The Cookshak — Restaurant in Big Bear Lake

5/19/24 11:30AM My hungry family of 5 came here for some lunch and at the time of our arrival were the ONLY customers. As soon as we climbed the stairs the waiter explains he has no brisket, 1 rack of ribs and no chicken and a party of 15 coming in in 40 minutes. We hadn’t even sat down yet and I was immediately put off this place. We were hungry though and he said he had everything else on the menu basically besides the bbq. When they just opened and we looked to be the first customers. He didn’t want us to sit at a larger 5 seater table because of the group that would be coming in in 40 mins so we then chose to sit outside. The view of the lake was nice we liked it out there!😊

Once situated outside, He came out and asked us then to make sure we scoot all together in case anyone else came, of course no problem. But for having no customers also seemed rude. We finally ordered. Food was good and everyone enjoyed it. But once the party arrived behind us all the sudden I hear people ordering brisket etc… all the things he told us they did not have.

The whole reason we came was to order some bbq. That’s what we wanted. As the first customers in there for lunch, it was extremely rude to tell us we can’t sit where we want (being the only customers at the time) and before we could even sit down telling us all the things they are out of upon opening and being the only ones there really.

I won’t be going back with my family. The waiter was attentive and provided good service but his thing about the unavailable menu items before we even sat down ( but party of 15 that came in after us were ordering those things) in combination with the seating fiasco… was I feel, somewhat rude and turned me...

This hidden gem of a BBQ restaurant can be found behind the Elks Lodge off Village Drive. Let’s get the bad out of the way, and that is the restaurant is only open Thursday through Sunday from 1200 – 1900 hours, which limits our enjoyment of this gastronomic delight. Now the good, everything here is over the top in quantity and flavor and will be a sure hit to all that love Southern BBQ food. When you arrive, you will walk up to a small window and place your order, then take a seat as your order is prepared. Our recommendation is the “3-meat combo,” which comes with two sides and trust us, you will not be disappointed with your meal. Some might consider some of the meal prices high, but we are always willing to pay a little extra for that perfect rack of ribs or brisket. The restaurant only offers take-out or outside picnic table dining under numerous fabric covers. I believe on the weekends they might have some type of live entertainment since there is a stage in the corner of the dining area. There is plenty of free parking on the north and east sides of the building but there are no restrooms available, at least we could not find any. Anyways, bring your appetite because you are going to need it and what you cannot finish there, you can bring the rest home in...

BLUF: Was very sceptical about the 5-star review. But it's true! Food was very tasty , great portion, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!

Ordered: Pastrami dip with sweet potato fries Fish and chips with steak fries Mushroom burger with onion rings

Taste: Everything was tasty! This place is the real deal if you want a sandwich/burger. Pastrami dip was flavorful, bread is soft toasted to just the right crunch outside. Mushroom burger was salty, but it tasted very good Fish and chips was very tender, fish seemed fresh (not fishy) the batter was thin and crispy, definitely one of the better fried fish I've had. All fries were good portion and tasted good. Fried to perfection too! Kids enjoyed the sweet potato fries especially. But steak fries was great too! Onion ring is just above average. Great batter, but seemed slightly under fried cuz it's slightly wet inside.

Price: $50 Definitely very reasonable considering COVID raised price on everything. They didn't charge extra for subbing for sweet potato fries or onion rings. Definitely a huge plus. Kids were very happy with the variety...