Big Lake Chamber of Commerce

Member spotlight: Big Lake Family Restaurant

Late breakfast is normal at Big Lake Family Restaurant. Pancakes and egg plates remain available until the kitchen closes. Omelets stay on the same all-day menu. Someone who returns from the lake in midafternoon won’t have to order from a reduced breakfast list.

The restaurant has Mexican plates on the same menu as familiar diner meals. Several staples require preparation in the kitchen. Staff make the tamales and press tortillas. Hamburger buns are baked there. Even the onion rings are battered in-house.

Breakfast doesn’t end at noon

Egg plates arrive with home fries and toast. A larger breakfast might be one of the skillets, even at dinner time. Reindeer sausage can replace the standard meat on many orders.

Avocado and bacon go into the ABC skillet under melted cheese. The Spanish skillet takes a different direction. Onions and peppers form the base; tomato and jalapeños go over them.

That schedule is useful in Big Lake. Winter outings can occupy the morning. Shift hours can place a first full meal well past noon. At 5 p.m., a pancake order still comes from the regular breakfast section.

A closer look at the Mexican menu

Tamales receive a short line on the printed menu, although the restaurant makes them in its own kitchen. Corn and flour tortillas come from the press there too.

A combination order takes up a full plate: rice and beans on one side, a taco or enchilada on the other. Quesadillas and chimichangas remain separate orders.

Burgers and dinner plates

Country fried steak shares the dinner page with fried chicken. Burgers account for more of the menu. Their house-baked buns are one detail that separates them from a standard diner order.

One burger arrives open-faced under chili and cheddar. Ham and Swiss cheese go on the teriyaki version. The restaurant adds a pineapple slice. The Reuben keeps the expected rye and sauerkraut. Thousand Island dressing goes on it as well. The French dip can be ordered throughout the day.

The Caesar has Parmesan and croutons from the outset. Bay shrimp is optional. Garlic bread accompanies the salad. Staff write the soup of the day on the board beside the printed menu. Specials noted there can change after lunch.

Children have a separate menu. Adults can choose from either main section until the kitchen closes. Ice cream appears among the desserts.

Inside the restaurant

Regular customers will recognize the pictures of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe among the older wall pieces. Broad booths leave enough space for a family group. During an ordinary meal period, conversation doesn’t compete with loud dining-room noise.

The day’s whiteboard gives repeat customers something different to check. Breakfast can stay the same from morning onward, but the soup or later special may not.

Tables, takeout and online orders

A larger party can call before arrival. Staff use the same number for takeout. Pickup and delivery requests also go through the restaurant’s website.

The Chamber lists Big Lake Family Restaurant among its members. Breakfast meetings can begin when the dining room opens at 8 a.m. Employers can place one takeout order for the staff over the regular phone line.

Hours and contact information

Sunday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Address: 3261 S. Big Lake Road

Phone: 907-892-7001

Order online: biglakefamilyrestaurantak.com