The Pines Lakefront

Beautiful cozy restaurant near the lake. My wife and I had Thanksgiving dinner there. Our waiter was awesome. The hostess and maitre d' were an older couple. Kind and adorable. I had the prime rib and my Wife enjoyed her salmon which was different for us on Thanksgiving even though they had turkey and ham. Best part was the view and not doing the dishes. Lol. No, the prime rib was my favorite.

I rarely leave reviews, but this experience was genuinely awful. Worse Christmas dinner I have ever seen. I ordered the Beef Wellington for $89. What arrived was not a traditional Beef Wellington by any definition. Instead of a single centre-cut fillet, it was made up of 2 to 3 separate pieces of meat wrapped in soggy pastry. That alone disqualifies it from being a real Wellington. It ate more like an overcooked steak pie using cheap cuts of beef. I asked for medium. What I received was cooked well past that, closer to medium-well to well done. My partner’s steak was also clearly overcooked despite being ordered medium. When I politely raised this with the waiter, the owners came over and immediately became defensive. The female owner was particularly rude and dismissive. When I said this was not a traditional Beef Wellington, she turned her nose up and insisted it was, claiming people come from all over the world for it. That is extremely hard to believe given the quality, execution, and price. Things escalated further when I said I should not be charged for the Wellington as I did not eat it due to how badly cooked and unpleasant it was. The owner then went back into the kitchen, removed the Wellington from the bin, and brought it back out to “show me” that it was cooked perfectly. This was shocking and completely unprofessional. It was still clearly overcooked, and it raised serious hygiene concerns. To make matters worse, we were also brought the wrong wine and then told we had ordered it, which we had not. For $89, I expected a proper fillet Wellington, crisp pastry, correct doneness, and professional service. What we got was poor food, worse attitude, and owners who cannot accept valid criticism. One of the worst dining experiences I’ve had. I would strongly recommend avoiding this place.

Beautiful Labor Day Saturday enjoyed at The Pines! I arrived shortly after they opened and enjoyed al fresco dining with a view of kayakers on the lake. Service was excellent, food was very good, I will definitely be back to this fine dining establishment to explore their menu further!

The Pines is an incredible restaurant and a must visit while in Big Bear. The salmon was perfectly flaky and the mash potatoes are out of this world. My husband had the venison chops, which were juicy and tender. The accompanying sauce was amazing and paired well with both the meat and vegetables. The owners were so warm and kind! It’s their family business of 12 years. Just the sweetest people serving up fine dining⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

Service was ok and restaurant looked the same as it did 12+ years ago. I ordered the full rack of ribs and they came out looking dry and extremely old with just a spoonful of bbq sauce on top. Just from the look of them I should've known they were extremely old. The taste was horrible. I could barely eat it however friends had paid for the dinner so I didnt want it to be known. I was barely able to eat half the rack. The other half I discreetly took home to trash. Its not even that they weren't good, im almost positive they were already expired. Had to have been somewhere from 7-12 days old already. No bread and butter or anything which is typical for this type of high priced restaurant but nope nothing. Definitely wont be returning.

This may be a later review, however I went here during Christmas Eve of December 2023. At the time they had a smaller menu to choose from due to it being a holiday but despite that, the food was absolutely superb. My brother got the platter that contained meat from elk, boar, bison, as well as (I forgot the name of the other deer). Another selling point of eating here was the view of the lake. Absolutely beautiful and I’d recommend to sit by a window to enjoy the full experience. The staff is friendly and very attentive towards their customers. The food wasn’t dry and had excellent lipids to create a delicious juicy meal. If you’re a fan of steak then I’d definitely recommend this place.

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!!!

We traveled here from Nevada to get away from the 119° Heatwave and enjoy the 4th of July festivities. We have never been to Big Bear Lake, and this is the first time we have tried The Pines Lakefront. Reading the reviews, it seems like it's been a hit or miss. Well, tonight, it's a hit! Driving in, they have a secured parking area just for patrons of the restaurant and a great view of the fireworks. We were graciously greeted by the hostess as we entered the restaurant, and she was super sweet! We were seated by a gentleman in a nice black suit and were seated right in front of the singer, who was awesome as well! Our server, Stephanie, was a sweetheart as well, and took care of our needs. Because tonight was the 4th of July, they had a special buffet menu, and the courtyard faces the lake for the fireworks display. The menu consisted of Caesars salad, steamed vegetables, pasta, baked chicken, baked fish, BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, and prime rib. Everything was pretty good, and my favorites were the Caesars salad and prime rib. I do wish that there were more dessert options because all they passed out were cupcakes. Maybe cupcakes with ice cream? Last, from our seated location, we could not see most of the the fireworks display due to the trees, so we took a very short walk out towards the lake and enjoyed the rest of the show!

So I wished we could have more to see but unfortunately this place does not offer the best customer service when it comes to reservations. We called a few weeks ago to make a reservation and was told that typically they are closed on Mondays but often times if Monday is a holiday it'll be open. We left our number with woman who answered the phone he told us she would call us back after she spoke to the owner. She called us back and made the reservation. Once we got to Big Bear we decided to call and confirm the reservation and the lo and behold we found out that they are going to be closed that day and there was no reservation. A local told us that since the ownership changed hands its very hit and miss.

Walked in on a Sunday afternoon about 1:45pm with a party of 8. The restaurant was empty and there was no staff in sight. We walked past the "Please wait to be seated" sign to find the host. An older lady walked up to us and asked that we stay in the waiting area. As we walked back she said, "Obviously you didn't see the sign" It became all to clear why the restaurant was completely empty. We ate at the Oak side Restaurant and Bar. I would recommend the Oak Side

This is a totally hidden gem! Our anniversary is today and we're look forwe what a place with great food and a view. We found it! Lunch is awesome and we have reservations at 6:30. It's a little hard to find at the end of a lonely little street. I'm so happy we found this place can't wait for dinner.

We visited again and can't say enough about this place from the greeting on arrival to Jake's incredible recommendations and service! We come back every time up here and are never disappointed!!! Don't let the low rating fool you. It's the only spot with lake views.

We tried to have a meal at this restaurant and were met at the door by their owner. She immediately was very aggressive about our service dogs and was denying us service due to our service animals. This owner breaks every ADA rule. I hope she gets cited. Do not go to this establishment if you want to be treated with respect. The customer services is horrible and so is the owner.

We went to the restaurant with our service dogs in training and the owner in a very aggressive manner stated service animals were not allowed. Poor service and very disrespectful. Would not recommend this restaurant.

Excellent service. Nice sunset view. Good live piano. Generous portions of prime rib and steak.

We made a reservation (really recommend this) Stephanie was an excellent server and very attentive and helpful Excellent food and live music on the patio Great experience

Cold food Over priced View denied! Great views until people sat in tables behind us, so management insisted on closing the blinds in front of our table, so we lost our view. Sunset and raised the blinds a fraction of an inch. Still no view to make up for crying kids and low quality food. Go somewhere else. Food is not fresh. Mavericks and Santana has better views and hot food.

Sadly, this place was a big disappointment. The food isn't worth the prices at all. The caesar salad appeared to have been pre-made and refrigerated. It came to the table on a chilled plate, looking a bit soggy and within 2 minutes of ordering. The soups were just OK and the filet mignon was honestly terrible, I could barely eat 1/4 of it. It just didn't taste like quality beef and was drenched in sauce. Such a waste of money. We also asked for glasses of red blend wine that were listed on the menu and were told they couldn't find it. The only good thing was the service. From the hostess to the server and manager, everyone was very kind, warm and welcoming. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant and I wouldn't eat here again.

Felt like I was on an episode of Kitchen Nightmares, only Gordon Ramsey could save this place. Only reason this place stays in business has to be because they've got a monopoly on lakefront dining in Big Bear. We made a reservation over the phone and dealt with a highly condescending woman on the line. When we got to the restaurant, the lobby smelled like sewage. The nasty woman I dealt with on the phone took several minutes to figure out what table to seat us at. It wasn't made up, even though there were a handful of available (empty tables). An older man in a sports coat greeted us and went through the specials. We were excited to order the ribeye and splurge for the the Alaskan Crab Legs that we were told were "flown in for the weekend". We were told the server would be right with us. Waited for 20 minutes and nobody came to our table. Walked out. Judging by all the one star reviews, I think we dodged a bullet.

Awful! Just horrible! We came for my friend's 80th Birthday. Rude, rude waiter. He was angry and kind of threw the bread plates down at us , The meat was tough . Felt in difference the second we walked in.

While we were eating here, an awful woman was loudly complaining about her chicken salad (the chicken salad was immaculate by the way). My husband and I had the beef Wellington and it was the flakiest, tastiest beef Wellington we've ever had. Tony, our server, was amazing, attentive, and friendly, as well as the owners of the restaurant always checking to make sure we were happy. Cocktails were perfectly made and well balanced. The restaurant was nice and cozy for all seasons. Would recommend anybody living/visiting Big Bear to visit this lovey slice of the mountains to eat at The Pines Lakefront!

Experience the finest dining in Big Bear Lake, complete with stunning lake views when dining outdoors. While the service can occasionally feel a bit stretched, the overall experience is well worth it.

Horrible experience with the rude owner. My wife got food poisoning here and was throwing up all night. Would definitely recommend against ever visiting this restaurant. Great location though sadly, the view of the lake is amazing.

We went there last night with my family(dinner time around 8pm). The old lady welcome us by telling my eldest son to be quiet while we're inside and she repeated it again while we're waiting to be seated. We found it so rude but we just ignored it just for respect coz she's an old lady and we're hungry too. We just wanted to get seated and eat. So while we're waiting for our food my baby was trying to say some words while I was carrying him and scanning the place because it's new to him and I guess the old lady found it noisy for her that she'd been staring at us while me trying to calm my baby down. Food arrived so we started to eat. After a few bites my baby started to throw up and started crying. So the old lady approached me and told me that if my baby won't stop crying she will force us to move outside. So I decided to leave with my baby and left my husband and eldest son inside. I was mad but decided not to argue with that old lady because she's old and just respect her anyway. It's just shows she doesn't give a F*** moving us with the baby outside under the cold weather. So for short I don't recommend this place for a family. Specially if the old lady is there. Other stuff was nice it's just her. Doesn't even deserve a star!

I was immediately confronted by "one of the owners" when I entered this establishment and tried to use the restroom while waiting for my party. This woman was not only unprofessional, in that she ignored me entirely while she chatted in the doorway with another gentleman and I therefore excused myself to the restroom, but then exercised a complete display of "power" as she scolded me as I walked away and said she needed to know who I was and where I was going. As she was openly chit chatting with her little friend, I thought she was a customer...which I explained. "Well, the sign does say 'please wait to be seated'". In fact, the sign said "thank you please come again". Which I absolutely won't. If you're an owner of this sad little restaurant, I suggest you adopt some more appropriate methods of communication and customer service. Maybe you'd have more than three tables sat? Just a thought. I'm giving three stars for the simple fact that the servers and bussers were great and obviously have to put up with this miserable woman, and they deserve better. PS, we had drinks and a side order of fries, all which were as expected.

We Dr. Boat walked up, ordered four steak sandwiches, a Caesar salad and some dessert. Food was excellent. The staff and the people that greeted us at the door were amazing. I highly recommend this place. I love taking care of the local businesses and this establishment earned it!

We came around sunset and the restaurant was not crowded at all. It was ideal for us, very calm and friendly. All the staff helping us greeted us and were very friendly. Apparently Friday and Saturday are the busy days and Sunday is very slow. We had a booth and the sun was setting which was shining on us. There was a sun shade but for a little bit of time the sun was shining directly on the seat facing the window. It was moderately warm inside, but we had ice water that was refilled promptly. The wine was a little too warm, however, even for a red. We had the New York strip and the Wild Game Sampler platter. The strip was great because it was thicker and the fat was on the edge, rather than marbled throughout. It was perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and with a perfect sauce. The vegetable side was a little bland but mixing with the sauce from the meat was good. Our server, Jake, was very helpful in describing dishes and comparing the New York Strip to the Ribeye which helped us decide. Jake also helped us navigate the menu with consideration with allergies and went above and beyond to double-check that the pesto was safe for us. The Wild Game Sampler platter was phenomenal. Though they were out of boar, we were able to substitute lamb instead. The sauces were very good, though our favourites were the venison and lamb sauces. The garlic mashed potatoes were soft and with good garlic flavour throughout. For dessert we had creme brulée and bread pudding with bourbon sauce. The creme bruleé was a good-sized serving and we liked the mint and whipped cream on the side! Best we've ever had! The bread pudding was very well-spiced, not bland at all. The bourbon sauce was served on the side but on recommendation of the maitre'd, we mixed it in to the pudding which elevated it. Would come again, and if in cold weather, would get the chicken pot pie.

My friends and I went to the Pines yesterday and were treated poorly by a super rude old lady. Assuming her name is Karen because she sure acts like one! She was totally unprofessional!! Definitely lost our future business! It's a shame because we would have purchased a lot of drinks. Hope they replace the rude staff.

Yikes not sure what the deal with this place is but extremely rude staff and owners, wouldn't recommend. Not dog friendly and apparently from other reviews I've read not kid friendly???? That is just baffling to not allow families at your establishment..

Had an amazing dinner at the pines restaurant. The expresso martinis are so delicious! I enjoyed the delicious pasta with clams and a white wine cream sauce, and my boyfriend enjoyed the champagne chicken. Both dishes were amazing! The onion soup is so soooo so good! We had a wonderful time and the view was simply gorgeous!! Everyone there is so sweet and kind. Our hostess was so kind and wonderful!!

Absolutely lovely staff. Seeing some of these comments and reviews it makes me question. Some of the patrons that are going there and leaving the reviews. The staff here is nothing but friendly and super accommodating. There's always one host in the front. That's also waiting as well. They are kind and also very reassuring to making sure that your meal is correct. Anything wrong with my mail, they never have a hesitation to send it back and fix it. We got the beef Wellington, which is absolutely superb, and the bacon wrapped scallops. It has been had the ribeye and my daughter had the kids chicken tenders. All amazing, and you can never go wrong with the view

Food, service, and ambiance all was good the food was excellent. The view of the lake was very pretty.

I put up with their sub par food for years because I loved their patio. Today I went with my family and small dog and as we walked in to the patio area an elderly lady yelled at me "no!" I had no idea what she was talking about because she did not elaborate, just yelled no and pointed to get out. Kind of shocking thing to do to a family looking for lunch. I guess they don't allow dogs on the patio. There are nicer way to tell patrons that... wont be going back

So glad to try this "other" surf and turf finer dining here at the Lake Service in a very busy night was impeccable Food amazing- a little less traditional twist

My wife and I I had a nice Sunday brunch. Breakfast and service were excellent. Great views of the Pine marina and lake from the patio. Definitely recommend it. 5 stars.

We love The Pines Lakefront! Such amazing atmosphere and food. Filet, prime rib, game sampler, etc. all delicious! Love coming every single time we come to Big Bear. The owners are delightful and the live music is great! Highly recommend.

This review is only for the service we received on the phone which prompted us not to go there. Called to check if they allowed dogs and the gentleman on the phone was very condescending. He first wanted to know how many people were "accompanying the dog" before he could tell me if they would allow the dog. His tone said a lot about what to expect there so we decided to stay away.

Horrible service and bad food! A group of us called to move our reservation and the host who answered was rude and said it wasn't possible as the restaurant was fully booked. We arrived to our reservation and the host was rude when we walked in trying to be funny, but she wasn't. It turned the whole group off and mind you we paid a $50 deposit to hold our reservation for our large group. Come to find out the restaurant was not booked for the evening as many tables were open when we sat down. Someone in our party got severe food poisoning a few hours later & almost ended up in the ER. Do not eat here!

My husband and I used to dine at the Pines Lakefront two days a week until I had mobility issues! Could not walk up stairs. I cancelled our reservation this morning at a restaurant I frequent two days a week as I woke up thinking I had the flu. In the early afternoon I called the Pines Lakefront and made reservations. I have to say that the luncheon was spectacular! The marinated mushrooms, crab cakes, stuffed jalapeños, prime rib and freshly baked bread was absolutely spectacular! Sitting at the west side of restaurant, watching all the kayakers and surf boarding was so spectacular to watch. I forgot how much we love to dine near the lake! The food at the Pines Lakefront is so spectacular! The view is so spectacular. I first met Dr. Jerry when he was the manager of Evergreen's where I would take my mother in law several days a week when I was a teacher and could spend time with my kids in Fawnskin during the summer. This restaurant is equal to our restaurants in Rancho Mirage where we live six months a year when we leave Fawnskin! Just so classy, greatest location! In addition, they have have a boat dock where diners can dock and dine! I do have restaurants I visit on a regular basis: Sonora Cantina, Azteca, Oakside, Captain's Anchorage and Sweet Basil, but The Pines Lakefront has the greatest views and best menu! Big Bear Lake is a very classy, place to dine! Lots of spectacular restaurants that I visit for different reasons. My husband has been here since 1957, and we built in Fawnskin in 1980! I just hope that all the locals who enjoy dining out help ALL our restaurant owners get recognized and continue to be successful! It is not about hurting another restaurant business, but, on the contrary, ensuring that all our hard working restaurant owners get more diners and keep their hardworking employees! The Iron Squirrel was our favorite restaurant when we first built in 1980. Husband's family started dining at Captain's Anchorage in the late 50's! Today was one of the greatest dining experiences in my husband of 53 years of our lives! A big loss when former chef passed, but new chef is spectacular! We all need to support our businesses in Big Bear Lake, without insulting the integrity of another outstanding business. I just want our local businesses to do well! I have a room full of awards, but I am now retired trying to help our Big Bear businesses survive and be successful by posting positive reviews!I would never post a negative review. Since the Pandemic, many businesses are struggling to survive. My Purposed Driven Life now is to ensure that our hard working business owners are appreciated, supported, and survive up here! Always post positive comments, never negative to ensure our local businesses survive and thrive!!!!!! I am normally the antithesis of a "Pollyanna", but the Pandemic was horrific for businesses! Yes, the cost of living in Big Bear is increasing, and fewer people can afford to live in Big Bear, but support our small businesses if you can. Greatest community!

We love this place! Been coming here for over 30 years. Our wedding reception was held here in 1993 and last night we went back to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We were greeted and seated right away. Had a gorgeous view of the lake. Ordered some cocktails and a artichoke appetizer. All really good. Main course I got prime rib. And my husband had the salmon. All of it was so flavorful and pleasing to the eye and tummy! Ended the meal off with some crème brûlée....drool! The wait staff were all very nice. Checking in on us often, and even indulging us in taking some pictures of us. Thank you for a great night! We will be back

One of the best restaurants in Big Bear. The owner is wonderful. Food and service stellar. Beautiful view of the lake. We eat here every time we are in town. The crab cakes are delicious ! Definitely recommend !!

The service and food are excellent. The pot pie is a must try. Best I have ever had.

Food was horrible. Definitely don't get the club sandwich, they said they make it with ham.

Super rude condescending staff when we checked in this morning for our reservation. I'm a fully disabled American veteran and I have a military service animal.. they immediately bombarded me crying that I needed to leave before I even had a chance to say hello .. presented the appropriate ID but they were extremely rude and denied me Service regardless. There are plenty of reasonable nice places to shop in the local area perhaps why half their business is already shut down Beware.

Service was terrible for how expensive it was. Food was mediocre. View is pretty cool though!

Quiet little place. not crowded. Has a very adorable rustic feel inside and the food was delicious. They were not that expensive. They have a wonderful selection of wines to select from.

Food & service was "OK" this time, not great ! Jerry was not on site this night so the waiters were "kinda" working. Everyone seemed a little confused, with little concept of providing fine-dining expectations. Not very busy at 6:00 pm, three tables with a total of nine customers eating. The food and services at this restaurant used to be great - always our go-to place at least once a week. When you pay $45.00 for a 12 oz Ribeye, you don't want to be served a plate full of meat fat with uneatable steak - Very disappointing. Consistency is the key, with management ALWAYS on site to oversee operations, and I'm afraid this restaurant has lost its direction. With a $250.00-$300.00 check (with wine) you expect more - even in Big Bear Lake ! Jerry you can do better than this. You once had the "sweet spot", we hope you can find it again !

The food was great and atmosphere was terrific! Dining outside by the lake at sunset with Doug playing some tunes made our night!!

My husband and I came here for our anniversary. We both ordered the fillet mignon. It was amazingly delicious, cooked to perfection. For dessert we shared the raspberry chocolate cheesecake, which was delicious. The view was excellent, but the love piano music was unexpected and the highlight of our evening. Our server was Jake and he was very attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant and we will definitely be coming back.

Lovely environment and delicious food. Very welcoming and accommodate our large group with the best sit and view!

So glad we found this place during our stay in Big Bear. Delicious food & great presentation as well. Service and ambiance were top notch with 3 separate servers constantly executing our needs.

We really wanted to love this place. The host was the sweetest guy! However, our waiter didn't act very interested in talking with us. We had been told he would tell us about 3 more specials not on the menu. We had to ask and even then, he only told us about one. We ended up getting their duck and pot pie. The pot pie was big and ok. For the cost it lacked. I've have much better at lowered rated restaurants. My husband had the duck and no part if it was worth cost. To boot my husband has been sick all night and still not feeling well. Kind of a bummer since this is our anniversary trip. Called to let them know and thevsame rude woman that greeted us the night before, was just as rude on the phone.

Disappointing twice! First experience, I ordered an overpriced salad. The description called out butter lettuce, but torn pieces of iceberg masquerading for butter lettuce was served instead. We tried again since we could dock the boat on a Saturday afternoon and have lunch on the patio. We barely made it off the dock and an old lady came out to tell us that no dogs are allowed not even on the patio. She was a bit rude when she repeated my saying "seriously?" In disbelief, like she was mocking me. So they preferred to turn away a group of six while the patio was almost empty. It's their prerogative but it's also ours to never return and leave this review..

We had a delicious meal here yesterday. The service was great. Everything about the evening was stellar. The view of the sun setting over the lake was spectacular. We will definitely go back on our next visit to Big Bear. The owners are very attentive, walking around and stopping at each table, a nice touch.

It was my first time in Big Bear and we had such a lovely experience! We got lost and arrived late to our reservation and they still took us in last minute and gave exceptional service! Tony was an amazing server! We loved the french onion and prime rib! The setting felt so cozy like a cabin getaway which we needed. So grateful for the cheesecake too for my birthday!! Thank you again :)

The Service was excellent and the food was amazing. Great view to lake. The owners were friendly and very kind.