Azteca Grill Big Bear review for casual Mexican dining

The restaurant's own website identifies a Mexican menu that includes Baja-influenced dishes, while its restaurant information highlights the cantina format.

Reviewers frequently mention friendly, efficient staff, the salsa bar and margaritas. The outdoor seating is useful in suitable weather but is seasonal.

Azteca Grill is a restaurant located at 40199 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. They offer Baja-style Mexican food, with a menu that includes American breakfast dishes alongside traditional Mexican options. The restaurant provides online ordering for takeout.

Signature dishes

The restaurant highlights several dishes as specialties. These include Azteca Shrimp, Enchiladas del Mar, and Azteca Quesadillas. These items represent the Baja-style Mexican cuisine served at the establishment.

Dining atmosphere

Visitors can expect a dining experience that combines familiar breakfast items with distinct Mexican flavors. The restaurant is situated on Big Bear Boulevard.

For those looking for a meal to go, online ordering is available. The restaurant's location in Big Bear Lake places it about 2.1 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

Our overall score for Azteca Grill is 7.4 out of 10. This score is a weighted sum of four different criteria that help us evaluate dining experiences.

Food and drink

This criterion measures the quality and range of what is served. Azteca Grill scored 8 out of 10 in this area. Reviewers frequently mention the salsa bar and margaritas as notable aspects of the dining experience.

Value and setting

Value, which measures what you get for what you spend, received a score of 6.5 out of 10. The setting, measuring the room, view, and atmosphere, also scored 6.5 out of 10. The limits mention a casual setting rather than a destination dining room, and patio use depends on the season.

Service and wait

The service and wait criterion, measuring how guests are served and how long the wait is, earned a score of 8 out of 10. Strengths noted include friendly, efficient service. Reviewers often mention the staff in this regard.

Our verdict is that the food and friendly, efficient service are what carry the score for Azteca Grill. The setting contributes less to the overall evaluation.

When looking at dining options near Snow Summit, Azteca Grill is a Baja-style Mexican option among other local spots. It is about 2.1 miles from Snow Summit's main address, placing it further away than Grizzly Manor Cafe, about 0.9 miles from Snow Summit's main address, and Hacienda Grill, about 0.5 miles from Snow Summit's main address. For those prioritizing proximity, Hacienda Grill is the closest option.

In terms of dining categories, Azteca Grill is a Baja-style Mexican restaurant. This distinguishes it from Grizzly Manor Cafe, which focuses on American breakfast, and 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge, offering New American cuisine. Hacienda Grill also serves Mexican food.

Comparing scores, Azteca Grill has an overall score of 7.4/10. 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge and Grizzly Manor Cafe both score 7.5/10, while Hacienda Grill also scores 7.5/10. Azteca Grill scores 8/10 for Food and drink, matching 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge but lower than Grizzly Manor Cafe's 9/10. Its Value score is 6.5/10, the same as 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge, but lower than Hacienda Grill (8/10) and Grizzly Manor Cafe (7.5/10).

Service and wait scores show Azteca Grill at 8/10, higher than Grizzly Manor Cafe (6/10), 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge (7.5/10), and Hacienda Grill (7.5/10). The Setting score for Azteca Grill is 6.5/10, which is lower than 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge (7.5/10) and equal to Hacienda Grill (6.5/10). Grizzly Manor Cafe's Setting score is 6/10.

Each venue appeals to different preferences. Azteca Grill is noted as best for happy hour. 572 Social Kitchen & Lounge is best for live music, while Grizzly Manor Cafe is best for a big breakfast. Hacienda Grill is recommended as best for family dinner. Visitors seeking a specific experience, like live music or a large breakfast, might prefer the alternatives.

The menu at Azteca Grill

Azteca Grill offers a variety of Baja-style Mexican dishes. Their Aguachile features shrimp prepared in cilantro, serrano chiles, onions, and lime juice, then topped with cucumber, tomato, and onion slices. For a different seafood option, the Shrimp Wrapped in Bacon consists of cheese-stuffed shrimp enveloped in bacon and deep-fried. The Enchiladas del Mar combine fish and shrimp with bell peppers and onions, all served in a red enchilada sauce.

Heartier options include the Birria Soup, a slow-cooked beef stew seasoned with chiles and spices, served with onions, cilantro, and tortillas. The Don Juan Burrito comes with a choice of two meats, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and Monterey Jack cheese. For a vegetarian selection, the Veggie Burrito includes bell peppers, onions, green and red cabbage, zucchini, and whole pinto beans. The Azteca Quesadilla combines Monterey Jack cheese with steak, shredded beef, and shredded chicken and is served with guacamole and sour cream.

Appetizers and sides

Beyond the main courses, Azteca Grill also serves Avocado Fries. These are breaded avocado strips presented with pico de gallo and chipotle ranch sauce.