There’s something special about starting a morning in the mountains.
The air is crisp, the pine trees surround you, and the lake is just beginning to come alive. Before heading out for a day of hiking, boating, sightseeing, or simply relaxing, a great cup of coffee is the perfect way to get started.
Luckily, Big Bear Lake has plenty of cozy cafés, local coffee shops, bakeries, and breakfast spots where you can grab your morning caffeine fix and a delicious bite to eat.
Here are some of the best places to start your morning in Big Bear Lake.
1. Moonridge Coffee Company
If you're looking for a cozy mountain atmosphere to go with your morning coffee, Moonridge Coffee Company is a great place to start.
Located along Moonridge Road, this charming coffee shop is known for its coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and relaxed atmosphere. It has become a popular stop for both visitors and locals, and its cabin-like setting fits perfectly with the Big Bear mountain experience.
Grab a latte and a pastry, settle in for a few minutes, and enjoy a slower start to your day before heading out to explore.
Perfect for: Coffee lovers, relaxed mornings, pastries, and a cozy mountain atmosphere.
2. Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company
For visitors who really appreciate their coffee, Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company is worth adding to your itinerary.
This local roastery offers freshly prepared coffee and a selection of flavored drinks. It's a great place to pick up a cup before heading out for a day of exploring.
If you discover a blend you love, you can also take some coffee beans home with you as a tasty reminder of your Big Bear getaway.
Perfect for: Coffee enthusiasts and anyone looking to bring a little Big Bear coffee home.
3. The Copper Q
Located right near The Village, The Copper Q is a convenient option when you want coffee accompanied by a more substantial breakfast.
The menu includes coffee, pastries, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and other morning favorites. Its location also makes it an easy stop before spending the day exploring The Village or heading out to the lake.
It's the kind of place where you can take your time over breakfast instead of simply grabbing coffee to go.
Perfect for: Families, groups, and visitors looking for coffee and breakfast in one stop.
4. Sister My Sister Bake Shop
Sometimes coffee just needs a little something sweet to go with it.
Sister My Sister Bake Shop is a popular bakery and coffee stop where you can pair your morning drink with freshly baked treats.
It's a particularly good option when you're looking for something quick before getting back on the road. Grab your coffee and a pastry, then head out for your next Big Bear adventure.
Perfect for: Pastry lovers, quick breakfasts, and coffee-to-go.
5. Café Crêpe
If you're looking to turn your morning coffee into a leisurely breakfast, Café Crêpe offers something a little different.
Along with coffee and espresso drinks, the café serves both sweet and savory crêpes. That makes it an excellent choice for couples, families, or anyone who wants a breakfast that's a little more memorable than the usual coffee-and-pastry combination.
Try a savory crêpe for a filling breakfast or choose something sweet if you're starting the day with a treat.
Perfect for: Brunch lovers, couples, and anyone who wants something beyond traditional breakfast.
6. Amangela's Sandwich & Bagel House
For a hearty breakfast before a day outdoors, Amangela's Sandwich & Bagel House is a longtime Big Bear favorite.
The menu features specialty coffees, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and other options that can give you plenty of fuel for a day of hiking, boating, skiing, or sightseeing.
Its location near The Village also makes it convenient if you're planning to spend part of your day exploring the area on foot.
Perfect for: Hearty breakfasts, bagel fans, and fueling up before an active day.
Coffee First, Adventure Second
One of the best things about a Big Bear morning is that you don't have to rush.
Start with a warm cup of coffee, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and then decide where the day takes you. Maybe you'll spend the morning hiking through the forest, exploring The Village, taking in the views around Big Bear Lake, or simply sitting on the deck of your cabin with another cup of coffee.
And if you're staying in a vacation rental, consider picking up some locally roasted beans or your favorite coffee drink and enjoying breakfast from the comfort of your own cabin.
A Few Tips for Your Big Bear Coffee Run
Check hours before you go. Mountain businesses can have seasonal schedules, and hours may change, particularly during holidays and slower seasons.
Go early on weekends. Popular coffee and breakfast spots can get busy, especially during summer and winter weekends.
Don't be afraid to explore. Big Bear has more than just traditional coffee shops. Bakeries, breakfast cafés, and restaurants often serve excellent coffee alongside a full morning menu.
Take your coffee outside. If the weather is nice, find a scenic spot near the lake or enjoy your morning drink on your cabin's deck.
Start Your Big Bear Morning the Right Way
A great vacation day doesn't have to begin with a packed itinerary.
Sometimes, it's as simple as waking up to the smell of pine trees, grabbing a warm cup of coffee, enjoying a delicious breakfast, and watching the mountains slowly come to life.
Whether you're a dedicated coffee lover or simply looking for a cozy place to start your morning, Big Bear Lake has plenty of options to explore.
So on your next mountain getaway, skip the rushed breakfast and make your morning part of the adventure.
Grab your coffee, take in the mountain air, and get ready to explore Big Bear Lake.