Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Tropicali in Big Bear Lake

4.9 (199) 40616 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, United States

Categories

Hawaiian restaurant

Location on the map

Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California, US

Phone: +1 909-878-0499
Site: https://osotropicali.com/

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–6 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:Closed
Thursday:11 AM–6 PM
Friday:11 AM–7 PM
Saturday:11 AM–7 PM
Sunday:11 AM–6 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.9

199 Reviews for Tropicali 2024:

Review №1

2024-06-19 05:00:33

My husband and I had no expectations of the quality of food, nor of the service. We were simply looking for fun relaxed atmosphere, and hoped the food would be good. Luckily, that bet paid off in full! The staff was very friendly, the food was great, and the eclectic mix of 2 island nations worked well to create a fantastic anniversary dinner! I mean how could you go wing with a dish called Rastalavita! 😉

Review №2

2024-06-10 21:49:18

Super fun atmosphere (a little small inside, but they have outdoor seating too). The owners are really cool and were helping people in line figure out their orders.Some of the best Poki I’ve had for sure. Would definitely come back again and recommend to others.

Review №3

2024-06-29 22:00:48

The line went out of the door, BUT the line took about 35 min to get through. If they had a couple umbrellas out there for the summer is would be SO nice!Loved the staff they were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly :)Food I give a 4/5, it was great but not amazing. Out of the spots in the area I would definitely put this high on the list.

Review №4

2024-05-29 20:59:28

Goodness. This place is amazing. The service is even better! EVERY employee greeted us and even seemed genuinely interested in our opinion! Ive had food similar in Hawaii. This is prettyyyyy close!!! Like wow. Cant wait to go back.Only wish I can pay to add more scoops/protein ! And more room as this place gets PACKED!!

Review №5

2024-04-28 03:49:59

The vibes are chill. I enjoyed the decor and the poke bowls were good. The guys at this place make the experience unique! Had a great time! Thanks for bringing good vibes to this area. I think this is the best restaurant in town.

Review №6

2024-02-11 05:57:01

Tropicali is an amazing place to stop while in the Big Bear Lake area. They have a delicious fusion of Hawaiian/American food. Their service is hands down the friendliest and nicest place I have ever been to or experienced. For spice lovers, you have to get the Bob Gnarley sauce, it has everything you could ever dream of. Their waffles are delicious and the poke is both fresh and refreshing. I will be back here every time I am in the area

Review №7

2024-03-16 02:23:43

Amazing! We were visiting from Louisiana for my son’s 18th bday. The manager at the hostel we were staying in recommended Tropicali and we are so glad we took the rec. The atmosphere is so positive and fun; you literally cannot leave there any other way than happy. Super kind people. Food was fresh, flavorful, with just enough spice. And the waffle: smoked banana, cinnamon and fresh coconut whipped cream !!! Can’t say enough good things about this place or the people. ❤️

Review №8

2024-06-09 00:13:10

Got the Krakentoa (off menu item) and it was a yummy poke version of a crunchy roll. The staff call outs for names are so funny and the customer service is top notch. Personable from the cash register to the delivery. Seating inside is quite the vibe and outdoor seating is really nice. Pina coladidadi was refreshing and had a natural taste.

Review №9

2024-05-28 16:08:44

Delicious, fairly priced (considering the location and quality), great service with great recommendations from the staff. The atmosphere is a great. Highly recommend.

Review №10

2024-04-26 23:44:48

Immediately greeted with kindness and a contagious enthusiasm upon entering. We got the Malibu bowls (1 spicy and 1 sweet and spicy) and the Ensenada Chata. 10/10 would recommend. The passion is abundant here. Its a must stop for sure.

Review №11

2024-06-19 02:13:55

Awesome food and amazing service! Options are available for gluten free and vegetarian diet. They also were able to cater for my husbands sesame allergy. The food was so delicious and reasonably priced. We would definitely recommend.

Review №12

2024-06-29 21:22:49

Its like a mini trip to Disneyland with way better food. The bowls have so much fish in them and the sauce was spectacular. The drinks are smoothies/slushies only (no soda) but they really are refreshing. They are going to be moving to a larger location according to the staff, and it will be theyre final move. The customer service is stellar, and frankly they could teach a master class on it. Thank you for the great lunch.

Review №13

2024-06-23 21:43:04

Wish there were more stars to give. The absolute best experience. Local who heard I was from Michigan you’ll just travel for this place! It’s soooo good!

Review №14

2024-02-23 09:52:35

What a wonderful experience had here! The people working are lovely. The food is delicious but the service definitely makes it memorable. They remembered my name and helped me choose a meal based on my preferences. I will definitely be recommending this place to everyone!

Review №15

2024-01-06 06:00:38

This place was so unique. It was run by two brothers, both of which were beyond friendly, fun, and personable.My kids and I loved the food and drinks, and the customer service was over the top.My son got the Tikijuana (with extra spicy sauce on the side) and the Pima Coladidadi. He is super picky and he loved both.My daughter got the Pele and the Island Style cold brew and she enjoy them.I got the Choloha and Tiki Iced Tea and would definitely order them again.I would definitely come here again if we are in the area.

Review №16

2024-05-17 23:27:38

Staff shares their culture and is so open and friendly, asks lots of questions to give you a good eating experience. All the food was good, some got the tuna and was happy with the amount of tuna in each bowl, rice is also cooked very well. Personally had a rasta bowl and the jerk chicken was so tender and it did have quite a kick to it but all the flavors of the beans, protein, and rice meshed well. Tried a couple of the smoothies as well, no complaints. Indoor seating is beautiful, only issue is the seating outdoors had quite a problem with bugs not sure if that can really be helped due to location but I would love to try more of their menu the next time. Highly recommend: great service, good portions, and good quality food.

Review №17

2024-06-04 12:51:41

They have gluten-free options!! I was blown away at how amazing everything was. The servers are extraordinary and helpful. Answered all my questions and made recommendations to make sure we got everything we need. The cold brew was great and mocktail style. It tasted like a coffee cocktail but had no alcohol which was pretty cool. I highly recommend stopping by this place. They always have a line waiting to order but trust me, its worth it!

Review №18

2023-06-03 09:32:03

For Big Bear, it’s good. Nice to know big bear has a poke spot. If I went back, I would stop by this place again, try other things.The restaurant is clean and very fun. The decor is awesome. Be prepared to wait in line if you’re going during prime lunch rush. It doesn’t feel long at all though. The guy at the cash register was amazing! So fun and lively and enthusiastic. Made the whole experience even better. Amazing customer service and hospitality for sure!Food - it was good. But living in LA, I’m able to have bomb poke already. The fish was fresh, no bad “fishy” taste, all the other ingredients were on point too. I thoroughly enjoyed my bowl the Kraken, but ask for some of their spicy sauce to use. We originally wanted the Island Style waffle but they were out. So we settled with the Kahala and regretted it. The flavors were way too sweet and the coconut was too overpowering. Drinks and smoothies were good. Wouldn’t get the Luau plate again, the pork was too mushy.Parking - free and easy! Small lot but we didn’t have an issue getting a space.

Review №19

2024-06-21 00:25:48

Hands down one of the best poke spots in SoCal! A legit family owned business with that family feel! Friendly. Happy. Clean. They take pride in their ingredients! Everything is crafted so tasting. Such a breath of fresh air from the normal run of the mill resteraunt! I will be a customer here as long as they are in business. If you’re ever in Big Bear it’s worth a visit. The owners really take a lot of pride in their work ❤️ Truly unique

Review №20

2023-09-06 19:31:08

Stopped by Saturday evening around 5.45pm and learned Google did not update the closing time and was closing much earlier at 6pm (originally 7pm). The owners still allowed us to order to go but let us know most stuff was sold out. As we were hungry and heard great things about this place, we were up for anything.As one of the last orders for the day, they let us know one poke was still available and after discussing preference recommended the Kraken bowl. We also ordered a Tikijuana, a teriyaki chicken bowl. Food was prepared quickly and we ate this back in the hotel. Poke bowl was very tasty and included a lot of ahi tuna, cucumbers, wontons and eel sauce. They gave me a side of spicy sauce to try but was a bit too much for me. The chicken bowl was also good with large portions.Overall, this place had great food and nice owners. If you want to try this Id suggest go when it opens since things can run out near end of day due to being very popular.

Review №21

2024-05-05 01:23:31

This is truly the best poke I’ve ever had. And the bros behind the counter are super cool!Highly recommend this place.

Review №22

2023-07-27 00:06:12

Wonderful restaurant for tasty food! The portions are big and the food are really awesome with unique taste! I wasn’t sure to try their menu but after this visit I will highly recommend it when you visit Big Bear! They also have variety of drinks to try! The service was awesome and prompt! The cashier made sure that we are getting the taste which we desire!

Review №23

2024-01-21 18:11:18

The best Hawaiian restaurant I have ever visited. Nice atmosphere, great quality food, friendly and energetic service. I highly recommend the kraken bowl and island style.

Review №24

2024-06-27 22:34:30

I was looking forward to trying this place all week and had to wait out their weekly Tuesday and Wednesday closure. It did not disappoint. Absolutely top notch flavors and options for everyone. The service was friendly and enthusiastic as well.

Review №25

2024-04-28 21:00:11

I don’t have a photo to leave of the food because it was so amazing and I ate it so fast.The best employees, they love their jobs and love the food! One of the managers walked through the line to meet people and recommend food. We got an off the menu item, Krakatoa, a mix of two of the poke bowls. AMAZING.Their drinks and food and EVERYTHING, so good. Small line which always means the best food! Worth every penny.We were staying in Lake Arrowhead but had to make the trek over to eat here. You have to visit Tropicali!!

Review №26

2024-02-22 21:26:01

Expect long lines. Located right on the outside of the village. The building looks big but seats are limited. Food is good and friendly service.

Review №27

2024-06-16 19:19:32

One of the best meals I’ve had in a while and the service cannot be beat! The family that owns this place is super sweet and hospitable and fun. They go above and beyond to make sure the customer gets something they’ll love and they make you feel so welcome. I’m going to be craving this poke for a while. I think I’ve said “that poke was really good” 5+ times in the last 24 hours. It’s still on my mind. Try the tiki tea, too! It was perfect. I got the Cabo bowl.

Review №28

2024-03-26 20:31:03

Yeah, its as good as everyone says. I had the misfortune of going here right after it started snowing pretty hard, so the wait was over 45 minutes for takeout. This said, it *was* worth it. The people who work here are entirely too friendly for putting up with the sheer volume of people they went through that evening - I was very impressed. The main event was the food, however, and man was it good... I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys this sort of fare.

Review №29

2023-10-21 21:59:01

The best Hawaiian restaurant to visit! There are different choices of Hawaiian food, and they are delicious.This place is dog-friendly and there is only outdoor seating.Again, delicious food, the wait time is usually a bit long since its a popular place, and the food is quick to serve!

Review №30

2023-09-09 19:16:28

Great little surprise to find in Big Bear! Super food and super nice staff. Lovely patio made me miss Hawaii! Air Conditioned inside (which we went on a hot day)

Review №31

2024-06-28 16:06:53

As if this place needed another 5 start review haha! Yes its great, you should go. Great food, best fish to rice ratio, at least on mainland. Fun decor and service.

Review №32

2024-06-28 21:41:58

Actually phenomenal, i’m visiting the US from London and definitely one of the best places I’ve ever been to. Great service, atmosphere and food. the commitment to authenticity and the vibe here is immaculate. definitely recommend 10/10!

Review №33

2023-07-07 06:29:52

My husband and I grabbed this for dinner on our 18th wedding anniversary after our original dinner plans fell through. I got the Paniolo and my husband got the Pele bowl. Both were amazing tasting and the portions were big enough that I had leftovers. Well definitely be visiting again on our next trip to Big Bear. 💜

Review №34

2023-06-24 20:36:20

Amazing experience all around. Friendly staff. Fairly priced portions. Delicious food, but especially loved the drinks (Tiki Tea and Tropicali Gangster smoothie).We sat outside with our dog and they brought out water for her while we waited for our food! Definitely a must-try spot.

Review №35

2024-06-14 20:57:40

First time here, with a group of 12 including kids, and we’re all wowed. The service is amazing: everyone is STOKED. They seem to truly love what they’re doing. Food is just incredible, from more traditional poke bowls to unique fusion dishes. And the decor is out of this world, especially if you’re a tiki fan. About one million Easter eggs from places like Trader Vic’s, Tiki Ti, and even Disneyland’s Club 33. What a gem, and worth the wait in line (food comes out quick!). Can’t wait to come back.

Review №36

2024-05-22 20:41:47

Delicious BBQ, carnitas, and poke bowls! Amazing list of fruity teas made to order.Order at the counter and sit outside on a beautiful day or inside if its cold. Servers have a great sense of humor as they call out orders.

Review №37

2023-06-18 21:31:29

Food, service, and positive attitudes was top notch! Definitely a must here in Big Bear. The poke bowl was amazing and so was the Kraken! The passion fruit smoothie was also very unique and delicious. Highly recommend. Everyone there had friendly and enjoyable attitudes. You won’t be disappointed!

Review №38

2024-05-03 21:33:31

Delicious food and very fresh! Smoothies are REALLY good! The staff are super friendly and helped with recommendations for what to eat! Above and beyond service and quality! Will definitely be a regular here after todays visit :)

Review №39

2022-06-25 23:54:48

This is one if my favorite places that Ive eaten at in a really long time!! The customer service is 10 out of 10, the taste and quality of the food is 10/10. The staff and owner were so welcoming, checking on us, offering ideas on what to eat based on our food preferences. I got the kauai bowl add cucumbers with spicy sauce on the side. The prices are not overly expensive. The vibe is so relaxed really does remind me of living in Hawaii.

Review №40

2022-03-31 18:12:29

Tropicali is hands down one of my favorite restaurants I’ve ever been to! Can’t speak highly enough of this place, everyone who works there is so upbeat, kind & helpful! The customer service truly is above & beyond. The food is incredible, there’s so many options & all of the flavors are next level. If you are in the area, you definitely don’t want to miss this place, add it to the top of your list! We were only in big bear for a day & we ended up going for lunch & then going back for dinner because it was that good!

Review №41

2023-09-24 18:51:00

The greatest service I have ever received in any establishment, impossible to dislike. The family environment is addicting to be around and I can’t wait to be back. The food is so fresh and delicious. Some of the best smoothies I’ve ever had.

Review №42

2023-07-04 19:24:32

This place blew me away! I saw lots of great reviews and decided to check it out. Oh my goodness, Im SO glad I did! The inside is completely immersive in the tiki theme, super cute and welcoming. The staff was fantastic! The line was loooong (order at the counter service only), but I took it as a good sign. One of the owners was walking the line asking if people had questions, also asking guests very good questions about preferences to help direct them, giving details about flavors, food prep and taking time to listen and make personalized recommendations. I ordered an off-menu item (Krakatoa, which is a combo of two different menu items) based on a recommendation from the owner. It was fantastic! So fresh and their sauces are everything! Also ordered the shredded pork bowl (Luau, I think its called) and it did not disappoint! However, my #1 ordered item was the Island Style cold brew. Holy deliciousness! They packed it up for me to take for the morning, separating out the local made coconut/macadamia milk and even put the ice on the side for me so that I could throw it together fresh this morning. WOW. Over the top service and over the top delicious! Im coming here every time we visit.

Review №43

2024-06-25 03:04:21

Really cool place like no place youve ever been. Super inventive selection of food choices with interesting mixes of sweet, savory and spicy. A very cool find in Big Bear.

Review №44

2024-03-14 04:27:40

Really great service, they will help recommend what to get based on what flavors you like! Poke bowls were great. The waffle was one of the best I’ve ever had. Good smoothies too! Be prepared to wait in line though!

Review №45

2024-03-16 21:28:54

Delicious Hawaii style poke bowlsThe kraken is my favorite the place is popular and there usually is a line out the door

Review №46

2024-05-30 22:49:06

The best place to eat here. Great food, great service. Its worth the price.

Review №47

2023-02-05 15:22:54

Unexpectedly outstanding Hawaiian bowls. Chicken, beef, pork, tofu and of course ahi poke bowls available for any dietary needs alongside smoothies and cold brews. Awesome tiki decor atmosphere. Lots of positive energy from the staff who will help you pick your new personal favorite meal out here. A very popular stop for fulfilling post Bear Mountain dinner, and maybe a waffle for dessert too

Review №48

2024-03-18 22:31:42

The food and service here are excellent. One of the best poke bowls I’ve ever had, along with a great smoothy and waffle. Service was extremely friendly and welcoming. I will be recommending this place to others and we’ll be back during our next trip.

Review №49

2022-07-30 21:39:34

Stumbled upon this place because it shared a parking lot with my hotel. Great spot to grab a small bite. Portions are small for the price. Owners show a lot of passion, talk with you as if you’re family, very ohana, and help you decide which bowl is right for you. I got an off menu item, “krackatoa” which mixes two bowls together for the perfect combo of savory, spicy and sweet. Delicious!

Review №50

2024-02-25 02:57:06

The poke bowls are so delicious 😋! The drinks are so refreshing. My family and I, after a long day of skiing, love to come here. The owners always remember us, and spend extra time with us to talk. I definitely recommend this place, and it is so easy to call this place 5 stars. But every single day they are open, the line always goes far out the door.

Review №51

2022-07-25 01:55:36

This place is a one of a kind experience. At first glance it may seems out of place alongside Mexican or American food restaurants hou usually find in Big Bear. A restaurant like this is rare to find in LA, and in a setting like Big Bear that makes it even crazier that you would find such an awesome and unique venue all the way up in the mountains. Tropicali sets itself apart with a California-Hawaiian fusion food that all tastes delicious. We always make sure to stop at Tropicali at least once if not twice during our Big Bear trips. The staff are very high energy making for a friendly and welcoming experience that is rare in California.The portions seem small for the price but considering the fact how unique this food is it is well worth it.Please do yourself a favor and stop here.

Review №52

2021-09-27 01:13:04

Loved the Tiki lounge vibe—felt like I was stepping into Trader Sams! We ordered the veggie tofu bowl, the shredded beef bowl, and one of the tropical smoothie drinks they had and all were flavorful and satisfying. We felt so welcomed by the cashier who spent extra time with us and gave us the run-down of the menu.

Review №53

2024-04-17 16:31:42

Great food, super friendly owners, they always come out to greet you and help you make menu selections. Ono!! Only downside is this place is so popular and loved, the line can be more than an hour! Great indoor and outdoor atmosphere.

Review №54

2023-06-18 00:04:45

Great service!!! The staff was helpful and friendly. Very fun Hawaiian joint with a matching ambiance. They serve poke bowls with sushi grade ahi tuna and bowls with beer or chicken for those preferring cooked bowls. They also serve waffles as well as various drinks (both alcoholic and non). Plenty of parking and right off the main road.

Review №55

2023-11-19 22:40:10

This place is great. The staff is really nice they do a good job of explaining whats on the menu. My kids and I really enjoyed the chicken teriyaki and the smoothies.

Review №56

2019-05-05 11:44:11

What just happen to me?? I dont exactly know, but can it please happen to me every day?!?! This was seriously the BEST! At this new location I had the waffle spicy jerk chicken thing and each bite was amazing with surprises here and there. It is part restaurant, part experience. The 11 yr old went up mid meal to add a smoothie. He asked about flavors they like and .she them a custom creation which made them feel as special as they are AND was delicious! I cant do them justice here so just go!! As fast as you can... seriously stand up and go now! It will make you happy!

Review №57

2024-03-17 00:08:37

I have heard allot about this place, everyone says it is great. Today I tried it for the first time and it not only lived up to the hype, but surpassed it! Food was outstanding! Service was amazing! One of the best food experiences I have had in a long time. The Tropicali Gangster smoothie tasted really good, my son’s new favorite. And WOW is all I can say about the waffles. Truly a one of a kind experience. Thank you Tropicali!!!

Review №58

2023-08-21 21:08:08

The guys (brothers I think) that run this place are the kindest, most genuine and down to earth people Ive come across in a while.The food is also spectacular. The portions are hefty and they dont skimp on the protein which is usually my problem with rice bowls. I got the Baja Smokin Bowl with everything on it. Im not even half way through it and I know Ill have another meal from it.Anyway, I would go back in a heartbeat. Highly recommend 👏🏻

Review №59

2022-06-27 18:55:27

Absolutely amazing! Totally understand why they have 5 star ratings. The staff were fantastic, super welcoming and very patient. As this was our first visit, they helped us figure out what to order. The food was so fresh and flavorful. Wish we lived closer because it would definitely be a regular stop for us. Dont sleep on Tropicali!

Review №60

2024-06-16 22:53:16

There was a short line indoors at 3pm on a Sunday and the wait for our food was only about 5 mins. We had Kracken bowl and one of the bowls with barbacoa -loved both! The cold brew and smoothies were also great. We sat outside on the dog friendly patio and one of the staff members even brought a bowl of water for our pup. We’ll be back for sure.

Review №61

2021-07-31 17:15:16

This place is AWESOME!!! I don’t usually gush like this, but everything about the experience of visiting Tropicali is incredible. Walking in, you are immediately transported from Big Bear, CA to Hawaii.Then after waiting in an understandably long line, you are greeted by Kyle and Ian, the two brothers that run and own this place. Their energy is infectious, and before you know it, you have order bowls and drinks and thanked them for taking your money.THEN...you get your food, and you immediately get why the line is long, the food award-winning and the restaurant a success.If you are visiting Big Bear or plan to, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!PS my wife and daughter are both gluten and dairy intolerant. Kyle and Ian knew exactly what to do to make their meals amazing. If just for that, I’d go back. But there are so many more reasons too...the poke, the Tropical Gangster POG, the Island Style cold brew...the list goes on.Thank you Kyle and Ian for making us fans.

Review №62

2022-08-29 16:11:27

We ate here on our last night in big bear and it was such a treat. The vibe is super cool, a tiki oasis in the mountains.The customer service is BEYOND amazing, and I’m saving the best for last, THE FOOD!!!! We ordered what they recommended - the Krakatoa(off menu) a combo of sweet and spicy perfection. I got the tofu and my boyfriend got it with tuna. We absolutely loved it. I will look forward to coming back here every time we visit. Love love love.

Review №63

2024-06-16 22:26:34

This place is EPIC! From the moment I walked in, I was hit with the most amazing vibes. The staff here is beyond incredible – their energy is contagious, and you can totally tell they LOVE what they do.Lets talk food – we went for the Pele bowl, the Tahiti bowl, and the Choloha bowl, and they were all mind-blowingly delicious. Each bite was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. And dont even get me started on the macadamia nut cold brew – its like a creamy, nutty dream in a cup. Perfect for a caffeine kick with a twist!If youre looking for a place with killer food, amazing drinks, and the best people ever, Tropicali is the spot. Cant wait to go back!

Review №64

2019-06-23 20:35:11

We stopped by Local Tropicali as we were going for a hike in Big Bear Lake. We were given a great ALOHA welcome as our first visit by Ian and Kyle and they made the decision process easy as they asked us what we liked and made perfect suggestions. We had the Tahiti and Kraken poke bowls and OMG they are the best weve ever had. Very generous with the ahi tuna portions. Their cold brew coffees are also amazing. They really go out of their way to give you a great experience and they love what they do and serve.We loved it so much we came back a few hours later after our hike to get take out to bring home for dinner! We had another poke bowl (I forget which but it was still great!) and the Rasta smokin bowl. I didnt want something too spicy so they accommodated by making it half Rasta chicken, half teriyaki chicken - perfect. Their Pina Coladidadis are to die for!You have to eat here if youre stopping by.

Review №65

2019-03-31 21:09:53

What an excellent dining experience, Kyle and Ian were so awesome greeted as soon as you walk through the doors. Service alone deserves 5 stars but man the food is so good. Ordered the Cabo Poke Bowl, 808 BBQ Chicken and Waffle and their 24hr Cold Brew, everything was so fresh and great flavor definitely coming back 🙌🏻.

Review №66

2023-09-20 13:36:04

The best food and staff period! Ive never felt more welcomed at a place Ive never been before! Get a taste of the Islands while in the mountains. The food is top notch bursting with flavor and dont forget to grab one of their tasty drinks to was it down.

Review №67

2024-03-29 19:10:41

The owners of this establishment are so awesome and have great attitudes and are very funny. The food is amazing and is worth of the weight. It’s almost worth the drive itself. We always make a stop when in Big Bear

Review №68

2022-08-15 00:03:14

Expect a wait time so dont go if youre starving, There is one line to place your order whether youre dining in or taking a to-go order. They dont take your order over the phone so you have no choice but to wait in line. The menu is simply yet confusing because the names change but they are the same dish? Basically each bowl has an extra added topping, base of rice with choice of pulled pork, chicken or fish. Then, you get a sauce, spicy, bbq. Then, onions or onions. Again, I still didnt understand the difference, cool menu names!!!! Creative... the food tastes good but no disrespect, it is not mind blowing. They also offer signature drinks, I got the Ensenada chata, it was ok. I think for a place in BB, this works but I would not go as far as calling it the top poke in Cali.

Review №69

2021-10-15 21:20:10

The food is fast and delicious top notch flavors and variety. I like the fusion idea that they created here with the island vibe but also cali swag along with it. I highly recommend this as a must go location. The staff here are friendly fun and super positive. Home made drinks are bomb. If you like spicy get the Rasta Jamaican jerk bowl. Kids go with teriyaki easily!!

Review №70

2021-05-27 04:35:42

This place was great! We went for lunch twice on a vacation and tried different plates and drinks. Everything we had was really good and its the kind of food you still feel good after eating. I would recommend any of the Poke bowls. The coffee was also really good. And the smoothies are the perfect drink on a hot day. The service was also fantastic. They cashier remembered our names the next day we went. They were very friendly and were great with recommending what to have.

Review №71

2024-05-27 00:53:15

Delicious foodFantastic serviceTiki feel atmosphereKtoa and barbacoa were evenly distributed in flavor and ingredients. Poke was overall the way to go imo.The jerk is said to be spicy, but its really a built up heat than a off the bat heat, so we enjoyed that.The juice smoothie thing was a little too sweet. Kinda like Costcos smoothie.The service was sooooo friendly and helpful. Every person that came in was treated like a regular, which was Soo nice. They helped guide us through ordering what we wanted and did so with a smile.

Review №72

2021-07-17 21:32:12

OH EM GEEEE guys! This place is an ABSOLUTE MUST when visiting Big Bear. The menu is an explosion of complementary flavors. Pair any drink with any dish, it’s all a win. The service was beyond great and the vibes were everything. It’s a family business run by the most adorable brothers. These guys will put you in a great mood with food AND attitude. Truly left there feeling like I’d just been to Disneyland!

Review №73

2023-01-05 20:21:36

Not only is the service amazing and fast, but the food is delicious and perfect. One of my favorite restaurants that has become a staple in our trips to Big Bear.

Review №74

2020-07-28 17:25:09

Amazing food, service and ambiance! Never liked Hawaiian food until now. Had the spicy Rasta chicken and it was incredible. My daughter had a delicious veggie bowl. Can’t wait to go back for the poke.

Review №75

2024-02-25 04:10:45

It was our first time to Tropicali this weekend and I’m so glad we decided to wait in line it’s worth it and the people in line made it even better great people attract great people for sure! The food was absolutely fantastic it’s so creative and exciting the way they have brought Cali and Hawaii together in big bear? What!!!! The staff the owners the people are incredible do yourself a favor and make sure you make this a got to spot every time you are in the area it is for sure now our favorite stop in bear!!!!? Thank you guys for all you have created!

Review №76

2023-05-28 22:21:29

Funky, fun, cozy hole in the wall /intimate hidden gem/ trendy meet up spot with great prices and friendly staff.I had the Tikijuana bowl. The smoked chicken is perfect, and all of the ingredients blend into a unique blend of deliciousness. Try some of their hot sauce on the side. Yum!I went with a Trench Town to wash it down, a silky and refreshing cold brew drink that was just as unique as everything else in the building.Its easy to see why this place is so highly rated. Thumbs up!

Review №77

2023-05-28 01:34:11

Best food and service in big bear, period.May 2023 Update:Come for the food, stay for the vibes. This place is literally the reason we come to big bear now, and is worth the 3 hour drive alone. Still incomparably excellent food, service, atmosphere, and character. We eat here at least once a day when were in town, more if were lucky. We order the Rastalavista on repeat.

Review №78

2024-06-14 00:21:45

Amazing service and pure vibe is outstanding, great choice if you cant make up your mind on where to go to eat. The employees are very positive and chill, the food is great for what the genre is.

Review №79

2024-06-28 22:40:54

Homie who was runnin the joint today comes to work to give his 110% and I dig his gratitude for his home and customers.The menu speaks for itself and the whole crew was great!

Review №80

2022-05-11 21:25:44

Tropicali makes my heart complete. Not only is the food great but the vibes from the staff is “SHAKA” all day. Kyle was super welcoming and Ian at the register was super nice as well. It’s a family owned business from Kauai! I had a Tikiyaki bowl and my husband had the Kauai bowl. I loved my teriyaki bowl but when I tasted my husbands ahi bowl I just had to have one too! I wanted poké originally if there was salmon because I’m not a huge fan of tuna if it’s old and tastes fishy. Their bowls are only ahi tune. But nope, Tropicali is none of that fishy stuff because their tuna comes in fresh everyday from the South Pacific. My friends were coming in later and we told them to get us some more poké bowls.Kyle said to have her let them know when they get there and that I needed a really spicy bowl and they did not disappoint! We were not able to eat it that night but when I tell you fresh it was fresh even the next day! I loved that the guys separated the wonton chips so it didn’t get soggy in my bowl. The poké was separated from the rice too so I could heat up a bit then put the poké on top. It was so good guys that we came back in same day!Also the Ensenada Chata was bomb. Loved the coconut taste it had!Super worth, SHAKA vibes all day from this place. It will be a new stop every time we are in Big Bear!!!

Review №81

2021-04-10 15:01:13

The coolest place to grab a bite. If you love chicken and waffles like I do, youll be hard pressed to find a more diverse and tasty take on it.The decor inside is very interesting to say the least. The food is amazing, the staff are fun and extremely helpful if you are a first time eater here.I only wish portion sizes were larger.Rasta-lickin-good!!

Review №82

2023-01-08 04:17:40

The people who work here are such a vibe! Looking over previous reviews, I thought I should definitely check this place out and it was worth the wait! So many menu items looked so good I ordered two food items for myself, the Rasta spicy jerked chicken and Tahiti poke bowl. The person behind the counter explained my order to me upon pickup which was really nice. While the spicy chicken had a nice heat, the Tahiti bowl is the main reason why I’m writing this review. It’s so tasty!Only one dish is enough for a sitting, but man I couldn’t help myself. Some day, I will go back to try one of their belgian waffles.

Review №83

2022-08-24 04:51:01

The hospitality and food both are top notch. Vegan and vegetarian options that dont suck. Awesome tiki decor. Really nothing to complain. Im someone who doesnt like to be in limelight and the owners hyping us up for everything was still warm and friendly to me. Really just go! Dog friendly patio and they allowed me to take the dog in while I looked at the menu

Review №84

2020-06-21 18:44:25

Wow, just wow. Truly worthy of the perfect 5 star review. From the moment one walks through the door you are immediately transported from the mountains to a Polynesian island with equally happy and helpful staff. But a restaurant isnt worthwhile without good food right? And thats where the this place thrives. The poke is the best and worthy of its recognition. Who would have thought the best poke would be found on a mountain? I know where I am eating every time visiting big bear.

Review №85

2022-04-10 21:47:31

They have a tricky menu but they do help us with whatever you need so you dont have to worry after looking at the menu. They have a good taste and the environment is also very tropical. I really liked to have lunch with friends. Would definitely recommend.

Review №86

2022-10-30 02:31:55

Delicious bowls. Perfectly spicy sweet and fresh. Love that we can sit out on the patio with our dogs. The Cabo bowl is my favorite. There was a line out the door the entire time we were there. Be prepared for a tiny wait. It’s just because the staff is enthusiastic about serving their customers they take their time,

Review №87

2019-08-03 01:55:28

Wow, two thumbs up guys! I brought my Dad here for the first time. He had the Choloha and I had the Rasta. The Rasta is very spicy and it’s delicious. We came here on a Friday evening around 6 and our food was ready in less than ten minutes! The passion these guys have for food is evident in the presentation of the food as well as the flavors. I can’t wait to come back up the mountain to eat here again. This is a fast-casual spot that transports you to the tropics. Well done and congrats on the new location, it’s beautiful!

Review №88

2023-11-07 16:41:17

Outstanding youd never expect such a gem like this mountains its like stepping into Disneyland but the FOOD WAS SO FRESH and AMAZING!

Review №89

2024-02-19 22:15:40

The friendliest, most warm and welcoming staff. They go above and beyond to make sure everyone has a great experience. And the food is genuinely unreal. You might be skeptical about eating poke in Big Bear. You would be wrong.

Review №90

2023-01-23 02:02:55

This place is truly out of this world. Decorations are repurpoused, interesting to look at and perfect for the long wait. It doesnt feel like a wait. Its a journey. Everywhere from the your order has washed ashore to the people working there checking in on you constantly with good vibes only.And thats just the place. The food? Deliciousness. Waited like 25 mins in line and food came out in 5. perfect flow. I got the Malibu Bowl, extra spicy and sweet, cucumbers, crunchy and a large portion with a blue crush drink which is just my FAVORITE. TOTALLY WORTH IT.Parking lot full so takes like 5 mins to get a spotThats it. I love this place have i said that already?

Review №91

2023-06-20 06:32:05

We ordered kraken bowl, beef bowl, chicken bowl, orange smoothie and berry smoothie with coconut. The kraken bowl is kind of salty but tastes good. The chicken bowl is better than the beef bowl. The orange smoothie is really good for summer time. The mixed pineapple coconut berry smoothie tastes like cherry.

Review №92

2023-04-19 03:20:16

10/10 food, service, and atmosphere!! Highly recommend getting the passionfruit and guava smoothie to go with a spicy Pele poke bowl. So refreshing and fresh. All around great experience.

Review №93

2024-04-21 16:12:19

Shout out to Kyle & Nick!Completely blew me out of the water with how great the service, drinks & food was! Absolutely awesome! Made our trip! I had been waiting over a year to come and it surpassed expectations.

Review №94

2023-01-13 20:24:09

Its awesome. The food is really good. The employees are very friendly, energetic, and interact with customers. My partner dropped his wallet there, and we thought he dropped at the Alpine slide. We were about to drive back there, but they gave to us when they knew we were looking for the wallet. Highly recommended.

Review №95

2022-11-27 05:41:16

One of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. The staff is so loving and kind and the food was spectacular! They make you feel like family. That’s a trait that’s missing these days. You can tell they care so much and it shows in how delicious the food is. I definitely recommend this place!!

Review №96

2019-07-06 03:15:26

Honestly, whenever I visit Big Bear, I HAVE to stop for Tropicali. It is the most delicious spot in town. Fresh & unique island style flavors served up with amazing service and a genuine warmth from the staff. This restaurant deserves every star. I wish I had one closer to where I live, because I would be there way too often! Make sure to try the Luau bowl it is my personal favorite.

Review №97

2024-05-16 02:58:12

Incredible poke bowls served by the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. We went several times during our 3 day visit to Big Bear and I already miss it!

Review №98

2024-03-02 21:21:49

The poke bowls are delicious. Not a traditional poke but amazing none the less. Staff is vibrant and friendly. Beware not a lot of seating.

Review №99

2024-01-01 22:00:31

This place is legit! AND totally worth the wait. Who knew you could get such great poke at Big Bear!? In addition to the amazing food, or actually, surpassing it, is the energy of the owners. They truly bring the spirit and true meaning of Aloha to their charming restaurant. I will definitely be back. Mahalo! 🌺

Review №100

2024-04-14 23:46:05

High quality fish, meat and vegan options!! You walk in and you’re transported to a dimly lit tropical lodge that just feels relaxing and warm. Waffles are bomb plus lots of drink options!

Review №101

2019-11-14 21:33:04

The food is fresh and outstanding, but the real treat here are the over-the-top staff who are as helpful and friendly as they are entertaining. Worth the somewhat pricey cost for a lunch.

Review №102

2024-02-08 20:46:17

These have to be the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Super knowledgeable and polite. I’ve never eaten there before and they made sure to answer all of my questions. Check this place out after you’re through snowboarding and you won’t regret.

Review №103

2019-09-09 01:27:00

I love that this place is family owned! Everyone is so incredibly kind and helpful and the food is DELICIOUS! They give you a lot for your moneys worth! The place is beautiful and you definitely feel welcomed in this place. Its an experience unlike any other and a culture and atmosphere you wont find anywhere else. If youre in Big Bear, you MUST check it out!!

Review №104

2021-08-15 02:48:38

This place was amazing!!! The food was delicious but the service here was incredible. They truly care about providing the best for their customers. I know they get hundreds of customers they service all day but they treat each person with such enthusiasm. Im so impressed. I got the pele bowl, and it was amazing. The sauce was delicious as well. I have two littles and I asked if anything was not spicy and they said not to worry and just made one just for them with the unagi sauce on the side and they loved it!! I also got the island style cold brew, and Pina Coladidadi. Both delicious!!!! My husband got the Baja and he also said it was delicious. Would definitely come here regularly from now on!! The atmosphere is awesome as well.

Review №105

2023-05-20 22:09:15

Best poke I’ve had!! Love the Pele bowl and pina colada drink. Great decor too

Review №106

2021-05-15 22:05:08

What a great experience! Excellent food: I had the Rastalavista, and thought it was perfectly spicy - not enough to make my eyes water, and I could still taste the food - delicious! The staff is cheerful and determined to make you smile. My dog was happy on the dog-friendly patio. And if that wasn’t enough, they also offer a military discount - I’ll definitely be back!

Review №107

2022-03-29 12:45:10

Drinks were good, food was epic!!! Service out of this world. Greeter had high energy and a positive upbeat attitude, explained everything, wales around and checked on everyone. His brother made great beverage recommendations and was super friendly. Not sure who the female was that gave me our food but she was also so friendly and helpful. We have been wanting to come here for a while, we will make a visit every time we come. Thank you to everyone working on 12/18. You all were legendary!

Review №108

2019-07-07 04:14:43

Great poke with fresh tuna! Service was fast, they came back to check on us and were super welcoming!!One star off for the smoothie. It is basically a flavored slush.

Review №109

2023-03-19 20:15:06

I don’t normally leave reviews but this is a really great place. Amazing service.Everyone has an infectious positive attitude. And the food is fresh clean and you really can’t go wrong with anything. Must go!

Review №110

2023-06-08 19:52:22

So so good! My husband had the kraken poke bowl and I had the tikiyaki chicken. Amazing service and food.

Review №111

2020-06-29 21:11:46

What a magical getaway from your already amazing adventure in Big Bear Lake, CA. Tropicali truly transports you to island paradise with the decor, flavors, soundtrack, and hospitality. Ian and the crew make the experience with their full engagement and dedication to the aloha vibe. I cant wait to try the whole menu, but everything I have had is excellent. The food is fresh, well prepared, nicely presented (even in to-go containers), and certainly has some creativity thrown in there. The Carnitas Way Torta is next level, the Luau and Tikiyaki Smokin Bowls are my jam, every Poke Bowl is legit, Cold Brews are so tasty, and I am very proud to be the very first patron to purchase an alcoholic beverage at Tropicali today! The Stone Brewing Notorious P.O.G. (passion fruit, orange, and guava Berliner Weisse) is the perfect, refreshing beer to enjoy there. Its a small counter service set up, so head in and check out the menu as you slide to the left to place your order. Theyll call you back to pick up and hopefully you can find an awesome seat in their beautiful space. Outdoor patio coming soon! Thanks for the good times Tropicali brodas and sistas!

Review №112

2019-09-10 03:21:47

Could you really use another 5 star review? The answer is yes yes and another yes.Kraken bowl is the wizardry here. Their teriyaki or Tikiyaki chicken bowl is amazing as well. The place is constantly busy so you can be assured the food is fresh. The fish is fresh and delicious. The chicken is pure, lean and delicious. I will venture to eat more on my next visit but for now I cannot say enough positive things about the absolutely incredible food here. The rice is sticky and flavorful too! I also had an Acai Berry freeze, delicious. As well as their tea which was a tropical flavor with plenty of full bodied rich brewed taste. How in the world can one place ve so good at everything? Try Tropicali and find out. Not to mention the incredibly fun almost Disney like atmosphere. Being a hardcore Disneyland it was immediately apparent. Whats more, on 2 separate occasions during this one visit, guests were making remarks of and comparing to Disneyland.Then youve got the 2 gents that made right there at the counter, one taking orders and the other serving them up. They both do a great job of making you feel welcome and part of the family. You immediately feel like you just know them and your amongst family, I know that sounded redundant but it worth a double mention. Youll see why when you visit. Do yourself a favor and see why this place has the reputation it does, it delivers, in every way.

Review №113

2024-05-20 02:47:18

Fantastic eating establishment, can’t recommend it enough! I’m a semi regular and I’ve never had a bad experience. I’ll always come back when I’m big bear.

Review №114

2024-01-12 01:50:02

We walked in apres ski and it was like being transported to a Tiki Disney ride — in the best way possible. Funny decor and menu, super solid poke very far from Hawaii. The best part were the guys running it. There’s no doubt that the brothers really enjoy serving up the food. Thanks fellas!

Review №115

2022-03-27 21:16:53

OH my gosh such a treat!Just happened to see it and thought wed give it a try. So glad we did. Kyle greeted us with a welcome ashore, where are you guys in from? He took us to the menu, explained things, asked us our tastes and made awesome suggestions. They normally have poke bowls but with the shortage in the supply chain they didnt have any fish. I dont eat meat so he said they make the poke bowls with tofu, Im not a tofu fan so I was skeptical. He went back in the kitchen and brought me out a sample to try, a tiny bite size complete with the rice, tofu, crunchys, cucumber and sauce. It was delicious so I went for it. My husband had the pulled pork and loved it. We also had their iced coffee with macadamia milk, so delicious! Kyles brother was at the order desk, totally cool cat, such a fun personality. When we left, Kyle made a point of telling us how much they appreciated us coming in and giving them a try.It was so refreshing to walk into a place where they go out of their way to welcome, serve and make your experience fun.Good job guys!

Review №116

2021-06-20 00:47:29

Definitely a gem here in Big Bear Lake. The girlfriend brought her whole family here for Fathers day weekend and everyone loved it. The staff were friendly and gave great recommendations for all. In the mood for some delicious poke bowls and tropical slush/smoothies? Dont miss this place!

Review №117

2023-01-12 05:33:14

This place has it all! Vibe, awesome staff, and most importantly FLAVOR! Been there twice and cant wait to go back for more! Hana hou!

Review №118

2020-07-13 00:24:28

Welcoming staff. Beautiful presentation. Amazing food!!! Cabo Malibu with tofu (Poke). Drink: Ganster... something rather. Shout out to the boys at the front and kitchen staff. Thanks for being rad Ian!

Review №119

2023-12-15 02:42:32

This poke place is so legit!!! Simply the BEST ahi tuna i have ever ever had. So tender and flavorful. The owner has immaculate energy and is super involved in both communicating with customers and helping people choose what is best for them. The pineapple is so delicious too, it has a jalapeño kick to it 🤤 Did not expect this place to live up to the hype, but it definitely does. You can tell the owner takes immense pride in his food and restaurant. Really cool place and i will make sure to swing by EVERY TIME i come to big bear. It is just that good!!!

Review №120

2022-08-17 00:31:22

Divine both in spirit & cuisine. Very reasonable, healthy & fun. Bowls are megapacked. If u dont like booze, the smoothies r awesome.

Review №121

2021-09-03 02:22:17

Wow! I just spent 3 months on Big Island Hawaii for work and then came here with family. This place is way better than most of the fish I had in Hawaii! Not sure how they do it, but keep it up! I’ll be back every time I’m in Big Bear! Oh yeah and everyone that works there is Rad!! Keep it up! Everything we ordered was amazing!

Review №122

2021-04-19 02:04:30

Tropicali is an amazing local restaraunt. What I love most is the owners are some of the nicest people and always make you laugh and really connect with each and every customer. My son and I love the Kingston - a waffle with Jamaican rum and bananas. I tried the bowl with tofu and it was honestly some of the best tofu I have had. They have spicy sauces that they add to all bowls. My son is obsessed with the barbacoa bowl. Tropicali is his favorite place in Big Bear. They also have poke, smoothies, and various bowls.

Review №123

2019-07-17 22:26:39

Located in near Big Bear lake this Poké place is fun, whimsical and most importantly good. Honestly does not look like much from the out side but once inside you are transported to a whimsical Hawaii meats California Paradise. The order takers remind me of What I’d envision a 80’s Californian surfer dude would talk like “but on caffeine lol” loved it! The order taker was super helpful and even though the line was super long, still made a point of telling us to take our time and encouraged us to ask questions.I ordered the Kraken bowl and a Tropical Gangster drinkThe Kraken: Wild caught sashimi grade Tuna, rice, sweet onions,pranked crumbs and wonton chips drizzled with Unagi boss sauce. I added their scotch bonnet pepper sauce (which is amazing)The Tropical drink was also very yummy for my tummy. Great service, great food solid 4 stars.

Review №124

2022-11-05 19:00:44

Went to Big Bear for a location scout on a project I was working on. Couldn’t believe we found this spot in the middle of Big Bear, staff was super friendly and engaging to talk with. Great service and the food was soooo good! We literally ordered another round after finishing our first bowls. Definitely try it out if you are in the Big Bear Lake area you won’t regret it.

Review №125

2023-11-06 01:15:20

There are times a 5-star review is appropriate, and there are times I wish there were 6 stars! Everything, from walking in and being heartily greeted by the amazing staff, to the warm, friendly atmosphere, to the point of being here, the food, was perfect. I have never felt more welcome in a restaurant, and genuinely so. The food is top-notch and the special sauces and blends make it even more unique. If you are anywhere near this area, do yourself a favor and stop by. Its worth every moment.

Review №126

2023-11-05 22:10:00

5 star service, 5 star vibes, 5 star Poke!!! A must stop in Big Bear. Most memorable guest experience in a long time. If you don’t know what to get the staff will help you out.

Review №127

2024-03-10 02:58:10

They did that place right. Atmosphere is top notch all tiki Hawaiian style, with epic food and the brothers have a lot of Aloha. Good for them. Get there early.

Review №128

2022-01-02 20:43:55

I was introduced to Tropicali by some friends from Spain that were here filming a couple seasons ago. This amazing place of Hawaiian heaven in Big Bear.Kyle is such a incredible person who knows exactly how to treat his clients while him & his staff put out some delicious plates & drinks. You really have to try everything they have on the menu.The vibe there is like you’re literally at your aunties house & cousin Kyle is serving up some of her best food!If you go to Big Bear, Tropicali is a must stop!Mahalo to Kyle & the Tropicali ohana

Review №129

2024-06-04 16:56:03

This is the best place for food & custom service in Big Bear, hands down.Their off menu vegan options are 🤌So good that I forgot to get a photo before devouring!

Review №130

2023-12-17 04:45:51

Went for the recommendation of their food but stayed for the service! I walked in and felt like I found my new best friends! The two gentlemen that greeted me were EXCEPTIONAL and I would highly recommend if you are visiting this area. I’ll definitely be back when I come back!

Review №131

2022-04-12 03:47:51

The food was amazing, and people here so damn chill. If I wasn’t +2,000 miles away, I’d go here regularly. The restaurant decor is great as well.

Review №132

2020-11-21 19:27:51

Best poki I have had ever! Equivalent to hawaii!The staff was always on theme and made the experience even better! Best customer service experience I have had in a very long timeThe ambience is very welcoming and really teleports you to hawaiiI got the kraken bowl and the pulled pork and both were spot on 👌🏼Thank you for a great experience

Review №133

2021-06-05 21:54:39

Great food at good prices. Super fresh ingredients. Fun atmosphere, but best of all was the staff. Outstanding place.

Review №134

2023-06-20 00:52:13

So delicious and fresh. What a find. Excellent food, fresh natural smoothies, and such a welcoming attitude by the owners! Great spot! Tried the Chohola bowl with carnitas - sooo delicious!!

Review №135

2022-05-08 00:38:34

This was our first time here and it is amazing! Top quality food, an amazing atmosphere and a fun staff. We will be back!

Review №136

2024-06-22 02:56:42

The smoothie was amazing the food was okay waiting line and the atmosphere was below mediocre. Wouldn’t eat here again.

Review №137

2023-12-31 19:32:30

Wonderful restaurant! I didnt get to eat it this time I was in town because the line was so long but its worth the wait! The owner is always so helpful and amazing. Food is great.

Review №138

2021-04-25 15:04:35

Excellence experience and food. Hawaiian themed, very cool. The service was very high energy. I felt welcome and appreciated. When I picked up the food they actually explained to me the best way to eat it which I appreciate it and it made it more fun. We had the cholola delicious! And the Rasta, its good but super spicy HOT! Buyer beware.

Review №139

2020-10-16 16:49:29

Tropicali brings the aloha spirit and then some! The staff made this such a fun lunch experience with their above and beyond customer service. I got the tikiyaki bowl, which was really good, and the tropicali gangster fruit slushie, which was phenomenal! I also tried the lilikoi waffle which was good, but should definitely be shared. It was sweetness overload and difficult to finish on my own. They are also dog-friendly with all of their outdoor seating and the staff even brought out some “gourmet water” and crunchy ice for our dogs.

Review №140

2024-05-24 19:43:26

Every once in a while you stumble into a place that absolutely makes your day. The owners attitude was worth a five star alone. Go here!

Review №141

2019-03-29 02:12:17

A random snowboarder told me about this place when we got on a lift together and made it sound really good, Im really glad he told me about this spot. Awesome place to come eat after a day on the mountain. Definitely going to be a go-to whenever im at Big Bear. the vibe in there was really laid back, the staff was super friendly and funny, made me feel like I was at home with my friends. The sauce and meats where amazing. I had the teriyaki chicken, and my sister had the barbacoa beef, cant wait to go back and try some other plates.

Review №142

2024-02-29 03:03:50

Probably best place for food on the mountain... if you like hawaiian. The line can be ridiculous though so if its the busy season expect to wait. Service has always been great.

Review №143

2024-05-17 19:05:22

SUCH a fun atmosphere that instantly brings you to the islands and food/drink that makes you believe youre really there! Family run and make you feel like family too!

Review №144

2024-05-02 22:50:40

Awesome food, vibes, atmosphere, and customer service. Kinda felt like being in Disneyland almost. Definitely recommend!

Review №145

2023-12-13 02:23:33

If I️ could give this place 10 stars I️ could. Every other business and restaurant should take note of how they run. The food and service is excellent and the decor is awesome. Honestly, it just feels like the owners put their heart and soul into this restaurant and it really shows. People were already lined up 15 minutes before they opened and I️ was wondering why but once I️ tried the food and stepped inside I️ knew why.

Review №146

2021-05-22 23:16:42

The best customer service ever!! Some gentleman named Kyle helped us out today. Hes a whole vibe actually all the men in there were super nice and make you feel so welcomed. I wasnt sure what I wanted so he asked what it was I liked and nailed it. The tuna was fresh taste like that good ol Kauai poke and the Pina colodas are just amazing. My daughter had a pulled pork bowl and she cleaned her plate. We will be returning before we leave town. This spot is it!! Thank you we appreciate good people and good food!!

Review №147

2024-01-25 19:48:53

Food is super fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. Portions are perfect. Service is awesome and the vibe is so chill and friendly. Highly recommend!

Review №148

2022-06-11 22:21:58

So delicious and the service was amazing. The staff walks around talking to everyone and you feel very welcome. But the food was mouthwatering tasty. Highly recommend

Review №149

2024-02-27 17:31:54

The best food!!! We get this every time we come to Bear. Always a long line so bring your jacket in case the line goes out the door, it’s worth the wait!

Review №150

2022-07-29 18:32:30

I got the Tikiyaki and the Tropicali Gangster smoothie. Both were amazing and the staff here are super nice and friendly!! We got our food super fast too. 10/10 would recommend coming here if you’re in the area

Review №151

2022-07-11 23:19:57

Fantastic place. Had lunch there and food and drinks were absolutely delicious. Very energetic owners - good fun 😂Highly recommended - will certainly return next time Im in this area 👍👍👍

Review №152

2023-08-19 23:52:00

Just had the Aloha bowl.. this has been a life changing dish! I would drive through the snow to get my hands on this.

Review №153

2023-01-21 22:45:48

Such an incredible experience! The vibe and energy from the amazing humans that work there is positively inspiring. Now the food was out of this fricking world! Every bite transported you to a tropical paradise.. I just walked out and am already planning my return.

Review №154

2023-09-05 12:34:09

There’s a reason the review score is damn near perfect. We go to Big Bear a few times a year and never skip hitting this place up. The food is excellent. The staff is high energy and very entertaining. And the same people work there for the past 3 years we’ve been coming which means they are taken care of. They give you real and honest recommendations There will be a line but it moves quick so be patient. It’s worth it.

Review №155

2019-03-25 01:33:21

Great food only topped by the incredible service of the unbelievably stoked staff! One of the only places I would give a 6 star rating if I could. If you dont know what to get dont worry the staff is always down to help you find something you will love! I just wish they were open all the time!

Review №156

2024-03-07 22:30:22

Best place ever! Food is amazing. Service is phenomenal. Dont forget to activate the flavors!

Review №157

2022-01-10 02:27:30

At the time I post this there is a 4.9 (should be a 5) and 1.3 thousand reviews. Jeez, this place is worth every minute in line, every cent! Had the Kraken poke bowl with the colada drink. Best poke I’ve ever had. The decor is off the hook.Thanks to all the cool dudes that work here! Aloha!Xo,Your Loyal Long Islanders

Review №158

2023-05-06 21:26:25

The food was amazing !! This will be on our list for future big bear trips!

Review №159

2023-07-06 01:54:56

Honestly this wasnt a restaurant Id expect to find in Big Bear, but Im happy we did. The food was delicious and the service was great.I got a shredded beef bowl with rice and banana slices. I hadnt tried something like this before but the sweetness of the banana went so well with the spicy beef and slices of peppers.The workers are extremely nice and the cashier was very cool. The restaurant has a very chill and laid-back/easy-going atmosphere.

Review №160

2021-09-16 21:13:10

Atmosphere was a lot of fun. The staff is very helpful, friendly & enthusiastic. Food was great. Poke bowls had a generous helping of fish!

Review №161

2020-11-01 16:21:59

Great food! The Ahi tuna is very fresh and generous serving! Awesome ambiance! And super rad dudes behind the counter! Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back 🙌🏼

Review №162

2023-05-13 20:29:52

I had a pele bowl and it was awesome. Island style cold brew is also a bomb :)

Review №163

2019-01-12 18:12:22

Omg this place is so fun and unique - especially to Big Bear! The staff are super friendly and personable, the food is amazing! You cant go wrong if you love poke bowls. I had the Tahiti bowl and it was so good! Cant wait to try out the others - all in good time Im sure!😊 Go you wont be sorry!

Review №164

2023-09-22 01:47:53

Literally the trifecta. The owners were staffing when we went and were just a delight and made everyone feel at home. The vibe is perfection. Even better than the pics. And the food was so good! I had the Tahiti bowl and was just pleased as punch by the overall. Gobbled it down and frankly wanted more. We’re not out in this neck of the woods often, but I’m so glad we checked it out.

Review №165

2021-09-19 22:44:20

WOW we were absolutely blown away by how fantastic Tropicali is - the awesome people that work here, the Hawaiian atmosphere, the delicious drinks, and the mouthwatering, fresh & crazy yummy food make this one of the best restaurants my family has ever been to. This family run business definitely has the best food in big bear and I’ve never liked a poké bowl as much as I liked the one we got here. I recommend coming here for lunch. We ordered the Cabo bowl with cucumbers added (the sauce on this one is unmatched), the 808 teriyaki chicken & waffle (10/10), the Tropicali Gangster smoothie (perfect), & the Ensenada Chata Cold Brew (tasty and dairy free). Everything was amazing and came out of the kitchen super quickly so don’t be discouraged by a long line because they are super fast and dedicated to each customer. Can’t wait to eat here again!

Review №166

2020-09-25 20:03:26

This pic is the pandemic presentation at Tropicali. This place is is the bomb. Bold flavors, highest quality ahi and dont forget my man Kyle & his brother. Those two have the gift. They will set you up with exactly what you need to solve your fish fix. This is my go to lunch in Big Bear. Havent missed an opportunity since I discovered this jewel on the lake. Aloha!

Review №167

2024-01-28 07:12:11

THE FOOD AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE STELLAR!!! For sure stopping here every time I come to Big Bear.

Review №168

2021-09-12 20:59:46

Good quick serve restaurant with flavors of Hawaii. The Kraken Poke was good, so was the other dishes.

Review №169

2021-07-31 04:09:09

Got the Cabo Bowl. Probably the best Poke bowl Ive ever eaten. I can see why they are number 1 on Yelp. Rode up on my motorcycle from Corona to get out of the 100 degree weather. I dont know how they made it rain, but I got the full tropical experience. Atmosphere is very cool, staff is outgoing and friendly. I had to wait a bit as it was lunch time. But they were very efficient. They couldnt have moved any faster. This place is awesome.

Review №170

2021-07-31 20:09:21

Hands down the spot to go after a good mountain (bike or snow) sesh! Great dudes at the counter, super delicious menu. Great to fill up on some bombassdankass food then grab a refreshing drink or iced coffee before hitting the road back down the mountain.

Review №171

2023-01-02 02:27:04

I got the Malibu bowl, I am vegetarian. 10/10 I would definitely come back. Nice staff. Mahalo!

Review №172

2024-06-03 01:20:19

Excellent food. Pumped up employees. Rice to meat ratio leaned slightly too heavy towards rice.

Review №173

2019-09-21 23:05:58

Absolutely amazing! GREAT food, captures the island hospitality. Poke in an alpine setting...absolutely awesome! My oldest daughter was so enamored with the guys taking our orders, she went back to thank them and asked if she could take a picture with them! Of course they said yes...this is going to be a regular stop for our family EVERY time we visit Big Bear!Pele Poke bowl...must try. Rastalavista...hot...awesome...jerked from Jamaica...literally!

Review №174

2023-09-16 22:18:42

Wonderful!!There was a line to get in. It went quickly, and I didnt have much of a wait in total to get my food.

Review №175

2024-04-15 18:58:47

Very yummy, and their staff was super friendly and informative. Id make sure to try it while in Big Bear.

Review №176

2018-07-30 00:10:57

This place is rad:) the açaí bowl was delicious, the juice was refreshing and the cold brew was the best I’ve ever had! The guys behind the counter are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever come across. Will definitely be hitting this place up on my next visit to Big Bear.

Review №177

2021-06-27 19:09:18

Drove up into the mountains to check this place out. I got the Pele Bowl. So good!! Definitely get it spicy, because those fresh jalapeños add a nice fresh kick. They’re dog-friendly, as well. My pup got to eat with us. Overall awesome and plan to bring friends back soon!

Review №178

2022-01-07 14:42:35

My first time eating Hawaiian but one of the best cuisines Ive eaten. It reminded me of similar tastes from my home. Will recommend to anyone who comes to big bear lake.Theres no picture of the food because we were engorged by it.

Review №179

2023-05-18 20:48:53

Wow. Just incredible. So tasty. The poke bowls are absolute heaven. We also ordered the teriyaki beef which was also amazing. Can’t say enough!The icing on the top was the great service. We had no idea what we see in for but the Hostess took good care of us. We will be back!

Review №180

2024-01-11 20:52:46

By far one of the best restaurants I have been to with regard to the food and the serviceThe place is family owned and clearly they love what they doThe owners greeted us and gave us great suggestions (our son has an egg allergy)He even came to our table after and checked that we were happy w the food- we absolutely were- the food was outstandingWould come here again in a heartbeat- there is something for everyone and you will leave a better person 😀

Review №181

2020-01-13 19:40:05

Wow! If you are in the Big Bear area, this is a must. The staff was so friendly and helpful with explaining the menu and history of the restaurant. They are family owned and operated. My husband had the Choloha and I had the Hawaiian pulled pork (forgot the name) but it was amazinggggg! I also recommend trying one of their signature drinks, delicious! I can’t wait to come back.

Review №182

2023-09-15 03:38:30

Best poke Ive ever eaten. I recommend ordering the Krakatoa from their secret menu.Amazing customer service. They really make everyone feel like a part of the family. The vibe here is very chill and friendly. Theres also no tip fatigue, which is a nice bonus.

Review №183

2021-08-15 20:07:57

Fantastic food, excellent ambience and vibe. Ahi tuna bowls were fresh and extremely flavorful. Get the Blue Crush drink! Would absolutely recommend.

Review №184

2023-02-19 22:52:53

Shockingly good hawaiian food spot in big bear! went for dinner after a ski day- they were running low on just about everything but still managed to get us exactly what we needed- belgium waffle with pork was so fire! the kraken and tahitian poke bowls were delish

Review №185

2021-07-03 01:08:48

Their food is amazing. Bit of a long line but we’ll worth it. I’d eat here again every time.

Review №186

2023-12-19 02:53:51

Love the service! I got tropicali gangsta and pele bowl FIREEEE 🔥🔥🔥

Review №187

2017-10-16 02:29:47

Super bomb island inspired food spot! So many options, and the two that I tried were amazing! Definitely check this spot out!

Review №188

2017-09-22 19:37:16

Exceptional service. Delicious vegan option (Malibu Bowl or Salad). All the omnivores loved their food as well. Drive thru or window order. A couple of tables outside.

Review №189

2023-08-15 02:54:07

This is our absolute favorite spot in Big Bear. Its absolutely one of a kind! Family owned and just a joy to go to every time. They treat every guest like they are special and appreciated. The food is unbeatable and its the best poke around.

Review №190

2019-10-12 00:35:44

First time there, best Poke I ever had! Great athmosphere, both owner and staff absolutely great fun and service. They also have a few more very interesting dishes and mock cocktails.

Review №191

2019-08-01 18:53:22

This place is amazing. Go here, you will not regret it! The food, people and atmosphere were all so unique and special!

Review №192

2021-06-28 23:26:21

The reviews don’t lie. 5 stars for the service. For the atmosphere. For the food!!! Amazing little place they have here, would come again. Wish they had some of these in LA!

Review №193

2021-07-22 17:57:23

Really fresh ingredients, everyone enjoyed their meal! Perfect sized portions. Very friendly staff. Food served quickly. My ahi bowl was delicious!

Review №194

2020-08-23 03:32:37

Great food nice mix of flavors that bring Hawaii to California. Try something with the waffles. The staff are very friendly overall good experience.

Review №195

2023-08-03 21:44:47

This place is my new favorite place in Big Bear! The guys working behind the counter were energetic, fun, knowledgeable, and really made the experience special. The food is tasty and was ready very quickly. My 9 year old son is already planning to bring his friends and cousins here when they visit us.

Review №196

2020-01-23 02:15:13

By far the best part of our trip to Big Bear! Can’t recommend this place enough. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, you’ll feel like a local no matter where you’re from.

Review №197

2023-06-02 09:01:24

Man I dont even know where to start with this place, complete happenstance my wife and I stumbled across it, half of her family are from the islands and we both love poke. There was already a line out the back door as it was nearing closing time, but the door was still opened to us and we were welcomed in like old family (the rad ones anyway). For one, the atmosphere is tight, if thats your thing. Friendly doesnt even begin to describe the staff, theyre many steps beyond that. They were running out of certain food items when we showed up, but one of the dudes was walking through the line letting everyone know what they still had, as well as making recommendations based on what they might like with the ingredients they had left. They genuinely care about their guests, and I heard the guy say to another customer nah man, were not going to let you leave hungry, well find something you like and take care of you which is beyond cool. I was already stoked, we got our poke to go, but when we got back and tried it...I dont know what they do there, but they need to keep doing it. Insane, the light marinade that was on the fish...oh man - beyond stellar. They even hooked it up with some pineapple/mango chutney sauce on the side, and I was in heaven. Definitely a good size portion and reasonably priced, but all things considered Im happy to give them my money again if this is what I can expect. Totally worth it if you dig poke, but they also had other chicken/pork/beef dishes if thats more your thing. Wouldnt ever hesitate to go back, and will definitely be bringing more friends of mine up here for sure. They do it right!

Review №198

2023-06-04 08:37:28

We stopped here for dinner last night due to the high amount of positive reviews so we had to try it. The staff members went above and beyond in all aspects. They kind, funny, positive, and you can tell they love what they do. The food was amazing we tried several things and we loved them all. We watched a lady a couple tables cross who was not a fan of spicy food accidentally order something spicy. The staff was doing their rounds and noticed and made the moment right for them in two second they were back with something new and they even brought her a drink. Two seconds after doing that they noticed someone trying to get get down the stair with a stroller and didn’t even think twice and helped them immediately. I have nothing but positive things to say. If your looking for a fantastic place to eat with great people, great food, and a cool atmosphere look no further. Thank you guys again for everything we will be back.

Review №199

2020-03-10 20:59:50

THE STAFF ARE AMAZING AND THE FOOD IS FANTASTIC! I had to come here after work because everyone there was talking about it. I was not disappointed. The food was amazing, atmosphere top notch, and the staff were absolutly amazing. I dont like Big Bear very much,but now I acutally want to come visit just to show people this place. Prices are good and you get great quality food. I got the sweet hawainn pulled pork with jasmine rice and pinapple. So good I made my friend pick me up one from where she went up.