Big Bear Lodge - Hines

The food here is fantastic, particularly the burgers and sweet potato fries. They offer a great selection of quality beers on tap. What impresses me the most is the well-constructed building, featuring beautiful pine wood that gives it a cozy, log cabin feel, along with stunning animal mounts adorning the walls. I visit this place for about a week each year, and it has become one of my must-visit spots.

Four of us made the mistake of dining here based on a local's recommendation, and it turned out to be a poor choice. The vodka tonics were served with lemon instead of lime, despite our specific request for lime. The nachos were disappointing, with stale chips and just a small amount of Velveeta-style cheese. The burgers were overcooked and tough, the buns were soggy, and the fries were cold and bland. Overall, it was a waste of both time and money.

This lodge is a hidden treasure. The dining area features beautiful wood and river rock elements. The menu is still evolving, offering appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. I tried the blue cheese crumble salad, and it was excellent. We sat at the bar, where the bartender was friendly and knowledgeable about the local area. There were plenty of options for beer lovers, but the wine selection could use improvement. We'll definitely come back to eat here on our next visit to Burns.

Big Bear Lodge seems to have closed.