The Cookshak

It has been nearly a decade since I have had BBQ this tasty. The brisket melts in your mouth, and the baby back ribs are smoked to perfection. The gumbo is fantastic, and the mac n cheese is absolutely incredible! I am definitely looking forward to the next time I visit this restaurant to try more of their incredible food.

Published 6 months ago

Carolina BBQ sauce & BBQ sauce is amazing.
The pulled pork tots. Delicious! My favorite is the coleslaw they top it with.
Our server was extremely friendly and very attentive. He was on point with his item suggestions and very positive.
The entrées, well served and delicious. Everything we ordered was home cooked. This Cook shack isn't going to be a secret for long!!

Published 8 months ago

The vegetarian sandwiches are sooooo good! (We forgot to take photos before digging in)

We got the mushroom veggie (our favorite) and the sunshine veggie. Honestly, they were some of the best veggie sandwiches I’ve tried.

Non-vegetarians nearby seemed to be enjoying their dishes as well!

Definitely don’t miss this spot!!

Published 7 months ago

Update! As of April ‘24, they’ve upgraded their space! Now occupying a cute little dining room at the front of the Elks Lodge! Food is as wonderful as always, and Garret was a pleasure to chat with. Big things are in store for this spot!

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A hidden gem! Tucked away behind the Big Bear Elks Lodge is a little walk up window serving some big flavors! House smoked meats, charbroiled burgers, there’s something for everyone. One of the best kept secrets of the big bear valley. Service is pleasant, the atmosphere is a whole vintage vibe, and the prices are very fair considering the quality and care given.

Published a year ago

Great chickpea veggie sandwich. Super yummy. They had a couple of other veggie options too. Ryah was super friendly. Really enjoyed sitting on the deck too.

Published 5 months ago

Killer Brisket Sandwich! Great value!! We split it and were full! Killer views of the Lake!

Locals! We need to support this place! It’s a gem!

Published 5 months ago

The food here was awesome. The smoke ring on the brisket was nice and thick. They also have authentic Cajun food that takes you right to the bayou. Will definitely go back to when I want a taste of Louisiana and some stick to your ribs BBQ

Published 9 months ago

We tried to get an order to go. Walked in and the place was busy. So we tried to order online. We got charged but when we went to check on the order it never went through. So he asked what we wanted and said they were out of Mac and Cheese. We ended up just leaving out of frustration from already waiting a half hour. Very disappointed. The food looked amazing. We did receive a refund . They need to get better help and fix their on-line order system. You would think that would help their business not hinder it.
We ended up having Mexican food it was amazing .

Published 5 months ago

Published 4 months ago

We tried to get an order to go. Walked in and the place was busy. So we tried to order online. We got charged but when we went to check on the order it never went through. So he asked what we wanted and said they were out of Mac and Cheese. We ended up just leaving out of frustration from already waiting a half hour. Very disappointed. The food looked amazing. We did receive a refund . They need to get better help and fix their on-line order system. You would think that would help their business not hinder it. We ended up having Mexican food it was amazing .

Published 5 months ago

Killer Brisket Sandwich! Great value!! We split it and were full! Killer views of the Lake! Locals! We need to support this place! It s a gem!

Published 5 months ago

Southerns approved! Delicious food, great views and even nicer people!

Published 5 months ago

This place is beyond delicious! 100% recommended. The Pulled pork pretty much melts in your mouth! And of course all the blues music playing makes it more authentic to the flavors of the food and soul they provide here!!

Published 5 months ago

Great chickpea veggie sandwich. Super yummy. They had a couple of other veggie options too. Ryah was super friendly. Really enjoyed sitting on the deck too. Vegetarian options: Great chickpea veggie sandwich and other veggies options.

Published 5 months ago

I eat here normally 3 to 5 days a week. Either lunch or dinner. It is always constantly good a cooked amazingly. I recommend the cookshack to anyone that asks. I don t normally leave reviews but for this place I will. Garret is amazing at service a the Pittmaster Sean is an awesome chef.

Published 5 months ago

Possibly the worst food experience I ve ever had.

Published 6 months ago

Great find! I loved the barbecue chicken and brisket and enjoyed the baked bean, and mac n cheese. Everything was great!

Published 6 months ago

We had an excellent dining experience at this restaurant. The food was exceptionally delicious, the service was friendly and pleasant, and the prices were very reasonable. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great culinary experience

Published 6 months ago

I have so many good things to say about this place the less great things arent even worth bringing up. My wife and I visited here on a friday evening based on the rating. All I can say is the food here is OUTSTANDING and the server/s worked harder than any servers in Big Bear. The night we came in they seemed to only have one server taking care of three differant dinning areas. It was a bingo night for locals. One of the cooks had to help out because the place was packed. I was amazed at our waitresses poise and porfessioanlisim even though she was clearly overwhelmed. Because this is an Elks lodge and a bingo night, I felt like I found a hidden gem in Big Bear. The people here are friendly and always offer a smile. The only thing that I wouldve liked was a cold beer with my dinner. They dont serve alcohol to nonmembers, but I think I overheard they will soon be able to serve alcohol to nonmember guests. So, if its a busy night, be patient and kind because its worth the wait.

Published 6 months ago

We had a hamburger and pulled pork sandwich. Everything was delicious! Our server, Garrett, was awesome! Very attentive and fun to talk too. Great music and decor. We will definitely be back next time we visit Big Bear Lake.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Amazing, albeit limited vegetarian/ vegan options. Fantastic BBQ. Dog Friendly. Will definitely be visiting again. Thanks for the Great food!! Its tough feeding a family with a bunch of dumb dietary disciplines and keeping everyone happy. Im glad I forced them all to come to the cookshak. Everyone left happy and full! Vegetarian options: Surprisingly really really good.

Published 6 months ago

Used to have my favorite blt sandwich. I would drive for hours for it because it was so perfect. They changed the menu. Love the location. Love the people. Love the Carolina sauce. Brownie sundae is excellent. Tried the creme Brule but it came out soft. Im thinking Ill retry the creme Brule when its cooler out. They serve quality food, but with the BLT off the menu I cant say when Ill next make the trip- unless it comes back. Then Ill come a lot.

Published 6 months ago

It has been nearly a decade since I have had BBQ this tasty. The brisket melts in your mouth, and the baby back ribs are smoked to perfection. The gumbo is fantastic, and the mac n cheese is absolutely incredible! I am definitely looking forward to the next time I visit this restaurant to try more of their incredible food.

Published 6 months ago

had a cool view outside, pricing was fair

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

We had a great meal very casual place with a view of the lake from the deck. Brisket sandwich and burger were both very good. BBQ sauces also really good.

Published 6 months ago

Published 6 months ago

Our group of 4 had dinner on a Thursday. The service and ambiance was great. Unfortunately, all our food arrived cold. I had the ribs which could have been more tender. One side I chose was jambalaya which was just flavored rice and andouille sausage. It could have been better. Other people had brisket which they thought was good.

Published 6 months ago

Gumbo is amazing! Well smoked bbq meats and great service. Very well priced. Parking: Parking was super easy on a Thursday Food : 5/5 |

Published 6 months ago

We loved it

Published 6 months ago

Published 7 months ago

Ambiance is casual with a view of the lake. Service is exceptional. The mushroom burger is great. I wish they had a larger salad selection.

Published 7 months ago

Server was super nice with good recommendations, food came quickly, and everything was reasonably priced and delicious

Published 7 months ago

Best Restaurant in Big Bear!

Published 7 months ago

Everythings good here . Its a secret little spot but the food is great. I recommend the smoked pulled pork sandwich. Perfecto! Food : 5/5

Published 7 months ago

The vegetarian sandwiches are sooooo good! (We forgot to take photos before digging in) We got the mushroom veggie (our favorite) and the sunshine veggie. Honestly, they were some of the best veggie sandwiches I ve tried. Non-vegetarians nearby seemed to be enjoying their dishes as well! Definitely don t miss this spot!! Vegetarian options: Multiple delicious sandwiches / salads to choose from!

Published 7 months ago

Interesting barbecue served at the Elks Lodge. Definitely worth a try when in Big Bear. Friendly staff who try hard. Nice view of the lake over the parking lot and good portions.

Published 7 months ago

Absolutely fantastic!!! One of my favorites in town! Lots of choices for everyone. Im vegan and the Sunshine Veggie is the best salad Ive ever had. Wonderful service and super friendly people! Lakeviews are beautiful! Must try!

Published 8 months ago

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 off completely.

Published 8 months ago

Published 8 months ago

Published 8 months ago

Published 8 months ago

Great food in a cozy environment. Our waiter went above and beyond to take good care of us.

Published 8 months ago

Carolina BBQ sauce & BBQ sauce is amazing. The pulled pork tots. Delicious! My favorite is the coleslaw they top it with. Our server was extremely friendly and very attentive. He was on point with his item suggestions and very positive. The entrées, well served and delicious. Everything we ordered was home cooked. This Cook shack isnt going to be a secret for long!!

Published 8 months ago

Published 8 months ago

Brisket is the best EVER. The onion rings are the bomb. The California Roast beef is one of the most fabulous sandwiches I have ever had. Super friendly atmosphere.

Published 9 months ago

The food here was awesome. The smoke ring on the brisket was nice and thick. They also have authentic Cajun food that takes you right to the bayou. Will definitely go back to when I want a taste of Louisiana and some stick to your ribs BBQ

Published 9 months ago

Updated update! We went in yesterday for lunch to try out items added to the menu. My expectations were exceeded! I tried the red beans and rice as well as their gumbo. Best ever. The portions are generous. Everybody likes to feel like the money they spend is worth it. This is well worth it. From the first bite you know there is no skimping on quality. You can see it, smell it and taste the quality of their ingredients. The service is fun and friendly. Just say yes to The Cookshak! Update review! I had the burger for lunch today. Fantastic! It more than the flavor. A burger has to feel right, and it does! The steak fries that come with it are perfect, too! Amazing sandwiches! The potato salad and coleslaw were fantastic, too. Its my new favorite lunch place.

Published 9 months ago

Update! As of April 24, they ve upgraded their space! Now occupying a cute little dining room at the front of the Elks Lodge! Food is as wonderful as always, and Garret was a pleasure to chat with. Big things are in store for this spot! A hidden gem! Tucked away behind the Big Bear Elks Lodge is a little walk up window serving some big flavors! House smoked meats, charbroiled burgers, there s something for everyone. One of the best kept secrets of the big bear valley. Service is pleasant, the atmosphere is a whole vintage vibe, and the prices are very fair considering the quality and care given.

Published 9 months ago

Had a burger here the other day that was one of the best burgers I ve had in a while. Highly recommend. Looking forward to trying their barbeque.

Published 9 months ago

Amazing burger!

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

So yummy!

Published a year ago

The best sandwiches ever. Highly recommend their smoked turkey sandwich . Absolutely delicious. They smoke it themselves.

Published a year ago

Y all this place SLAPS. Tartar sauce was lemony and delicious - definitely home made. Fish and chips perfect. The cole slaw was also really really tasty and fresh. The French dip was so good, too! Would definitely come back again and again.

Published a year ago

Great time

Published a year ago

Very drab atmosphere (had to scoot around a dumpster to get in) the view 9f the lake was a plus.

Published a year ago

Food was great very nice time

Published a year ago

The food was amazing. So perfectly delicious. Every employee was fun, warming, and kind. The best smoked brisket I ever had...thank you, Sean. Your food is magical.

Published a year ago

Wanted to support a local restaurant that had vegan options while visiting Big Bear and came across this spot. With a vibe that makes you feel like your in your back yard or if your in our living room (inside), the food taste just like that. Friendly service, you might even feel like it s your tio in the kitchen grilling. They turn impossible meats into a meatball sandwich and burger. I had the sandwich and it left me stuff! Happy Munchies, @aVeganAndHer

Published a year ago

In the rear of the Elks Lodge, very good food with outdoor tables to take in the big bear beauty.

Published a year ago

Large menu Vegetarian options: They had it on menu Parking: Limited Kid-friendliness: Yes Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Had the bbq pulled pork which was solid! The sauce tastes homemade and pork was not dry.

Published a year ago

Nice place for a quick very casual bite. They have a couple of vegetarian options too which is nice. Recommend!

Published a year ago

FISH AND CHIPS ARE FANTASTIC. CUSTOMER SERVICE A 10 Kid-friendliness: Kids loved the chicken strips! Food : 5/5 |

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

Great Food!!

Published a year ago

Published a year ago

I ordered fish and chips to go. I was very happy with the meal.

Published a year ago

Published 2 years ago

Great food and friendly staff.

Published 2 years ago

Great service and tasty food!

Published 2 years ago

One of the best spots in Big Bear, will be back alot. Fish and chips and the French dip were super good.

Published 2 years ago

We ordered 2 hamburgers with fries and 1 cheese burger with onion rings for take out. All three were raw in the middle, and had to be microwaved at home, and kids refused to eat it after that. Disappointing $40 meal....

Published 2 years ago

Great spot, dog friendly, great service!

Published 2 years ago

Published 2 years ago

A friend and I eat at this place while we were visiting Because they had very high reviews on Google. The food was very disappointing, and overpriced. The quality of the food, and quantity left a lot to be desired. I would never eat there again, and I highly recommend that you dont.!!

Published 2 years ago

Phew was this place difficult to get to, but its worth it. We ordered a cheeseburger with steak fries and pulled pork sandwich with tater tots. The food was ready quickly and came out hot. Lots of pork on the sandwich and the fries were seasoned well. We didnt have much interaction with the staff, but they seemed friendly enough. Wouldve been nice to have an alcoholic drink with our meal, but the food was delicious.

Published 2 years ago

Very quite place,and good food! Nice stuff

Published 2 years ago

I went there because it had a high rating on Google Maps. I ordered a sandwich and a hamburger and they were delicious. I think the food tasted the best Ive ever had in Big Bear. The owner is also very kind. However, its a bit dark to eat inside the store, so its better to eat it outside at a small table. I think it would be good to eat it as a package.

Published 2 years ago

The food was really good and the staff are great.

Published 2 years ago

I had delicious fish and chips here today after reading great reviews. Loved it and will be back soon!

Published 2 years ago

Great food. Best tri tip in town.

Published 2 years ago

3 days in big bear, my family and I didnt really find anything amazing food wise including tropicali. This was the last restaurant we came to and you can tell they put in a lot of effort in their food. We ordered five different things and everything was great including the sides. Its a bit hidden and not in sight like the other restaurants so it wasnt busy which was a plus for us because we didnt have a lot of time to eat. If youre a vegetarian the sautéed mushroom sandwich was really good. The staff was also super friendly.

Published 2 years ago

Decent pricing, decent food, friendly service. I came here with a pretty large group (13 people), and we were all served in good time. My fiancee and I ordered a pastrami dip with onion rings and chicken tenders with tater tots with 2 drinks. With tax and 20% tip, I spent about $36. The onion rings were the best part. Theyre very crunchy without being burnt, which is A+. The pastrami was decent but not super flavorful. The bread was a solid French loaf. The tenders were not whole meat pieces, but they were decently meaty and crisp. The tots were like standard ballpark tots. There is no restroom. Theres only outside seating. In all, though not blown away, my family was happy and full. Parking: Theres a large free parking lot on the east side of the Elks Lodge.

Published 2 years ago

Stopped by for the Fish & Chips. Freshly prepared and delicious. Comfortable outdoor dining separated from the Village atmosphere. I m glad I stopped in.

Published 2 years ago

Great Food, dont miss out

Published 2 years ago

Great food...

Published 2 years ago

The food was delicious. Everything from scratch, including the potato salad, yum. Staff was super friendly. Mostly retired folks working for charities and their community. All profits go to support all of the great things they do for the community they are in.

Published 2 years ago

They always take good care of me, always yummy

Published 2 years ago

Excellent food great prices

Published 2 years ago

Really glad I found this place. I had a great sandwich with good steak fries.

Published 2 years ago

Wow. A true hidden gem. Hidden in the back of the elks lodge. Great food. Great people. The food quality here is outstanding. Each time I return I get something new and everything I have tried has been excellent. Its my new favorite spot to come to pick up some grub in big bear.

Published 2 years ago

Great veggie sandwiches.

Published 2 years ago

BLUF: Was very sceptical about the 5-star review. But its 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 Ive 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 its slightly wet inside. Price: $50 Definitely very reasonable considering COVID raised price on everything. They didnt charge extra for subbing for sweet potato fries or onion rings. Definitely a huge plus. Kids were very happy with the variety of selections.

Published 2 years ago

Really yummy food (vegan options too) and awesome service.

Published 2 years ago

Great food, friendly service, lots of vegan options. No public bathrooms.

Published 2 years ago

The food was so wonderfully yummy, that you dont even realize youre inside a bingo hall. Its rather difficult to find, remember to park in the upper parking lot and walk around the back of the building. If youre looking for a super fancy restaurant, this is not it.Looking for super yummy homemade food, this is for you. They were incredibly busy when we got there with constant phone orders and phone orders and delivery orders, but they still manage to get our food out extremely quickly and it was super duper good.

Published 3 years ago

The cook, Matt is a great guy and a great chef, delicious!

Published 3 years ago

The place looked unassuming, the dining room definitely not the typical venue, but it was worth the confused walk to find the place. The food was incredible, the guy taking our order was welcoming and friendly and even the chef came out to ask how the food was. Would absolutely come back in a heartbeat!

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Great food!

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Heard great things about cookshack so I called in an order for lunch today. Even though it took me forever and my sandwich is cold (totally my fault) its absolutely delicious!!! Looks like I found my new favorite lunch spot!!

Published 3 years ago

Casual walk-up counter ordering, lines of picnic tables on the patio, and a menu with the basics plus vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. A great easy lunch after a hike. Enter the Elks parking lot and drive to the back. Look for the sign on the fence pointing towards the walkway to the patio.

Published 3 years ago

A little pricey for a burger but the food was excellent. Dad and I split two burgers so we each tried half of the Blu and half the Mushroom. We agreed both are worth coming back for and having again.

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Truly lovely little place, tucked away in a gorgeous nook under the mountain. The food was scrumptious and super customizable. Great experience, and highly recommended!

Published 3 years ago

Super friendly! Outdoor dining and the food is delicious! Thank you, Sean, for your hospitality!

Published 3 years ago

Great food and customer service. We had the hickory smoked tri-tip sandwich which was amazing! They are temporarily located behind the Elks Lodge which gives it a more, off the beaten path, feel.

Published 3 years ago

Good food small building ..but easier to call and place a order then to order on the site

Published 3 years ago

Super cozy, cute place with the nicest staff. They have Impossible meat so vegan-friendly burgers and meatball subs are on the menu ! Lots of outdoor seating, free parking (!) and pet-friendly.

Published 3 years ago

Great food! My son and I tried the shak pull pork sandwich and it was phenomenal! My daughter tried the fish n chips and she really liked them! I am quite picky regarding food, and I think this place is really worth a visit!

Published 3 years ago

Was recommended this place by a friend and was not disappointed! The mushroom burger was really good and the service was even better. This is a nice little spot to enjoy good food and spend time with a few friends in an open space!

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

Fantastic food and excellent customer service! Would definitely come back.

Published 3 years ago

Only regret is I didnt come here sooner will be coming here allot for great burgers and sandwiches .. best Onion rings in town and a good contender for best berger in town . Laid back peaceful location super friendly service and fair pricing .. outside location so perfect for a lunch date with your doggo great bbq style sandwiches Id recommend what I had but it all looked great

Published 3 years ago

Great food, even better service. Incredibly kind workers who checked in with us after we ate, and even helped us find a place to swim. My veggie sandwich was great and so were my girlfriends buffalo wings! Plus very nice outside tables to eat at.

Published 3 years ago

Amazing made to order sandwiches and burgers.Very generous portions and the service is great! Seating is outside in a park like setting in the open air. So far my favs have been the Italian sandwich and the pulled pork. Their tots as a side are a must! They offer a kids menu also. Pet friendly! I love when I can bring my dog out with me.

Published 3 years ago

Delicious! Highly recommend the corned beef brisket and fish and chips. Takes a little longer because it s all prepared fresh. Corned beef is smoked on the spot. Made my husband want to hug the chef.

Published 3 years ago

Some of the best food on the mountain the cornedbeef brisket sandwich is out of this world

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

The food was wonderful, the service was great. I haven t had such a good sandwich since I went to Jerry s Famous Deli in The Valley!!!!!!!!

Published 3 years ago

Fresh food, great service, .And good portions

Published 3 years ago

Published 3 years ago

super great service & delicious food!! I had the the turkey sandwich, its cooked fresh at the elks and they slice it there, its seriously a lot of meat in the sandwich!!! it s delicious & I would recommend anyone to try this place!

Published 3 years ago

My kids loved the fries so much, I had to get more for them to eat later lol I had the meatball sub, it was awesome, I also ate some of my daughters turkey sandwich because it looked good and it WAS really good, lots of turkey, just how she likes it. My son ate half his cheeseburger but he is 4 and it is humongous and I also had a bite of that and it was REALLY good. Everything was really good plus there was dog bowls for our dog Banjo to use (I love pet friendly places). It was a beautiful day to sit and watch all the visitors drive up. I definitely found a regular spot for our family. I edited and added our second trip because my kids woke up and wanted to eat there again... lol thats the impossible burger, my little one ate half of it (I got it for myself lol)

Published 3 years ago

Food was great. Service terrific

Published 3 years ago

Stopped by to promote this local business. The food was fantastic. I had the pastrami and an order of onion rings. The servers were friendly and the service was great. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a great Sandwich. I will be eating here again soon

Published 3 years ago

Brought my dog and had a hamburger and fries, it was so much food, I couldnt finish it all but it was really, really good. It was nice just to sit and enjoy the view of the tourists driving up, great spot, I will definitely be returning frequently to try everything

Published 3 years ago