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Sonora Cantina Big Bear Lake

Sonora Cantina Big Bear Lake

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4.4 (1101)

Mexican Restaurants Restaurants

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Sonora Cantina is a mexican restaurant in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Sonora Cantina Review Summary

The summary is generated by AI, based on reviews.

Reviews & Ratings

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4.4

(1101 Reviews)

5

4

3

2

1

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Ivan Vrabie -Google user

3 months ago

This was a great place for a happy hour. The tacos were tasty, good margaritas and the price was great as well. Sitting outside and inside, dog friendly. The server was helpful and attentive. Overall I recommend giving it a try

Dinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkNo waitPlenty of parkingFree parking lot

Tyler Harman -Google user

a year ago

Great food, chips and salsa are amazing as well. Was surprised by the sombrero tostada, it was large taco salad type dish versus what I normally think of as a tostada. The description says as much but was still a pleasant surprise in execution. We...Read More

Dine inLunch$30–50Atmosphere: 4Carne Asada Plate

Ro Rober. -Google user

2 years ago

Firstly...Service was terrific. Our waitress Amy was dynamic working at a speedy, polite and professional pace when the restaurant became busy after our entry. Secondly... the food was delicious, hot and well prepared. Finally...this was our first visit to this place in Big Bear. ...Read More

Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Plenty of parkingFree parking lotParking in rear at restaurant entry

Cynthia Villalobos -Google user

a year ago

Great service, beautiful environment the food was so good. Seasoned perfect. The fajitas for 2 was really for 3-4 ppl. Great people definitely recommended!!!!

Dine in$10–20Atmosphere: 5

Clark Rector -Google user

6 years ago

We came here on Father's Day 2019, we found the portions size more than large enough and the drinks to be heavy handed both things we couldn't complain about. The food was excellent great flavors and my wife and I think it's the best Mexican...Read More

Anthony Haag -Google user

a week ago

Great place. Tasty food. Polite service. Enjoyed atmosphere

Lunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5No waitPlenty of parkingFree parking lot

Samara Urtiz -Google user

a year ago

My fiance brought me to this wonderful restaurant and it was AMAZING! I give it an approval on true Mexican food(I'm Mexican). Better than any restaurant up here in the mountains. I live in Cedarpines Park, I love to support our local businesses and this...Read More

Dinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Highly recommendPlenty of parkingFree parking lot

Rochelle Flores -Google user

Edited 2 years ago

Cute decor. Good food, drinks were huge and good. I had a Paloma, the hubby ordered the house margarita. Margarita turned out sweet but the Paloma was just right. 8/9/2023 Visited again last 8/7/2023 Our server was awesome. Good food like always. Always a great time here! See...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50Atmosphere: 5Chile Relleno, Rice and BeansPlenty of parkingFree parking lot

geo79 amg -Google user

Edited 3 years ago

We found this hidden gem a few years ago while visiting Big Bear. The first time we came we were staying across the street from the restaurant it was snowing this particular day but it was within walking distance from our cabin. My first impression...Read More

Dine inDinner$30–50

Ryan King -Google user

5 months ago

Came here for my birthday dinner with my fiancé. Service was very fast. The food was delicious and comes in large portions. Staff was very friendly too. Friday night in April wasn’t too busy.

Atmosphere: 4

Rob Mauricio -Google user

a year ago

Had an amazing experience here. Had a combo burrito with red sauce. It came with beans, rice, and cheese. The chicken was extremely flavorful and tender. Had a mango margarita, and it was really well made. It's definitely a place I would like to...Read More

Dine inLunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5Shredded Chicken Burrito Dinner with Green Sauce, Burrito, Enchilada

robert cutteridge -Google user

a month ago

Great food and drinks! Taco Tuesday is where it's at!

Dinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5No wait

Lisa Pologeorgis -Google user

3 years ago

What a great find! We were looking for open patio seating on a Tuesday summer night. Sonora Cantina had a fabulous patio and happy hour deals all Tuesday evening. The service was great and only outmatched by their serving sizes and margaritas! We had shrimp...Read More

Dine inDinner$10–20

Clint Augustyn -Google user

2 years ago

You can tell a lot about a restaurant when you go in as a table of one, or if you arrive less than an hour before closing. On this occasion, I was visiting Big Bear Lake and was looking for a place to dine -...Read More

You can tell a lot about a restaurant when you go in as a table of one, or if you arrive less than an hour before closing. On this occasion, I was visiting Big Bear Lake and was looking for a place to dine - just myself; it was shortly after 8pm and many restaurants were closed or would at 9pm. I chose Sonora Cantina. I drove right by at first, missing the driveway. But after turning around and into the parking lot, there was ample parking. You enter this restaurant from the parking lot, There was a gentleman in the bar (one of the first things you encounter) who was friendly and quickly took me to a booth. The booths here are colorful artistry and everything felt very clean. The menu was lengthy and located at the table on a stand. The server very quickly offered a drink and returned quickly with it and some chips and salsa. The chips were perfectly cooked and salted, and the salsa was medium in spice, which really hit the spot. I settled on a Chimichanga Combo made with shredded beef (you choose the meat). When it arrived, it was large and appealing. Guacamole and sour cream were included and were sufficient for the size of the meal. Everything was served piping hot. The chimi was absolutely delicious, with tender and flavorful meat. There was no excess grease and the tortilla was lightly fried - not too soft or too crunchy. The beans were also very flavorful with a lot of cheese on top. The rice also had a pleasant flavor, and again - everything was nice and hot out of the kitchen. I got full and had to give up well before I had eaten all of the feast placed before me. Throughout the meal, the server appropriately checked in on me and made sure all was well. As a table of one and within an hour of closing, I could have had a bad experience. Not the case here: I was treated as a friend, never felt rushed or like I wasn't worth their time. Indeed, I had a wonderful meal and great service. I will be looking forward to stopping by again next time I am in town!

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 4Shredded Chicken Burrito Dinner with Green SaucePlenty of parkingFree parking lot

Amy Hansen -Google user

5 months ago

Best carnitas ever!!!!!!! The skinny margaritas is the best I've ever had and the chips and salsa are to die for!!!!! I can't say enough about this place, just wish it was closer to home. Very friendly service and food comes out fast.

Linda Rizzardi -Google user

a month ago

I did a take out taco bar at Sonora Cantina for one of my Quilt Retreats in April 2025 and again Sep 25. Both times excellent food, well packed and ready to set up! Ordering was a breeze and Maria is...Read More

Other$10–20Food: 5

John Ca -Google user

a month ago

They had a wonderful little happy hour food selection. Great chips and salsa. Wonderful servers with great attitudes. And it's right near our home. This will probably become our little family getaway

$1–10Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizes

Patrick Wallace -Google user

3 months ago

I love this place. It's my new favorite Big Bear restaurant. I go there whenever I'm in Big Bear. Great food, even better service, and decent prices. If you go during happy hour the prices are incredible.

Atmosphere: 5

Dennis Guillen -Google user

3 months ago

Amy attended to us and she was fantastic! She even gave their hot sauce, wow it was mucho caliente! Great food, good prices, and nice vibes eating outside. We will definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Dee Dee -Google user

4 months ago

This restaurant is probably one of the better mexican places in Big Bear. I had the Carnitas soft taco plate and it was very good. Refried beans are a bland ( needs some garlic/onion flavor) but the rice is really good. Salsa, guacamole and...Read More

Atmosphere: 4

Features

Service options

Outdoor seating

Takeout

Dine-in

Delivery

Highlights

Fast service

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Happy hour drinks

Happy hour food

Hard liquor

Healthy options

Quick bite

Small plates

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Dinner

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Amenities

Bar onsite

Restroom

Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Trendy

Crowd

College students

Groups

Tourists

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

Children

Good for kids

High chairs

Kids' menu

Parking

Free parking lot

Free street parking

Parking

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