The Old German Deli

The Old German Deli is one of those spots that just fits the mountain vibe. I went with the sausage platter and it absolutely delivered. The bratwurst was juicy and full of flavor, and the Polish kielbasa had that perfect smoky bite. Simple, hearty, and done right. Portions were solid, everything tasted fresh, and it’s the kind of meal that hits especially well after a day outside in the cold. Classic German comfort food that feels authentic and satisfying. If you’re in Big Bear and want something filling and different from the usual burger spots, this place is worth the stop.

A pleasant little deli! Counter service, as you'd expect. Everyone was friendly and importantly, the food was good. And we found the portions generous. We had the Ruben and the Turkey, had to be basic to try it out. We'll definitely return to try the rest of the menu.

Wonderful local establishment serving delicious food, freshly made. I highly recommend the Bavarian loaf sandwich. My wife got the OGD hot pastrami sandwich which was also amazing, I have pictures of both of them. They have a potato salad with sausage in it which is also fabulous. There is indoor seating but the weather was so nice we all sat outside, we had a family of 12.

Absolutely delicious food. Turkey pesto sandwich is amazing. Pretzels with their own spicy mustard, yum yum yum. Pretzel bun, wonderful. Potato salad delicious. Clean, cozy spot. Service is very friendly. Worth every penny. Highly recommend 👌

Amazing sandwich shop with authentic german style sausage sandwiches and plates. No pork for me so we tried the jalapeño chicken sausage and polish smoked kielbasa sandwiches and both were delicious and flavorful. Def a must try in Big Bear!! 👌🇩🇪🌭

Revisited in the end of 2024, and the meat amount has been halved. Not sure if it's related to the upcoming Christmas holiday and they're trying to conserve or if this is the new normal. Tastes pretty good still despite the smaller portions

This is our first time trying the sausage and the food is delicious! I really meant it. The sausage along with bread and smashed potato are delightful, fresh made, and absolutely tasty! As for the smashed potato, I'm not a very big fan everytime I had that thing on my plate but their smashed potato is so delicious. I can't believe I would enjoy them one day. 😆 The staff is nice and overall experience is excellent!

Like a lot of people that reviewed we saw the line for the place across the street and it was too long so we tried this place out. So glad we did, I got the cheddar wurst with potato salad and sauerkraut. First the potato salad was incredible and I am not usually a fan. The meat link was amazing but the sauerkraut stole the show. It’s really mellow and a prefect compliment to not only the brat but the potato salad as well since there are bits of sausage in it. Really a hidden gem and do yourself a favor and check it out.

Really liked the sausages and sandwiches here. But our favorite thing was the mustard. Really unique flavor in this mustard. Really wish I would've taken some to go. Service was great! Plenty of seating inside and outside. They also have a great selection of beers. Gotta try it out!

Found Old German Deli as a unique lunch option at Big Bear. They have dedicated parking with both indoor and outdoor seating options with a bathroom. We ordered the Schinkenwurst cold cut sandwich with a side of potato soup and a Sausage Platter (two sausages: Polish Kielbasa and Currywurst) with a side of potato salad. The potato salad was excellent - a bit different from traditional salad with mustard and small chunks of sausage. Both sausages were tender and the Polish Kielbasa was snappy. My favorite was the mustard dip - it was both sweet and tangy, I wish we could purchase it! Workers were friendly and food came out quickly. Would recommend for a quick bite near Big Bear Lake!

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! My friend introduced this deli to me while we were camping in Big Bear! And I was sooooo amazed! I got the pepper loaf sandwich with a side of potato salad and I was so happy! The bread was toasted perfectly and the pepper loaf had such good flavor! The sandwich meat to veggie to bread ratio was perfect! Loved the mustard seeds and sausage that was in the potato salad! I love sauerkraut, and tried theirs, but thought it could be more sour :) I went back after my camping trip to try the Bavarian loaf sandwich and I liked this one better! The seasonings in the cold cut were so good! I got some to go, along with some pepper loaf and roast beef. Also grabbed some sausages to take home and grill! I tried their dried, cured sausages and they are AMAZING! Will definitely be back every time I visit Big Bear:)

One of our must stop lunch places when visiting Big Bear. We stopped by for a to-go lunch order on a late afternoon in late December. There was no wait in line. We ordered: Schinkenwurst, Bavarian loaf, Roast Beef, and the German chocolate cake. The mustard on the side is delicious. They also sell snacks. Parking and finding seating can sometimes be a challenge during peak lunch hours, however the food is worth the visit!

Best sauerkraut I've ever had! And I've had a lot. Brat was good. Would be better if it were grilled but it was still tasty. So was the curry.

I wanted to try something we couldn't get at home. Saw this place as we drove in but past it by. I then looked it up and decided we needed to stop. I'm glad we did. There was no wait. Got right in and ordered our lunch after picking the brain of the employee. He suggested the sandwich but I was also curious about the pepper loaf. So he included a sample for us. And I'm so glad he did. Soup was warm and comforting. Potato salad was delicious. Sandwich was super tasty! Even my not so adventurous boyfriend loved everything! They also had desserts but this girl has lost 50 pounds recently so I skipped it! But you should get it and report back. They also had jars of mustard for sale. Might grab one on the way home.

Solid German food and beers. Highly recommend this place. Great service from the staff. We had a larger group.

We arrived right after they opened and were the first customers. The store was decorated with old German pictures and decor. There were European type candies and snacks available to buy. It was a homely restaurant. The service to get our food was a bit slow. Instead of ordering individual sandwiches, we ordered the Sausage Platter to share. We chose the Polish Kielbasa and a Knackwurst sausage. It came with a small pretzel bun, warm sauerkraut, a pickle spear, and potato salad. Their potato salad was not mayonnaise based and made with grain mustard and some sausage. It reminded me of cold, chunky mashed potato with sausage. Hubby preferred the kielbasa because of its deep beefy flavor. The Knackwurst (pork & beef) was lighter in flavor. The warm sauerkraut had good flavor and went well with the sausage and pretzel bun. We ordered a small pretzel to try and it was perfect after eating all of the pretzel bun. The apple streudel was served cold. Hubby took it back to our hotel room and warmed it up. It was yummy. Too bad we didn't have any ice cream. Hubby also wished he could buy the sausages in bulk to take home.

I ordered delivery tonight for the first (and sadly last) time. I only received sides. My main courses (bread bowl sausage soups) were out of stock and cancelled without notice. They should have called to offer replacements instead leaving me without dinner. Poor service.

My boss recommended this place as a must try! I was so happy we did! I got the half Black Forest ham sandwich with potato soup! And when I was done I wish I got the full sandwich. The sauerkraut was good and so was their side cucumber salad. They have inside and outside seating. The mustard everyone talks about is REALLY good! I can't wait till the next time!

A great location, great food, esp the sandwiches. Great selection of German beer. Self order at the cashier, good atmosphere, and I would go back again type of place.

we visited big bear lake for the puptopia event this year. after the event, we were so hungry! yelp, once again to the rescue. we found old german deli nearby and decided to try it out. old german deli gave homey vibes. loved the patio with live entertainment :D friendly service - our food was ready fairly quickly ordered: Sausage Platter $18 Comes with your choice of 2 sausages, potato salad, kraut, 1 pretzel bun, spear of pickle & mustard -ordered knackwurst HALF COLD CUT SANDWICH & SOUP $11 Your choice of cold-cut sandwich served with a pickle, mustard, & potato soup -BLACK FOREST HAM the potato soup was the highlight of my meal. it was such a warm day, idk why i ordered soup, but also, i really wanted to try it! so glad i did bc it was sooooo delicious! it would be fantastic during the winter! the pretzel bun also very tasty. my black forest ham sandwich was okay, would def try another item next time! parking: there is a public parking lot near bartlett rd and village dr.

My husband and I appreciate German food and were excited to try this place out. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and is combined with a deli at the front. All guests order at the front and seat themselves, and the staff call your name when ready. We ordered the Currywurst, the Half Sandwich, Half Soup combo, and the Apple Strudel. Our order took quite a bit of time and at one point we thought we were either skipped or someone claimed our order, but it turns out the Currywurst was the hold-up. However, once we got our order, we were reminded of our time in Germany. The Currywurst came with sauerkraut, pickles, mustard, egg, and potato salad. It tasted delicious! The currywurst was melt-in-your mouth and tasted well with the sauerkraut. I wasn't a big fan of the potato salad as it had a kick, but my husband loved it. For the Half Sandwich, Half Soup combo, I got the Smoked Turkey (the soup was potato soup and this was the only option offered at the time). The combo came with a side of pickle and dijon mustard. The soup was delicious; full of veggies and very hot. The Smoked Turkey was also delicious; the marble rye was really good and the turkey paired well with all the veggies. And my favorite part... the Apple Strudel; the top was a semi-thick layer of dough atop apples and spices, with a soft flaky undercrust. This has to be one of the top 3 apple strudels I've ever had. Highly recommended! Everything was packed in a brown paper box, and they gave out plastic utensils even for the customers dining in. Unfortunately, they didn't have trashcans so everyone was bringing their trash to the cashier to dispose (I wonder why). Service was definitely slower than average, as our friends also waited a while for their desserts (they ordered the German Chocolate Cake and Soft Pretzel, and it took at least 10 minutes). Nonetheless, if you aren't on a tight schedule, definitely check out Old German Deli! Next time we are in Big Bear, we are definitely coming back!

Needed a break in a dog friendly place. This place did not disappoint. The half Turkey Sando and potato soup were great. Washed it down with a cold German pilsner beer on Tap. It hit the spot I would definitely stop again when I'm in town. .

The food is delicious! And I got really excited when I saw some European treats! I like the decor for Halloween too! And there's plenty of room to sit inside or outside!

Old German Deli was delicious, everyone in our party enjoyed their food. I got the Polish kielbasa with sauerkraut, pea soup (vegetable base with a kick) with a cold bottle of Bitburger pils. We shared a large pretzel with mustard, it was yummy! This place was super cute with indoor and outdoor seating and customer service was great! Gave this place 4 stars bc the Bathroom was pretty gross and unkept, with cardboard covering most of the bathroom floor. Check their hours. In the spring they were closed on Tuesday.

Good food and Live music on a Saturday. I got the sausage platter. It came with my choice of 2 sausages, side, pretzel bun, spear of pickle and kraut. I picked Cheddar and Polish sausage and it was good. My entire set was very delicious. Perfectly cooked and not too dry. This place might me my go-to place in Big Bear now.

We got here right as it opened and got our order in first. Thank goodness...because by the time we got our order to go this place was hopping! We got the sausage plate and the roast beef cold cut sandwich. On the sausage plate i got the cheddar bratwurst and the Polish kielbasa. Both were very delicious. The sausage plate also came with a pickle spear, mustard, potato salad, and sauerkraut. I loved everything. I would definitely get it again. The roast beef sandwich was very flavorful and also came with a pickle spear and choice of side. We foot the potatoe salad as the side. It also came with a quarter of a hard boiled egg. We both liked the flavors and food. The potato salad is different as it has chucks of sausage in it, but i thoroughly enjoyed it! Definitely give it a try!

Best wieners (hot dog ) in California . Which I could have it deliver on Instacart every day

Everything is sooo tasty and well cooked, and very presentable. Good variety and fresh food, friendly staff and clean environment. We'll be back soon!

Ordered the German Salami sandwich with Split Pea soup and both are very tasty! The mustard on the side is great, I forgot to ask if they make it? I'm buying some next time I go back. It wasn't busy for lunch on MLK Day but service is good. It has a nice German Pub feel to it with stein's all over the wall plus the TV in the back room has Jackie the Bald Eagle live on the TV in her nest. So glad I tried this place out, looking forward to coming back and trying the weeners.

I felt conflicted about reviewing this place because the currywurst was actually really good and the customer service as well. However, the bathroom was absolutely horrendous. Luckily I went in there after I ate because I would have run away as soon as I saw the filthy restroom.

Revisited in the end of 2024, and the meat amount has been halved. Not sure if it's related to the upcoming Christmas holiday and they're trying to conserve or if this is the new normal. Tastes pretty good still despite the smaller portions

Where's the food? The case was practically empty. The pretzels were in bags and looked like they had been frozen. The place wasn't that clean. There was a grumpy guy who wouldn't acknowledge customers when they were at the counter. I honestly don't know what this place is but it's not your typical German deli.

Delicious is an understatement! My husband and I ordered the OGD Hot Pastrami with a side of cold potato salad. So so good! Service was great & quick. We WILL be back!

Great food and beer nice and clean you can walk here close to everything. Nice seating oitside to enjoy your meal

I hate to give bad reviews, but I want them to do better. Not a fan. pastrami was though and overly fatty. Left the whole sandwich except one bite. Couldn't eat it. Potatoes in potato soup were mushy, broth was good tho, cucumber salad was kind of tasteless, the addition of onion helped, the dressing was like watery mayo. The guy who waited on us was nice.

AMAZING apple strudel the filling may be the best apple filling i've had. the sauerkraut is also a standout! would recommend!!!

After Karl & Carol, the original GermanAmerican owners retired, the deli is resumed by new owner. The Blood Sausage & Tongue sandwich is thin & small, comes with a spear of pickle, a piece of thin tomato, and side of potato salad. The sandwich is good, asked for lite mayonnaise. Nonetheless, I was volunteered in paying for $6.14 tip on this to-go order. I requested for refund, Tom the clerk said Boss is not in, and will mentioned to her the refund request. I like to see it posted on credit card record soon.

The German deli in Big Bear! It was so good. Their homemade mustard tasted so good that we had to buy a jar to bring it home. I felt like I was in Germany when I entered the building. Their waiter was very friendly and even signed in ASL to our family in attempt to have a conversation with us. Nice place to be in when you're looking for a lunch at Big Bear.

The schinkenwurst sandwich was amazing and super flavorful. The service was great and they allow dogs in their outside seating area

Over 3+ years later and we returned to Big Bear; and returned here to get our German deli fix! This go around I ordered their pastrami sandwich and my wife ordered their Schinkenwurst sandwich (smoked pork and veal cold cut that comes with bologna and German salami). The beers were ice cold and we enjoyed sitting at a table inside, although we could have sat on their patio if inclined. We liked it so much we stopped here on our way out of town a couple of days later and picked up another Schinkenwurst sandwich to split later that evening. I also picked up some of their German salami (yea) for later consumption (BURP), which I failed to do on our original visit 3+ years ago. If you like German sandwiches or sausages (or desserts for that matter) this is a must stop on your visit, or if you are a local that lives in this beautiful town.

Authentic German everything! So adorable! We recommend the pretzel. It felt like we were back in Germany.

Great sandwiches, beer and plenty of options! New booths totally comfy and welcoming.

Super cute environment! German music playing in the background. Lots of great German classics!

Great family friendly spot in big bear. Wife and I had the sausage sampler platter it was delicious! Paired it with a beer on tap.

Absolute incompetent people behind the counter. They did not "print" our receipt when we ordered so everyone behind us kept getting their orders. We check in at the front they say "we are super busy they will be out soon".. 20 minutes later we check in again and they said oh we need you to tell us your order again and then we will print it. Took an hour from the time we ordered to get our lunch with lack of an apology & 0 effort to right their wrong. Be prepared to deal with people with two brain cells when you come into this place

Good service, good food that is unique and rare. Check them out! I go here every time I go to big bear.

Great food and atmosphere! My girlfriend had the turkey and soup combo, and I had the Ruben and potato salad.

Omg the food was so good that I was full halfway through and finished everything because it was so good. Will be returning to try everything on the menu.

Not worth it for the price. Costco sausage comes out better temp. than here, our both of sausage platter came out not even warm.

We Decided to try this place out when all the nearby eateries were packed. So glad we did! They have at least 6 different sausages you can pick from to have as a combo which comes with a deliciously soft pretzel bun, sauerkraut, and a side. We preferred the more flavorful Polish Kielbasa over the Veal Sausage. A friend enjoyed the Cheddar sausage though commentef cheese flavor was mild. They also have beers, dessert pies, bread loaves and other various European/German foods at the deli. They have limited tables and 2 long bar counters to sit at. For more SoCal travel tips, IG: @grace.loves.adventures

We had 2 different versions of the pastrami sandwich, it was sooo good! The service was amazing, the restaurant was clean and the outside dining was amazing. From Sandwiches to Sausages I really liked this place

One of the most solid restaurant choices on the hill. Everything I've ever gotten here has been absolutely delicious. I'm a really big fan of their reuben. Really nice portion size, comes with a side (I usually order the potato salad, which is good, but a little bland on its own), and a delicious pickle. The German chocolate cake is also really delicious and comes in a large enough slice where you could easily share it with others. Whether you're popping in or ordering take out, this place is a really, really yummy option to go with.

10/10. The OGD hot pastrami sandwhich is amazing!!!!! The potato soup is so good and cozy. The turkey pesto is amazing as well!

The food was good, nothing special to write home about. However, the customer service was definitely unacceptable. For one of our orders, we got 1 sandwich and 1 beer. The person who took the order got it wrong and charged for 2 beers and 1 sandwich, which ended up being about $50. We spoke to the woman that took our order and she said that she got the order wrong, but did not offer to reimburse for their mistake. She didn't even know which beers she charged for and just gave us a small canned beer. Definitely not an appropriate response.

As a German, I was really excited to visit here last weekend but it was beyond disappointing. We were going to get lunch somewhere else but I at least wanted to get something so we came in to get a pretzel. In fairness, it was a Saturday but the line was out the door but we just ordered a large pre-made pretzel. Without exaggeration, it took 20 minutes!! To heat up a pretzel!? I've been to other German restaurants and they make the pretzels fresh and it takes usually five minutes to get one, or ten if you have to wait on a batch. The pretzel was 7/10 but there was no salt on it - at all. The mustard was great though, stone-ground, little tangy. The problem is that there were only three total workers; a cashier and two helpers. The service was pretty terrible... as we were waiting, we noticed various people getting their orders in to-go bags and they were trying to ask for spoons or napkins and they couldn't get the workers' attention and huffed off. It happened a couple times where people weren't happy trying to get something. Also, there's nowhere to sit... just a couple tables inside, a couple outside, or the curb. The good is the prices are solid, priced just right. They have some legit import beer as well. They have a good variety of sausages and they looked great. I rrrrreally want this place to do well, so I have a German option but man, they have to staff-up for these weekends. They're getting people in the door but you can't have them leaving mad. Looking at other reviews, it seems like this is an issue with the weekend. PS... I fixed their German flags for them out front, wrapped around the bushes :)

Tried the cheddar bratwurst (pork) & polish kielbasa (all beef)......It did not disappoint!

Great food and atmosphere. Highly recommend. We will definitely go again. We had the best Ruben sandwich with potato salad and pretzel with homemade mustard. Five stars!