Nuevo Vallarta Grill

I love trying new places in Big Bear and this was next on my list. And I was craving Mexican food. Small little restaurant with cozy booths inside. Came in at 2:30 in the afternoon and was the only one there to start. Couple more tables filled up within the hour. My server was very attentive and sweet. I couldn’t make a skinny margarita so I had the tequila wine margarita lime flavored, which is the only cocktail they have on their menu. Everything else is beer and wine. It was served in a large cool margarita glass but loads of ice in it and didn’t taste like a margarita at all. I had two of them and didn’t get even a slight little buzz lol. Very weak. That drink was $12.99. Complementary chips and salsa. The chips had a nice thickness and crunch to them and the salsa was lovely. Then I ordered the combination plate with the chicken enchilada, hard chicken taco, and I like all beans on my plate with no rice. The chicken enchilada was delicious. Nice thinness of the tortilla and stuffed with some good amounts of chicken. The taco had it a lot of chicken as well with good flavor. The whole dish could’ve used a little more seasoning. It was a little bland, but still very good. This plate cost $16.99. Now they might be just a couple of dollars less than some other places but the hitch is they charge 3% to use a credit card which is bogus. I will not be back because of that unless I happen to be carrying cash that day which I rarely ever do.

Came over here after a day of riding. I looked at the menu through their website to settle on items I may be interested in . Upon arriving to retrieve my food I was to be charged an additional $20+ for my items . I decided to leave the food and get dinner elsewhere as I had been quoted more than twice the price that was listed. When speaking to the owner about this, I was told that their website hadn't been updated in at least six years and I should've checked the DoorDash for current pricing?! How bassackward . I did still end up leaving a tip as the owner was very patient, but I will 100% never visit this establishment again . I've been to many upscale/pricey restaurants in bear and have never had an issue but one thing I won't be doing is taking someone's word that my food is $30 more than quoted through their own website. NO THANKS

The food was amazing !!! Great atmosphere, great host ! I was traveling from Texas and they made me feel right at home

Definitely my favorite mexican restaurant when visiting BigBear. I've been coming here for over 10yrs. All the dishes my family and friends have tried, we've never been disappointed. The service is on point. It's a must try.

Literally taco bell feels more mexican than this. No flavor whatsoever on the carne asada taco, bought only one because we were told that the tacos were pretty big and would likely fill you up (i’m 110 5’7 f, so most food does fill me up if it’s an actual portion), i felt like i had a snack before needing dinner with it. I do not recommend if you want actual flavored food. Great for white folks who can’t handle flavor or spice.

We eat here several times each month. The food is amazing and the service is great. Prices are reasonable and it's the best Mexican food in Big Bear.

Classic hole in the wall Mexican joint. Salsa bar is cool, all three salsas are fire. Some of the best horchata and jamaica we've ever had. Food is solid, service is great, atmosphere is charming.

The primary focus of this establishment is the culinary experience. The ingredients utilized are fresh and quality cuts of meats. They are expertly prepared by their skilled chefs. It looked like a Mexican mom and pop establishment, but the food was amazing!! I had ordered a Chicken Chimichanga with red sauce (wet), and the size of the burrito and generous amounts of sauce was killer good. ( No gristle, no bone, or dried out poor cuts of chicken) Only the good portions perfectly made. My husband had the steak fajitas. He kept commenting on what good cuts of steak they used and how delicious his food was. SORRY, but my huge wet chicken Chimichanga didn't have a chance to get its photo taken!!

Came in to treat myself to some chilaquiles before work and I am so glad I did! Red chilaquiles with eggs sunny side up, queso fresco, crema and a side of rice and beans were delicious!!! Friendly service and attentive! I love the fact that they play classic Mexican music. Need to make it a point to come here more often.

We got done some catering done while we were visiting from Las Vegas - Elena took amazing care of us! We got a taco bar set up and everything was delicious ! Great value, great service, great food!

On a short trip and wanted lunch when we arrived. The place is super small but the booths are roomy. The staff was nice enough but the food left much to be desired. Neither the chicken tacos nor pescado tacos had any real flavor. The chicken did have a strange taste to it though and although I ordered two, I left one on the plate and didn't finish the first. The margaritas also had a strange taste...almost like the whole thing came out of a can, including the alcohol that was supposed to be in it. We weren't sure what was happening with the guacamole cause it was very light in color and so creamy it could have been squeezed from a small packet. The salsa was off too. Not sure how this place has so many great reviews and comments about the food. We left hungry and with not good tastes left in our mouths. Maybe it was an off day but I don't think so.

Awesome service, food was delicious and fresh. I had enough fajita left to take back to the cabin and make a great breakfast!

On a quick trip up to Big Bear, we stopped for lunch Quaint restaurant with very authentic Mexican food. The ceviche was made the original way by cooking the shrimp in lemon and the albondigas soup was very delicious. Server was friendly and attentive.

Located in a strip mall and a bit hard to find. Its next door to a smoke and tattoo shop. The inside is small and very clean. Great service and the food is pretty good for a mountain community. The salsa is better then most with chips come warm. Good variety of food on their menu.

Emily is very nice and friendly! Smiled as she greeted us as we came in. See you soon!

I just have to say the best restraunt ever! Excellent customer service, food tasted amazing! They went above and beyond for us and the place is so welcoming and inviting that it makes you truly feel at home. My fiance and I had to do laundry and decided to go on a last minute fathers day date. We ordered the carne asada fries with churros. The fries were so tasty perfectly cooked. The carne asada also was very well cooked you can tell they really put the heart and love into them. The churros were excellent! Perfectly done as well and I love their salsa. We even went in there not knowing they were just about to close and they invited us in to stay and eat and even complimented us with a drink. Id give these amazing 10 stars! I'm definitely going back

Large selection of Mexican seafood dishes along with beef and chicken. We got the shrimp fajitas and a variety of crispy tacos and everything was delicious. They use very large shrimp in the fajitas so you get nice, satisfying bites of shrimp and vegetables. Such a nice surprise in a small, hole in the wall place located next to a coin laundry. We will be back to try more items. Service was fast and friendly. We called our order in, they gave us a time for pick up and it was ready as indicated. No drama, just hot, fresh and delicious food. Yum!

They have the best Mexican food in the Valley. And their salsa is great! I work nearby. I order dinner to take home after work and It's ready quickly and very good!

So bad. Probably the worst meal I've had. We drove up from LA (where you'd have to try to have bad Mexican) even the hole in the wall spots have good salsa, guac, and tacos! I try not to leave bad reviews but in this case we came here based on good reviews so I feel the need to. If you've had Mexican in LA...or San Diego...or anywhere really...run the other way...we ate two bites, paid $30 bucks, and had to leave the food behind. I ordered a chicken taco and an order of guac + chips (also came with salsa) and my son had a chicken burrito -- my standard is definitely high but even he did not eat his burrito. The chicken in both my taco and his burrito was not good, not seasoned whatsoever and smelled like it was not fresh. My taco was old chicken with too many chunks of onion. The guac had absolutely no lime or salt on it, and was in fact nothing more than slices of avocado with no seasoning--can't call it guac. I've NEVER seen my kid not eat guac but this was a first! This place is BAD.

For New Year's Day we decided to drive up to Big Bear to enjoy the outdoors, originally we were going to a different restaurant but the wait was too long. We came into this restaurant, the food was great, no complains. The Salsa that comes with the chips is plain, needs more flavor, and their staff is not attentive from the moment we came in the door, that really killed it for me. Food: 3.8 out of 5 Service: 2 out of 5 Cleanliness: 4 out of 5 Overall service: 3.3 out of 5

This is our regular Mexican restaurant in Big Bear. We've been going here for years on the recommendation of one of our neighbors. The food is always good and reasonably priced. They had a salsa bar years ago that I wish they would bring back but besides that it's all good. Their taco Tuesday specials are good also.

No flavor, very expensive, and food was cold. Definitely check out LaPaws. Better prices better food and will make your mouth sing. This on the other hand made me want to throw it away and regret my decision. Never again(: and there menu isn't even update on the website. They will nickle and dime you for 50 cents if you use a card too. Big trust. Don't do it. One California Burrito $19.50 no drink or anything... wow.

Service was fast, food was fresh and plentiful. No wait at 5:30 on Friday night. Prices were reasonable. We were trying to avoid the crowds in town. We recommend the homey vibe of this place.

We were there this past weekend. Its a little hidden restaurant in big bear. The lady was super friendly and the food was delicious. We had the molcajete, kids chicken and fires and churros. Everything was really good and flavorful. If ever in bug bear definitely give them a try. Its a small restaurant does get pretty full.

We had dinner there several times and we really loved it. The place is small but clean and cozy. The lady was very nice. On the menu there is a large selection of food, there was not easy to choose :) I'm sure we will going back again!

This was our 1st time going to this restaurant We loved the Mexican music and the owner Elana was so nice & friendly.....I had guacamole with the chips & salsa very good & fresh.....I had the shredded beef burrito very delicious and very full......My dad had the shredded beef hard tacos, rice & beans all very good & fresh as well....We definitely found our new Mexican restaurant to eat at....The restaurant is also very clean and the decor is the Mexican theme as well which is very nice

We come here often. The place is small but the service is great and the food is beyond compare. It is without a doubt the best Mexican food in the Big Bear Valley.

I ordered the carnitas and the tortilla soup and my husband got the California burrito, all of our food was practically flavorless. The carnitas was undercooked, the chicken in the soup was strange and my husband said the burrito was subpar. Very disappointed with my lunch

As good as this restaurant may be, staying open is probably their downfall. As you can see below, it says it's open until 9pm, yet we went in yesterday evening at 7:35 and were immediately told that they were only doing take-out. That's NOT why I go to a restaurant, that's what Grubhub is for. So, as always in Big Bear, businesses are NOT dependable or consistent in their hours and this is just ANOTHER owner who can't seem to honor what they advertise. I hope, one day, to be able to sit and try their food, but it will be a while before I attempt it again at Nuevo Vallarta Grill. Also, we live in Big Bear, so we will be letting all our friends know.

Husband and I visited this restaurant in May, 2022. On the positive side, the salsa (and chips) were amazing; portions were generous; service was good; prices weee okay; and parking was easy. However,, our entrees (Chili rellanos) and Tosta Carne Asada were average, as best. Acceptable but not amazing.

Wow, first time to Big Bear Lake and we stumbled upon this jewel! We had a party of six and ordered a good mix off their menu. Everything was served hot and delicious! Would recommend this restaurant in a heartbeat!

If your ever in town I recommend you try this place I've been here over 140 times and it always the best I recommend the carne asada plate and the cocktail

My husband ordered the 2 item combo plate which was 2 Chile rellenos and rice and beans and he was not happy. The Rellenos were mostly of a bread coating and the Passilla chiles were paper thin. I had a taco combo and they were good and over stuffed with Shredded beef. The salsa seemed a little past its freshness time. I was given a side of spicier salsa. It was a pretty small serving but enough for the tacos.

Great, quality, authentic Mexican food. Great little mountain find. Has excellent chile verde, which is usually my barometer for a good place. I'll be back!

Fresh and authentic food with very generous portions. The albondigas soup was perfect after a day in the snow and the California burrito satisfied my hungry teen.

Best kept secret in Big Bear for Mexican food!! Highly recommend the taquitos, chili rellenos, California burrito, enchiladas! I'm sure everything else is good too, but just haven't ventured from the items previously mentioned! They also give you chips and their delicious salsa with your to go order which was a nice surprise. The staff is super friendly, and service is quick. While most restaurants in Big Bear are packed on the weekends, we are always able to get in and out rather quickly here. We live up here full time, and this is where we eat when we want Mexican food.

This place is bomb.com. Earlier today we sat waiting at the laundromat and noticed on the locals coming for lunch so we thought we try them and boy was it a the best choice we made.

The food was really good and the service was great the waiters are very friendly and it's a nice friendly environment. Heavily recommend!

I feel like this place is ok! This is a hole in the kinda place. The mango Margarita that I got had absolutely no tequila it was just juice... The beans where taste but that was about it.

The Chicken burrito was the bomb my wife had a Taco & tamale combination plate . I highly recommend this restaurant!

Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall off a busy street is this big Bear gem. After hanging out at The Lake all day you work up quite the appetite. And this is the place to quench your thirst and sate your hunger. With delicious adult beverages. We had a lime and mango margarita and a piña colada. The house chips and salsa are marvelous. The staff is fantastic. So friendly and quick to refill the water. My wife and I shared a mocajete for 2. It was delicious and fabulous. Highly recommend checking this place out.

Had to use the laundromat next door and got hungry, so decided to order from Nuevo Vallarta. One torta one burrito and one coke. $32 plus. The worst torta I've ever had and I was told the burrito wasn't very good either. First they had forgotten the coke, but since I didn't drive away, I went back 30,mins later, and the young man did remember he had not given it to me. The one star is for his nice attitude. The lady owner/manager never bothered to say a word of welcome or crack a smile. Never going back.

I've eaten here many times. This is actually my go to for Mexican food. The last couple times I went, it wasn't good. They have doubled their prices on everything since last year. In December I got a California burrito for $8.99. Went yesterday and it was $15. That's a 67% increase. I get inflation, but a 67% increase? That's just crazy to me. Also, they decreased their products. How are you going to up your prices and give less product? I posted pix below of my California burrito. It was 90% French fries. Not only that, they were old grease soaked fries from Jack in the box. No joke. I will not be eating here again.

I had a 3 item plate and the food was fantastic. service was also great. my wife got the carne nachos and they are fantastic and large. I will be coming back here again and again.

When I am not in Big Bear I crave their Carne Asada burritos! When I am there I eat one burrito for each meal just so I get my fill. My husband makes his own salsa and it is hard for him to enjoy anyone else's but when I ask him what he loves about this place he said, their salsa. We can't wait to see you again, Vallarta Grill!!!

Doesn't look much when you lash by. The food is really good. My children are very picky eaters and yet they left their plates empty.

This place is a hidden gem. It's the kind of hole in a wall place you discover almost by accident and are so happy you found it you want to keep it all to yourself. It is tiny inside but the food was wonderful and the service fast and friendly. I had the chile verde burrito which was really good and a regular order for me if it's on the menu. I got it enchilada style with the green sauce. The sauce was different and a thicker consistency than I typically see but it was tasty nonetheless. The salsa was also really good. Both had a little different flavor that I couldn't put my finger on but really enjoyed and appreciated. I will definitely be back!

This spot was open while we were up in Big Bear. They are open during CoVID for take out. There is some outdoor seating. The food was packaged well, and kept warm. We had Chicken Tortilla Soup, Nachos, and Taquitos. All good food and large portions. I LOVED the salsa. I almost went back the next to buy a bunch of it to take back to San Diego... can you have your recipe, please? Seriously, I loved it and would love the recipe:)

Amazing food and vibes and very nice staff! Food is very reasonably priced and tasty. Do recommend!

After a day of snowboarding, my wife and I had a behemoth of a craving for Mexican food. We searched and searched until we found Nuevo Vallarta grill. We called in an order for a pastor wet burrito with half green and half red sauce and a chicken tortilla soup. We brought our food back to our cabin after making a stop at Vons. Our food stayed piping hot! 1. First off, the burrito was immaculate. The pastor was so savory and delicious. It had beans, rice, and cheese and it was completely smothered in the glorious green and red sauces. 2. The chicken tortilla soup warmed our souls and satisfied our cravings. The soup came with a ton of chicken, carrots, potatoes, avocado, tortilla strips, cheese, and lime. It was enough to feed my wife and I, PLUS we even had leftovers! The green salsa and chips were 10/10. Highly recommend this fine establishment! We can't wait to come back on our next trip to Big Bear!

We came to kayak accross the street and before heading back home, grab some food. We had the cheese enchiladas, Chile relleno, and a fish taco. All three items were yummy! My daughter is picky with enchilada sauces and she loved their sauce. I usually order Chile rellenos at Mexican restaurants and this one did not disappoint. I recommend this spot when up here in big bear lake!

Nice, small restaurant. Seems like a family that runs it and I love supporting small businesses. The service, food, and atmosphere were all great!

Holy moly the chicken fajitas were so tasty juicy and sizzlin. Loved my meal and I really enjoyed having chips and salsa while we waited, helped ease the bear back lol I would definitely come back here for lunch or dinner when I stay at my cabin.

I was in the mood for chile verde and this small, friendly, sit-down restaurant came through. The one large wet burrito topped with a mild chile verde sauce emphasized the vegetal flavors rather than spicy heat. Inside the burrito were evenly distributed ingredients including tender and fatty cubes of pork. Beer and wine but no tequila.

Flavorful food and great service! We had the chicken fajitas and fried tilapia. Beer was cold and food was hot great stop while visiting Big Bear.

This is another example of a place receiving good reviews but in reality is really bad. 1) Place is really small and confine, about 9 tables. This could be a good thing if its cozy and clean but it was the exact opposite. The tables were dirty and only two tables were occupied. Why? I realize the waitress was doing everything on the front, bus tables, clean, take orders, greet and sit people, so on. This isn't necessary a bad thing but this leads us to number 2. 2). Waitress was friendly but never gave her name and never asked how our meal was and never refill our drinks. I think waiting on 3 tables isn't too much to ask for her not to be more engaged with us. 3). FOOD: Awful, awful, awful. We ordered a safe meal, steak fajitas, can't go wrong here right? Wrong! The steak was so dry and the peppers overcooked to the point of mush. The flavors were extremely bland. We did not finish our meal and the waitress never asked about our meal. Chips: Felt like store bought, extremely cheap tasting and stale. I didn't even bother to get salsa. We will never go back here. Be careful of the good reviews here, they are misleading and deceptive. Good travels to you all. :)

This place was authentic and delicious! Highly recommend. And the prices are reasonable. The tortilla soup and chicken fajitas were some of our favs!