Nuevo Vallarta Grill

Mexican restaurant · Big Bear Lake

Nuevo Vallarta Grill

Mexican restaurant · Big Bear Lake

1

40949 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

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Nuevo Vallarta Grill by Infatuation - Reviews
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Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
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Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
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Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
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Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
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Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
Nuevo Vallarta Grill by null
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Highlights

Mexican favorites & imported beer offered in a comfy, brick-lined space with booths & murals.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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40949 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 Get directions

bigbeardining.com

$$ · Menu

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40949 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 Get directions

+1 909 866 7355
bigbeardining.com

$$ · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@infatuation

"If you want Mexican food in Big Bear, go directly to Nuevo Vallarta. This low-key spot resides inside a random strip mall that has the curb appeal of Gary Busey in an Annie wig, but just ignore that. The menu is full of Mexican-American classics like a chile relleno burrito - or the 18-inch monster burrito for when the crew smokes out the cabin later." - Brant Cox

Nuevo Vallarta Grill Review - Big Bear - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
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Nancy Leland

Google
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!!

Steven Lozoya

Google
Amazing service and some of the best Mexican food I've had in years. The rice and beans were moist, the Carne asada and chili Verde were tender and had delicious flavor. Cozy little restaurant, I highly recommend this place.

obsessed

Google
We're from the San Fernando valley, the food quality between there and here is completely different. The portions were small for the price, the seasoning was off it was a bit bland, the plate sizes were really small, in pictures it looks big but they plate the food to make a little bit look like a lot..... The service wasn't the best we were the only table in the restaurant, and our server kept forgetting things. In total for 3 people it was about $100.... This is very Americanized Mexican restaurant, of your used to good Mexican food then don't eat here.

Smevin Bravis

Google
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.

Art Harrington

Google
First time here and came on a Saturday night. Arrived at around 6:30 and surprised to find out they close at 7:00pm. We were greeted immediately and we were the only ones here at the time. Everything I ordered was fantastic! I was very hesitant about the quality of the food when nobody else is dining but pleasantly surprised. Carne asada was very tender. Chicken enchilada very flavorful. Will definitely come here again.

MICHAELZULIM “Manolis”

Google
Visiting Big Bear and we decided to try this place. We are glad we did. We were here on a Monday night and it was not busy, just us around d5:30. They did have a few to go orders. Anyway lets get to the food. Salsa and chips came promptly and were good. They didn't have the hotter version of salsa on our visit. We ordered 2 Victoria cervezas. The beer was ice cold. (Buen muerta) as they say in Mexico. My wife ordered the grilled pulpo (octopus) and I ordered Camerones a la Diabla (Devil's shrimp). The pulpo was very tender and flavorful. The beans and rice that it came with it was tasty and authentic. My shrimp was outstanding, actually the best a la Diabla I have ever eaten. The red chile sauce was nice and spicy and gave a nice kick to it. I made tacos with them as I asked for onion and cilantro on the side. We were very satisfied with our choice to dine here. We finished with flan casero (homemade). It was reminded us of the quality flans we had in Guadalajara. Overall, this place is a very great find. A typical hole in the wall. We can't wait to go back again on our next visit to Big Bear.

Robbyn T.

Google
I just happened upon this place while doing laundry. And I am certainly glad I did. It's really good authentic Mexican food. The staff is always very welcoming and friendly. It's most definitely a must if your ever in the area. I'll be coming back to try a torta next. This time I have a ground beef hard shell taco and 1 cheese enchilada. Super tasty. Grilled shrimp. Yum.

Paul Sanders

Google
A short walk from our vacation rental and very glad we went. Food was excellent, as were the margaritas. It’s just outside the village but well worth the visit.

Maria T.

Yelp
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.

January C.

Yelp
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!

Shareon S.

Yelp
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.

Maggie S.

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

Armida S.

Yelp
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.

Thomas K.

Yelp
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.

Susan F.

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

Mikayla R.

Yelp
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

Alex B.

Yelp
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!

Peggy D.

Yelp
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!

Gwendolyn A.

Yelp
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.

Salvador M.

Yelp
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

Steve B.

Yelp
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.

Peter H.

Yelp
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.

Lori D.

Yelp
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.

Bella A.

Yelp
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.

Edina H.

Yelp
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!

Heather W.

Yelp
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

Donald S.

Yelp
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.

Elizabeth R.

Yelp
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

Scott J.

Yelp
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.

Laura S.

Yelp
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.

Rob L.

Yelp
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!

Manuel Manny T.

Yelp
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

Norma S.

Yelp
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.

Chris H.

Yelp
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!

Trini O.

Yelp
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.

Rikki K.

Yelp
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.

Matthew S.

Yelp
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.

Isaias L.

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

Rachael T.

Yelp
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.

Gordon M.

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

Warren Q.

Yelp
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.

Susana L.

Yelp
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.

Becky S.

Yelp
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.

Business G.

Yelp
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.

Jam G.

Yelp
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!!!

Coreen L.

Yelp
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.

Gena L.

Yelp
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!

Lisa M.

Yelp
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:)

Shaheen N.

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

Sammy K.

Yelp
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!

Maria C.

Yelp
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!

Amanda J.

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

Brandon C.

Yelp
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.

Brian U.

Yelp
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.

Victoria V.

Yelp
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.

Ca M.

Yelp
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. :)

Tabatha S.

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