Chicken pot pie and country fried steak are…read moregood. The cinnamon french toast is a must have. Only thing is they don't have a paper menu. You need to scan the QR code to see the menu from your phone. It is challenging for elderly people.

It's important to note that this rating has nothing to do with the food, as we ended up leaving…read morebefore ordering. My low rating is entirely based on the customer service experience within the first few minutes of arriving. I came in with my dog, fully aware that we would need to sit outside. Since most restaurants still have you check in first, I stood at the podium where there was a sign indicating a server would check in guests. After standing there briefly, an employee asked if we wanted to sit on the patio. I said yes, and he responded by telling us to "go up the ramp." Not even in a friendly manner. Me being me I just wanted to verify that I didn't have to check in as it wasn't just myself, my party we're not all with me ..wanting to make sure I was following the correct process, I politely asked if I didn't need to check in first. His response came across as annoyed, basically repeating that he had already told us to go up the ramp. The interaction felt unnecessarily dismissive and rude. There's a difference between being direct and making guests feel unwelcome. I'm usually not someone who leaves negative reviews over one interaction, but both my husband and brother-in-law also noticed the attitude, as they were close enough to hear and it immediately made us uncomfortable enough to leave. Before leaving, I did take a quick look at the patio area and noticed it was very shaded with leaves scattered around from the wind, which didn't make the outdoor dining setup feel especially inviting either. Overall, this was disappointing because I had chosen this spot to celebrate my 30th birthday and was really looking forward to enjoying a big, delicious pancake. Unfortunately, the experience started off on the wrong foot and we decided not to stay.

Photos
Teddy Bear Restaurant - Interior with countertop

Interior with countertop

Teddy Bear Restaurant - Bacon, Eggs, and House Potatoes

Bacon, Eggs, and House Potatoes

Teddy Bear Restaurant - Hot water (not coffee) on this chilly morning.

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Murray's Saloon & Eatery - Fish and Chips

Murray's Saloon & Eatery

4.3(1.5k reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$

i will be back every single time i am in big bear! me and my…read morefriend went bar hopping in the village and landed on murrays. the food was actually yummy and more affordable than any of the other places in the village. our burger was big enough to share between 2 of us for $15 and cocktail was $8.5! at that point why even go anywhere else lol like the past reviews tables are pretty hard to find after karaoke starts, we waited maybe 30 minutes before we snagged some spots on the bar and got to order food before kitchen closed. staff is super attentive and will check up on everyone despite the packed chaos karaoke wait time!!! super important if this is your target!!!! we put our names down at 7pm, got called at 8:30! this is on a saturday night of a 3 day weekend so maybe its usually a shorter wait. earlier on people were singing more classics that everyone knows, later on as audience changed there were more younger people who knew a wider range of songs. crossed this off my bucket list, cant wait to be back :D

Went here for dinner one night as it came highly recommended for great pub food. I had the ribeye…read moresteak and my friend had the salmon. They were good but I wouldn't say great. Wait staff was nice and helpful and plenty of parking. Walking distance to the main strip in Big Bear Lake. We got there right before 8pm and they stopped serving food shortly after 8pm. Lots of fun bar activity and karaoke going on. We probably won't go back for dinner but may return for drinks some time.

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Murray's Saloon & Eatery - Mystery beer for $4. It was good!

Mystery beer for $4. It was good!

Murray's Saloon & Eatery - Year after year this sandwich stays just as awesome. The whole place equally so. Great atmosphere, people, and owner.

Year after year this sandwich stays just as awesome. The whole place equally so. Great atmosphere, people, and owner.

Murray's Saloon & Eatery - Great martini.

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Great martini.

Benny's - Chicken & Waffles (side of bacon)

Benny's

4.1(219 reviews)
0.3 mi
•$$

We stopped in here on a Friday morning for a late breakfast early lunch. We're glad we did. We were…read moregreeted at the counter of my extremely friendly hostess/server who told us that we could take any seat and she would follow us. Upon seating ourselves, we were promptly handed two menus and asked if that we had anything to drink, and we ordered some drinks. After looking at the menu, we decide to place our order. I ordered a vegetable omelette with a side of fruit and sourdough toast and the wife ordered the waffle with eggs scrambled and hashbrowns. It didn't take very long at all and our orders were out to us. Everything was cooked to perfection. I have to say this about the fruit cup. It was amazing. All the fruit was very flavorful and tasty. You know how sometimes you get these fruit bowls and the fruit doesn't taste ripe. That wasn't the case here. We were very happy how polite the server was. She was attentive and serving all tables with the same type of enthusiasm. Everything was outstanding. Will definitely be going back here again.

Debbie was fantastic! The food here is great. The coffee wasn't bad either. I didn't enjoy my…read morefirst cup so Debbie offered to make another pot despite the first pot being fresh, but her loving kindness did the trick and the second cup was sublime. I had the Benny's French toast and it came decked out with berries, caramel sauce, granola crunchies and whipped cream. Delicious! I couldn't finish it all because the meal also came with hash browns, eggs the way you want, and 2 slices of bacon or 2 sausage links... which Debbie recommended I get one of each after witnessing my indecisiveness. Haha The restaurant has plenty of parking and inside is comfortable with plenty of booth seating and tables for large parties. This wonderful establishment has been around for OVER 30 years and the story behind it is one of Hollywood hero movies. I won't spoil it, BUT I WILL share that the owner worked 4 jobs to get the place up and running after the previous owner bailed on paying the franchise fees owed for the prior named place... which then got everyone fired the less than 2 weeks before Christmas. UGH!!!! In the end, the hero saves the restaurant! Ask Debbie to tell you the story when you go eat there and keep it open for another 30 plus years!!!!

Photos
Benny's
Benny's - Hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Benny's - Benny's omelet

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Benny's omelet

The Pines Lakefront - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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