Don't sleep on the Cookshak. Probably the best brisket I have ever had in my life. First off don't let google maps take you down the little side street to the side driveway, what you want to do is pull into this old Elks lodge building with the huge vacant looking lot that says for Elks only. You're fine, its also for patrons of the Cookshak. Next follow along around the side of the lodge into the backyard area and you'll come across a concrete patio w benches and tables. Order from the window and take your food to eat out on the back patio. The menu is different from what you can find on these Yelp menu photos so expect the prices to be a lot higher than two years ago, but prices are way higher everywhere from two years ago. I ordered a one item plate w two sides thinking I might not have ordered enough food but boy was I wrong. The sides portions are huge, the cornbread is huge, and the meat filled me up. The beans here are a spicy chili bean type that went great on top of the corn bread. The slaw was very good and the mac n cheese was reminiscent of kraft mac n cheese only w/ the addition of pepper and a sharper cheese flavor giving it a memorable taste. The potato salad was decent, potatoes prolly coulda been cooked a tiny bit longer but the rest of the salad tasted good. The star of the show was the brisket. You will get a slice or two near the end that might be cooked thru a little too much for my liking but the majority of what you get is melt in your mouth deliciousness. The honey mustard sauce they offer is perfect to dip the well done slices in but the juicy slices go great unassisted. I originally picked this spot because the other popular bbq spot nearby didn't open until 3 but I am glad I picked this spot because the food left me satisfied for the rest of the day and left me w a smile on my face afterwards. read more

We recently used this BBQ restaurant to cater our mother's 80th birthday celebration, and everything was absolutely amazing! We ordered ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, brisket, mac and cheese, potato salad, cornbread, baked beans, and coleslaw, and every single item was delicious. All our guests were so impressed. The meats were tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoked. The brisket practically melted in your mouth, the ribs were outstanding, and the smoked turkey was incredibly moist. The sides were just as impressive. The mac and cheese was creamy and comforting, the baked beans were packed with flavor, and the cornbread was a huge favorite. In addition to the fantastic food, Garrett was wonderful to work with. He was extremely responsive to all of our questions and communications, whether by email or text, which made the planning process easy and stress-free. We were feeding a large group, and everyone raved about the food. The catering helped make our mother's milestone birthday celebration truly special, and we couldn't have been happier. We highly recommend them for any catering event and will definitely be ordering from them again! read more

The food was amazing! The spot is tucked away in the back of the building, and when we first arrived it looked closed since it was empty. But once we walked up, we noticed a window where you place your order. We got the 2-combo meal with chicken and baby back ribs, and both were incredible. The meat was so tender it literally fell off the bone, and everything was packed with flavor. The sides, mac and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw were all solid, with the mac and cheese and potato salad being my favorites. If you're visiting Big Bear, I definitely recommend stopping by for some BBQ. 4.5/5 read more

The Cookshak - 2-Combo Meal baby back ribs and chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

We did pick-up catering through Cookshak this past weekend for our combined bachelor/bachelorette party for 18 people in Big Bear. We got the ribs, brisket, mac and cheese, potato salad, cornbread, refried beans, coleslaw, fried cod, and cesar salad. First off, the ordering process with Garrett was seamless and so wonderful. He was so nice and accommodating to our group and made sure the process was as easy as possible. Second, the food was incredible. It's truly an A+ BBQ spot in Big Bear. Everyone was complimenting the food all night and everyone got second and third portions. The portions were HUGE and we are still eating leftovers days later! It was also a very affordable meal for a large group. If you're in Big Bear, please support this business that has some very hardworking people who also make delicious food with great service! read more

Great deal if you get the combo and split with a friend. Portions are generous and the meat is tender and tasty. After a day of snowboarding this was a good place to fill up. Parking was easy but no access to bathroom. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

We stopped by for a few drinks at the Elks Lodge and saw the menu for the Cookshack BBQ. We got the 2 item combo - pork ribs and brisket with beens and coleslaw. All four were the best we have ever had. The meat was so tender and perfectly cooked and the home made baked beans and coleslaw were excellent. We will do this again! read more

The Cookshak - 2 item Combo - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

The best brisket I've had in California, this place is outstanding. You would never expect a whole in the wall restaurant behind a hotel would put this quality of barbecue! Returning here every time I'm in big bear. read more

This location is located to the rear of a country club style business. The location only had outdoor seating and we did not know it was heavy on DoorDash only orders. I give them the benefit of the doubt because they are in the process of opening up their main location. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich. The flavor was good, not compared to some high end Texas bbq but it was good. The flavor was on point and consistent with what pulled pork sandwich should be. The customer service of the location was amazing. The worker checked on us to make sure everything was good and the food came out pretty quick. read more

Great BBQ! I got the smoked chicken with potato salad, baked beans, and cornbread. The chicken was smoky and moist, the potato salad had great flavor, and the beans were sweet but not too much. The cornbread was good, just a little drier than I prefer. I do wish they offered some veggie sides or a salad. The place isn't a sit-down restaurant--it's tucked behind one of the Big Bear Village entrances, and you order from a window. There are a few benches outside but no heaters, so takeout is probably best when it's cold. They're on DoorDash too. I heard their actual restaurant space isn't ready yet, so hopefully that's coming soon. Loved the food, even if the setup wasn't ideal. I'd definitely go back! read more

We came at 5:30 and sadly, the brisket and the pulled pork and the ribs were sold out. They did say that there were burgers available for those different meats, but I think we really want to try the different ones. Overall, the juiciness of the meat was pretty amazing with the kielbasa sausage and I would say the chicken and all the other meats were pretty tender. The place where it loses a star is because I would say very salty and the cornbread was a little bit too dry. One thing to know is that the area has no bathroom and it is all food to go. Service was five stars and they were friendly and apologetic about not having all the food available read more

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This place used to be good but the menu is much smaller as are the portions. Very expensive even for a tourist town. Younger guy gets snotty when you ask him what happened to certain items. The smoked food is great but very expensive. Used to have discounts but no longer. I hate this when a restaurant starts out great just to establish customers then changes. read more

Wow, what a gem. Incredible food and hospitality. I got the pulled pork sandwich and it did NOT disappoint, the bbq sauce was also delicious. Can't wait to come back. read more

Overall incredible bbq and huge portions. The hospitality was also great and very welcoming. Will definitely be coming back any time I'm in big bear lake area. Highly recommended! read more

Food was delicious! Had the brisket and chicken Brisket was better, of course. But chicken was good as well I don't typically like Mac and cheese. But this was pretty perfect. It was so soft, a tad bit sweet. I got a side of potato salad. Unfortunately I realized a little late that the mustard provided was to mix into the potato salad. Once I did that, it was literally the perfect meal read more

Delicious Barbecue! California Brisket Sandwich was amazing:) Look on the side with the string of lights for the entrance.

Mannn this was some of the best bbq I've ever had I'm up here for a spartan race this place was highly recommended. I know why now the vibes is great I forgot the bros name who helped me out today had some great recommendations. The Mac and cheeese was the best, the turkey was so good let's not forget about the brisket fire the best . If you live in the area or are in town and want some bomb bbq stop by. read more

The brisket was great, but whatever is sold as gumbo is not true gumbo. it's a lot of dry rice with chicken and sausage. There is no roux. In my lifetime, every bowl of gumbo I've had involved a roux. It was very disappointing considering this place calls itself Cajun. This shouldn't be sold as gumbo in Big Bear. At least it should be communicated that it is a rouxless recipe. For $18 an order, it was a big surprise. I ordered 3! read more

It's okay! Cornbread is dry. Potato salad doesn't have much flavor. Ribs were good a bit salty but very very tender Service is nice!!! and there seems to be a ton of outdoor seating. read more

Normally, people say quality over quantity; the Cookshak does BOTH. I was quite amazed at the portion size of the meats; they were not stingy at all. Not only were the portions generous, but the quality was top-notch. The brisket was soft, seasoned generously, and TENDER. The chicken fell off the bone and had a slight charred flavor. The brisket sang a lullaby to my tongue. The mac and cheese was the best I've ever had, and the cornbread deserves its own rating. Impeccable. Outstanding. Flawless. Thank you guys for not only serving the best Texas BBQ but also making the holidays unforgettable for my family and I. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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We ordered to go since we had a big party. The food was delicious, especially the brisket and bean. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Food was amazing! Kind of difficult to find but it's definitely a hidden gem. Loved how sauce was put on the side. Mac and cheese was chefs kiss!! Meats were tender and not too rich in flavor. Well balanced!! Not sure if the cold weather had anything to do with it but bbq in big bear just git different. Not much of a view but you're there to eat and enjoy the company. Will be back!! read more

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This was the best, most authentic bbq place I've ever been to! My party of 6 enjoyed every piece of food we were served and couldn't afford to leave anything left on our plates! It was that good! The brisket and pulled pork were especially remarkable and fell apart in your mouth! Seriously top notch bbq. We will be back!! read more

Wow, some of the best food on the mountain! I ordered the smoked brisket po' boy, and it was SO good. Got the mac side as well. We also got the california brisket sandwitch which was also really good. Would highly recommend! read more

If you love restaurant quality bbq that also tastes like comforting homestyle cooking, this is the place to be. Though this place is take out only with no restrooms and a couple outdoor seating spots, the food speaks for itself. Highly recommend! read more

Food is amazing. Great slowcooked bbq brisket chicken ribs and fish and chips. Ambiance is very very casual (think outdoor cafeteria) but the food and friendly service would keep us coming back for sure! A little hard to find - back of the elk club patio w very little signage. read more

Brisket and ribs were tender and perfectly seasoned. Great food, friendly service, and I really appreciated the team going out of their way to prepare an off-menu meal for my food-sensitive son. Highly recommend! read more

Very delicious came from down the hill not looking for barbecue, but found some and it was delicious

Simply the best authentic smoked bbq ever! Everything was perfect! Friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere. Couldn't ask for anything more.

The awesome sides alone are worth the visit! Our family tradition is to head up to Big Bear for the zoo and bbq, our usual place was closed so we scrambled to find a backup and Cookshak did not disappoint. We were trying to decide between potato salad and baked beans to go with the mac n cheese we ordered with our plate. The cool dudes threw in the baked beans so we didn't have to choose. My wife loved the potato salad and the baked beans were probably the best I've ever had. The sides were so good that we couldn't even finish our pulled pork fries and main meat entrees, we had to pack them up for our drive back down the mountain. Their prices are pretty awesome too, we aren't small people, we expected a 2 item combo plate and the fries to be a quick snack for our family of 3 like most bbq joint plates, but their servings were easily twice the size of most places. Delicious food and a great value, can't beat that. read more

This is literally a shack nestled in the back of the Elks Lodge building. We lunched here on our way into Big Bear and shared the following: -pulled pork sandwich ($14.25): smoked pulled pork on a roll with BBQ sauce on the side + fries -3 piece fish & chips ($15.00): hand battered cod in tempura batter + fries The fish and chips were a 10 out of 10. The tempura batter was light and perfectly crisped around the meaty cod. The tartar sauce was nice and thick just like the one they use on the Fish Filet at McDonald's. This was unexpectedly good. While the sandwich was good, I found the pulled pork to be a little too dry. It needed a good dunk in BBQ sauce to help it along. It's all outdoor seating at Cookshak which I'm sure is really nice when the weather permits. It was rather cold when I dined here, however the guy at the window graciously offered us the option to dine indoors. I liked that the Cookshak is a little off the beaten path to avoid the throngs of tourists. Highly recommend checking out this cute little shack. read more

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You can find this fine establishment behind the Elks Lodge. The customer service was great - such cool and friendly guys manning the place! And the food was plentiful for the price and pretty tasty. read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Great smoked bbq meats at very reasonable price! Everyone there was very accommodating and friendly. The pulled pork sandwich was delicious, made how I like it, meat almost like burnt ends on the edge. BBQ beef even better. Little mishap with our order... stuff happens but they gave everyone in our party a free dessert! We Would definitely come again but unfortunately it was there last day for dining service. We didn't mind waiting as we had the only large table on small deck with a great view. read more

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We had the brisket, baby back ribs, and a brisket burger, and everything was so tender and absolutely delicious. Even the baked beans, fries and cornbread were amazing. It was truly an unforgettable meal. From now on, this will be my go-to spot every time I come to Big Bear. I'm so happy we found this restaurant! read more

The Cookshak - Barbeque Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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The best barbecue I've ever had!! I don't think I will ever go to Texas So juicy and tender!

Some of the best brisket and ribs I've had in a while. Amazing service and vibe. That Mac and cheese was fire

Picked up a take out order consisting of brisket sandwich, turkey sandwich and a sunshine salad . Person on the phone taking the order was very nice, stressed would need napkins and utensils. Place was not busy when I picked up the order and again asked for napkins and utensils to which I was told they're in the bag. Meanwhile, 30 minutes later and while on a boat in the middle of the lake, guess what? No utensils. Food was good, attention to detail is helpful. read more

Delicious meaty ribs and moist, flavorful pulled pork. Sides were excellent too. Creamy mac n cheese and fresh, crisp coleslaw.

The Cookshak is located at the Elks lodge. My family and I were visiting Big Bear so there was a total of 12 which the staff was accommodating with seating. They offer fountain drinks, apple juice and water. The view from the outdoor sitting area upstairs was beautiful. I ordered the mushroom vegetarian sandwich (it had lettuce, grilled mushrooms, onions, grilled peppers, plenty of avocado)with comes with fries or for $2 more an alternative side and choice of bread (sourdough, roll, rye bread). On the table they offer three types of bbq sauce and my favorite was the sweet mustard BBQ sauce. They have parking on site so no need to drive around to look for parking and it was a hidden little gem of a restaurant. read more

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The brisket is so good and the smoked sausage was so good with a lot of flavor. The baked beans had a nice Smokey flavor. Excellent food and great service. Definitely recommend this place! We ordered the two piece combination and we polished it off. read more

Highly recommend! Best BBQ place in Big Bear! We love the food here and great outdoor space for the family. We recently ordered catering for our family reunion and glad we did. Everyone raved about the food and generous servings. All offerings are delicious! Our favorites are the brisket, turkey, potato salad and beans.Thank you Garret and Chris, you run an excellent business! read more