A Guide to Lake Arrowhead’s Food Scene
Delicious trout cooking on a grill
Lake Arrowhead boasts a diverse array of eateries, farm-to-table dining experiences, specialty food shops, and unique dishes that make it a must-visit destination for food lovers. We'll take you on a gastronomic journey through Lake Arrowhead, exploring the best places to eat and the delicious flavors that define this picturesque mountain town.
Local Eateries
The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen
One of Lake Arrowhead's most popular dining spots, The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen, offers a casual yet refined dining experience with stunning views of the lake. Known for its extensive craft beer selection and hearty pub fare, this eatery is perfect for enjoying a relaxing meal with friends or family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lakefront Burger: A juicy burger topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a special house sauce, served with crispy fries.
Beer-Battered Fish and Chips: Freshly caught fish coated in a light beer batter and fried to golden perfection, served with tartar sauce and coleslaw.
LouEddie's Pizza
For pizza lovers, LouEddie's Pizza is a must-visit. This rustic pizzeria is nestled in the woods, providing a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with gourmet pizzas made from scratch. LouEddie's uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, and their wood-fired oven adds a delightful smoky flavor to their pies.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Mountain: A hearty pizza loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Margherita Pizza: A classic pizza featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce on a crispy thin crust.
Stone Creek Bistro
For a more upscale dining experience, Stone Creek Bistro offers a sophisticated menu that highlights the best of California cuisine. This intimate restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach, sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans to create flavorful, seasonal dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared Scallops: Tender scallops served with a cauliflower purée, sautéed greens, and a citrus beurre blanc.
Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked short ribs served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.
Farm-to-Table Dining Experiences
The Grill at Antlers Inn
The Grill at Antlers Inn is a charming restaurant that embraces the farm-to-table philosophy. Located in a historic building, this eatery offers a menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest ingredients available. The Grill's commitment to sustainability and quality makes it a standout in the Lake Arrowhead dining scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pan-Roasted Chicken: Free-range chicken served with a medley of seasonal vegetables and a savory pan sauce.
Grilled Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of grilled local vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
The Tudor House
A historic landmark, The Tudor House offers a unique dining experience with its elegant setting and delicious, locally sourced cuisine. This restaurant is renowned for its themed dinner events, which often feature live entertainment and special menus inspired by different culinary traditions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib: A succulent cut of prime rib, slow-roasted to perfection and served with au jus and horseradish sauce.
Salmon en Croûte: Fresh salmon fillet wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden, served with a dill cream sauce.
Specialty Food Shops
Pepper Palace
Pepper Palace is a must-visit for spice enthusiasts and culinary adventurers. This specialty shop offers a vast array of hot sauces, salsas, seasonings, and gourmet condiments.. With friendly staff ready to offer samples and recommendations, Pepper Palace promises a fiery and flavorful shopping experience.
Must-Try Items:
Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce: Award-winning sauce known for its intense heat and bold flavor.
Sweet Bourbon Glaze: Perfect for grilling and marinating.
Habanero Honey Mustard Pretzel: Provides a delightful mix of sweet and spicy.
Jensen's Finest Foods
Jensen's Finest Foods is a local grocery store that prides itself on offering a wide range of organic and specialty products. With an emphasis on fresh, local produce and high-quality ingredients, Jensen's is a go-to spot for those who appreciate fine foods.
Must-Try Items:
Gourmet Deli Meats: A selection of premium deli meats, perfect for sandwiches or charcuterie boards.
Organic Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms.
Must-Try Dishes Unique to the Region
Lake Arrowhead's Trout
Given its proximity to pristine lakes and rivers, it's no surprise that fresh fish, particularly trout, is a staple in Lake Arrowhead's culinary scene. Many local restaurants feature trout on their menus, prepared in a variety of delicious ways.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Trout: Lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, often served with a side of seasonal vegetables.
Trout Almondine: Pan-fried trout topped with toasted almonds and a buttery lemon sauce.
Mountain Berry Desserts
The San Bernardino Mountains are home to an abundance of wild berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. These flavorful fruits are often used in local desserts, adding a sweet and tangy touch to the region's culinary offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mountain Berry Pie: A classic pie filled with a mixture of wild berries and topped with a flaky crust.
Berry Cobbler: A warm, comforting dessert made with fresh berries and a sweet, crumbly topping.
Seasonal and Event-Driven Culinary Experiences
Lake Arrowhead Oktoberfest
Every fall, Lake Arrowhead hosts Oktoberfest, a lively celebration of Bavarian culture complete with traditional German food, music, and beer. This annual event is a great way to experience the local food scene and indulge in hearty German fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bratwurst: Grilled sausages served with sauerkraut and mustard.
Pretzels: Soft, freshly baked pretzels, often served with cheese dip or mustard.
Lake Arrowhead Farmers Market
During the warmer months, the Lake Arrowhead Farmers Market is a bustling hub of local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious prepared foods. This market is a great place to sample the region's freshest ingredients and discover new flavors.
Must-Try Items:
Fresh Berries: Locally grown berries that are bursting with flavor.
Handmade Jams: A variety of jams and preserves made from locally sourced fruits.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Belgian Waffle Works
A beloved local spot, Belgian Waffle Works offers a delightful array of sweet and savory waffles. Located in the Lake Arrowhead Village, this charming eatery is a favorite for breakfast and brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Original Belgian Waffle: A classic waffle served with butter and maple syrup.
Chicken and Waffles: A savory waffle topped with crispy fried chicken and drizzled with syrup.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa's Bin 189
For a dining experience with a view, Bin 189 at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers stunning lake vistas and a menu that highlights the best of Californian cuisine. The restaurant's elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a special meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Mac and Cheese: Rich and creamy mac and cheese topped with succulent pieces of lobster.
California Caesar Salad: A fresh take on the classic Caesar salad, featuring crisp romaine, avocado, and a zesty dressing.
If you’re looking for more hidden gems, be sure to read our post: Hidden Gems of Lake Arrowhead.
Lake Arrowhead's culinary scene is a delightful blend of rustic charm and gourmet sophistication. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal by the lake, indulging in farm-to-table cuisine, or exploring specialty food shops, there's no shortage of delicious experiences to be had. The region's commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every bite is a true taste of Lake Arrowhead's unique character. So, the next time you find yourself in this picturesque mountain village, be sure to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the many flavors that make Lake Arrowhead a food lover's paradise.