La Paws
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La Paws Restaurant

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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

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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La Paws

La Paws Restaurant

Highlights

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.

"Locals love this spot for its consistently good Mexican food and friendly service at fair prices."

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 8AM

Cuisine

Mexican

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(909) 585-9115

Address

1128 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Home-Cooked Mexican Food

Authentic Home-Cooked Mexican Food

Enjoy delicious, homemade Mexican dishes made with love for over three decades. Locally loved and affordable.

Big Bear Restaurants - Best Places to Eat in Big Bear Lake, CAGoogle Review+1
Fast and Friendly Service

Fast and Friendly Service

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

Google Review+2
Signature Carne Asada Burrito

Signature Carne Asada Burrito

A must-try dish that tastes authentic, like it was made by family. Often cited as a favorite.

Google Review+2
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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.

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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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Authentic, home-cooked Mexican flavors
Fast and friendly service
Affordable prices and good value

What People Dislike

Perceived decline in food quality
Unexpected flour in corn tortillas/chips
Inconsistent taste

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can call ahead for a quick grab-and-go meal, typically ready in 10 minutes.

Google Review

The Carne Asada burrito, cheese enchiladas, nachos, and hard shell tacos are frequently recommended.

Google Review+3

While Mexican food is often safe for gluten allergies, one diner noted that even corn tortillas and chips contained flour.

Google Review

The restaurant is described as small, so visiting during off-peak times might help avoid waits.

Google Review

This local spot has been serving the Big Bear community for over three decades, with some patrons visiting for 30+ years.

Google Review+2

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Destination Big Bear

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.

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La Paws Restaurant (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide