Fernwood Tavern
An old-school roadhouse in Big Sur with a vibrant bar, live music, and a beautiful redwood-shaded deck. A haven for locals and travelers alike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Fernwood Tavern
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An old-school roadhouse in Big Sur with a vibrant bar, live music, and a beautiful redwood-shaded deck. A haven for locals and travelers alike.
"Sit outside, surrounded by redwoods, and enjoy exceptional food with very good service."
Catch Live Music
Saturday nights feature live music starting at 9:30 PM for an entertaining evening.
Try Vegan Options
The menu includes vegan choices, catering to various dietary preferences.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar & Grill
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dining Under Towering Redwoods
Savor delicious food on the back deck surrounded by majestic redwood trees. An idyllic setting for a casual meal.
Eclectic Atmosphere & Live Music
Experience a unique vibe with locals, campers, and artists. Live music on Saturdays adds to the lively scene.
Flavorful Southern Fried Chicken Sammie
A standout dish that's a must-try. Juicy fried chicken on a bun with delicious toppings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Catch Live Music
Saturday nights feature live music starting at 9:30 PM for an entertaining evening.
Try Vegan Options
The menu includes vegan choices, catering to various dietary preferences.
Dine on the Deck
The back deck offers a beautiful, heated outdoor seating experience among the redwoods.
Fast Service
Expect relatively quick service, a positive point for this Big Sur location.
Tips
from all over the internet
Catch Live Music
Saturday nights feature live music starting at 9:30 PM for an entertaining evening.
Try Vegan Options
The menu includes vegan choices, catering to various dietary preferences.
Dine on the Deck
The back deck offers a beautiful, heated outdoor seating experience among the redwoods.
Fast Service
Expect relatively quick service, a positive point for this Big Sur location.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fernwood Tavern is praised for its stunning natural setting, particularly the outdoor deck among redwoods, and its lively atmosphere often enhanced by live music. While many diners rave about dishes like the ahi tuna burrito and fried chicken sandwich, some reviews mention inconsistent food temperature and slow service. Despite mixed feedback on service, the unique ambiance and good food make it a memorable stop in Big Sur.
"A magical place to stay. Beautiful natural environments to enjoy during the day, and after leaving the bar late at night and encountering the presence of the road vanishing into nothingness on both sides, a liminal, surreal atmosphere is experienced as you find yourself surrounded by dark silence (kudos to whoever put on Carnival of Souls by Combustible Edison for getting the mood just right).
Couldn't recommend more.
On a more practical note, the service here is professional, considerate, and fast."
Timothy Barson
"This was such a beautiful place to enjoy delicious food. The fried chicken sandwich was really flavorful and the tots hit the spot! The fish burrito was great too! We were just a little disappointed that we were charged 20% gratuity for having a party of 5 when one was an infant that definitely did not or could not eat."
M Jmeyer
"This is a really nice hideaway in big sur. we really enjoyed the back patio as this is outdoor and we are only inches away from those giant trees. Sometimes can see birds jumping between them which was really pleasant.
They have heater so don’t worry you will be cold.
Mexican type of food - which should be off good quality in the US as there are so many Mexican heritage. The food was decent as well. Service was just about right, not too much not too little.
You can also sit inside and watch sports - but it can get quite loud."
Catherine Yang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Saturday nights are popular due to live music starting at 9:30 PM. Consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience.
Yes, the back deck is a highlight, offering a beautiful dining experience under redwood trees, complete with heaters.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegan options and dishes like vegetarian pesto pasta.
Yes, they have a kid's menu with options like chicken tenders, hot dogs, and pita pizza.
Service is generally described as fast by some, while others have noted it can be slow or lackluster.
Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long waits.
The back patio is dog-friendly, making it a good spot for diners with pets.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Big Sur Camping - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums
Big Sur Campground and Cabins, Riverside, and Fernwood are in the river valley away from the ocean, there may be trails out from these private, sort of "downscale" resorts, but it'd be a looooong hike to the ocean. Fernwood has a rep as a party place, live bands in the bar, people drinking late into the night, etc. Some people I know used to book it for all night dance parties a while back.
Top 4 Casual Restaurants Near Wander Big Sur Point
Fernwood Tavern beckons with its traditional charm and redwood timbers, providing a welcoming haven for both locals and tourists. Beyond its homespun atmosphere, Fernwood offers a delectable Bar & Grill menu featuring culinary delights such as chorizo stuffed dates and southern fried chicken sammie. The back deck, set beneath towering redwood trees, provides a relaxed setting to savor not only the mouthwatering dishes but also the laid-back ambiance that makes Fernwood Tavern a great place for a casual meal.
Visit the Beautiful Beaches of Big Sur
Fernwood’s tavern is a popular local watering hole built in the traditional Big Sur style with redwood timbers. Fernwood’s homespun atmosphere attracts a variety of locals and tourists, making for some very entertaining evenings. Very popular on evenings when live entertainment is available – usually Saturday night beginning at 9:30 PM.
Discover the Beauty of Big Sur California
Locally sourced ingredients, catch-of-the-day specials, and seasonally rotating menus are served up against iconic backdrops. Savor ocean views at Nepenthe Restaurant and explore the award-winning wine list at Sierra Mar, or dine among towering redwoods at Fernwood Tavern for a visual (and literal) feast.
The 8 Best Gluten-Free Delivery Spots in Big Sur
One of the few restaurants in big sur without long waits , quick service and options in menu varied enough that it caters to most everyone. They had a live band setting up for the night too. Dinner service was decent but left a few gaps.
Visitors Guide 2024 – Page 54
(831) 667-2197, bigsurtaphouse.com Fernwood Tavern Fernwood draws an eclectic crowd. Locals, campers, travelers and artists all comfortably come together. There aren’t many places better for live music in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit