Oakside — Restaurant in Big Bear Lake

Excited today on my first trip to Big Bear, and was recommended by a few Oakside as the best restaurant. It was fairly busy so the hostess suggested we sit upstairs at the bar. We decided to go outside since there was plenty of space. The small ledge (1-2 max inches) for food and drinks did seem ominous (I've worked many second floor patios before and know the rules) but I tried to be as careful as I could. The carvings coming down from the wood planks left lots of open space directly to the patio below. As I was getting out my card to pay my phone accidentally fell out of my purse, which then due to the minimal upper balcony setup fell to the patio directly arranged below and hit a woman in the head. I immediately felt ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE and was EXTREMELY CONCERNED by this freak accident. I ran inside STRAIGHT away to ask the bartender and servers for help. They(the women working upstairs) said they could not help or leave their positions and seemed like deer in headlights, no help or care at all. After a few minutes! A male manager came out. Who still directed me to stay upstairs and wait!! Ignoring me despite the chaos and injury below, warning him I was about to have a panic attack and needed to check on the woman, while he went into the office and arranged paperwork continuously rather than assisting the actually immediately important situation at hand. It was my mistake to try to get staff involved and should've gone down to the woman immediately!!! Once finally "allowed" by staff to go downstairs, I attempted to check on the woman and apologize profusely- way too late after being held upstairs by staff- but was not allowed on the patio by the manager. Directly physically blocked as if bro chest-ing. The (same) manager kept me away while "processing"- to let patrons at other tables verbally harass me due to the misunderstanding. Women (especially an older and larger blonde woman who apparently is also a regular) continuously screaminggg without understanding due to the manager keeping me back. I suggested calling the police at this point to have an official report on file. While I continued to not be allowed on the patio and wait. The police never showed up. I'm not sure if the manager faked his phone call in front of me or what that deal could possibly be. I have never had anything like this happen before, and clearly feel horrible and wanted to apologize. I hope this business finds a new manager; I've worked in the service industry for over 10 years and he clearly had no idea what he was doing as a manager In an actual time of need. I pray the patron is ok. Who knows what the manager will say to the police. Or who they even called. But I hope they patch up the second floor patio to be safer, perhaps higher than a one inch ledge, and not arranging seating directly below in the danger zone. Or they certainly need to become more expectant and prepared for freak accidents. Have never felt so horrible in my life leaving a restaurant.

• in addition/edit. I notice if you filter for the reviews over the last month or so they are all very low. Ads up with my review...

Oakside is an absolute delight for anyone visiting big bear. They are perfect for an intimate couples dinner, family friendly, pet friendly and perfect for gatherings. I usually only visit here as a couple since this is our favorite place to come for daytenight. I find this is one of the only places with an extensive upscale style cuisine hidden in a casual setting. A fairly large cocktail menu and generous portion size for the appetizers alone make for a perfect place to gather. They offer outdoor, indoor and an upper deck lounge for your dining experience. One of my favorite features about dining here in the evening is being able to sit around the fire side table with a great drink, meal or dessert.

When it comes to the food this place does not lack in flavor and has something to offer for anyone regardless of your dietary restrictions. I have celiac and sea food allergies and they are very accomodating which is very important for diners like myself. Although I come here mainly for their unique and delicious cocktails and dessert their appetizers hold a special place in my heart. We like to start our evening with their roasted Brussel sprouts and onion straws. The Brussels are roasted to perfection and coated with a delicious honey Sriracha sauce. I usually need a separate side of sauce because I love dipping my tempura battered onion straws in it. If we do go for entrée items we opt for the Chicken mushroom ravioli for myself and my partner devours the Mac n cheese with added sausage and caramelized onions at an extra cost. Their pasta dishes are mouth watering delicious and bursting full of flavor. Your taste buds feel as though they to are jumping for joy each bite. My second weakness would have to be their giant meatballs that my partner and I often share. Please keep in mind portion sizes are very generous and make perfect shared plates if your having trouble deciding. If by some miracle you still have room for more finish off with my personal favorite, five layers of chocolaty heaven chocolate cake. I'd love to be able to guide you through their cocktail menu as I do consider myself a cocktail enthusiasts, but get weak in the knees for a good whiskey and their menu is extensive. If I had to choose my personal favorite would be their peanut colada and any of their mules. As always they are handicap friendly however my wheelchair doesn't fit in through the restroom door so if your unable to transfer this may be a struggle since it's narrow. But don't just take my word come experience for yourself the delight...

Oakside – Big Bear’s Best-Kept Secret (But Not for Long)

I don’t wanna give away the secret because you fools are gonna come and take my seat at the bar. But in Big Bear, the place to be is definitely upstairs at Oakside. Warm and inviting, with the perfect mountain vibe, it’s a total contrast to the downstairs, which feels like Carrow’s from the ’90s (you’d never guess they’re the same place).

So, when the power went out in Big Bear thanks to some wild winds, we went on a mission to find warmth—and what do you know, we ended up back at Oakside. Honestly, where else would we go?

Let’s talk food. We’ve almost tried it all (okay, that’s a lie, but I’m pretty sure everything’s amazing). The bone-in ribeye? It’s basically a flavor explosion. The brussels sprouts? Even people who don’t do sprouts will devour them. And the baked potato? Loaded just how it should be—minus the dairy for me (sad face, but that’s on me, not them).

As for drinks, I was eyeing the Prickly Pear cocktail—because seriously, its color alone made me want to be on a beach somewhere. $18 to take a picture with that beautiful drink? I’d do it in a heartbeat. Alas, I wasn’t paying, so I stuck to beer and wine. The Cabernet the bartender recommended? No clue what it was, but he probably knows—just ask him, he’s got the wine knowledge on lock.

And then, the espresso martinis started flowing. Apparently, the power outage really threw everyone’s morning routine off, so what better way to recover than with a little espresso and vodka? Everyone who missed their coffee that morning was making up for it in the afternoon.

We’ve been to Oakside more times than I can count, and honestly? Everything they serve is worth it.

But the real magic? The locals. This place draws them in like moths to a flame, and the social spectacle is half the fun. I saw a total stranger take a bite of someone else’s pizza—and honestly? I loved it. Even better? I got that chick’s number so we can stay at her Airbnb next time we’re in town.

When the power went out in Big Bear, Oakside was the spot to be. So, next time you see us there—say hi. We’ll definitely be back.

🚨Sidebar I’d like to formally apologize for clearly not taking any photos of this beautiful place or the people watching or the espresso martinis but hopefully my candor in this review has helped you to understand that you’ve gotta go...