Big Bear Mountain Brewery

I'm a big admirer of beer.  It was my first trip to Big Bear.  How could I not stop here?

I walk in to a crowded bar and every table full.  Not surprising or disappointing, since it was dinnertime.  After standing in the foyer for a few minutes, observing the three employees buzz about and feeling like I'm being watched by the locals, I finally approach an employee at the bar and ask if I can put my name on a list for a table - there's no list, I just have to hover about and find a spot when one opens.  Oookay, wierd.  I try to order a delicious brew while waiting for a table, but am told that I have be seated (any where) before I can order anything.  Seriously?  What bar in America (besides this one) does this?

I finally get seated.  I order the beer sampler/flight, and it comes in plastic cups.  Really?  Overlooking that, I notice the menu is varried and looks decent.  The food comes, and is a step above bar food.  That's actually okay with me, since, well, I'm in a brewery.  The service speed was good, though the waitress was scarce.  (I also saw her mess up an order at an adjacent table.)

Like much of my experience in Big Bear, I was disappointed.  Maybe my expectations were too high.  Thinking Big Bear is the South Lake Tahoe of southern California is the wrong thing to do.  Likewise, thinking BBMB is on par with a Gordon Biersch or a BJs will leave you sadly disappointed.

My hubby & I were up at mountain for 4th of July week and the hubby is a craft beer lover.  So we had to try the local brewery.  Good thing they are not know for quick service or good sandwiches.  My hubby enjoyed the sampler and almost took a growler home, but decided nah. The most disappointing part of the visit was how long it took to make a turkey sandwich & chile cheese dog.  We arrived to an unhappy server-no personality, maybe having a bad day. My hubby ordered a turkey sandwich and the description of the sandwich was a mountain of turkey breast - I guess one slice indicates a mountain, because that was all that was on the sandwich.  I had a delicious chili cheese dog...  what we found odd is it took 1/2 hour to make a hot dog and a sandwich.  For a first time visit it was disappointing.

My husband and I had an pale-ish ale and the Tangerine beer.  Both great.  I read a review where someone compared the Tangerine beer to Shock Top.  I disagree.  I think this Tangerine is much better.  The smell and first flavor in your mouth is very distinct where with Shock Top, I feel it's more muted.  I like both but would choose this place's Tangerine every time.  Lots of stuff on the walls to look at.  A lot of conversation pieces.  I love that while we were there, an elderly couple walked in and sat down to eat.  I liked that the atmosphere wasn't off-putting to any particular age group or culture.  I thought it was a tad pricey.  Not much outdoor seating...or indoor seating for that matter.  We didn't eat there but the food we saw go out looked good.