Tropicali Photos
Tropicali Popular Dishes
TROPICALI ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Tropicali
Recommended Reviews - Tropicali
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
This place just amazes me. I mean the big giant shark head as you walk in, at Big Bear? Unheard of. This was our first time trying this poke joint. And honestly, getting a poke bowl at Big Bear woul not be my first choice of dinner, but this might be our go to place from now on! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The kids love it, adults love it, food is great, vibe is A+, plenty of tables, and all the staff we've encountered are very nice, friendly, and helpful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our party had little ones that needs stroller and high chair and this place is definitely accessible and accommodating for all ages. They were even kind enough to notify us to go ahead and grab a dining table with our stroller as you have to place the order via a self serve tablet. They also serve alcoholic beverages! Basically after you order, they'll call your name with a Hawaiian groovy twist to it, and you grab your own utensils, napkins, and water on a separate area. And then off to enjoy your food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have 3 different dining areas, out on the patio, inside dining with varying table sizes, chairs, and booth, and a backyard with a nice enclosed grassy area with standing tables only.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Again, the vibes here are really great! So detailed and unique![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So the food, we ordered the Cuba and the Krakatoa, both have white rice with tuna but different mixture of sauces. Both bowls were delicious and tuna was cut into little cubes and are fresh! We ordered the grilled teriyaki rice for the kids that came with a mayo dipping sauce and pickled pineapple with a bit of a kick. The teriyaki sauce and chicken was well cooked and the taste were delicious! Our kids devoured their plates. This was definitely a great spot for poke when you're in the Big Bear area! We will be back and eat some more yummy poke bowls.
I do think it's easy for me to compare this poke to others that I've had. While it is good, is it the best? I just don't think so. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes are what you're coming here for.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service and ambiance are 10/10. Drinks are fun and tasty as well. I would recommend it being a try when you're in the area, but don't set your sights on it being the best poke you've ever had!
Tropicali prides itself as the top-ranked restaurant in California per Yelp, so I had to give it my assessment. Also, they present their laurels of achieving top status among all poke restaurants in the United States per Yelp. That naturally prompted me to compare their poke to others I had elsewhere. I got the pele bowl: ahi tuna topped with cucumbers, sweet onions, and a spicy sauce over rice. The poke was delicious and had a nice texture with just the right degree of chewiness. Each tuna piece tasted refreshing with the lightly spicy sauce. The bowl probably could've had a larger portion size for the price, but it was still solid. Due to the restaurant's popularity, Tropicali maintains an almost perfect rating with its thousands of reviews, but I still feel that I've had better poke in Oahu. Customer service was great. One staff member was enthusiastic and friendly; he showed us that we could order drinks online while we wait in line for food. When your orders are ready, someone using the restaurant's sound system affectionately announces that your food has "washed ashore." I also saw staff members having fun conversations with other customers, so I was glad with the overall friendliness. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant ambience is highly decorative with a Pacific Islander theme. A shark's mouth acts as a provocative entrance to the restaurant, but the atmosphere is laid back and fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bustling with customers, it's a nice place to eat with friends and family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Unfortunately, in my experience, the restaurant lacked in cleanliness. Our table had a view of Big Bear Lake. However, we saw a few ants on the table along with small bugs by the windows. It seemed that they should have more frequent cycles of cleaning as many people visit here to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]However, it did look like one staff member had a towel to wipe tables after we had left.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, I'm surprised that the Yelp community's favorite poke restaurant lies in Big Bear Lake. It's not convenient to arrive here, so I ponder why and how the restaurant has thousands of high reviews. Nonetheless, I can say that Tropicali serves the best poke I've ever had in Southern California. However, I was sadly surprised that our tables weren't the cleanest. In good faith, I cannot write this restaurant the five-star review so many others have given.
Tropicali was such a great experience! I loved that you can self-order, which made everything quick and easy, and the bartender was absolutely amazing--super friendly and welcoming. I'm usually not a poke person, but I ordered the teriyaki chicken and it was absolute perfection. The flavor was incredible, and everything tasted fresh. Everyone working there was so kind and made the experience even better. I'll definitely be coming back every time I'm in Big Bear. Highly recommend!
Tropicali in Big Bear, CA This place needs to be studied for not only the incredible food but the service and decor. There's a reason it's the #1 place to eat at in California (if not the USA) I got the Malibu bowl. We shared their desserts with the waffles and they were truly life changing desserts. They have boba balls with them. Both times we arrived, we beat the rush and I wish you the same luck. It's worth every dollar
The line takes a bit of a while but that's not the establishment, it's people not being considerate enough to have their entire party together while ordering so it takes way longer than it should. Other that than, they have great poke bowls that are so fresh! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's also a great environment, funny workers and just fun vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good lake views too, I would definitely recommend going for drinks![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The pele bowl was very tasty and good spice level, even spicer wouldn't be bad. Good spot but because of others it's like a 4.5 for wait times. I will say once I put the order in, it was done quickly on their end.
Quite possibly the coolest restaurant I've ever been to! Tropicali feels like it a wild card to find in Big Bear! It's a Hawaiian restaurant that FULLY commits to the bit. You enter through the mouth of a shark, the entire crew speaks in surfer dude vernacular, and every inch of the place is uniquely decorated and on theme. It's insane! It could totally serve as an art exhibition. There's almost always a bit of a rush here, so wait times can be long, but they encourage you to order a drink while you wait! It's a pretty smart system haha. I got the Tropsicle and the Pele Bowl. The Tropsicle was such a refreshing slush- perfect for the hot summer! It's a swirl of passion fruit, orange, guava, pineapple, and coconut. All the best flavors! The Pele Bowl featured spicy ahi and cucumber over a bed of rice. You have the option to up the spice on this bowl, but beware! It gets hot! Overall, great flavors and super solid poke. A must-visit if you're on the mountain!
The interior was definitely surprising, and not what I expected. It was fun and cute. The entrance was adorable, then you walk in to a whole new world. The food was good, but a little over priced, in my opinion. We ate outside to enjoy the good weather and nice view of the lake. You order on the machine and you wait for your food and drinks to come out. Service was pretty fast. Drinks and food orders are announced separately. Would be nice if it were announced together so you don't have to make two trips. The way they announce your name is cute; it definitely fits the theme. So quirky. I enjoyed it. Pretty easy parking.
First of all, the service is AMAZING here! These guys seriously deserve a raise for making customers feel more than welcomed and truly delivering a laid back Californian-tropical experience. Colin, you rock! Thank you for making our first time here a memorable one! The food is phenomenal! Literally the best poke I have ever had. I had the Cabo bowl and my husband had the Krakatoa bowl. Both were super loaded with ahi tuna, crunch, and lots of flavor. We also had a desert that Colin brought out for us and recommended and I can't remember what it was called but it was so delicious and unique. The decor and structure of this restaurant is part of what makes it a 5 star. As soon as you're walking up you enter through the legendary shark mouth and then immerse yourself is the tropical aromas as soon as you walk inside. There is a mixture of tiki/colorful and ethnic decor everywhere that makes you feel like you're in Hawaii and Mexico at the same time. We sat in the outside patio because we really wanted the beautiful lake view but the the inside is so much cooler! Strongly recommend anyone coming here. It's a guaranteed good time and some of the best food you've ever had!
Do I even have to convince you to stop here, or did the massive shark out front already do that for me? Cuz same. I found Tropicali on a complete whim on the way up to Big Bear, and we were so happy we did -- we ended up coming back every single day we were in town. The staff are absolutely bursting with energy. Walking in felt like talking to one of my own brothers or cousins. They made me, my girlfriend, and even my dog feel instantly welcome, and walked us through the menu and drink options like we were old friends. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Honestly, I'd live in this restaurant if I could -- the decor is off the charts, and the creativity and homey feel are unmatched.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I heard it started out as a tiny shack, and seeing what it's grown into makes total sense once you experience the place for yourself. We ordered a few drinks...definitely should've ordered more food, but everything was delicious. We'll be stopping here every time we're in the city. Congrats to the owner on such well-deserved success!
Ok this place rules and certainly lives up to the hype. Pivoted from another dinner option during my sister's bachelorette weekend, and we were not disappointed! Awesome food with a fair price, super cool atmosphere, and especially kind service made for a great experience. Things to know: AMAZING DRINKS (lol). I recommend getting one while waiting in line. Also, note that this place is a little non traditional- or at least that was the vibe I got. What I mean by that is you order from a kiosk (like McDonalds), and we had a hard time locating the menu (it was a QR code). But in a place that is filled with technology, it was accompanied by exceptional service. The guys working were friendly, fun, and made my sister (bride to be) feel super special! The establishment gives the vibe of SpongeBob, mixed with cool hipster tiki bar. Insane ambiance! A minute for the poke- it was outstanding. Fun flavor combos! Would go again 10/10. Only reason I'm doing 4/5 stars is due to the learning curve for locating the menu, figuring out how to order, and also all the cutlery is single use. Other than that, no notes! It's a must see in Big Bear.
Since my last visit they moved into a new location which is a big upgrade! It's a super fun, quirky (you literally walk in through a shark's mouth), awesome tropical vibe and has way more interior and exterior seating than their old location. When you enter, you order on a touchscreen and then they'll call your name and/or number for your drinks first then your food and you walk up to the counter, get your food and then sit wherever you want - like at In&Out! I highly recommend getting their smoothies since they are DELICIOUS! Think tropical blended drinks but without the alcohol. So refreshing and you can still do the curvy drive up/down the mountain! Their poke bowls aren't as amazing as I remember sadly. They are a little too over the top in terms of strong thick sauces and bold overpowering flavors. Their pulled pork bowl was still yummy though despite all of their rice in all of our 3 bowls being a little undercooked (I prefer the fluffy sticky rice) So 5 stars for ambiance, 5 stars for service, 5 stars for drinks and 3.5 stars for food imho. Too bad I can't give 4.5 stars.
Review Insights
6 days ago
[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is such a vibe!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We swung by here as our final meal in Big Bear and I'm so glad we did. They have a small parking lot to the side of the restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As you walk up, you're greeted by a massive shark head and you can spot their fun desert decor like cactus and peach umbrella covers. Instantly you know you're going somewhere fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When you walk in, you stand in a line to order your food off a screen, and they call your name when your order is ready. There are QR codes so you can order a drink while waiting and you'll be entertained by the quirky surfer bro who's calling out names when people's drinks are ready. Everyone is donned with Hawaiian shirts and look genuinely happy to work there. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's a big outdoor patio with those peach umbrella covers to provide some shade, as well as seating inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It kinda feels like you're in Disneyland because there's so much decor and so many things to look at.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] While waiting to order food, I ordered the island style cold brew with macadamia nut milk. It was good! We also got a tropical gangster, a frozen drink with passion orange and guava and it was the perfect drink to sip on for a hot day. For food, we got the pele poke bowl and the cabo poke bowls. The portions weren't big, they come in small bowls, and you're paying about $20 each for them, but they were surprisingly good. Not the best poke ever, but good enough for Big Bear. Both bowls had ahi but different flavorings and toppings. The cabo came with crunchy wonton strips and jalapeños, while the pele came with rice and veggies like cucumbers and peppers. My bf and I split both bowls and we enjoyed them! This is def a must visit if you're in town! read more
5 hours ago
5 days ago
We spotted this place on our drive up and stopped for lunch. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's really a vibe and fun to experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You enter and get in line for drinks and food orders from on the large tablets. Food comes out pretty quick too. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor, menu, and staff are all on point.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wish there were more menu options with veggies but other than that it's fun and great for photos. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The view from the patio is the est too![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
This place just amazes me. I mean the big giant shark head as you walk in, at Big Bear? Unheard of. This was our first time trying this poke joint. And honestly, getting a poke bowl at Big Bear woul not be my first choice of dinner, but this might be our go to place from now on! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The kids love it, adults love it, food is great, vibe is A+, plenty of tables, and all the staff we've encountered are very nice, friendly, and helpful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our party had little ones that needs stroller and high chair and this place is definitely accessible and accommodating for all ages. They were even kind enough to notify us to go ahead and grab a dining table with our stroller as you have to place the order via a self serve tablet. They also serve alcoholic beverages! Basically after you order, they'll call your name with a Hawaiian groovy twist to it, and you grab your own utensils, napkins, and water on a separate area. And then off to enjoy your food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have 3 different dining areas, out on the patio, inside dining with varying table sizes, chairs, and booth, and a backyard with a nice enclosed grassy area with standing tables only.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Again, the vibes here are really great! So detailed and unique![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So the food, we ordered the Cuba and the Krakatoa, both have white rice with tuna but different mixture of sauces. Both bowls were delicious and tuna was cut into little cubes and are fresh! We ordered the grilled teriyaki rice for the kids that came with a mayo dipping sauce and pickled pineapple with a bit of a kick. The teriyaki sauce and chicken was well cooked and the taste were delicious! Our kids devoured their plates. This was definitely a great spot for poke when you're in the Big Bear area! We will be back and eat some more yummy poke bowls. read more
3 days ago
I do think it's easy for me to compare this poke to others that I've had. While it is good, is it the best? I just don't think so. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes are what you're coming here for.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service and ambiance are 10/10. Drinks are fun and tasty as well. I would recommend it being a try when you're in the area, but don't set your sights on it being the best poke you've ever had! read more
Tropicali prides itself as the top-ranked restaurant in California per Yelp, so I had to give it my assessment. Also, they present their laurels of achieving top status among all poke restaurants in the United States per Yelp. That naturally prompted me to compare their poke to others I had elsewhere. I got the pele bowl: ahi tuna topped with cucumbers, sweet onions, and a spicy sauce over rice. The poke was delicious and had a nice texture with just the right degree of chewiness. Each tuna piece tasted refreshing with the lightly spicy sauce. The bowl probably could've had a larger portion size for the price, but it was still solid. Due to the restaurant's popularity, Tropicali maintains an almost perfect rating with its thousands of reviews, but I still feel that I've had better poke in Oahu. Customer service was great. One staff member was enthusiastic and friendly; he showed us that we could order drinks online while we wait in line for food. When your orders are ready, someone using the restaurant's sound system affectionately announces that your food has "washed ashore." I also saw staff members having fun conversations with other customers, so I was glad with the overall friendliness. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant ambience is highly decorative with a Pacific Islander theme. A shark's mouth acts as a provocative entrance to the restaurant, but the atmosphere is laid back and fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bustling with customers, it's a nice place to eat with friends and family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Unfortunately, in my experience, the restaurant lacked in cleanliness. Our table had a view of Big Bear Lake. However, we saw a few ants on the table along with small bugs by the windows. It seemed that they should have more frequent cycles of cleaning as many people visit here to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]However, it did look like one staff member had a towel to wipe tables after we had left.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, I'm surprised that the Yelp community's favorite poke restaurant lies in Big Bear Lake. It's not convenient to arrive here, so I ponder why and how the restaurant has thousands of high reviews. Nonetheless, I can say that Tropicali serves the best poke I've ever had in Southern California. However, I was sadly surprised that our tables weren't the cleanest. In good faith, I cannot write this restaurant the five-star review so many others have given. read more
Tropicali was such a great experience! I loved that you can self-order, which made everything quick and easy, and the bartender was absolutely amazing--super friendly and welcoming. I'm usually not a poke person, but I ordered the teriyaki chicken and it was absolute perfection. The flavor was incredible, and everything tasted fresh. Everyone working there was so kind and made the experience even better. I'll definitely be coming back every time I'm in Big Bear. Highly recommend! read more
21 days ago
Tropicali in Big Bear, CA This place needs to be studied for not only the incredible food but the service and decor. There's a reason it's the #1 place to eat at in California (if not the USA) I got the Malibu bowl. We shared their desserts with the waffles and they were truly life changing desserts. They have boba balls with them. Both times we arrived, we beat the rush and I wish you the same luck. It's worth every dollar read more
The line takes a bit of a while but that's not the establishment, it's people not being considerate enough to have their entire party together while ordering so it takes way longer than it should. Other that than, they have great poke bowls that are so fresh! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's also a great environment, funny workers and just fun vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good lake views too, I would definitely recommend going for drinks![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The pele bowl was very tasty and good spice level, even spicer wouldn't be bad. Good spot but because of others it's like a 4.5 for wait times. I will say once I put the order in, it was done quickly on their end. read more
1 month ago
Quite possibly the coolest restaurant I've ever been to! Tropicali feels like it a wild card to find in Big Bear! It's a Hawaiian restaurant that FULLY commits to the bit. You enter through the mouth of a shark, the entire crew speaks in surfer dude vernacular, and every inch of the place is uniquely decorated and on theme. It's insane! It could totally serve as an art exhibition. There's almost always a bit of a rush here, so wait times can be long, but they encourage you to order a drink while you wait! It's a pretty smart system haha. I got the Tropsicle and the Pele Bowl. The Tropsicle was such a refreshing slush- perfect for the hot summer! It's a swirl of passion fruit, orange, guava, pineapple, and coconut. All the best flavors! The Pele Bowl featured spicy ahi and cucumber over a bed of rice. You have the option to up the spice on this bowl, but beware! It gets hot! Overall, great flavors and super solid poke. A must-visit if you're on the mountain! read more
The interior was definitely surprising, and not what I expected. It was fun and cute. The entrance was adorable, then you walk in to a whole new world. The food was good, but a little over priced, in my opinion. We ate outside to enjoy the good weather and nice view of the lake. You order on the machine and you wait for your food and drinks to come out. Service was pretty fast. Drinks and food orders are announced separately. Would be nice if it were announced together so you don't have to make two trips. The way they announce your name is cute; it definitely fits the theme. So quirky. I enjoyed it. Pretty easy parking. read more
2 months ago
First of all, the service is AMAZING here! These guys seriously deserve a raise for making customers feel more than welcomed and truly delivering a laid back Californian-tropical experience. Colin, you rock! Thank you for making our first time here a memorable one! The food is phenomenal! Literally the best poke I have ever had. I had the Cabo bowl and my husband had the Krakatoa bowl. Both were super loaded with ahi tuna, crunch, and lots of flavor. We also had a desert that Colin brought out for us and recommended and I can't remember what it was called but it was so delicious and unique. The decor and structure of this restaurant is part of what makes it a 5 star. As soon as you're walking up you enter through the legendary shark mouth and then immerse yourself is the tropical aromas as soon as you walk inside. There is a mixture of tiki/colorful and ethnic decor everywhere that makes you feel like you're in Hawaii and Mexico at the same time. We sat in the outside patio because we really wanted the beautiful lake view but the the inside is so much cooler! Strongly recommend anyone coming here. It's a guaranteed good time and some of the best food you've ever had! read more
10 days ago
Do I even have to convince you to stop here, or did the massive shark out front already do that for me? Cuz same. I found Tropicali on a complete whim on the way up to Big Bear, and we were so happy we did -- we ended up coming back every single day we were in town. The staff are absolutely bursting with energy. Walking in felt like talking to one of my own brothers or cousins. They made me, my girlfriend, and even my dog feel instantly welcome, and walked us through the menu and drink options like we were old friends. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Honestly, I'd live in this restaurant if I could -- the decor is off the charts, and the creativity and homey feel are unmatched.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I heard it started out as a tiny shack, and seeing what it's grown into makes total sense once you experience the place for yourself. We ordered a few drinks...definitely should've ordered more food, but everything was delicious. We'll be stopping here every time we're in the city. Congrats to the owner on such well-deserved success! read more
Ok this place rules and certainly lives up to the hype. Pivoted from another dinner option during my sister's bachelorette weekend, and we were not disappointed! Awesome food with a fair price, super cool atmosphere, and especially kind service made for a great experience. Things to know: AMAZING DRINKS (lol). I recommend getting one while waiting in line. Also, note that this place is a little non traditional- or at least that was the vibe I got. What I mean by that is you order from a kiosk (like McDonalds), and we had a hard time locating the menu (it was a QR code). But in a place that is filled with technology, it was accompanied by exceptional service. The guys working were friendly, fun, and made my sister (bride to be) feel super special! The establishment gives the vibe of SpongeBob, mixed with cool hipster tiki bar. Insane ambiance! A minute for the poke- it was outstanding. Fun flavor combos! Would go again 10/10. Only reason I'm doing 4/5 stars is due to the learning curve for locating the menu, figuring out how to order, and also all the cutlery is single use. Other than that, no notes! It's a must see in Big Bear. read more
Since my last visit they moved into a new location which is a big upgrade! It's a super fun, quirky (you literally walk in through a shark's mouth), awesome tropical vibe and has way more interior and exterior seating than their old location. When you enter, you order on a touchscreen and then they'll call your name and/or number for your drinks first then your food and you walk up to the counter, get your food and then sit wherever you want - like at In&Out! I highly recommend getting their smoothies since they are DELICIOUS! Think tropical blended drinks but without the alcohol. So refreshing and you can still do the curvy drive up/down the mountain! Their poke bowls aren't as amazing as I remember sadly. They are a little too over the top in terms of strong thick sauces and bold overpowering flavors. Their pulled pork bowl was still yummy though despite all of their rice in all of our 3 bowls being a little undercooked (I prefer the fluffy sticky rice) So 5 stars for ambiance, 5 stars for service, 5 stars for drinks and 3.5 stars for food imho. Too bad I can't give 4.5 stars. read more
2 months ago
A must visit every time we're in Big Bear! It had been a couple years since our last visit and seems like they're redecorated and upgraded! Bigger space, cooler vibes, giant shark, and feral lake views from the patio. Stop in for delicious poke, chill vibes, and cool staff. read more
The service was excellent. The staff made you feel they wanted to be there and wanted you there too. I think the drinks were top notch. The flavors in the bowls were good but not amazing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The views were beautiful and it was a fun place to go.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
This place is equal parts poke restaurant, kitschy tiki-bar/eatery, and pop culture contemporary museum. And honestly, I'm not sure if I'm describing this place well. For starters the entrance is a giant shark mouth. To order, you go to one of the kiosks. There wasn't a line when I went but I heard this place could get really busy. The guys here were super chill and friendly. They even made a spectacle out of the drink I ordered which fun. (It was the 'Haole' and it involved with lighting up the cinnamon, haha). For food I got the Tahiti poke bowl. And just a note: the ingredients were fresh and tasty, the portion was solid, and with all due respect, I think the super high Yelp scores here have to do with the space, the cool decor and fun vibe as much as it has to do with the actual food and drinks. I think there was a minor controversy where people were offended that this was voted the best poke. I don't think there's anything to suggest that people think the poke here is better than places that you would find in Hawaii. But taste is very subjective anyway. I came here after a full day of snowboarding so my body was a bit weak and I was hungry for sure. This place definitely hit the spot while allowing me to enjoy such a fun place to eat that is so unique. You won't find many places like this if at all. I heard or read this place could get crazy busy, but since I was here late afternoon on a weekday, I was able to order and find a great seat right away. Parking was also easy to find as there is a dedicated lot for this place. I can't speak for when this place is crazy busy though. read more
Highly recommended by everyone, so we had to try it. Hawaiian themed, they serve Maui Brewing beers. Nice selection of tropical drinks. Awesome ambiance and great service. Nice view of the lake, right off Big Bear Blvd. Get the poke bowl. I repeat, get the poke bowl. read more
Friendly services. Line can be really long during busy snow season. Could be up 45 minutes wait just to order. I went back this time during the month of April and the line was not bad at all. Probably 15 minutes wait to order. Order at kiosk. Plenty of seatings inside and outside. This place is in pricey side. The pole bowl portion was small. I got the kraken bowl. So good and could have eat another one. But it's $18-$19 for a small bowl. Barbacoa beef was also good and flavourful. Not a big fan of the chicken bowl. Not bad but not that remeverable neither. I would recommend sticking with pole bowl as what they are known for. Overall, this place is a treat. Expect expensive but it's worth it to try. read more
When visiting Big Bear, Tropicali is a MUST-STOP!! I loved this place so much the first time I went, I went back again the next day! I seriously love EVERYTHING about Tropicali! The theme, decorations, service, drinks, food, views of the lake, the quirky and funky and comfy seating areas, the ordering system, and the overall vibe!! I might be going a little over the top here, but if I could live inside Tropicali, then I would do it in a heartbeat! They don't have a ton of gluten-free options, but that's ok because the Choloha Smokin' Bowl is what dreams are made of... and is one of the bowls that they can make gluten-free! That is music to my ears, because it is like a dream inside of an enigma wrapped in love and placed into a bowl of heaven on earth!! The Caribbean Queen tiki drink is my favorite - literally the perfect tiki drink! INCREDIBLE!! Tropicali is literally my favorite restaurant anywhere! Overall rating: *****FIVE STARS***** Gluten-free rating: ***THREE STARS*** read more
4 months ago
My siblings often visit Big Bear and decided they wanted to have lunch here before we headed back to San Diego. The parking can be challenging, so be ready to circle around a few times. The entire ambiance of the place is definitely "Instagrammable." It feels almost like walking into a Disneyland-style eatery, with tons of different areas for photo opportunities. The food ordering process is basically self-service. You stand in a Disney-like queue, waiting for one of the 3 to 4 self-service kiosks to place your order. The line moved faster than I expected, considering there was no staff available to assist or answer questions about the food products. People were jumping in and out of line to place orders for drinks on the left side, where the enthusiastic bartender was calling out orders. Once we reached the front of the line to place our order, things got a little hectic, especially since it was my first time there and my parents were with me. With a line of people behind us, we definitely felt a bit of pressure to move faster than what was comfortable. My brother's girlfriend is vegan, so we had some questions that went unanswered while placing her order. This was not my favorite style of dining. The food comes out pretty quickly. My mother ordered a rice and chicken plate, which I got to try, and I was not thrilled with it. The rice was overcooked and too watery, and the chicken was quite dry. Everyone else got poke bowls, which were decent. My dad liked his the best, but I don't recall the names of the bowls now. I later found out that this place holds the title of "Best Poke in the United States," which I find difficult to believe. The poke was fine, but it raises the question of whether those who awarded this title have tried poke in Hawaii, where the fish is definitely fresher than it would be in Big Bear. Would I come back? Yes, of course, if I'm in the area, but I would definitely not title it as the best poke I've had. read more
Thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Tropicali. Amazing views, great drinks, and upbeat customer service. I honestly wasn't expecting much from the food itself but was pleasantly surprised by the barbacoa bowl. The beef was perfectly tender and seasoned very well and all the ingredients in the bowl were delicious. If I ever find myself back in Big Bear I will definitely be back here. read more
You never want to contribute to the hive mind when you see a place with overwhelmingly good reviews, but this establishment really does earn the highest rated restaurant on Yelp in California. I'll start with the food, because funny enough it was probably the least impressive of my experience. And Please don't confuse that with negativity because the food was amazing, it's just everything else in my visit was so far above and beyond. I love the texture of the sushi and rice, the portions were solid for the price, and the flavor was amazing, and perfectly seasoned. Everything had bold flavor without being too overbearing. My wife and I got the Kratatoa (my favorite of the poke dishes), pele, pulled pork dish (I forgot the name), and 808, which has no reason being as perfect as it is. I was not expecting the teriyaki and waffle to match like it did. That waffle is great enough to be a standalone dish, if you come here, make sure to add the 808 to your order. I typically like to keep my reviews solely about food as when I'm on Yelp, my intentions are to go to the best tasting place, but where Tropicali truly stands out from every other restaurant is their atmosphere and hospitality. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole decor is so on point and theme, every corner is adorned with something visually interesting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very lively music and their staff were all so kind and full of energy, which made the wait so much more bearable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There was no moment throughout the the entire experience, beginning, middle, and end where they didn't make sure we were well taken care of. 10/10 time and will make sure to visit whenever I'm in Bear. read more
2 months ago
I literally had no expectations coming into a hawaiian restaurant in the middle of Big Bear but boy the food here rocked my socks!!! Lol and I mean that in the best, most exaggerated way, the poke was amazing! I got the pele and husband got the kraken bowl. The drinks were also a hit in my book. We usually never finish our poke bowls but damn I ate that in less than 10 minutes and it was a great portion. The vibes are so great in there and the decor is what makes the place so unique! All the workers/servers/bartenders are really helpful and kind, you can tell they put their heart and soul into this place. Love that it's dog friendly and the views are great! Already itching to come back. read more
Such a great place to eat. The location is amazing right in a prime spot next to the Village so you can look over the lake while you eat. The decor feels right out of Disneyland and the staff was all very friendly! Service was fast and all of the food was awesome. We all sampled each others dishes. Great spot to visit while you're on the mountain. read more
What a fun spot! We dropped in a for a to-go order and on a Thursday night there was no line. The ordering system was easy on the large self help screens. The wait was short. We ordered two different poke bowls and wow. We were pleasantly surprised! Very fresh ingredients and they were delicious! We enjoyed these back at our campsite (Serrano Campgrounds). The customer service was excellent! Very welcoming and friendly. The vibe of this place was so cool. So much to look at! I saw an outdoor patio and read it was dog friendly but I can't confirm. Would love to venture back sometime and try some cocktails on the patio with our pooch. Highly recommend! For sure a gem in Big Bear! read more
2 months ago
We're back in Big Bear! That means stopping at Tropicali. I love the new location. Its bigger and has an awesome outdoor balcony with views of the lake. I got the cabo bowl again and is was just as good as I remember. I also tried the gangsta smoothie and it was such a good pairing. I might be back for dinner, haha. read more
4 days ago
7 days ago
The food was amazing definitely different flavors. The Service was comical and very entertaining. We decided to split a Poké bowl and a smoked bowl. Rasta jerk chicken was really good and we did it spicy and the tuna Krakatoa with jalapeños and some yummy rum drink read more
2 months ago
I LOVE THIS PLACE! My friend recommended it to me and so glad he did. Food: I got the Krakatoa and got extra spicy sauce. It was really good. The poke was fresh. It was a stacked bowl. I asked for extra crunchy chips and they gave me a whole bowl of it. I will definitely come back. I want to try the other flavor bowls. (For the record, you can't compare this to Hawaii poke or Orange County. Let's be real here. It's Big Bear..and there's not that many bomb places to eat, most are mediocre, so with that being said, Tropicali was bomb!) Service: A1. The workers there are so awesome. So friendly and welcoming. Very chill, fun, kind vibes. Every single one of them. And also very attentive. Walked by me while I was eating several times to make sure everything was okay. They brightened up my mood and set the tone for my day. Ambience: super cool and hip. The entrance has a cool huge shark where you enter in through the mouth. There's indoor and outdoor seating. I would usually sit outside but it was really hot during lunch time when I went. And the inside decor looked so cool so I just wanted to stay inside and sat at the bar top which faces the outside patio. If you sit at the patio you can see the lake view from afar too. Everything about this place was amazing. I think this is the best food spot in all of Big Bear. I will 1000% come back & recommend Tropicali to my friends. read more
2 months ago
I'm from Hawaii and have been eating poke my entire life. Poke is my #1 favorite food, so here's my honest review of Tropicali. Even though some local Hawaiians have bashed this place, I don't think Tropicali is trying to be a mainland "poke salad bar." They understand what real poke is: marinated fish and rice. That said, they don't really have the traditional Hawaiian poke flavors, except for the Pele Bowl, which has a shoyu-based spicy mayo and wasabi flavor. I got the Cabo Bowl, which tasted like a mix of spicy mayo and Mexican-style spicy ceviche. It was definitely different, but still good. Personally, I prefer traditional Hawaii poke flavors, but I can understand why Tropicali is ranked so highly on Yelp. They have a great sense of aloha, and their poke is legitimate than what you usually find at most mainland poke spots. read more
2 months ago
Wow! What can I say about Tropicali that hasn't already been said! Poke so far from the ocean...Yup and it's delicious!! Also, I believe it has been ranked the best poke spot in America and now I know why. This place is a whole VIBE with the most amazing and down to earth staff. They are so quick to help you figure out what you never knew you wanted and it works!! You'll love the atmosphere most of all and the new upgraded location did not disappoint. Lots of photo ops if that's your thing! Great food! Great drinks! Great vibe! Till next time Tropicali, thanks for the good time! read more
This restaurant has such a cool theme and the interior is a spectacle to look at. I just came for lunch, but still had lunch looking at all the decor. The vegan poke and pineapple salsa side were both great, somewhat expensive, but I still enjoyed. Staff all do a good job playing into the gimmick. read more
3 days ago
This place is the vibe. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance, the customer service, the drinks, the food, it's all seriously 10/10.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We found this spot on TikTok & it's definitely worth the hype. Don't let the line scare you, it moves quickly and it's right beside the "sand bar" where drinks are delivered, it's entertaining to watch the fire shows and commentary. Loved it read more
14 days ago
Tropicali in Big Bear is one of the coolest restaurant experiences I've had. No surprise that it's the highest rated restaurant in California (Yelp). We will be back, like tomorrow and the next day. read more
Page 1 of 104
More info about Tropicali
40771 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Directions
(909) 878-0499
Call Now
Visit Website
http://osotropicali.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
Tropicali Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Tropicali
How can I make a reservation for a large party? The phone number doesn't work and I can't find an email address.
They don't do reservations and there is no wait service. There are large tables that can fit large parties though. You stand in line and order from a kiosk and they call your name. You could have someone wait in the dining room to try to get a large…
I read that you have vegan options, Is this true? If, so what are they? Thank you!
They offer a tofu bowl
Will you be open on Labor Day?
They were open on 4th of July, so I would guess they'd be open Labor Day
Will you be open New Years day?
Are you open Black Friday ? We are planning a trip to the mountain for TG and would love revisit your locations.
Aloha Bec! Yes we will be open on Black Friday from 11-7 We look forward to serving you.…
Is there indoor dining? If no, are there heat lamps outdoor?
No plan to eat in your car. Patio has no covering and no heaters. Indoor was closed when we were there last 3 weeks ago.
Is it possible to order & pick up without waiting inside? I came by but the interior line in a cramped space didn't seem safe with COVID.
They do not let you call in your order, so you do have to wait in that line to order. It has prevented us from getting Tropicali several times during the pandemic. To avoid too much of a line, I recommend going right when they open. You can can then…
How is this place vegan?
Aloha Patricia! We serve a collection of organic vegan options. We make our own housemade organic…
Do you guys have a working telephone number to call in orders?
Aloha Darian, Unfortunately we don’t take Togo orders as we want to ensure your food being as fresh as possible.…
Do they offer any low carb options without rice? Maybe on a bed of lettuce rather than on a bed of rice?
Yes! My go-to is the Pele Bowl on a bed of cucumbers instead of rice.
What time do you close today? We just moved here from Oahu, and we are very hungry!
Aloha Clyde, Welcome to Big Bear. We close at 8pm. We look forward to serving you.…
Do you sell gift cards? Can they be purchased online? We have some friends traveling to Big Bear for a birthday celebration and we unfortunately won't be with them. We thought a gift card would be a nice surprise.
Aloha Kristen, We sell gift cards but only in store. Feel free to call the shop and we can do it…
Which items are gluten free? Can they be prepared on a clean gluten free surface?
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
214 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
3 years ago
2 years ago
1 month ago
5 years ago
3 years ago
9 years ago
10 months ago
7 years ago
2 months ago
8 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
9 years ago
2 years ago
Tropicali - hawaiian - Updated July 2026
Best of Big Bear Lake
People found Tropicali by searching for…
Island Food in Big Bear Lake, CA
Restaurants With Vegetarian Options in Big Bear Lake, CA
Beef Bowl in Big Bear Lake, CA
Lunch to Go in Big Bear Lake, CA
Mobile Food Trucks in Big Bear Lake, CA
Refreshing Drink in Big Bear Lake, CA
Paleo Friendly Restaurants in Big Bear Lake, CA
Cheap Sushi in Big Bear Lake, CA
Trendy Lunch in Big Bear Lake, CA
High Protein in Big Bear Lake, CA
Fried Tofu in Big Bear Lake, CA
Early Bird Dinner Specials in Big Bear Lake, CA
Romantic Dessert in Big Bear Lake, CA
Cucumber Salad in Big Bear Lake, CA
Vegan Cookies in Big Bear Lake, CA
Healthy Lunch in Big Bear Lake, CA
Spare Ribs in Big Bear Lake, CA
Green Juice in Big Bear Lake, CA
Trending Searches in Big Bear Lake, CA
Black Owned Restaurants near Tropicali
Chicken Teriyaki near Tropicali
Gluten Free Sushi near Tropicali
Juices And Smoothies near Tropicali
Liquor Stores Open Late near Tropicali
Lobster Mac And Cheese near Tropicali
Seafood Buffet All You Can Eat near Tropicali
Sushi Grade Fish Market near Tropicali
Sushi Happy Hour near Tropicali
Sushi Lunch Special near Tropicali
Sushi Open Late near Tropicali
Browse Articles
Browse Nearby
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Restaurants near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Parking near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Desserts near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Things to Do near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Coffee near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Breakfast near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Poke near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Beach near Tropicali
BEST of Big Bear Lake, California Spam Musubi near Tropicali
Browse Brands
Related Searches in Big Bear Lake, CA
All You Can Eat Sushi Buffet Deals in Big Bear Lake, California
Authentic Izakaya Dining Experiences in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Clam Chowder Options in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Crawfish Restaurants and Vendors in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Dim Sum Places to Try in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Fish Restaurants to Try in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Fish Tacos Served in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Korean Fried Chicken Spots Around Big Bear Lake, California
Best Oyster Bars to Visit in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Places to Enjoy Curry in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Shabu Dining Options in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Smoothie Spots and Cafes in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Soul Food Dishes in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Sushi All You Can Eat in Big Bear Lake, California
Best Teriyaki Chicken Meals in Big Bear Lake, California
Delicious Dumplings Available in Big Bear Lake, California
Delicious Food Bowls to Try in Big Bear Lake, California
Delicious Onigiri Options to Try in Big Bear Lake, California
Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try in Big Bear Lake, California
Delicious Plate Lunch Options Available in Big Bear Lake, California
Delicious Soup Spots to Try in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover All You Can Eat Sushi Spots in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Authentic Filipino Food in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Authentic Indian Food in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Buffet All You Can Eat Options in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Delicious Noodle Soup Options in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Fresh Ahi Tuna Dishes in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Fresh Vegan Sushi Near Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Great Seafood Boil Spots in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover Top Asian Food Options in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover the Best Boba Drinks in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover the Best Chinese Food in Big Bear Lake, California
Discover the Best Sushi Spots in Big Bear Lake, California
Enjoy Authentic Tempura Dishes in Big Bear Lake, California
Enjoy Conveyor Belt Sushi Dining in Big Bear Lake, California
Enjoy Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna in Big Bear Lake, California
Enjoy Sushi Lunch Special Deals in Big Bear Lake, California
Enjoy the Best Pad Thai in Big Bear Lake, California Today
Experience Authentic Omakase Dining in Big Bear Lake, California
Explore BBQ Restaurants Near Big Bear Lake, California
Explore Delicious Vegetarian Food in Big Bear Lake, California
Explore Popular Foodie Restaurants in Big Bear Lake, California
Explore Popular Fried Rice Recipes in Big Bear Lake, California
Explore Sushi Party Platters Offered in Big Bear Lake, California
Explore Top-Rated Thai Food Restaurants in Big Bear Lake, California
Fast and Fresh Sushi Delivery in Big Bear Lake, California
Fast and Fresh Sushi Takeout in Big Bear Lake, California
Find Bento Boxes Available in Big Bear Lake, California
Find Delicious Rice Bowl Options in Big Bear Lake, California
Find Delicious Vegetarian Sushi Options in Big Bear Lake, California
People who viewed Tropicali also viewed
Oakside
2277 reviews
$$
572 Social Kitchen & Lounge
1639 reviews
$$
Teddy Bear Restaurant
3056 reviews
$$
Gaby's Latin Flavors
1280 reviews
$$
Azteca Grill Mexican Food Restaurant
1609 reviews
$$
Broadway Cafe
640 reviews
$$
Dynasty
676 reviews
$$
Pho Big Bear
206 reviews
$$
Laguna Grill
471 reviews
$$
Bear Noodle Bar
217 reviews
$$