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El Jacalito Grill

Founded in 1907, we have served over 1.3 million guest nights over the last 113+ years!

Many people would have you believe that the best Mexican food in California is nestled away in San Diego. This would make sense, as it is the closest major Californian city to the country of Mexico. Well, these same people have likely never visited the El Jacalito Grill in Big Bear. This is where you will find the most authentic Mexican cuisine with a twist that is unique to Big Bear. An experience here is marked with fresh food and friendly faces. Restaurants in Big Bear Village are fan favorites!

Wonderful Mexican Food

Even the most well-prepared food can taste sub-par if the ingredients are not fresh and of high quality. That is why the journey of each and every meal prepared here starts with the freshest ingredients these chefs can find. The ceviche is made from the freshest fish caught a few miles away in the Pacific Ocean. The chicken and beef in appetizers like the flautas and quesadillas is locally sourced whenever possible. And of course, the avocados are grown in California.

Appetizers like these and many more set the stage perfectly for an incredible range of options when it comes to your entrée. Many of the most popular are the fresh caught seafood dishes like the Shrimp Empanizado, Mojarra Frita (Whole Fried Tilapia), and the Filete de Pescado. All of these dishes are served with rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and tortillas. If you are not much for seafood, then you will find the most tender carne asada, slow cooked carnitas, and much more. There are even great options for the vegetarians out there who are craving some fresh Mexican flavors. Incredibly prepared ingredients can come in whatever fashion you like, from tacos and burritos to chimichangas and quesadillas. It is so easy to tailor your meal to your tastes here.

Big Bear City Restaurants

The food is very important here, but this family-run business is adamant about serving it in a casual and welcoming environment. Everything from the décor to the paintings on the walls, is designed to create a cheery atmosphere where you can relax and simply enjoy some of the best Mexican food in the area. Visitors find their meals taste that much better when they feel taken care of by the amazing staff here.Big Bear City restaurants have something for everyone!

When you have a craving for Mexican food, there is nowhere except El Jacalito for you and your family. Come and see them at 535 Pine Knot Ave and be swept away with not only amazing food, but an amazing overall experience. It is sure to quickly become your go-to restaurant whenever you are in town.

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