Welcome to Big Pines Lodge
Big Pines Lodge, located on the scenic Caddo Lake in Karnack, TX, is a cherished dining destination known for its warm atmosphere and flavorful Southern comfort food. Guests rave about its seafood specialties, including perfectly cooked catfish and unique dishes like alligator and frog legs, complemented by generous portions and complimentary sides like hush puppies and coleslaw. The attentive service and stunning waterfront views create a welcoming experience, perfect for families and friends. With live music and a vibrant ambiance, Big Pines Lodge is not just about eating; it's about creating lasting memories around delicious meals.
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747 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX 75661, United States Hotline: +1 903-679-3655
Welcome to Big Pines Lodge, a culinary gem nestled in the serene beauty of Caddo Lake at 747 Pine Island Rd, Karnack, TX. This family-friendly restaurant is not just known for its comforting southern fare but also for its stunning waterfront views that inspire peace and relaxation with every meal.
From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The attentive staff ensures that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional, as echoed by satisfied customers like Titus, whose family of six enjoyed a delightful meal complete with gator bites and perfectly cooked fish and burgers. The details matter here, and many patrons are enamored with the complimentary offerings, such as their delectable hush puppies, which one family noted were unexpectedly shaped like an alligator—a fun touch that set the tone for their wonderful evening.
At Big Pines Lodge, the menu is an adventure of its own. From the iconic whole catfish, praised by long-time visitors like Jaye, to the adventurous alligator meals and frog legs that Somasekar Natarajan gushed about, every bite tells a story. Even more traditional dishes like the crispy chicken fried steak are famed for their generous portions, ensuring no one leaves feeling anything but satisfied.
The restaurant's deck overlooking the bayou enhances the experience, as noted by Tegan Shaw. It's the perfect ambiance for enjoying a meal with friends or family, especially when coupled with live music that brings an extra layer of joy to your dining experience. Rick Martin enjoyed a picture-perfect view while savoring delicious fried catfish and sweet hush puppies, noting the enchanting atmosphere that makes every visit worthwhile.
Our reviews reveal a common thread: excellence in both food and service. Guests rave not only about the flavorful dishes but also about how they feel treated like locals, akin to a family gathering where everyone feels at home. With incredible attention to detail and passion radiating from the new ownership, Big Pines Lodge is rapidly becoming a cherished dining destination in East Texas.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert! Josh Doyle highly recommends the peach cobbler with ice cream—a sweet finale to a memorable meal.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Big Pines Lodge is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic southern comfort food served with a side of hospitality. Come enjoy great food, live music, stunning views, and an unforgettable dining experience by the waters of Caddo Lake.
My family of six enjoyed the food, service, and atmosphere. I was told it was only coincidence, but one our hush puppies was shaped like an alligator. That set the tone of a wonderful experience. We ate fish and burgers with sides and had gator bites as an appetizer. All were happy with their entrees and the gator bites were a hit as well. The staff consistently checked in to make sure our drinks were topped off and we had everything we needed. I’m sure we will make the trip to dine here again.
Great food - I had tried the alligator meal and frog legs..with French fries and onion rings. They also serve coleslaw, salad and jalapeno starters for free which was yum! Loved the place..
The best whole catfish in forever, we've eaten at The Big Pines for yrs. I do believe this time was the best food ever. Thanks for a very good Mother's Day meal and visit with family.
Parking wasn’t that difficult even on a busy Sunday during Lunch hour. Walked in and was immediately greeted and sat down at a table by the host. Amberlee, our waitress, was very attentive and helpful. I was a little hesitant to order sweet tea, cuz let’s be honest, nobody makes it better than mama. I went out on a limb and ordered it anyway. Wasn’t made like mama’s, but it was delicious. Me and my date ordered a four piece whole catfish dinner and a side of okra. I liked the catfish, it tasted fine, however I didn’t like how they cut slits in the sides. If I would’ve known that then I would’ve just ordered the fillets. The fries and okra were also good. The hush puppies were big and sweet, Wish they had a little bit more of a jalapeno kick, but they were still good. Overall, it was a good experience. Service was great and the view was very enjoyable, watching the boats pass by. We’ll definitely be back.
Fantastic! Great food- cooked to order and fresh. Shrimp and Fish cooked perfect, not dry. And the complimentary hush puppies and coleslaw are a treat! EXCELLENT service- could not ask for a better experience, highly attentive and treated us like locals. Great views from the outside porch - very family friendly.
5 stars Big Pines Lodge is the most beautiful restaurant on Caddo Lake! If you’re looking for unforgettable waterfront dining, this place is a must-visit. The deck overlooking the bayou is absolutely stunning—perfect for a peaceful meal or enjoying the view with friends. The portions are generous—easily enough for two people. The crispy fries are made from real potatoes, and the “little” chicken fried steak? It’s a monster! I got two full meals out of it. The salad bar is a rare gem in this area, especially when fresh veggies can be hard to find nearby—so appreciated! The service is friendly and welcoming, and you can tell the new owners genuinely care about the experience and are building a great culture. Guests often just hang out, enjoy the atmosphere, and have a good time. They also host local live music, which they promote on their Facebook page, so keep an eye out if you’re planning a visit. Whether you’re staying nearby or just passing through, Big Pines Lodge is a top spot for southern comfort food on Caddo Lake. Highly recommend!
Destiny H was our server! Excellent job! My family and I were just out on an adventure visiting Caddo. We stumbled upon this majestic scene...BIG PINES LODGE! Amazing food! Amazing service! Live music was on point! You HAVE to get the peach cobbler with ice cream.
On the day we came to Big Pines it was just day 2 of new ownership. Aside from taking a bit for the waitress to come to our table when we first sat down, it was a great experience. The coleslaw was so good. I ate the whole bowl myself! Their hush puppies were unique! We both ordered the catfish fillets and it was delicious. Great country music playing and we got there at the perfect time- as the lobby was full of folks when we left. We really enjoyed our meal and the ambiance!