Oakside Big Bear review of food, service and setting

Oakside's own website presents a full-service restaurant and bar with a menu spanning seafood, steak and flatbreads.

Reviewers often mention attentive, friendly staff and the polished mountain dining room. They also report that waits can build at peak dinner periods.

Oakside is located at 40701 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. The restaurant presents its menu as California cuisine within a rustic modern setting. It operates from a restored three-story oak building that was first constructed in 1989.

The downstairs area offers seating options including private booths and tables with views of the Village. Outside, the patio features a large fire pit surrounded by bar-height seating. The upstairs section contains a full bar, lounge seating, and televisions for watching sports.

An outdoor balcony provides views of the treetops and mountains. Oakside's beverage selection includes 17 mostly craft-beer taps, more than 250 whiskies and boutique spirits, and a broad range of wines.

Oakside is situated 1.5 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

Our score breakdown

Our overall score for Oakside is 7.6 out of 10. This score is a weighted sum of four distinct criteria, each contributing to the final assessment of the establishment.

Criterion scores

The Food and Drink criterion, which accounts for 40% of the total score, measures the quality and range of what is served. Oakside received a score of 8/10 for this aspect. Reviewers often mention a broad menu and full bar as strengths.

Value, representing 20% of the score and measuring what visitors get for what they spend, was rated at 7.5/10. This aspect considers the overall worth provided to patrons.

Service and Wait, also 20% of the score, assesses how guests are served and the duration of any waiting periods. This criterion also scored 7.5/10. Strengths noted include attentive service, though peak waits can be a limit.

The Setting criterion, making up the final 20% of the score, evaluates the room, the view, and the atmosphere. Oakside scored a 7/10 in this area, with the polished log-cabin dining room being a notable strength.

Our verdict for Oakside is that consistent food, attentive service, and the log-cabin dining room contribute to its score. However, peak waits can interrupt the dining experience, and the establishment is less suited to a quick meal.

A taste of what to expect

Oakside offers a diverse selection of appetizers and entrees. For starters, consider the Cowboy Bites, a blend of cream cheese, sweet corn, bacon, and jalapeño peppers. Another option is the truffle grilled cheese, featuring Monterey Jack, brie, truffle oil, bacon, and fig jam on sourdough bread. If you prefer something lighter, the roasted beet and blueberry salad comes with goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette.

The main courses include several choices. You can opt for street tacos filled with tempura-battered cod, skirt steak, or shredded chicken. For a heartier meal, Oakside serves sliders made with Cajun turkey meatloaf, pulled pork, or chopped American Wagyu steak. Additionally, the menu features Korean-style meatless beef, teriyaki meatless chicken, and sweet-chili vegetable bowls for those seeking plant-based options.

More dining considerations

When it comes to wings, Oakside provides jumbo or boneless varieties, accompanied by your choice of hot buffalo, garlic Parmesan, or mango-habanero sauce. Their truffle fries are prepared with Parmesan and herbs, served with chipotle ketchup and garlic aioli. For dessert, the menu includes crispy bread-pudding bites, which are served with a whiskey sauce.

Oakside accepts requests for large parties.