This place was awesome. The food was delish. My only concern was that they seemed to have passed Talopia off as Catfish. I know the difference in the two. I hate it when restaurants do this. It is deception. read more

Friendly staff and great view of the lake! Really big portion sizes (it would probably be advisable to share a plate between two people). The prices were also decent. I am a big fan of the complimentary fried corn bead, especially the jalapeño ones! The other thing was that despite the fact that the staff responded kindly, we had to ask for new plates because the ones we initially received were not clean. The free WiFi was much appreciated, especially since cell phone service is extremely lacking in the general area. The food itself was average - we ordered the two combo platters as well as the frog legs. There was a lot of variety in how the food was seasoned - some things were really bland while others were way too salty. The fries were also below average - a bit soggy. I did like how fresh the seafood tasted, so that was a big plus. read more

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Food, service and atmosphere was very good. Our server recommended the small chicken fried steak and it was enough for two, I couldn't imagine the size of the large read more

Great food and good service. Nice view of the bayou sitting out on the patio. Hush puppies are the best I've ever had.

Was recently staying nearby Big Pines Lodge for a family function and quickly realized there were no options other than Big Pines within 30 minutes for decent food! (Which means we ate here 3 times over the weekend!) normally that would be a bad thing to be limited on food options, but this place hit the spot! Our waiter Damian was one of the best waiters I've had this year (and I hope whoever his manager is sees this!) in the restaurant world it seems like there's so much turnover lately and dissatisfaction that customer service has suffered across the board everywhere I go, but Damian was kind, attentive, quick to respond, and made sure we had everything we needed CONSTANTLY. I review a lot of places and can't think of many, if any, other restaurants I've been to this year that have had such good customer service. The food itself was great, I haven't had fried fish that good in a long time (outside of my mommas cookin), and it was apparent by its taste and texture that it was all freshly hand breaded and coming straight off the fryer. The hush puppies were very different than any I've ever had, almost funnel cake-like, but in a good way! The fries and onion rings were great, not just filler like some places do. My only feedback on the culinary side would be that the hush puppies lean on the sweet side, and the tartar sauce is a little sweet too, so for a fried fish basket you got a lot of sweetness going on, could use a touch more savory flavors. Love this spot, give it a shot if you're in the area, ask for Damian! Also, lots of bad reviews on this yelp profile, none of which reflected my three visits! We did have a wait one night, but it was Saturday rush hour and we had a LARGE party. read more

Swai, swai, swai !!! Their fillets were not catfish, but instead the cheaper, greasier swai. It tastes different than farm raised catfish. It was not specifically identified as swai as required by Chapter 436 of the Texas Health and Safety code. It's become so common for restaurants to sell a cheaper catfish substitute that Texas passed a law to at least make them tell you what you are eating. Go to YouTube and watch a video of the fish farms in China and other county and you won't eat unidentified fish again. The two stars are for the hush puppies, but that's it. read more

We decided to give this Caddo Lake landmark another shot. Disappointing meals of the past had kept us away. We were immediately seated on the afternoon of the 4th of July. The building is clean. Service was friendly and attentive. The views of the lake outstanding. You will not leave hungry. The portions are large. Kudos for offering homemade onion rings for just $5.99. They are real onion rings (not strings) and were breaded properly and were piping hot. However, we were disappointed the batter lacked seasoning. Hope they can work on that. One of our party ordered the large CFS and really enjoyed it. One of us got a hamburger. Unfortunately the beef patty was overcooked and lacked seasoning. I believe the highlight of the meals was the grilled shrimp and grilled fish. I think that those items will be the go-to order next time for me. None from our group ordered catfish, so maybe next time. Everything was reasonably priced. The complementary fried hushpuppies, coleslaw and relish tray was appreciated. Again, the hushpuppies could have used more seasoning. I hope the cooks can experiment and make it better. The coleslaw has a little too much liquid for my taste. We really enjoyed the pleasure of having beer and wine served to us during the pandemic while enjoying the lake views. Again, the waitstaff was great and responsive to our needs. They wanted to make sure we were happy. Big Pines Lodge deserves your support, especially during these difficult days for restaurants. They are open for lunch and dinner Friday-Sunday. read more

I had high hopes of this being a 4 star review. Sadly, 3 is the best I can do. Big Pines Lodge is a beautiful place. Sitting along side Big Cypress Bayou, the scenery is gorgeous. Wish I had a place around here! Tall, tall trees with Spanish moss hanging everywhere. A great dining room, and a fantastic covered patio for a perfect outdoor meal. We arrived for a late lunch and the patio was full. Inside, you can still see the beautiful bayou through the big windows. Service was quick, and the free hush puppies, coleslaw, and relish plate came out quickly. Coleslaw and hush puppies together is one of my favorite things. Sadly, the coleslaw was kind of bland. My catfish and shrimp looked great, but was sadly very average. Just didn't make me go wow. Glenda enjoyed her grilled shrimp, but said there was little seasoning. We will definitely come back if we are in the area, but for the scenery, not the food. Hopefully, something else will be better next time. read more

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This was one of the only places open in town on Easter. It was not that crowded either by the time we arrived around 1:30pm. There was no wait and we were seated at a nice tall table outside with a view of the river and the nice grass area that our kids could play in within our site. The menu is mostly low country food and fits the area well. The service is great as well as we had some questions about the area they were able to help with. We started with the fried alligator, which our girls loved. They were basically fried alligator meat inside of a ball of breading. For my meal, I got the grilled shrimp and grilled catfish combo. The food was just okay, but I loved that you get unlimited hush puppies at your table. And last but not least, everyone gets DIY soft serve ice cream cones as a dessert. read more

You can get there by boat or vehicle! The food was amazing and oh so delicious! We had gator bites, popcorn shrimp and catfish with baked potatoes and onion rings as our sides. We started with fried hush puppies (shaped like a churro) a green tomato relish tray and coleslaw! We brought home a peach and a blackberry cobbler and of course we stopped for vanilla ice cream to top the cobbler! If you're in the area it's a must stop at restaurant! While in the area you can take a boat tour of the swamp! The atmosphere is beautiful the fog rolled in and saw a couple of boats as we ate our lunch! read more

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The food is very good. The meal starts with a complimentary tray of pickled tomatoes, coleslaw, and the biggest tastiest hush puppies I've ever seen. The hush puppies are lightly seasoned with jalapeños. Not strong hot, just flavorful. The burgers are all 1/2 lb. I recommend the BPL burger. (Big Pines Lodge). It's only open Friday-Sunday, but we'll worth the wait. read more

Beat frog legs and catfish around. This place is an icon from back in the good ole days. Excellent food. You wont leave hungry.

For Father's Day we went to BPL and I was extremely disappointed. I ordered the 3 piece catfish filet dinner and 2 of filets were over cooked and the other uncooked. Plus they were out of most of their menu items so my wife and son had very little choice and the prices are ridiculous now. My son's hamburger was $25. We will NEVER go back read more

This used to be 'the' place, until about 2001. Service is slow and hit-or-miss. The food is okay--if it comes out hot. Greasy if it's cold. The location is right on Big Cypress Bayou, so the view is good. read more

Not sure why this place got such low ratings. The food her quite delicious. We had the gator tail, frog legs, catfish filet and burger for the hubby and they were all great. The frog legs were my personal favorite. Hush puppies, cole slaw and pickles were complementary. And service was great as well. read more

Big Pines Lodge is very scenic and the food is good too . Tonight I had the cheeseburger with homemade jalapeño bread . Very Good ! The set up before the meal was great . Our waitress was Marcie and she was second to none. Priced right ! Go get Full read more

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Fantastic friendly, fast service!! Danielle was our server and she was so friendly & attentive. This was our first trip to the area and we picked Big Pine Lodge because it looked nice from the water as we kayaked by earlier in the day. Lots of beer options, fantastic complementary relish tray with super tasty picked green tomatoes, hush puppies & cole slaw. We had gator bites, grilled shrimp and blackened catfish that were all good. I saw a huge chicken fried steak hobby and wished that I had ordered it because it looked amazing! Definitely worth a stop by even if just for a snack & a beer. read more

Big Pines Lodge - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

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The BLT was made with lots of bacon and Texas toast. The catfish was really good and the fries were excellent. A good meal and a wonderful view. read more

Food is always good. Prices have gone up which is not surprising. Had catfish filets which were hot and perfectly fried. No plain hush puppies but the jalapeño ones were great. Our group loved the meal and the lake setting read more

What a great experience we had as a very large group last night. We called ahead and were seated it the back room as a group of 32. Our waitress was on point. I can't remember her name but with little to no help. She was amazing. Food was great didn't hear no complaints. Hush puppies were the bomb!!!!! Thanks for a great experience read more

Not sure why this place got less than stellar reviews. We stopped here for lunch before taking the lake tour across the street. They have outdoor seating at their side porch. Our hostess and waitress were great and everyone wore mask. They brought us hush puppies for apps. Alas, it was jalapeno hush puppies. Another review here said we could've requested regular hush puppies, this would've been nice to know ahead of time. Our blackened white fish, catfish and shrimp all came out delicious. No complaints about any of our food. Solid 4 star from us! read more

I think there is something to be said about the taste of food relating to the atmosphere of a place too. This was a hole in the wall place years ago magically held together by memories, grease, Moss, ammo and alcohol with some good fish and hushpuppies. Maybe the food is the same as it was back then but doesn't seem like it ever since the new place. It is an experience for some probably the opposite of a Neely's= we hear all over how people in the area love Neely's but new people don't see what is so special....new Big Pines is probably not what it was to many who remember but okay to those it is new to. read more

Big Pines Lodge - Catfish Fillets - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

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The catfish is delicious. The portions are huge. Each fillet is literally 1/2 of a fish. I ordered a 4 piece dinner and could only finish 2 fillets. I really liked the tartar sauce and slaw. If you like jalapeño hush puppies, these are good. You have to request plain ones, if that is what you want. For the amount of food received, the price is quite reasonable. Our waitress was friendly, helpful and efficient. Information or outdoor seating is available. read more

The hush puppies was soaked in grease, the fish was way undercooked and had to send back. The chicken fried steak looked a lot better than it tasted. Very disappointed. 2 stars are for the view. read more

Big Pines Lodge - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

5 people around us sat down, ate, AND got their bill before we even got our food. My husband ordered a chicken fried steak and it took 57 minutes.. Maybe this is the only place around here but I will never come here again. The shrimp also taste frozen. Bland, cold as hell, and nasty. read more

I hadn't been to this restaurant in over 15 years. It actually burned down about 10 years ago but they rebuilt and the food is just as good as it was the last time I visited. You can accidentally fill up on the hush puppies before your food comes if you're not careful. Hands down, the best I ever had. The place is known for its catfish and scenic views along Caddo lake. They don't disappoint. read more

Big Pines Lodge - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

Cool place, food is good. Slow service. Employees were ready to go home. Really nice location! read more

Big Pines Lodge - Nice location - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

Was here visiting for the weekend and stopped here for dinner before our swamp/boat tour. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio. It's a gorgeous view! The hushpuppies are unique and yummy (and free!) I had the chicken strips. They were good and the portion was huge--definitely big enough for two! Is it somewhat touristy? Yes. Did we like it? Hell yes :) We would come back. read more

Big Pines Lodge - Right next to the water! (To the left of this pic). Primo location! - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

I haven't been here for a couple of years, and if what Jerri says is true, that's sad, but I've never had a bad time at Big Pines. I had a bad meal the first time I went, but I was 10 and ordered pizza so that was an act of pure ignorant stupidity on my part. The Big Pines Lodge itself is rustic and rural and alive with the spirit of good times. It's situated down a country road near Uncertain, on a shore of Caddo Lake. The restaurant looks like it hasn't changed since about 1974, and it's perfect that way. Gimmie caps and trophy fish line walls, the tables are for the most part long and picnic style, and the sweetener on the table is either sugar or liquid saccharine - not even kidding. Twenty, maybe 15 or even 10 years ago you could buy ammo at the register on the way out. Don't know if it's still like that. The menu is simple and includes funny little witticisms and information about Caddo between the fare listings. I also like that they are proud to fly the Longhorn regalia in Aggieland East Texas. The best thing about Big Pines to me (besides being on Caddo Lake and how beautiful that is) will always be the hushpuppies. Big Pines makes hushpuppies big and long as snakes, soft and fluffy on the inside and crisp and brittle on the outside. Just the texture is wonderful. They taste heavenly as well whether of the plain corn or jalapeno variety. The fish, of course, is good and fresh catfish, being right on the lake and all. I like how you can get your fish filleted or fried whole. I like them fried whole for a taste of adventure. Sides as I remember consist of fries or a baked potato or maybe some cole slaw. I'm sure there are more options available on the menu, but my family has always only come here for the catfish and catfish is my top priority when I visit Big Pines. Overall, this is my hands down favorite place to eat catfish in Texas. But GOOD LUCK finding it if you don't know where Karnak or Uncertain is or get impatient navigating rural roads. UPDATE 10/27/07: Ate here tonight - the fish was cooked perfectly and everything tasted just as I remembered. Very very good food! They revamped the inside at some point and there are no lewd gimmie caps on the walls which kind of sucks but oh well. The portions are generous and the food is fantastic. read more

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This is such a beautifully located restaurant on Caddo Lake yet the food does not live up to its potential. We ordered the fried catfish plate. The fries were SOAKED in grease. The fish was cold and chewy. The tea was so sweet it could double as syrup. The coleslaw had what appeared to be the tough outer leaves of the cabbage included in the slaw.....Certainly not very tasty. The hush puppies were cold. I am in hopes an improvement comes soon as BPL is so conveniently located for those of us wanting to dine in while visiting and enjoying the lake...... Very disappointing! read more

First time eating here since new management. Was great! Everything from hush puppies, pickles, fish, etc. enjoyed walking on dock afterward. Nice change of scenery and it's been very well maintained. read more

Not catfish at all. Texans know what real catfish tastes like. Stating that the fish is locally caught catfish on the menu, then serving Chinese swai is unacceptable. This used to be such a good place to eat. I guess I'll never have to make the drive again when I can get real US farm raised catfish at walmart. read more

This has to be one of the most beautiful settings in the world to enjoy a meal. The food is delicious and reasonable. Caddo Lake is one of this areas true treasures and this time of year is perfect! Next visit will include the scenic cruise of Caddo Lake. Well, the fish is still good and the scenery is still beautiful. But, the price for THE SAME FISH DINNER AND DRINK has increased by over SEVEN DOLLARS EACH! The $9.99 meal is now $17.94. Maybe business was too good! read more

Big Pines Lodge - American Near Me - Karnack, Texas

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Too busy helping a big group to even offer us a menu or drink. Just left after 15-20 minutes. Great view of Caddo Lake. Food smelled good. Table was functional. read more

Last of 2 restaurants at CaddoLake. Limited hours. Pleasant sitting on the porch looking at the River. Food iffy, but they are trying. read more

We are amazed. We had the $14.99 platter. It had huge portions of catfish and chicken strips with two shrimp. All were superb. Sides? Relish tray, cole slaw and hushpuppies extruded like chorizos. Everything was exceptional and so plentiful that we shared the platter and still had chicken, fish and hushpuppies for the dog. read more

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I always try to give the food service industry a break in these trying times. The wait was over two hours to get our food, and I could've even overlooked that. They mentioned that they're short staffed, so time is understandable. The fact that I waited two hours for my shrimp and rice to both be cold is what I found unacceptable. I was patient to get what they say is fresh and not previously prepared food to be nearly unedible. The only saving grace was a hot baked potato that I devoured. The flavor of the food was subpar. The hush puppies were glorified breadsticks. The worst part: my husband did not receive his food because they kept giving it to another table. He had to have it taken to go. Our waiter was nice and you could tell he had his hands full, but he kept losing our food. Still a nice guy though. Don't order the shrimp and rice. People at our table said the catfish was a slightly better choice. read more

Excellent food with great service. Highly recommended! We were blown away by the size of the hush puppies and portions are very good. Yummy!!!!! read more

Horrible service, high prices, disgusting food. The "sweet" tea tasted like lake water. You get better service and food at a fast food joint. read more

The food was great, but the staff's utter disregard for Covid mandates and the health of their customers was shameful. The wait staff and hostess either had their masks totally under their chin or at best under their nose. After asking our waiter to pull his mask up, he did so, but seeing so many others, I went up to the front to ask for the manager. She came out with a mask under her chin, getting within 2 feet of me and asked me nicely what I needed. I told her the first thing was to pull her mask up. Then I asked her if she was aware that most of her staff were not properly wearing the masks. She stated that yes, but they get hot running around. I reminded her that it was a mandate from the governor's office and they weren't being compliant. She agreed and began telling her staff to pull up their masks. Well, that worked for about 20 minutes and then all returned to the way it was. The pictures all posted here were 30 minutes after talking to the manager. read more

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