Santana and Mavericks is a hidden gem in Big Bear Lake, offering a unique dining experience that combines a diverse menu with a picturesque lakefront setting. Tucked away behind clusters of local lodgings and private homes, this cozy and casual spot is perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxed meal with a view.
As one of the few lakefront restaurants in Big Bear Lake, the back patio, is pet-friendly, making it an ideal spot for guests who want to bring their furry friends along. As you dine, you might even spot a few friendly ducks roaming around, adding to the charming, laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, American, Italian, Asian, or French cuisine, Santana and Mavericks has something to satisfy every palate, all while offering a warm, welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home.
We arrived at around 5:45 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon during a holiday weekend and were pleasantly surprised to be seated right away, with no wait. Our entire visit lasted about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with a significant portion of that time spent waiting for our food.
While the wait was longer than expected, it gave us the opportunity to relax and take in the stunning sunset over the lake, adding a peaceful element to our dining experience.
- Address: 41072 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
- Phone: 909-878-0047
- Hours: 11am to 9pm (subject to change)
overall rating:
AMBIANCE
First Impressions
Tucked in behind small clusters of lodging and nestled next to private homes, Santana and Mavericks feels like a true hidden gem. The quiet, residential atmosphere gives it a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path vibe, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed dining experience.
Decor
The decor at Santana and Mavericks has a casual, rustic feel, with a mix of wood accents and local touches that give it a cozy, mountain-town charm. The simple yet thoughtful design makes it easy to feel at ease as soon as you walk in.
Comfort
Santana and Mavericks offers a homey feel that makes you feel like you’re dining in a friend’s backyard. The inviting atmosphere, combined with cozy seating, creates a space where you can easily unwind and enjoy a relaxed, comforting meal in a laid-back setting.
SERVICE
Staff Friendliness
Despite being short-staffed, the team at Santana and Mavericks works tirelessly to ensure every guest feels welcome. They greet you with a smile and maintain a positive attitude, even during busy times.
While there may be some wait, it’s clear that the delay is not due to a lack of effort but rather the limited number of staff members doing their best to keep up with the demand.
Efficiency
The staff at Santana and Mavericks demonstrates impressive efficiency, especially given the challenges of being short-staffed.
They make it a priority to clear tables promptly, ensuring that waiting guests can be seated as quickly as possible. Their attentiveness to keeping the flow moving smoothly is evident, and it helps minimize the wait time despite the busy atmosphere.
Knowledge
The servers are impressively knowledgeable about the diverse range of cuisines on the menu. They can confidently guide you through the various food and alcohol options, offering helpful recommendations and detailed descriptions of each dish and signature drinks.
Their familiarity with the menu ensures that you’ll find something that suits your taste, no matter what cuisine you’re in the mood for.
FOOD
Menu Variety
They offer an extensive menu that caters to a wide array of tastes, featuring a diverse selection of cuisines including Mexican, American, Italian, Asian, and French.
Whether you’re craving a classic burger, a flavorful taco, a hearty pasta dish, or something more exotic, the menu has something for everyone. The variety ensures that no matter your preference, you’ll find a dish that satisfies your palate.
Appetizers
The appetizer menu is a delightful mix of flavors and styles, offering something for every palate. Start your meal with their refreshing shrimp cocktail shooters or dive into the crispy, golden fried calamari.
For those who crave something heartier, the carne asada fries are a flavorful treat, while the Asian sampler brings together a variety of tastes with an assortment of savory bites of spring rolls and lobster money bag rolls.
Fried Calamari
We started our meal with the calamari, and it did not disappoint. The calamari was perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, making for an ideal bite.
It came with fresh lemon slices, allowing us to drizzle a burst of citrus over the calamari, enhancing its flavor. Paired with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, this appetizer was a delightful start to our dining experience at Santana and Mavericks, setting the tone for the rest of the meal.
Main Course
The main course selection at Santana and Mavericks is as diverse as it is delicious, offering a rich assortment of dishes from various cuisines.
For those craving French flavors, the Poulet à la Crème is a creamy, indulgent delight. If you’re in the mood for something from the Asian menu, the Teriyaki Salmon offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The Italian section features a mouthwatering Scallops and Shrimp Pasta that’s sure to satisfy seafood lovers.
For this review, we sampled their Mexican cuisine along with the standard cheese pizza.
Steak Fajitas
The steak fajitas at Santana and Mavericks arrived sizzling on a hot plate, creating an enticing aroma that immediately grabbed our attention.
The steak was tender and seasoned to perfection, offering a flavorful and satisfying bite. Accompanied by a mix of green and red peppers that were cooked just right—not overdone but still full of flavor—this dish was a true highlight.
The Mexican rice that came with it was tender and infused with rich, savory flavors, while the beans, whether you chose refried or black, were soft and creamy, adding a comforting texture to the meal.
The dish also came with warm, soft flour tortillas that were just the right thickness—pliable yet sturdy enough to hold the generous portions of steak, peppers, rice, and beans without falling apart. The tortillas had a slightly toasted flavor that added a subtle, satisfying depth to each bite.
The fajitas were a generous portion, easily enough to serve two people. It’s a hearty and delicious option that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own with leftovers to spare.
Pizza
The homemade 8″ cheese pizza was a delightful choice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
The dough was soft with just the right amount of chewiness, providing a perfect base for the pizza. The sauce was well-balanced, not too overwhelming, allowing the flavors of the dough and cheese to shine through. The cheese was melted to perfection, creating a creamy, gooey layer that complemented the soft crust.
Desserts
Although we were too full to indulge in dessert, Santana and Mavericks offers a tempting selection of classic treats for those with room to spare. Their dessert menu features beloved favorites like tiramisu, New York cheesecake, and crème brûlée.
We’ll definitely make sure to leave room next time so we can indulge in one of these delicious options, as they promise to be the perfect sweet ending to an already satisfying meal
Beverages
We opted for the jalapeño margarita over ice, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The drink had just the right amount of spiciness, adding a bold kick without overpowering the other flavors.
It was well-balanced and not watered down, allowing the refreshing taste to shine through. The rim of Chile and lime seasoning blend added a tangy, slightly spicy touch that complemented the margarita perfectly, making each sip a delightful experience.
We also tried the Bloody Mary, which delivered a solid, classic experience. The drink had the standard taste you’d expect, with a good balance of tomato juice, vodka, and spices. While it didn’t have any surprising twists, it was a reliable and satisfying choice for those who enjoy the traditional flavors of a well-made Bloody Mary.
VALUE FOR THE MONEY
The pricing at Santana and Mavericks is fair, offering good value for the money, especially considering the quality and taste of the food. You get generous portions and a variety of flavorful dishes that make the meal worth every penny.
Additionally, they offer a 10% discount if you pay with cash, which is a nice perk for those looking to save a little extra. However, keep in mind that there’s an added 3.99% charge if you choose to pay with a credit card.
Despite this, the overall experience makes it a worthwhile dining option with a lake view.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Highlights
The true standout at Santana and Mavericks is the combination of a diverse menu and stunning lakefront dining. Offering a wide range of cuisines that cater to various tastes, the dishes are as flavorful as they are satisfying.
The picturesque lakefront view adds a unique touch, making your meal all the more enjoyable. The casual, cozy ambiance, nestled behind local lodgings and private homes, enhances the charm of this hidden gem
The game room at Santana and Mavericks, featuring two pool tables, offers a great way to pass the time, especially if you find yourself waiting a bit longer for your food. Given that the restaurant can get busy, particularly on weekends and holidays, the game room provides a fun distraction.
Instead of simply waiting at your table, you can enjoy a friendly game of pool, making the wait feel much shorter and adding an extra element of entertainment to your dining experience. This thoughtful addition enhances the casual, laid-back vibe of the restaurant, ensuring that even during busy times, there’s something enjoyable to do while you wait for your meal.
Room for Improvement
While the food and service are commendable, the wait time can be a bit long during peak hours due to the limited number of staff. Although the team works hard to manage the flow, it might be beneficial to have more staff on hand to reduce wait times and ensure an even smoother dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Santana and Mavericks offers a delightful dining experience with its varied menu, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere.
Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, American, Italian, Asian, or French cuisine, there’s something for everyone. While there’s a bit of room for improvement, particularly in managing peak times, it’s important to note that you might have to wait a bit for your food, so it’s best not to arrive starving.
With fair pricing, flavorful dishes, and a beautiful lakefront view, Santana and Mavericks is a great choice for a satisfying meal in Big Bear Lake.
Santana and Mavericks offers a delightful dining experience with its varied menu, friendly staff, and cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, American, Italian, Asian, or French cuisine, there’s something for everyone.
