Top 15 Best Bars and Restaurants in San Bernardino County, California

San Bernardino County is one of the largest counties in the United States. It’s also among the fastest growing in the last few years. Among the many reasons people are moving to the California county is a plethora of excellent bars and restaurants located within its borders.

And while we can’t share all of them (it would be a very long article), we can certainly share many of them. So, here are the top 15 best bars and restaurants in San Bernardino County, California!

1. Alfredo’s Pizza and Pasta

Those hankering for some great Italian food won’t have to leave the San Bernardino city limits. Alfredo’s Pizza and Pasta features home-style Italian cooking that will have your mouth watering from the first whiff of the amazing food.

Located at 251 W Base Line Street in San Bernardino, this restaurant has been a favorite in the area since 1979. From pizza and spaghetti to ravioli and sub sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with this award-winning Inland Empire staple. 

2. Mitla Cafe

If you’re looking for some authentic Mexican food in San Bernardino County, there’s no better place than the Mitla Cafe. In fact, this restaurant has been a Route-66 staple and roadside attraction for many decades. They offer everything from breakfast to dinner, dessert, and drinks. Plus, they do takeout for those who want to enjoy their food at home. 

The family-owned restaurant was founded back in 1937, and they’ve been providing excellent food and stellar service ever since. Get some grub at the Mitla Cafe at 602 N. Mount Vernon Avenue in the city of San Bernardino. 

3. Rose Apple Thai Cuisine

Those looking for a little spice can check out the Rose Apple Thai Cuisine for some delicious Thai food. Not everything they serve is spicy, though, so those with sensitive pallets don’t have to worry. For delicious food and amazing presentation, this casual eatery is a must-visit in the city of San Bernardino. 

Located at 1981 Diners Court in the Tri-City Retail Shops area, you can enjoy a delicious meal while hitting the retail outlets in the area. They serve everything from traditional Thai dishes to salads and noodle dishes. And they’re proud to say that none of their food contains MSG!

4. The Belle

If you’re looking for a place to have a few drinks while in San Bernardino, the Belle is one dive bar you won’t want to pass up. It generally has a quiet, small-town type atmosphere, great for people who like to talk while having a few adult beverages. 

Every Thursday and Saturday, the Belle has karaoke from 7 pm to close, making it a great place for those who want to belt out some tunes. The drink specials vary depending on the week, but you’ll find draft and bottled beers along with liquor and other alcoholic beverages in this hidden gem. Located at 6917 Palm Ave in Highland. 

5. Crossroads Cafe

The quaint and laid-back Crossroads Cafe is located just outside of Joshua Tree National Park in the town of Joshua Tree. With an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars and over 1300 Google reviews, this cafe is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. 

They serve sandwiches, burgers, tacos, quesadillas, beer, wine, and hot drinks. They also have a kids menu for the little ones. So whether you’re going camping in the area or you just finished a day trip in the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, a quick stop off at the Crossroads Cafe is in order! It’s located right off of the main highway at 61715 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree. 

6. Joshua Tree Brewery

If you’re looking to get a taste of the Inland Empire, the Joshua Tree Brewery is the place to go. Specializing in delicious, unique brews, this relatively new microbrewery was founded by several award-winning brewmasters. 

You can bring your own food to enjoy with the beer on tap and in cans. Sometimes, there’s also a BBQ food truck set up next door. But this microbrewery is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to call for hours before you head over!

7. Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant

Located just down the highway from the town of Joshua Tree, you’ll find the Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant in Twentynine Palms. The family-owned restaurant features plenty of traditional Chinese dishes along with a small American menu. The customer service is second to none, and the food comes in heaping portions that help stretch your buck. 

You can also order online for pickup or delivery if you’re in the Twentynine Palms area. If you’re passing through, stop by 73633 Twentynine Palms Highway for a dine-in experience. 

8. Virginian Cocktails

The Virginian Cocktails bar is another Twentynine Palms staple. The cozy bar features a friendly atmosphere complete with fun decorations and occasional drink specials. The bartenders go out of their way to treat every guest with a good time. And you’ll meet people from all over the world stopping by this watering hole. 

There are two pool tables in the bar for those who want to shoot some eight or nine ball. They also have limited outdoor seating and occasionally serve food. Stop by 73643 Twentynine Palms Highway to have a drink (or three) at the Virginian!

9. The Lumberjack Cafe

Two of San Bernardino County’s most popular destinations are Big Bear Lake and the nearby town of Big Bear. This is just where you’ll find the Lumberjack Cafe. The restaurant sits just off the main strip in Big Bear, and it can get a little busy, depending on the time of day. But it’s busy because it’s a great place to eat!

The Lumberjack is known for its amazing breakfast dishes, but you can also get lunch and dinner there, too. It’s the perfect hometown food with a small-town feel. And since Big Bear is nestled in the mountains and surrounded by forest, the Lumberjack name is fitting. Head over to 1001 W Big Bear Blvd to enjoy some great food!

10. Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon

Another Big Bear favorite is Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon. This is Big Bear’s biggest restaurant, and they do more than just food. They have a full bar and seating enough for big parties — including an outdoor patio. As such, it’s a favorite for family reunions in the Big Bear area. It’s also very kid-friendly, with an entertaining atmosphere.

You can head to Wyatt’s on Wednesday nights for country dancing, or stop by on Friday or Saturday for live entertainment while you eat and drink. They also offer curbside pickup and delivery if you want good food in your cabin or hotel. Check them out at 42900 Big Bear Boulevard.

11. Papagayos

Big Bear Lake isn’t the only beautiful body of water in San Bernardino County. You also have Lake Arrowhead, located amid the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. And among the best restaurants in the area is the lakeside Mexican eatery Papagayos. You can sit back and enjoy the lake as you eat delicious Mexican dishes either inside the restaurant or out on their patio. 

If you have a furry, four-legged friend, you can bring him or her with you onto the dog-friendly patio. And they do more than just food. You can also enjoy a cocktail or two as you take advantage of the excellent service and experienced bartenders. Visit Papagayos at 28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead. 

12. Goody’s Family Restaurant

When talking about restaurants in San Bernardino County, we can’t forget a few gems in Victorville. And one of the best eateries in the high desert city is Goody’s Family Restaurant. This is the place to go if you want a nice brunch for a great price. 

Boasting a 4.7 average rating on Google (with nearly 1000 reviews), you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the breakfast and brunch options on the menu. You can also do takeout if you prefer. Just don’t get there too late — the place is only open from 7 am to 2 pm. 

13. REPUBLIC

Another Victorville favorite is REPUBLIC, located at 13261 Spring Valley Pkwy # 102, Victorville. This is a great place to eat and watch sports. Whether it’s March Madness or the NFL playoffs, you can find it here, along with good food, good service, and a reasonably priced menu. 

They have a kids menu and feature daily meal specials. From steaks and burgers to fried chicken and tacos, you’ll find something for the whole group at REPUBLIC in Victorville. 

14. Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger

Another excellent attraction located in San Bernardino County is the Rim of the World Highway. One of the most scenic drives in the US, this highway has a few amazing restaurants from which to take in the breathtaking views. And Hortencia’s at the Cliffhanger is one. 

Hortencia’s serves Mexican dishes and margaritas with the added bonus of an amazing view. They have a patio and indoor seating, and they’re known for their large portions. So if you’re in the area, stop off at 25187 CA-18, Crestline, for a meal you won’t soon forget!

15. Kimi Grill

Our list of the top 15 best bars and restaurants in San Bernardino County wouldn’t be complete without an excellent sushi place! The Kimi Grill, located at 54850 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley, is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the whole county! 

You can start with delicious appetizers while they prepare you sushi and/or sashimi. They also have some creative and mouth-watering specialty rolls, along with boats and platters of other Japanese dishes. You can also order online for takeout at the Kimi Grill website!