There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering a restaurant that’s been perfecting its craft for decades.
Captains Anchorage in Big Bear Lake has been mastering the art of prime rib since the 1940s, serving up slow-roasted beef that makes even vegetarians pause.
This rustic stone and log retreat isn’t just another mountain town steakhouse—it’s a time machine disguised as a restaurant, complete with a resident ghost named George.
A Steak Legend Hiding in the Mountains 🏔️
Finding exceptional prime rib in Big Bear Lake can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is made of pine trees and the needle is actually a perfectly marbled cut of Certified Angus Beef.
Captains Anchorage has been serving Big Bear Lake restaurants patrons since the 1940s when Hollywood celebrities would casually drop by for dinner and a ghost story.
The building itself tells a story before you even step inside.
Dark wood paneling, maritime memorabilia, and a massive double-sided stone fireplace create an atmosphere that’s part old sea captain’s quarters, part classic American lodge.
The restaurant proudly claims to be the only establishment in the Big Bear Lake dining scene serving Certified Angus Beef, and they’re not shy about it.
The Prime Rib That Started It All 🍖
Let’s talk about what you actually came here for: the best prime rib in California.
Captains Anchorage’s signature dish is their slow-roasted prime rib, prepared with special house seasonings that they’ve been refining for decades.
The meat arrives at your table like a work of art—perfectly pink in the center if you order it medium-rare, with a seasoned crust that provides just enough texture contrast.
It’s served with creamy horseradish sauce and savory au jus that complement rather than overpower the beef’s natural flavor.
This is the kind of hand-carved prime rib that converts people into regular customers.
The portions are generous enough to make you question whether you’ll have room for dessert (spoiler alert: you won’t, but you’ll try anyway).
When George Joins You for Dinner 👻
Part of the charm of dining at Captains Anchorage involves the possibility of an unexpected dinner guest.
George, the restaurant’s resident ghost, was reportedly an accountant who worked here back in the Sportsman’s Tavern days and apparently enjoyed his job so much that death seemed like more of a suggestion than a requirement.
Staff and longtime patrons share stories of pots rattling, footsteps echoing from empty rooms upstairs, and other unexplained phenomena that add a delightfully spooky dimension to your Big Bear Lake dinner experience.
Don’t let George’s antics distract you from the menu, though—there’s too much good food to miss.
Beyond Prime Rib: A Menu Worth Exploring 🦐
While the tender prime rib is the undisputed star, Captains Anchorage offers plenty of other options worth exploring.
Their Alaskan King Crab Legs are steamed slowly to perfection, retaining all those amazing natural juices.
You can order a full pound or half pound, depending on your appetite.
The Shrimp Scampi sautéed in fresh garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, and capers in a beurre blanc sauce is a hearty comfort food masterpiece.
For those seeking the ultimate special occasion dinner, the combination platters let you pair a filet mignon, top sirloin, or prime rib with lobster tail, king crab legs, or shrimp scampi.
The Anchor deserves special mention—a charbroiled filet mignon topped with crab, artichoke hearts, fresh tomato, and béarnaise sauce that represents the classic American steakhouse genre at its finest.
Food Highlights
• Slow-Roasted Prime Rib: The restaurant’s signature dish features juicy steak dinner perfection with house seasonings, served with horseradish sauce and au jus—this is what keeps locals coming back.
• The Anchor (Filet Mignon): Charbroiled filet topped with crab, artichoke hearts, fresh tomato, and béarnaise sauce—a signature steakhouse dish that beautifully combines land and sea.
• Alaskan King Crab Legs: Steamed slowly to retain natural juices, available by the half or full pound—seafood lovers consistently praise this memorable steak dinner alternative.
• Shrimp Scampi: Sautéed in garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, and capers with beurre blanc sauce—showcases the kitchen’s range beyond beef.
• New England Clam Chowder: Thick, perfectly seasoned, and loaded with clams—multiple reviewers claim it’s the best they’ve ever tasted.
• Combination Platters: Choose between filet mignon, top sirloin, or prime rib near Big Bear Lake paired with lobster tail, king crab legs, or shrimp scampi—perfect for indecisive diners.
Atmosphere
The cozy dining in Big Bear experience at Captains Anchorage transports you to yesteryear with its rustic stone and log construction, massive fireplace, and vintage nautical décor.
Red leather booths, dark wood paneling, and maritime lights create an intimate setting perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings.
The historic photos and Andy Devine memorabilia add character while the comfortable bar area provides a great spot for pre-dinner drinks and ghost stories.
It’s the kind of warm, inviting ambiance that makes you want to linger over your meal, even after George starts rattling pots in the kitchen.
The Details That Make a Difference 📋
Every entrée includes soup or salad and your choice of baked potato, french fries, steamed vegetables, or rice pilaf, plus fresh baked bread.
This isn’t some upcharge situation where sides cost extra—everything comes together as a complete meal.
The soup and salad bar features garden-fresh vegetables and that legendary clam chowder.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak ski season and summer months when Big Bear Lake fills with tourists.
The staff here knows what they’re doing—many have been serving customers for years, creating that rare combination of professional service and genuine warmth.
Where Tradition Meets Excellence 🌟
In an era when restaurants chase trends and reinvent themselves every few years, Captains Anchorage proves there’s something to be said for consistency.
This is a place that knows what it does well and has spent decades perfecting those skills.
The focus on slow-roasted beef prepared with time-honored techniques creates a dining experience that feels increasingly rare—authentic, unpretentious, and remarkably satisfying.
The combination of exceptional ingredients, skilled preparation, and that intangible atmosphere makes Captains Anchorage more than just another Big Bear Lake food spot—it’s a destination.
When you’re exploring places to eat in Big Bear Lake, you’ll find plenty of options, but few with this restaurant’s combination of history, character, and consistently excellent food.
After decades of serving prime rib in Big Bear Lake, Captains Anchorage has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination.
Plus, where else can you enjoy a world-class meal while potentially being watched by a friendly ghost accountant? 👻
Bottom Line
Captains Anchorage delivers an unforgettable dining experience with its signature slow-roasted prime rib prepared with decades of expertise, served in a historic rustic lodge with character that includes a resident ghost.
The Certified Angus Beef quality sets it apart from other Big Bear Lake dinner spots, while the soup and salad bar (featuring legendary clam chowder) and generous portions create exceptional value for a mountain town restaurants California experience you’ll want to repeat.
For the latest updates and full menu details, check out Captain’s Anchorage’s website and Facebook page.
Address: 42148 Moonridge Way, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
📞 (909) 866-3997
🕔 Mon-Thu 4:30 PM–9:00 PM, Fri-Sat 4:30 PM–10:00 PM, Sun 4:30 PM–9:00 PM