
La Paws Restaurant
A quaint Big Bear gem serving affordable, authentic Mexican food for over 30 years with fast, friendly service. A true local favorite.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

La Paws Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quaint Big Bear gem serving affordable, authentic Mexican food for over 30 years with fast, friendly service. A true local favorite.
Call Ahead for Quick Service
For a speedy meal, call your order in advance and it will be ready in about 10 minutes.
Request Crispy Taco Shells
If you prefer your tacos with a crispy shell, be sure to ask for them that way when ordering.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(909) 585-9115
Address
1128 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Home-Cooked Mexican Food
Enjoy delicious, homemade Mexican dishes made with love for over three decades. Locally loved and affordable.

Fast and Friendly Service
Experience quick service, with orders ready in as little as 10 minutes when you call ahead.

Signature Carne Asada Burrito
A must-try dish that tastes authentic, like it was made by family. Often cited as a favorite.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Call Ahead for Quick Service
For a speedy meal, call your order in advance and it will be ready in about 10 minutes.
Request Crispy Taco Shells
If you prefer your tacos with a crispy shell, be sure to ask for them that way when ordering.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid waiting, consider visiting when it's not busy due to the restaurant's smaller size.
Tips
from all over the internet
Call Ahead for Quick Service
For a speedy meal, call your order in advance and it will be ready in about 10 minutes.
Request Crispy Taco Shells
If you prefer your tacos with a crispy shell, be sure to ask for them that way when ordering.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid waiting, consider visiting when it's not busy due to the restaurant's smaller size.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Paws Restaurant is a long-standing local favorite, celebrated for its authentic, home-style Mexican food and friendly, efficient service. Many praise the affordability and quick turnaround, especially when calling ahead. However, some recent reviews suggest a decline in food quality compared to years past, with specific complaints about blandness and an unexpected presence of flour in gluten-free options.
"As a Texan I didn’t think I would find good authentic Mexican food but was beyond surprised. Food came out quick. Ramon and Karmen are wonderful people. Closest thing I’ve found to Tex-mex if I’m being honest"
Bryan Hernandez
"Not good at all today. Been coming here probably close to 30 years or more, but it seems like the quality of the food has gone downhill in the past several years. The bacon on my BLT was very tasteless and looked freeze dried and like it was cooked in a microwave. The Jamaica juice tasted like watered down Kool-Aid. I even asked the waitress if it was made out of powder because it had a powder film on the top of it. I really hate to say it, but sadly it was all pretty awful. The chips beans rice and just about all that tasted like it came out of a bag or can, and just didn't really have that authentic Mexican taste to it at all anymore. Did not really think it was a great idea to leave the front door open, as we were fighting off flies through our whole meal. That in itself became very annoying. We have gave them several chances over the past six or eight years , and it's been about the same downhill quality. Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to La Paws for good."
Mr Bill
"Friendly and kind owner here. Local authentic mexican restaurant 🥰 The taste of foods is like mom's meal. Very comfort! And the chilly sauce is great 🤩 local people are coming here!"
J Shin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can call ahead for a quick grab-and-go meal, typically ready in 10 minutes.
The Carne Asada burrito, cheese enchiladas, nachos, and hard shell tacos are frequently recommended.
While Mexican food is often safe for gluten allergies, one diner noted that even corn tortillas and chips contained flour.
The restaurant is described as small, so visiting during off-peak times might help avoid waits.
This local spot has been serving the Big Bear community for over three decades, with some patrons visiting for 30+ years.
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Big Bear Restaurants - Best Places to Eat in Big Bear Lake, CA
La Paws Inn in the best “hole in the wall” eatery in Big Bear with an extensive and inexpensive tasty dishes menu. Real Mexican food from tacos to carne asada that are all priced cheap.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit