I actually had a really good time at this place. The drinks were good. The bartenders did a good job. Good music. Good atmosphere. Everybody was having a good time dancing, enjoying themselves, enjoyed the music they played. The only real downside was the cash only thing. I don't usually carry that much cash, but thanks to some of the reviews, I got a heads up on the cash only thing and was able to hit up the ATM before I came. Came here with my wife on a Saturday night and we had a great time. Enjoyed our drinks. Enjoyed the music. read more

CASH ONLY! Seriously shady. Was told the owner of this bar also owns the ATM u are forced to use and Jacks up the fees for his own pocket. This is big bear. Don't force tourism away with greed. Pool tables and burgers. Garbage bar service at waaaaay over prices. Definitely pre-game IF u chose to try this place. read more

Visiting Big Bear for a long weekend and we visited almost every night. What a fun place, from karaoke on Thursday to a great live band on Saturday night! The service is pretty good considering it can get crazy busy. Only suggestion is to get more bar service on weekend nights or not just stay focused at one end of the bar cause people crowd up everywhere. This is a cash only place so make sure you stop by and get some. Don't know why this is policy, no one carries cash all the time. If they accepted credit cards we would have spent more there. They do have finger food items. Again, didn't have enough cash and I wasn't about to take cash out there, the surcharge was crazy high. I'll have to minus some stars because of the cash only part but other than that it's a super fun place to visit! read more

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way over priced. Cash only and then 40 bucks for two drinks and a couple bucks on the tip. What is the bar modification on the receipt? All other venues in the area were charging 13-15 bucks for mixed drinks. There was nothing special about my drink and I will never step foot back at that place again, seems like it's under new management. read more

Whiskey Dave's - American Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This place is the place to go for a good night on the weekend. Lots of action on the pool and fooseball tables. Manny is an expert chef in the kitchen; he makes the bar food feel like a 5-star restaurant. read more

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This is pretty big dive bar . We came on valentines night . They charged $5 to get in . We don't read reviews so didn't know it was cash only . Luckily I had enough cash to get us drinks for the night . I don't know how our first drinks were so expensive . $30 for two drinks ! Idk if the bar tenders come up with their own prices or what . We got one Tito's vodka tonic and a casa amigos margarita. After that we just got drinks in cans since those were way cheaper . I thought we were in Vegas or Orange County for first two drinks . They had menus on the tables but no servers walking around . Such a huge place I would think they would have more staff . Only had two bartenders at the first bar and later opened up second bar with one more bartender . For how bush it gets and how much they charge for everything I would think they would have more staff . The DJ was alright , he had a lot of ppl dancing but his music was all over the place . Played a lot of 80s them country then R&B back to back Then random bad bunny songs lol It was funny but a lot of ppl had a good time in dance floor . I like that they had a good amount of restroom stalls but some doors wouldn't close and pretty old . If u want to come play pool this is the place for you . They had a lot of pool tables and they all stayed busy . read more

Whiskey Dave's - American Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This place only accepts cash, for the purpose of price gouging. We ordered a round of drinks and it cost $70. We ordered the same round from a different bartender and they only charged $50. They provide no bill of sale for purchases which is a big red flag already. read more

My friend and i went shopping in the village and while doing so, our husbands hung out here to have a few drinks. After a while we met back up with them, this was my fist time in the bar. It deffinitly has a divey feel, but not in the sense of being dirty just super chill vibes! They have a stage for live bands, a dance floor, and some pool tables inside. We hung out with the guys on the patio. Wow! It was really roomy. I can deffinitly picture having a small group hanging out here for the afternoon. They had cornhole and a fire pit. We didn't stay too long, but the next time I'm back in big bear, I'd love to go back and watch a live band. read more

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I stated maybe -it was a weekend and it was really empty. The place is huge with pool tables, pinball machines and a dance floor!? Yes the finger food was awesome( I ordered fried jalapeños) didn't disappoint especially drinking a cold beer- hit the spot. We chose this location because it was literally walking distance to our Hotel. Maybe because we went off season!? Idk. I enjoyed it. read more

Whiskey Dave's - Fried jalapeños! - American Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Came here on a Friday night a few weeks before Halloween after deciding not to go to Oktoberfest. They had good music playing and a cash bar only. Luckily, I had cash so my wife and my friends played a few rounds of billiards and I got some drinks. I went back for a second round and got ignored several times after waiting over 10 minutes. Later on we decided to go dance and there were some chicks there that smelled so bad. Literally the whole dance floor smelled like dirty sweaty armpits. After that, the DJ's music was trash so we left. Honestly, there are better bars to go to where you won't get ignored. The decorations were cool though.. read more

Whiskey Dave's - American Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Saturday night at this bar, I paid the $5 cover and stepped out for about 10 minutes. When I came back, a different security guard (white, long hair, hat) told me I had to pay again. I said I already paid he said "I know" but still insisted I pay every time I walked in. I get it if he forgot me, but insisting I pay every single entry after admitting he knew I'd paid felt like racial profiling. Place itself is decent, played some pool, no other issues. But next time this happens, I won't let it go so easily . I'll take it further.I mean really further. read more

This place sucks, 10$ per person cover charge and they don't accept cards inside. Cash only bar. Crap music

The food is good for bar food, service can be a little slow, typical dive bar ambiance, good crowd! read more

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If I could leave zero stars, I would. My husband and I walked in and were completely ignored by the bartender. The place was practically empty, yet she chose to stand there chatting with one person at the bar instead of doing her job. Not once did she acknowledge us--no greeting, no eye contact, nothing. We sat there long enough to make it obvious we needed service, and she still couldn't be bothered. Even as we walked out, she made no attempt to help us. This was beyond rude and completely unprofessional. If this is how customers are treated, don't waste your time coming here. read more

Fun atmosphere. My husband loves coming here cause you can't beat the prices. I don't drink but they offer a couple different nonalcoholic options which I really appreciate. Bartenders are attentive and on point even when it's chaotic. It's always fun coming in October because they go all out for their decorations read more

The bar uses the 21 year old plus 24 hour policy. My daughter turned 21 and they refused her. The bad part was they were fairly rude about it. The neighboring bar had a better vibe anyway. read more

Nothing says "trust us" like a cash-only bar on a main street in 2026. Security was rude and somehow the cover charge changed between walking up and paying. Very creative pricing strategy. The drinks? Let's just say the water had a strong presence. If you're going to water everything down, at least don't charge full-strength prices. And the cherry on top -- the ATM inside damaged the chip on my card. So not only do you have to bring cash, you might leave with a broken card too. We just moved to the area hoping to find a neighborhood spot. This one made that decision easy. Hard pass. read more

Women be very aware. Came here with a female companion on a non busy afternoon 08/07/26. We sat at the bar. Security was standing at the door for most the time so he definitely knew we were there. My friend then went to use the restroom after about 15 minutes of us sitting there. Which I know for a fact he saw her get up to go. I made sure she got to the restroom safely watching from where we were seated. Once she was in I went about with my drink. Several minutes went by and I decided to look over that way where the restroom was and the security middle aged man with long blonde hair and baseball cap was walking from the restroom with tissue in hand acting as if he had something to do and tossed the paper into a trash can. My friend then came out of the restroom and instantly told me that the same security had walked into the restroom while she was in there. That's where he obviously was walking from when I saw him with dispenser napkins in hand like he went in there for a reason. I'm not buying it. To avoid confrontation I told the bartender about the issue and it was downplayed. She said since it's only him and her working at the time that it's necessary for him to be the one to go in there. I replied with regardless of their lack of staffing, going into the restroom while a female is inside is 100% totally unacceptable and I worry for any woman that might go there alone. Luckily I was there. Ladies please be aware of that man and be safe. read more

WOW! This place is definitely a VIBE, had a great experience despite loosing power shortly after arrival. The whole mountain went dark. But everyone made the best of it. We sat at the bar, Andrew the bartender was awesome!! Cocktails were on point and the service was wonderful - We also ordered food and the pulled pork sliders were delicious. Nothing bad to say about Whiskey Dave's, I will definitely be back and recommend you check it out. The locals and staff are welcoming, friendly and do a great job. read more

Whiskey Dave's - Lemon Drop Martinis were very good - American Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Nice little dive bar, but it's nicer than your normal dive bar. Cool staff and good little vibe. read more

A classic dive bar in the heart of Big Bear. There's plenty of room at the bar, several pool tables, a nice outdoor patio, live music on the weekends and a plethora of TV's for the sports. The crowd can get lively. Fortunately the security staff will eject troublemakers. The village goes to bed pretty early, but Whiskey Dave's is open until midnight. read more

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The look of this place had me excited that I was in for a NIGHT! But it ended up being hard and dry chicken tenders and soggy fries which is NOT the business. Besides that I can't speak on their cocktails because I was just drinking Chelas. read more

Scam at the door. Told me "the $10 cover was for the band." The band was breaking down when we walked in, so I asked for my money back. They said too bad, it's $10 anyway. They are the only option in town, and will take advantage of you!! read more

First time here but I got L.A vibes at Big Bear! It's ok. I'll take my business at the other local restaurants who are very kind. I understand they are under staffed @8:00pm on Saturday but wow being ignored with a recommended cash bar only is harsh!!!!. It's ok, next time! read more

Didn't eat here but grabbed a couple drinks and played some pool. We came over from next door since they didn't have any tables. Pints were a little pricey, but overall it's a pretty chill vibe. read more

This is my third or fourth time at Whiskey Dave's and I've always had a great time but I've never seen it so slow. There must've been maybe 10 or 15 people inside. Odd for a Saturday night. We came in on a Saturday about 9 PM after we attended the annual car show and went to the outdoor summer concert series. They have a really nice outdoor patio and we were the only ones back there. Then we sat inside for a while after we got our drinks from the bartender and listened to the band play. Drinks were made well! A lot of TVs, pool tables and a nice big dance floor. We were all pretty exhausted from the day so we left around 10. Their food is yummy as well good vibes! read more

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Definitely best bar in big bear! The bartenders are a husband and wife and they are super cool! Great vibes and our favorite bar here by far! read more

Located in the heart of everything. Clean. Drinks made well, not short, not too heavy. Several bar top areas inside, plus plenty of booths. Pool tables. Nice atmosphere for all ages (over 21 of course!) Nachos and wings were very good. We hang here every time we drop the kids for snowboarding. read more

Whiskey Dave's is hands down one of my favorite spots in Big Bear. A super fun atmosphere. It's one of those places where you show up for one drink and somehow end up staying way longer than you planned Drinks are great all night, made well and definitely not skimpy. The energy is always just right. Big shoutout to Addyson behind the bar! She is awesome! Super friendly, quick with the drinks. Even when it got busy she stayed on top of everything and made everyone feel taken care of. She remembers people, keeps the energy up, and makes you feel like you're more than just another tab. read more

We enjoyed our night out even if the entire mountain had a blackout! The bartender Andrew still served up amazing lemon drop martinis in the dark! The pulled pork sliders were delicious! read more

Type of spot that takes advantage of you especially on holidays. Bigger set dude charged me a dollar for tap water which is ridiculous. And he was rude on top of that. Im a local and come to this place often and they never do this. It happened to be a holiday weekend so he thought it was cool to take advantage. It sucks but that's all we got at big bear. They need new staff other than the nice ladies the work there. read more

Whiskey Dave's - Douche - American Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

if you come here come for the vibes only and I suggest pre gaming. The drinks are terrible !! Margaritas which should be more on the simple to make side was terrible I can only imagine the rest of the drink. It's a nice place to hang out though and pass time, the music is nice too and many variety. Just very disappointed in the drinks and service read more

We were visiting for the weekend and ended up in this establishment. Great choice! Plenty of pool tables. The vibe was relaxed, secure, clean and the bartender made a mean old fashioned! Definitely will visit again when we're in the area. read more

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Bouncers/Security are weirdos. Illegally withheld my government ID and made jokes, making me prove I was native Hawaiian?? They wanted me to prove my native blood to a WHITE man. Pure Racism and discrimination right here as they let another man in right before me with NO ID on him. I recommend just going to Murray's where the bouncer is respectful and actually watches out for peoples safety. read more

You would think most places would accept card payments now a days but cash only in 2026 not even the county fairs do cash only. There is obviously something going on that they are avoiding card payments. $10 for a small white claw is a little crazy. Also the owner's son made it very clear to our party that he was in fact the owner's son and he can kick anyone out just because he can, yes very true but people are just trying to have a good night not hear about your daddy's bar. read more

Cash bar, be mindful, but the vibes were good. The djay could have been better, but no complaints here!

Abraham, Atticus and Fabian were so friendly for security. Felt very safe, they were very kind.

Overrated. While there are plenty of bars in Big Bear that give heavy pours, this place pours very tight and charges Vegas prices. Not worth a visit. read more

So be prepared to have cash and have them charge whatever they want. Women be on alert. Had to leave the women in the group didn't feel safe. read more

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - cash only. The bartender had no problem pouring the beer and then telling me cash only. Make it make sense.