Barnstorm, located within the Big Bear Airport, is a unique dining spot that offers more than just a meal—it provides an experience.
As you sit by the large windows overlooking the runway, you can watch planes take off and land, adding an exciting twist to your breakfast or brunch. This hidden gem is a favorite among both locals and visitors who fly in just for a taste of its delicious offerings.
With a menu that caters to all your breakfast cravings, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere, Barnstorm is a place where great food meets memorable moments.
- Address: 501 Valley Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314
- Phone: 909-585-9339
- Hours: Opens at 7am (hours subject to change)
- Website: TheBarnstormRestaurant.com
overall rating:
AMBIANCE
First Impressions
Barnstorm is a hidden gem located inside the Big Bear Airport. Its unique location offers a wall of windows facing the airport’s plane parking area, where you can watch planes take off and land, adding a delightful touch to the dining experience. It’s a popular spot where people fly in from different places just to eat and then take off again.
We arrived around 9:00 AM on a Sunday morning during a holiday weekend and were pleasantly surprised to find no wait. We had our pick of seating, opting for a spot by the large windows overlooking the runway.
As we enjoyed our breakfast, the restaurant quickly filled up, yet even as we left, there was only a small party waiting to be seated—a testament to the efficient service and the perfect timing of our visit.
Decor
The decor is simple yet charming, featuring a plane motif that complements its airport setting perfectly.
Comfort
The seating area is all indoors and is comfortable, with a spacious layout that allows for a relaxed dining experience.
SERVICE
Staff Friendliness
The staff at Barnstorm were incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. They were attentive and quick to respond to any needs, ensuring that your dining experience was both comfortable and enjoyable.
Efficiency
Service is prompt and efficient, ensuring that your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. The food was warm when it came out, so you can savor each bite at the perfect temperature, adding to the overall satisfaction of your meal.
Knowledge
The staff is well-informed about the menu and offers great recommendations tailored to your preferences. They recommended the hollandaise sauce, and it was a perfect complement to the dish, adding a rich and flavorful touch that elevated the entire meal.
FOOD
Menu Variety
The menu at Barnstorm offers an impressive variety that kept the airport theme with names such as Propellers and South of the Runway.
They had something to satisfy every breakfast craving which made it hard to choose which one to order. This just means we need to go back again and again to try them all.
They feature numerous versions of French toast, eggs Benedict, and Mexican breakfast dishes, alongside classics like pancakes, eggs, omelettes, and waffles. Each breakfast plate comes with your choice of sides, including hash browns, potatoes, cottage cheese, or fresh fruit, ensuring a well-rounded and customizable meal.
Main Course
Crab Cakes Benedict
The Crab Cakes Benedict at Barnstorm is a true culinary delight. This dish features two perfectly poached eggs delicately placed over two Maryland-style crab cakes, which are rich, flavorful, and bursting with fresh crab meat.
The crowning glory is their famous hollandaise sauce, which is smooth, creamy, and adds just the right amount of tang to balance the savory crab cakes and eggs.
Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making this dish a must-try for any breakfast or brunch enthusiast. I had to stop myself from licking my plate clean!
Kid’s Pancake Plate
This is a delightful treat that will bring a smile to any child’s face. It features a fun Mickey-shaped pancake that can be customized with your choice of Nutella, chocolate chip toppings or have it plain. The pancake is then crowned with a scoop of warm butter and a dollop of whipped cream arranged in a happy face shape, making it as adorable as it is delicious.
The plate also includes a side of eggs cooked to your liking. And your choice of bacon, sausage link, sausage patty, or fresh fruit.
The scrambled eggs were cooked to perfection—light, fluffy, and just the right amount of seasoning. The sausage link was a standout, with a juicy and flavorful bite that complemented the eggs beautifully.
The side of warm, gooey syrup is perfect for drizzling. This plate is a perfect balance of fun and flavor, sure to make breakfast a memorable experience for the little ones.
Beverages
Barnstorm offers a great selection of drink options to complement your meal. You can choose from a variety of Pepsi products, including all the classic favorites.
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, they also offer iced tea and lemonade, with the option to mix the two for a perfectly balanced Arnold Palmer.
For a more traditional breakfast beverage, you can enjoy a glass of juice, milk, or indulge in a sweet treat with their rich and creamy chocolate milk. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or a comforting classic, Barnstorm has a drink to suit your taste.
VALUE FOR THE MONEY
Pricing
Barnstorm offers fair pricing that reflects the quality and variety of their menu. They even go the extra mile by offering a 10% military discount, making it a budget-friendly option for those who served.
Portion Sizes
The portion sizes at Barnstorm are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied. In fact, the servings are often large enough that you might have leftovers to take home and enjoy later.
Overall Value
Overall, the value at Barnstorm is excellent. With fair pricing, ample portion sizes, and the added perk of a military discount, you get a lot for your money, making it a great choice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Highlights
Barnstorm’s hollandaise sauce is the true star of the menu. Silky, rich, and perfectly balanced with a hint of tang, it elevates every dish it touches.
Whether drizzled over the perfectly poached eggs in the Crab Cakes Benedict or served as a recommended side, this sauce adds an indulgent, flavorful finish that sets Barnstorm apart.
It’s no wonder the staff proudly suggests it—this hollandaise sauce is a must-try, making any meal at Barnstorm a memorable experience.
Room for Improvement
It’s hard to find anything that needs improvement.
The food is consistently delicious, the service is prompt and friendly, and the ambiance is both unique and welcoming. Every detail, from the generous portion sizes to the expertly crafted hollandaise sauce, reflects a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
With such a well-rounded experience, there’s little, if any, room for improvement—Barnstorm truly delivers on all fronts.
Final Thoughts
Barnstorm is among one of the Breakfast Restaurants in Big Bear and is a a hidden gem that offers a unique and satisfying dining experience in the heart of Big Bear Airport.
With its charming plane-themed decor, generous portion sizes, and standout dishes like their Eggs Benedict topped with their exceptional hollandaise sauce, Barnstorm impresses on every level.
The friendly and efficient service, combined with fair pricing and a 10% military discount, makes it an excellent value for money. Whether you’re a local or just flying in for a visit, Barnstorm is a must-visit destination where every meal feels special. With nothing left to improve, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
