The best BBQ restaurant in Big Bear Lake

Enjoy bold flavors and Southern hospitality at The Cookshak. It’s the best place in Big Bear Lake Village for takeout, delivery, and catering!

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Experience Southern flavors and soulful blues at The Cookshak—a culinary journey through hospitality and excellence.

Big Bear’s Best BBQ

Experience Culinary Bliss at The Cookshak

At The Cookshak, we serve up bold flavors and warm Southern hospitality in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village. Our menu features hearty sandwiches, juicy burgers, crispy fish & chips, BBQ favorites, and Cajun-inspired specialties. Whether you’re grabbing takeout, ordering delivery, or dining on our scenic patio, every meal is a flavorful journey. Experience the best soul food in Big Bear, one bite at a time!

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Experience Southern Comfort

Taste the Flavors of the South at The Cookshak

In the heart of Big Bear, The Cookshak is a hidden gem. It offers the rich, smoky flavors of traditional barbecue to locals and visitors. Whether you love BBQ or are trying it for the first time, our restaurant offers a great dining experience. You will want to come back for more. We’re often told that we are the best barbecue restaurant in Big Bear. Come find out for yourself!

Best Sellers
Burgers
Cajun & Po’boys

California Brisket …………………………….. $21.00

High stacked slow smoked brisket, Ortega chiles, Swiss cheese, tomato and mayo on Parmesan crusted sourdough. Served with fries.

2 item combo …………………………….. $29.00

Choice of mesquite brisket, barbeque chicken leg quarter, pulled pork, ribs, grilled sausage, or cheddar jalapeno sausage. Served with cornbread and your choice of 2 sides (potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, mac & cheese, vegetables, side salad, jambalaya, and gumbo).

Family Pack …………………………….. $120.00

Your Choice of four (4) meats: 1 lb. of Brisket, 1 lb. of Pulled Pork, a Rack of Ribs, 1 lb. of Sausage links, 1 lb. of Cheddar Jalapeño Sausage Links, and 1 Large Chicken Leg Quarter. Comes with 2 Large Sides & 4 slices of Cornbread.

Hamburger …………………………….. $15.00

1/3 Lb. Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mayo. Sub Impossible patty & Veganaise $2.00

Mushroom Burger …………………………….. $18.00

1/3 Lb. Burger with sautéed mushrooms and garlic, Swiss cheese & mayo.

Cheeseburger …………………………….. $17.00

1/3 Lb. Burger with Choice of Cheese: American, cheddar, pepper jack, provolone or Swiss Cheese with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mayo. Add Bacon $2.50

Gumbo …………………………….. $15.00

Authentic Cajun Gumbo teeming with chicken & Andouille sausage served over rice with a side of cornbread.

Fried Shrimp Po’Boy …………………………….. $18.00

Classic Cajun sandwich served on a French roll, loaded with golden crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Served with fries.

Smoked Turkey Po’Boy …………………………….. $17.00

Classic Cajun sandwich served on a French roll, loaded with slow smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Served with fries.

Smoked Brisket Po’Boy …………………………….. $18.00

Classic Cajun sandwich served on a French roll, loaded with slow smoked brisket, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Served with fries.

Reviews

Word from customers

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!!!!

allie r.

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 Cookshak isn’t going to be a secret!!

Andee h.

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.

ellise m.

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.

Vegan a,

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.

samantha j.

The Cookshak

Takeout & Delivery restaurant | catering

hour opening

Indulge in Southern culinary delights at The Cookshak. Savor bold flavors and enjoy impeccable service in our warm and inviting atmosphere, nestled in the heart of Big Bear Lake Village.

MONDAY ————————— CLOSED

TUESDAY ————————– CLOSED

WEDNESDAY ———— 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

THURSDAY ————– 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

FRIDAY —————– 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM

SATURDAY ————– 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM

SUNDAY —————- 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Why Choose The Cookshak

Unparalleled BBQ & Signature Brisket

At The Cookshak, BBQ is our passion, and it shows in every dish we prepare. Our signature brisket is the star of our menu, slow-smoked for 12 hours to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. This meticulous smoking process infuses the meat with a rich, smoky taste that melts in your mouth. It’s no wonder our brisket is a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts—so popular, in fact, that it often sells out. To ensure you get to enjoy this culinary masterpiece, we recommend visiting us early.

Our regulars love us not only for our exceptional quality and unique atmosphere but also for our diverse menu, lively music events, and convenient amenities.

Here’s Why Our Regulars Love Us: