Mark Krulas

Review of Big Bear

This is our go-to place for entertaining guests.

This is our go-to place for entertaining guests.

There's usually a bit of a wait, especially during prime time, but it's worth it. Even if you call in ahead, expect to wait a bit if you go on a Friday or Saturday night.

The food...where to begin. If you don't have a big appetite, stick with the appetizers or just get the beer cheese soup in a bread bowl. It's outstanding. Portions come in somewhere between generous and ridiculous. The first time I was there I ordered the beer cheese soup and the blackened ribeye sandwich, and I left literally in pain from eating too much!

A favorite is the volcano shrimp, we always get that as an appetizer. A close second is the spinach artichoke dip.

The pizzas are quite good. I often order the bistro sliders as it's a little less food than other choices (I can't eat as much as I did when I was younger!). I've had the french dip, and while it wasn't really up my alley (they serve it with pretty rare prime rib, but it's cold, with not quite enough au jus), it was still very tasty. We've had numerous other entrees there and everyone always seemed delighted with their choices.

It's a little on the spend side, but absolutely worth it.