Nice Atmosphere at the Pines
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The Pines Lakefront

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Historic lakeside dining with breathtaking views of Big Bear Lake and mountains, offering a classic upscale mountain ambiance.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Nice Atmosphere at the Pines

The Pines Lakefront

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic lakeside dining with breathtaking views of Big Bear Lake and mountains, offering a classic upscale mountain ambiance.

"Spectacular Meal and Fantastic Service!!!!! - a truly memorable dining experience with a great view."

TIP

Book a Table with a View

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset dining, to secure a table with a lake view.

Ask About Menu Inclusions

Confirm what's included with entrees, as previous diners noted bread, soup/salad were extra.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 4PM

Cuisine

American Steakhouse

Price

$$$

Phone

(909) 866-5400

Address

350 Alden Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Lake Views

Breathtaking Lake Views

Dine with stunning panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains, especially magical at sunset.

TikTokThe Top 10 Places to Eat in Big Bear Lake, California (2025)Google Review
Historic Lakeside Ambiance

Historic Lakeside Ambiance

Experience a classic, upscale mountain dining atmosphere with cozy fireside ambiance and rustic charm.

Top 5 Places to Visit on Your Big Bear Romantic GetawayGoogle Review
Diverse Game & Seafood Menu

Diverse Game & Seafood Menu

Savor a variety of dishes including steak, fresh seafood, and unique game meats like venison, elk, and wild boar.

Big Bear Restaurants - Dining in Big Bear, CAGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Restaurant The Pines Lakefront has a beautiful view of Big Bear Lake 😍🤤 #bigbearlake #bigbearcalifornia #bigbearrestaurants
@olhakotova
35 likes • 4.5K views

Book a Table with a View

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset dining, to secure a table with a lake view.

Ask About Menu Inclusions

Confirm what's included with entrees, as previous diners noted bread, soup/salad were extra.

Big Bear Lake Christmas Dinner at the Pines Lakefront In Big Bear Lake California #BigBearLake #ChristmasDinner #ThePinesLakefront #HolidayVibes #FestiveSeason #FamilyGathering #LiveMusicExperience #LakefrontDining #ViralSoundEmpire #HolidayMagic #ChristmasInBigBear #FatherChristmasFibonacci #ScenicViews #FoodAndMusic #CelebrateTogether
@viralsoundempire
10 likes • 954 views

Visit During Off-Peak Times

For a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekdays or non-holiday periods.

Try Unique Menu Items

Explore adventurous options like the wild game sampler for a memorable culinary experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book a Table with a View

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset dining, to secure a table with a lake view.

Ask About Menu Inclusions

Confirm what's included with entrees, as previous diners noted bread, soup/salad were extra.

Visit During Off-Peak Times

For a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekdays or non-holiday periods.

Try Unique Menu Items

Explore adventurous options like the wild game sampler for a memorable culinary experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Pines Lakefront offers a historic setting with stunning lake views, praised for its ambiance and some dishes like filet mignon and seafood. However, diners frequently report issues with rude ownership and inconsistent service, alongside concerns about food quality and value for money, leading to mixed overall experiences.

"Our first time in Big Bear, and this was our first stop on Valentines Day. We went for an early dinner and were stopped because we didn’t have a reservation. I checked their website and social media ahead of our visit and saw absolutely no where that said they take reservations. We had to wait a moment but they were kind enough to squeeze us in even though they were fully booked. The service and view were wonderful. Just make sure to call ahead if you are planning a visit during a busy time!"

Helen Larimore

"Thanks Jake, best service in a long time. Reasonable pricing for good quality meals. Well plated and cooked to perfection. On lake, plenty of parking. A quiet getaway from the hustle of village. Loved the Enya music!!!"

Artiste Incorporated

"Got an old fashioned, a half rack of ribs and a sea bass entree. The sea bass was really good and the best thing of the night. The ribs were ok. The old fashioned was pretty bad. The atmosphere is very nice. It’s one of the few restaurants with a good lake view."

Eoghan Miller

What People Like

Spectacular lake and mountain views
Historic and cozy atmosphere
Delicious filet mignon and seafood options

What People Dislike

Rude and unwelcoming owners/staff
Inconsistent food quality and value
Slow or inattentive service

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular times like weekends and sunset, to secure a table with a view.

Treat Yourself to Fine Dining in Big Bear, CaliforniaGoogle Review

While not explicitly stated, the restaurant is described as upscale, suggesting smart casual attire is appropriate.

While some reviews indicate unwelcoming experiences for families, others mention dining with children. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm their current policy.

Google Review+1

Popular choices include the filet mignon, various seafood dishes, and unique game meats like wild boar and elk.

Google Review

Yes, live music is often featured on Friday and Saturday nights, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

TikTokGoogle Review

The restaurant boasts spectacular, unobstructed views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains, especially from window tables and the patio.

TikTokTop 21 Romantic Things To Do In Big Bear Lake, California - Updated 2025Google Review

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The Pines Lakefront restaurant has a commanding view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Guests can relax on the new garden patio area with its shade pergola that affords an unobstructed view of the lake. Our kitchen serves a varied menu including Black Angus beef, Midwestern pork, poultry, fish, seafood and an assortment of game including venison, wild boar and elk, all can be accompanied with a fine wine.

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We wanted to do something special for Andy’s birthday, so we headed for The Pines Lakefront for an evening on the lake. We did not have reservations (it is highly recommended), but when we arrived the co-owner went out of his way to find us a spot on the patio before the dinner rush. It ended up being perfect because the patio has a delightful view of the sun as it sets behind the mountains.

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