big bear tap room

Can't say enough about Steven and Aida. I have been to TBT twice with our pup. The service is fantastic and you can't beat the beers. We spent a while talking to Steven on a slow day, and he and his brother hand select every beer they have there. Even though I came back 3 weeks later, the beers have completely changed. Their salsa is homemade every day and I look forward to going back!!

The smash burger is not only delicious, it’s structurally sound! No mess, no spillage, just a flavorful compact smash burger that hits all the right notes. Their house IPA is fantastic too and worth drinking. And they have board games if you’re with a crew! The outdoor patio also has a serene and peaceful vibe so def check it out.

Fantastic new spot. Definitely a new favorite for when we're in Big Bear. Food was great, cocktails were delicious, amazing beer selection, and the staff (and the owners) were super friendly and obviously proud of what they've built and are offering the community. Definitely a hit for the town. Bringin' their A-game.

+3

Such a friendly family owned place! The beer was on point and I especially liked some of their unique taps, often times I find the same recurring drinks rotating from taprooms, this place had a lot of new things to try and I was heavily satisfied! The food smelled too good to pass up and the bartenders are always down for a chat! TBT

Miguel and his wife are awesome! Loved going in there the other day. Vibes were great, super clean and friendly staff. Their options on beer and seltzers is growing but they have a decent tap wall while many others don’t up here. Also, all California brews mostly and some beers that are hard to find, so sick! Wife and I did the Blueberry Lemonade and the Hard Nectar PMT sour smoothie (so good!) Check these guys out if you get the chance!

Drove up to the cabin for the weekend since it’s been a couple of months since we’ve been up here. My buddy lives a walking distance from here and he recommended it to us since it’s a new place in town. The vibe is great and the family running this place is 100% wholesome. Brandon (the non-family) guy is an awesome bartender and mixes some outstanding cocktails. I ate the OG burger and I have to say it’s by far the best smash burger I’ve ever eaten. It’s better than The Friendly in SD so IYKYK. Visited this place two days in a row and will definitely be making it my go to spot when I hit up the cabin.

We were in Big Bear visiting our family and they hadn’t been to The Bear Trap yet. They had seen some really good reviews so we decided to try it. We were not disappointed at all. We all had different burgers and they were really good. If you like a Smash burger, they’re perfect. They gave you loads of tater tots and fries when you ordered a basket of them. It really tasted good. Service was excellent. We’ll be back there next we’re in town.

Our first time here and it was absolutely awesome! The signature drinks and beer were awesome . We sat at the bar and Steven our bartender was so nice and attentive and friendly. You can see the passion and dedication he had in making everyone’s drinks perfectly. Definitely will be returning and will recommend to everyone

We recently came here and everything was great. The service and food were excellent.But we did leave our kids bag with their tablets and jackets and toys. If anyone has seen it, it was in a red target bag. We wanted to call but still don’t have a number for this place.

I ordered the habanero wings and a lavender buzz, and wow! I finally found my spot! I love Big Bear, but it’s honestly hard to find a place that has both amazing drinks and great food until now. The wings were perfectly crispy and well seasoned and the drink had such a beautiful presentation with an incredible taste to match. Highly recommend!!!

Steven was amazing our first time in big bear with an 8 month old we loved our experience the beer selection beyond amazing, the food phenomenal, they have toys for babies and adults and chargers for an iPad if you need for your child to charge or phone. I loved the music, the vibes and Steven was just so friendly and outgoing cannot recommend this place enough I will come back and it means so much that they are baby friendly!

Excellent food terrible service. Shift change happened during our service and our server didn't let us know. Our party of four waited about eight mins to be acknowledged and then seated, another 10 mins to order drinks and food. Then we waited a lil over 20 mins for our food to come. Food was very tasty and hot so that was a plus. We eventually had to find our server for check out long after we were finished eating. It wasn't busy. Only two other tables were taken aside from us with parties of two and three. We would eat here again, but next time I think we would call in an order for kick up instead.

The Bear Trap is such a wonderful new addition to the restaurant scene up here in Big Bear!!! The folks that own this place truly love serving up interesting high quality beers, and amazing unique cocktails. The outdoor deck takes advantage of the lake view and the indoor bar is mountain funky cool. Their nachos are topped with real steak-the best. Also their big long tables are great for large groups-which is always a challenge when eating out up here. Even the bathrooms are brand new and are decorated with cool tiles. We are lucky that this family decided to open a bar of this caliber in Big Bear. Definitely a must stop for drinks & some great food.

I would say this quick easy burger and fries sit in dinner. Service and hospitality was fast and reliable. The fries were decent. The picture is half eaten fries but we forgot to take a picture of the burgers. The drinks looked great but we didn’t indulge. There are board games and other stuff for kids or adults to play while you enjoy the atmosphere.

The Bear Trap was an awesome find! Great food all around , we had the burgers and pizza and both were on point. Solid beer selection and really good mixed drinks too (the margaritas hit just right). The only complaint is that we didn’t find this place sooner. Bonus points for being pet-friendly with outdoor seating when the weather allows. Definitely a must-stop next time we’re in Big Bear! 🍔🍕🍹🐾

A great newer spot with a view on the patio and amazing smash burgers with an order of really really good fries! The owners were really nice even if they didnt give up the secret spices to their fries! 😉 Seriously tho, the fries are amazing. Clean restaurant and every bathroom is individual clean unisex set up. Patio and indoor seating. Plenty of parking.

This place was such a great find!! It's a little off the beaten path, so it's much more quiet than going into the town. The vibes were on point. We went around Halloween, and I absolutely loved all the spooky decorations. Otherwise, it's a very cozy lodge/cabin feel. The mixed drinks and food menu was on the smaller side, but it's a taproom, so that's to be expected because their specialty is beer. We got a couple of their smash burgers, and they were delicious and very well priced with a very fast turn around from the time we ordered to when our food came out. It's family owned, and the 2 brothers source and collect all the beers for their collection by hand. Amazing! They were so personable and offered some very good recommendations. We will 1000% come back whenever we are in Big Bear.

Hands down the best food and drinks in town! The burgers and nachos were my absolute favorite, definitely a must try. The wings and pizza were cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. We had the blueberry smash * mocktail*, one of the best. We also really appreciated the fun games available for our toddler, which made the visit even better. On top of that, the customer service was amazing. Highly recommend! We will definitely be returning to The Bear Trap at every visit!

Left a few places because they didn’t compare to here. The brews are great especially if you like IPA’s and the pizza is cool if you want a little bite. We had drinks at other places around too. I’m glad we landed here, definitely the vibe we were going for.

Stellar service that goes above and beyond. Came in on a whim and had the best burger that tasted fresh and was satisfying. Also tried the wings and they were cooked to perfection. We tried some beers and they were very good. The bar has 20 beers on taps and cocktails. Ample indoor and outdoors seating. Looking forward to coming here every time we’re on the mountain.

Decent selection of local and national beers. Excellent selection of burbon! Friendly staff, a guy and his brother, who know how to run a quality neighborhood bar. Good for drinks with friends or even small celebrations.

The staff here is absolutely lovely—every interaction was a pleasure. As a smash burger fan, I’ve tried many around LA, and this one ranks near the top. The fries are perfectly crispy and delicious. There’s plenty of seating—bar seating, a spacious patio, and indoor tables. They also offer a great selection of drinks, from craft beer and cocktails to seltzers and wine. A fantastic all-around spot.

We had a great dinner and drinks here this taproom had great burgers, nachos, mixed drinks and a nice selection of games for a table. We will absolutely be back the next time we’re in Big Bear

we loved our experience at The Bear Trap!! we ordered the Bun of a Gun burger, the Space Mountain pizza and the Nashville Hot wings, everything was so delicious! The staff was so friendly and very welcoming. This is definitely a new favorite spot when we are visiting and we can’t wait to come back!!

If You’re in Big Bear, This Spot is a Must-Visit—Here’s Why: We spent a week up in Big Bear and stumbled into this gem—and I’m so glad we did. The moment we walked in, we were greeted like old friends by the owners (yes, the people behind the bar are the owners themselves). They’re not only super friendly, but seriously know their stuff when it comes to craft beer and cocktails. Here’s the kicker: they managed to get a rare beer from my favorite microbrewery—a place that doesn’t even sell to the public. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of relationships they’re building and the level of care they put into curating what they serve. Now let’s talk cocktails. We tried the smoky old fashioned, and not only is the presentation next level, but the drink itself is absolutely top-tier. Smooth, bold, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a place with a warm vibe, amazing drinks, and people who genuinely love what they do—this is it. Do yourself a favor and stop by. You’ll walk in for a drink and leave with a new favorite hangout.

Amazing beers from notable breweries! Mixed drinks were amazing, too. Will definitely make this a spot to hit up every time we come to Big Bear! The online ordering for dine-in was very convenient. Wishing the owners great success.

I’m so happy to come across this place! I went on the grand opening day and fell in love! The environment was so fun and relaxing. There’s great music, food and drinks. The staff was very welcoming and polite. They made sure to always check on my family. I really enjoyed the drinks. It definitely wasn’t expensive. The prices are on point for the quality and portions. I will be returning each time i visit this city!

nicest people and best drinks. my boyfriend loved his beer and this is genuinely the best cocktail I had in my life (lavender buzz). super great service! we’re coming back tomorrow and we’ll try their food!!🌟🌟

My family and I recently took a weekend trip to Big Bear and decided to try out this new spot. We were pleasantly surprised by the experience! The hamburgers were delicious, and the drinks were equally impressive, with a great selection of beers to choose from. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and perfect for families. As a family-owned and operated business, it had a personal touch that made it stand out. Another highlight was the restrooms—they were very, very clean, which we really appreciated. I highly recommend anyone in the area stop by—you won’t be disappointed. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

David Torres

The Bear Trap was an awesome find! Great food all around , we had the burgers and pizza and both were on point. Solid beer selection and really good mixed drinks too (the margaritas hit just right). The only complaint is that we didn’t find this place sooner. Bonus points for being pet-friendly with outdoor seating when the weather allows. Definitely a must-stop next time we’re in Big Bear! 🍔🍕🍹🐾

Melissa Taft

A great newer spot with a view on the patio and amazing smash burgers with an order of really really good fries! The owners were really nice even if they didnt give up the secret spices to their fries! 😉 Seriously tho, the fries are amazing. Clean restaurant and every bathroom is individual clean unisex set up. Patio and indoor seating. Plenty of parking.

Tabitha Carey

This place was such a great find!! It's a little off the beaten path, so it's much more quiet than going into the town. The vibes were on point. We went around Halloween, and I absolutely loved all the spooky decorations. Otherwise, it's a very cozy lodge/cabin feel. The mixed drinks and food menu was on the smaller side, but it's a taproom, so that's to be expected because their specialty is beer. We got a couple of their smash burgers, and they were delicious and very well priced with a very fast turn around from the time we ordered to when our food came out. It's family owned, and the 2 brothers source and collect all the beers for their collection by hand. Amazing! They were so personable and offered some very good recommendations. We will 1000% come back whenever we are in Big Bear.

angel fausto

Left a few places because they didn’t compare to here. The brews are great especially if you like IPA’s and the pizza is cool if you want a little bite. We had drinks at other places around too. I’m glad we landed here, definitely the vibe we were going for.

Grace Santiago

Stellar service that goes above and beyond. Came in on a whim and had the best burger that tasted fresh and was satisfying. Also tried the wings and they were cooked to perfection. We tried some beers and they were very good. The bar has 20 beers on taps and cocktails. Ample indoor and outdoors seating. Looking forward to coming here every time we’re on the mountain.

Erika Reyes

Hands down the best food and drinks in town! The burgers and nachos were my absolute favorite, definitely a must try. The wings and pizza were cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. We had the blueberry smash * mocktail*, one of the best. We also really appreciated the fun games available for our toddler, which made the visit even better. On top of that, the customer service was amazing. Highly recommend! We will definitely be returning to The Bear Trap at every visit!

Bee

The staff here is absolutely lovely—every interaction was a pleasure. As a smash burger fan, I’ve tried many around LA, and this one ranks near the top. The fries are perfectly crispy and delicious. There’s plenty of seating—bar seating, a spacious patio, and indoor tables. They also offer a great selection of drinks, from craft beer and cocktails to seltzers and wine. A fantastic all-around spot.

Grace

nicest people and best drinks. my boyfriend loved his beer and this is genuinely the best cocktail I had in my life (lavender buzz). super great service! we’re coming back tomorrow and we’ll try their food!!🌟🌟

Emerald Goranson

We had a great dinner and drinks here this taproom had great burgers, nachos, mixed drinks and a nice selection of games for a table. We will absolutely be back the next time we’re in Big Bear

Starlin Shrader

we loved our experience at The Bear Trap!! we ordered the Bun of a Gun burger, the Space Mountain pizza and the Nashville Hot wings, everything was so delicious! The staff was so friendly and very welcoming. This is definitely a new favorite spot when we are visiting and we can’t wait to come back!!

Craig Thomas

If You’re in Big Bear, This Spot is a Must-Visit—Here’s Why: We spent a week up in Big Bear and stumbled into this gem—and I’m so glad we did. The moment we walked in, we were greeted like old friends by the owners (yes, the people behind the bar are the owners themselves). They’re not only super friendly, but seriously know their stuff when it comes to craft beer and cocktails. Here’s the kicker: they managed to get a rare beer from my favorite microbrewery—a place that doesn’t even sell to the public. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of relationships they’re building and the level of care they put into curating what they serve. Now let’s talk cocktails. We tried the smoky old fashioned, and not only is the presentation next level, but the drink itself is absolutely top-tier. Smooth, bold, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a place with a warm vibe, amazing drinks, and people who genuinely love what they do—this is it. Do yourself a favor and stop by. You’ll walk in for a drink and leave with a new favorite hangout.

Ryan

Amazing beers from notable breweries! Mixed drinks were amazing, too. Will definitely make this a spot to hit up every time we come to Big Bear! The online ordering for dine-in was very convenient. Wishing the owners great success.

Melissa B

I’m so happy to come across this place! I went on the grand opening day and fell in love! The environment was so fun and relaxing. There’s great music, food and drinks. The staff was very welcoming and polite. They made sure to always check on my family. I really enjoyed the drinks. It definitely wasn’t expensive. The prices are on point for the quality and portions. I will be returning each time i visit this city!

Raul Cortez

My family and I recently took a weekend trip to Big Bear and decided to try out this new spot. We were pleasantly surprised by the experience! The hamburgers were delicious, and the drinks were equally impressive, with a great selection of beers to choose from. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and perfect for families. As a family-owned and operated business, it had a personal touch that made it stand out. Another highlight was the restrooms—they were very, very clean, which we really appreciated. I highly recommend anyone in the area stop by—you won’t be disappointed. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

David Acosta

Awesome cocktails, and delicious food! Beer selection is on point too. I really like that there are different seating options depending on the vibe—big tables for families, smaller ones for couples, outdoor seating, a cozy separate room, and of course, the bar. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The restrooms are big and clean, which is always a plus. Definitely coming back next time I’m in town!

Sydney Grove McNamara

Can't say enough about Steven and Aida. I have been to TBT twice with our pup. The service is fantastic and you can't beat the beers. We spent a while talking to Steven on a slow day, and he and his brother hand select every beer they have there. Even though I came back 3 weeks later, the beers have completely changed. Their salsa is homemade every day and I look forward to going back!!

Tom F

The smash burger is not only delicious, it’s structurally sound! No mess, no spillage, just a flavorful compact smash burger that hits all the right notes. Their house IPA is fantastic too and worth drinking. And they have board games if you’re with a crew! The outdoor patio also has a serene and peaceful vibe so def check it out.

Really fun place to grab a drink and a bite to eat. We came in with our kids and had a wonderful. The restaurant itself is decorated beautifully and easy accommodates small and large group. They had a really fun drink menu and the food was absolutely delicious! We will definitely come back again.

A Hidden Gem with Amazing Service and Atmosphere If you're looking for a place that combines incredible food with exceptional service and a relaxing ambiance, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a warm smile by the hostess, setting the tone for the evening. The staff here is not only friendly but also attentive without being overbearing—just the right balance. They really make an effort to ensure you're comfortable and satisfied. The ambiance is another standout feature. The decor is modern yet cozy, with soft lighting and calming music in the background that creates a welcoming and intimate vibe. Whether you're here for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy good conversation. The food was delicious, of course, but it's the service and atmosphere that really set this place apart. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. It’s clear they take pride in what they do, and that makes the whole experience feel personal. I would definitely recommend this spot for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a place that feels both upscale and comfortable. Whether it’s your first visit or your 10th, you’re always treated like a VIP here.

Ret H

A Hidden Gem with Amazing Service and Atmosphere If you're looking for a place that combines incredible food with exceptional service and a relaxing ambiance, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a warm smile by the hostess, setting the tone for the evening. The staff here is not only friendly but also attentive without being overbearing—just the right balance. They really make an effort to ensure you're comfortable and satisfied. The ambiance is another standout feature. The decor is modern yet cozy, with soft lighting and calming music in the background that creates a welcoming and intimate vibe. Whether you're here for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy good conversation. The food was delicious, of course, but it's the service and atmosphere that really set this place apart. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. It’s clear they take pride in what they do, and that makes the whole experience feel personal. I would definitely recommend this spot for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a place that feels both upscale and comfortable. Whether it’s your first visit or your 10th, you’re always treated like a VIP here.

The nachos were outstanding. Chicken had a pleasant Mexican seasoning and the serving was generous. Staff were friendly and attentive. A locals feel where everyone is welcome. Creatively laid out with a lively atmosphere. My only criticism was a very limited menu.

The food is amazing, got the bun of a gun! My only complaint is $12 for a beer seems a little steep, even though they definitely have the best selection in town. Overall I will definitely be back to try their handcrafted cocktails!

The food was amazing, The service was excellent, Will definitely be going back when visiting Big Bear , had the BBQ Burger and tater tots !

Eh, it was alright. Burgers do not include fries. They were also OUT of fries this evening. Tater tots were good but they were a little stingy with the ketchup. We also ordered the Bear Trap Nachos. Cheese was cold. The portion was a decent size. We went off of the reviews and thought we’d really enjoy the place.

Stopped by this casual spot for drinks an apps. It is definitely a no frills bar type place, and there is nothing wrong with that. Food is served in plastic baskets with paper plates. Drinks were in glass though. It took a while to get service, and they weren't particularly friendly but not terrible. The garlic ness bread monster was very delicious. A great take on garlic bread, and a large portion that we couldn't finish. The chicken nachos were decent. The good thing is the pile a lot on the plate and layer cheese throughout. The chicken was not seasoned at all and very bland -not worth even having it on there. I was looking forward to the smokey old fashioned, especially when the light the smoker at the table. Unfortunately, once the smoke cleared, so did the flavor of the drink. It was easily the worst old fashioned I've ever. My wife's drink was decent though. They do have a great selections of beer on tap. My biggest complaint about the the place was the droning background music. All you could hear was an annoying drumbeat that seemed to be on repeat. I think it was coming from the TV screen that showed the beer list. Just turn it off man!

This was the first time we dined at this location while visiting Big Bear Lake. There are both indoor and outdoor dining areas, but they are both limited in size along with a bar stool area. The parking lot in front of the taproom is not the biggest and can be difficult for those of us who drive larger pickup trucks, let’s say you might have to back & forth it depending on how busy the taproom is. The food menu is limited, primarily your typical bar food, hamburgers, artisanal pies and a house salad, but all at a reasonable price. I am glad we do not drink, because those fancy drinks sure cost a pretty penny and can easily rack up quite a hefty bar bill in a matter of a few drinks. The food did take a long time to serve, even though the place was not very busy, but it was hot, and we had no complaints about the flavor or quantity of the serving. All the staff members we encountered were very friendly, cheerful and a pleasure to talk with. We would dine here again, but I think this place caters more to the local cliental thank to the tourist traffic. Best indication of that is the hours of operation, which are limited to 1130 – 2200 hours on the weekend and they are only open Thursday through Sunday.

Thomas B

This was the first time we dined at this location while visiting Big Bear Lake. There are both indoor and outdoor dining areas, but they are both limited in size along with a bar stool area. The parking lot in front of the taproom is not the biggest and can be difficult for those of us who drive larger pickup trucks, let’s say you might have to back & forth it depending on how busy the taproom is. The food menu is limited, primarily your typical bar food, hamburgers, artisanal pies and a house salad, but all at a reasonable price. I am glad we do not drink, because those fancy drinks sure cost a pretty penny and can easily rack up quite a hefty bar bill in a matter of a few drinks. The food did take a long time to serve, even though the place was not very busy, but it was hot, and we had no complaints about the flavor or quantity of the serving. All the staff members we encountered were very friendly, cheerful and a pleasure to talk with. We would dine here again, but I think this place caters more to the local cliental thank to the tourist traffic. Best indication of that is the hours of operation, which are limited to 1130 – 2200 hours on the weekend and they are only open Thursday through Sunday.

Cool that they are dog friendly. It’s currently been 1 hour and we don’t have our food. Two servers provided excuses when we asked at 45 minutes in. Which drives me nuts! Just check on it. Haha. Really busy and working on a huge order for the row of guys at the bar. It took us a minute to review the QR code menu and each place our orders on one phone. While in that process we asked for where we could get water when one of us went for water a server made sure by asking that we were ordering food. That felt weird. Like we just came in for water? Tons of empty tables in the dining and bar area so not sure why the 1 hour and 5 minute wait for tots, a burger and wings. Got the beers really fast. Also it’s about 20 degrees in the restaurant so bring a parka. Really good AC. Food: tots were in the shape of letters. Boneless wings in Korean bbq sauce were not hot in the middle. My husband said the burger was fine.

Charged extra for ketchup and ranch without notifying the table, and those prices weren’t on the menu either. $16 salad was a pile of haphazardly cut lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, kinda crazy markup for no protein. Service was good otherwise, burgers good too.

Kippi Leonard

Cool that they are dog friendly. It’s currently been 1 hour and we don’t have our food. Two servers provided excuses when we asked at 45 minutes in. Which drives me nuts! Just check on it. Haha. Really busy and working on a huge order for the row of guys at the bar. It took us a minute to review the QR code menu and each place our orders on one phone. While in that process we asked for where we could get water when one of us went for water a server made sure by asking that we were ordering food. That felt weird. Like we just came in for water? Tons of empty tables in the dining and bar area so not sure why the 1 hour and 5 minute wait for tots, a burger and wings. Got the beers really fast. Also it’s about 20 degrees in the restaurant so bring a parka. Really good AC. Food: tots were in the shape of letters. Boneless wings in Korean bbq sauce were not hot in the middle. My husband said the burger was fine.

Was disappointed with this visit. Been visiting Big Bear multiple times a year. Been here before but it has been awhile. The drink options were small and embarrassing. Their mix drinks come in a can and pricing is ridiculous. Beer was served in a plastic cup...Food options... I don't know if they even have food or snack because they didn't mention or give a menu when we sat down. But at least the atmosphere was rustic and there was live music. This may be the last visit to The Bear Trap.