This place is consistently good. The pancakes are always good. The chicken Caesar sandwich was delicious and the buffalo tenders and fries are also always juicy and good. Ambiance is always busy but clean, and service is always good. Always recommend if wanting some delicious breakfast read more

We have used Uber Eats a few times from Nlack Bear El Cajon and it was always excellent but tonight 7/18/26 it was horrible. Ordered the pot roast dinner and it was extremely dry with only a dabble of brown gravy. Mashed potatoes was about a tablespoons worth. Ordered 2 meatloaf dinners and they have always came with 4 pieces and this time only got 2 each meal. Ordered a baked potato and got mashed potatoes and again only a tablespoon worth on both. Barely any gravy again. Ordered a patty melt and it was burnt and my baked potato had these hard nasty bacon bits and no butter whatever on it. Totally disappointed meal read more

The $12.99 steak and eggs special rocks! Great deal available all day Mon- Friday. This is not on the printed menu, but they email the ads pretty frequently. Took me a little while to come check it out, but so glad we did. Also added a pumpkin pancake for $1.99. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - 12.99 steak and eggs - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Look at this Denver omelet! It's absolutely gorgeous!! Service was excellent. Rugs need replacing. Everything else was great. Black Bear is always a crowd-pleaser! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Denver omelet - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Visited for breakfast, host staff was not the friendliest. Seated quickly but had to wait a while to place my order with a server. Food came quickly and was delicious. Did not see much of my server unfortunately. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Bear's choice breakfast with sausage and pancakes - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

The last time I was here was back in 2023 with a friend, so coming in on Friday for my birthday with my parents brought back such a sweet feeling it honestly felt like being a little kid again, going out with them. I remember the food being really good back then, and Friday did not disappoint! The waffle was absolutely delicious, the service was excellent, the food was fantastic, and of course the coffee was too! I really enjoyed my birthday and spending the day with my parents. It was such a wonderful experience, and I'm so glad we came! I would love to bring my husband and children to try their food. read more

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It had been a few years since we'd been here as a family, but since everyone was craving something different, this spot was the perfect choice. Some of us wanted breakfast/brunch, while others (me included) were in the mood for something lighter--and the best part? Everyone got exactly what they wanted. We came in on a Sunday around 1:30 p.m. and lucked out with no wait at all. Either we missed the rush or timed it perfectly after church hours. The host was super friendly and seated us right away. Our server, Lilie, was amazing. Even though she was wrapping up another table, she acknowledged us immediately and took great care of us from the start--drinks, orders, everything. We went for the French toast from the build-your-own Bear's Choice breakfast and taco salads, and let me just say... the food always looks so good here. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the flavors never disappoint. The whole place has this cozy, cabin-style vibe that makes you feel right at home. I also love their newspaper-style menu and the fact that they highlight charities they support--such a nice touch. Overall, it was a great experience and definitely worth a visit. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, so it's perfect when everyone in your group wants something different. If you're ever near a Black Bear Diner, add it to your list read more

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I always look forward to my meals here. As I know it will be homemade and delicious! With friendly, speedy service and a relaxing cute Bear atmosphere. This visit I picked the turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy and fruit. It was moist, nicely seasoned and the gravy had a wonderful depth of flavor that I enjoyed immensely. Note; they have numerous Bear themed, super cute, souvenirs for sale. read more

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Let me start off by saying this place has potential the smells were welcoming and the decor . I ordered the cinnamon roll French toast and it wasn't great more like a honey bun dipped in egg to be like French toast bacon was the best part of my meal . The coffee was bland and would get a zero star from me . Service was 10/10 very friendly and I was served fast . read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I just LOVE this black bear diner! There can be a wait on the weekends but we have never waited more than 20 minutes. Staff is always so nice. We love all of the food, the menu is amazing, portions are large!!! We always leave full and with leftovers. The Bear decor is so cute, they had bear puzzles, cards, reusable totes, adorable pjs... I finally bought the bear claw back scratcher! They have delicious pies as well! If you have not been, you must try! read more

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Who in their right mind puts carrots in meatloaf and the don't cook through? Gravy on top instead of in a bowl as asked. Best part of the meal was the muffin and chili. Not many people inside and slow service. Typical of a diner inside. read more

Everything is bear themed in the restaurant. Delicious diner that has lots of different options. Great spot for breakfast all day. I got the French toast every time I have gone. They have good service. Menu is printed on a newspaper which is super cute. Lots of parking. I got the black berry bear claw French toast and banana pudding French toast. Both were different and delicious. read more

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This place is cute, and has mountain cabin decor, Bear things everywhere! The service was fine, but the food was less than mediocre. The chicken and waffles was so dry and made with chicken tenders. Yuck. According to the menu, they make home style fried chicken, so they could have used that instead of chicken tenders. The cinnamon roll French toast was exactly that. Just cinnamon rolls cooked as french toast. Just overly sweet and nothing to brag about. read more

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I went here for the all you can eat fried fish on Friday for only $17.69! The food quality is decent but it's all about the quantity. The first plate includes three pieces of fried fish, choice of two sides, and three hush puppies. Each refill of fried fish will include two pieces and I was only able to eat two rounds total because the fish and sides were filling. Fried fish: the seasoned beer batter was crispy and the fish was tender and moderately flaky, 3.5/5 stars. Onion rings: these were typical, crispy batter with tender onions, 3.5/5 stars. Hush puppies: this is a filler but I still enjoyed these because these cornmeal balls are fried to a crisp while being fluffy on the inside. This is also a perfect compliment to fish, 3.5/5 stars. The service was efficient as we were seated immediately and our food was delivered to us without delay. read more

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2nd time here (and amazing customer services credit Alicia) food was so good both times I registered with the promotional app as I'm sure I'll be back. Food reminds me of home cooked food and reasonably priced too. Great theme theming around the lodge & bear. Great ambiance. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - On the carved bench out front of the business. - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Went to this place to try out there banging deal for steak and eggs for 12 bucks honestly it was a really good deal the steak was pretty small but it was packed with flavor and ussaly diners never really have good eggs but these were good eggs the potatoes were okay didn't really like them but other then that the ambiance looked amazing and the service was also okay didn't really talk to us much and just kind of avoided us but I still give it a 5 stars!! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Steak and eggs - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

If you're not a fan of bears or large portions, this is not the place for you. But if you are, keep on reading! BBD kindly sent me a coupon for a free bear's choice breakfast for my birthday. Naturally, I couldn't let that go to waste, so we hopped on the 8 and arrived at the diner around 3pm today. There were customers already dining in, but there was no wait, and there were plenty of open booths/tables. We were seated in the way back at a booth away from everything. I didn't love where we were seated, but I figured maybe the hostess was trying to distribute tables fairly among the servers, so I let it be. Nevaeh was our server and she was friendly and efficient. I ordered the bear's choice breakfast with chicken sausage (small upcharge). M had the Chicken Caesar Sandwich with onion rings. The food took about 15 minutes to arrive and when it did, we noted that the sandwich was crispy on the top but a little soggy on the bottom. The onion rings were also good, but there were only five on the plate. :( There were cute little flags on each sandwich half though. The bear's choice breakfast was great! I especially loved the chicken sausage. The scrambled eggs were also tasty & I enjoyed my pancake. M. ate the other one and enjoyed it. We enjoyed plenty of water with our meal. Once we were done, we waited for about 10 minutes, and then Nevaeh brought it to us. We checked out at the front desk and the bday coupon took $15 off of the bill. Very nice! Overall, we enjoyed our meal. Notes:. Plenty of free parking in the adjacent parking lots, Cute bear themed decor, Some sundries and Bear-themed items for sale by the front door read more

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First time here. Our server was great. Happily greeted us, was friendly and helpful. What we got - Corned Beef Hash - this wasn't your normal out of the can corned beef hash. It was real corned beef with potatoes. Hash browns were good and the biscuit was so good. Needed a little seasoning on everything but it was still good - Chicken Fried Steak - bf loved it. He added salt and pepper to his food. Pretty good portions of food here. There's so much on the menu to choose from.. we'll definitely be back. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Corned Beef Hash (front) & Chicken Fried Steak (back) - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Because you will never know "Black Bear " until you try it. Acknowledging "Black Bear " on skill, serve, value, and preparation on delivering great portions of American food. Keep up the great work "Black Bear ". read more

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There was only one reason at this time to visit Black Bear Diner and it is the bear shaped pancake. We only have gone here twice, I generally don't feel like driving so east but when there's $5 bear shaped pancakes for kids (cub menu) it's hard to say no. The greeting in the front is always so nice and brief. Both times unfortunately we had the same server. She definitely didn't care to take care of us. She was pretty sweet with the table next to us and around us it seems. The first time I didn't order myself anything but tea. The cups were gross, it still had the dishwashing soap smell, it was so strong when she brought out the hot tea and I poured it, it was triple the smell. I didn't dare touch my tea until I asked for another cup. Of course on my second visit, I just opt for water. No smell in the water cups. The bear shaped pancakes were cute and amazing. I ordered food that was decent, the portions are huge, I wish I could have ordered from the kids menu. Lol. The place is way bigger than it seems when walking into the front. The menu is massive and it's your typical diner/Denny's type breakfast place. It wouldn't wow you, and I don't think it's meant to but it does have a nice homey feel to it if you're seated in the right area. read more

So good! Price is affordable for big portions! Gives the small town diner vibes. I always get the country fried steak and it never disappoints. read more

Came on a beautiful San Diego Saturday during brunch, expected a long wait but was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't that long, given how busy it was. Jonathan our server was great, prompt, friendly and offered some selection opinions of which I appreciated immensely. Got the corned beef hash and I must say while I grew up eating the canned now that I'm an adult and my pallet is more refined the homemade is so much more superior, also got the biscuits n gravy (his suggestion) it was smack in and also got the grits (don't judge me I was participating in big backery that day) which were perfect. The ambiance is typical diner atmosphere so no surprises there. Will def continue to frequent as the food and vibes are BEAR-y good (see what I did there) LOL read more

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What a great Sunday experience. Fresh squeezed Orange Juice was heavenly. Maybe juiced from Eden itself. Food was excellent. 9.4. And that's a fair review. Ordered the Volcano. Sausage was so tasty. Pancakes were fluffy. Vibes were vibing. Service was excellent. Sol was so gracious and kind. Might come back tomorrow idk don't tempt me. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

I realized we've been here a lot during the three years since I did my original review. It has become one of our favorite places to treat ourselves. We usually come for breakfast but have been here for a few lunches and dinner. They have plenty of options, I usually get something different each visit and it's always delicious. The servers are always so nice, friendly and helpful. They recognize us when we visit which is nice. Our coffee and sodas cups are never empty. It is a fun, cozy place with cute decorations, a jukebox playing oldies and cute souvenirs for sale. read more

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An update 28 SEP 2026: I see that Black Bear is using "tamper evident" tape strips now - good. But someone needs to teach the staff how this tape actually works. If they don't place the tape strips where the bag is closed, it does absolutely no good. This morning, the tape strip was wrapped around the handle and not adhered to anything! I just slipped it right off to get my food out. Putting this tape on the receipt is worthless, too. The tape is meant to seal the bag so you cannot open it without tearing/cutting the tape strip. They also started putting the butter pats in the container with the hot food, so it melts and essentially liquid butter when it arrives. B for effort I guess. read more

A couple friends recommended this place so a group of us went after church Sunday night. I really enjoyed the rustic decor. Felt like we were in big bear with possible snow outside. The service was on point considering we were a large group. A few got the fish and chips but, since it was my first time, I ordered the small meatloaf plate. It was a good choice with the crispy onions on top. Parking was easy and plentiful. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Meatloaf, mashed red potatoes and green beans with ham. Yum - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

I had a decent experience overall, but a few things kept it from being a standout visit. The food was mostly enjoyable, though some items were better than others and a couple could have used more flavor. The coffee was good, and the atmosphere was pleasant for a casual meal. Service was fine, but it felt a little less polished than expected. Nothing was seriously wrong, but there was also nothing that made the visit especially memorable. I might come back and try something different next time. read more

Big bear Burgar & onion rings are great. Just fries was to salty. warm . Not Hot fresh I would go back. nice place for FAMILY read more

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Dined at this diner the day before fore it was shut down for health code violations. The restaurant was less than 1/2 full, they tried to seat us next to the kitchen, refused that table and politely asked for another table. We were accommodated, this was after being passed by on the wait list twice and had to ask to be seated (no one in lobby) ! Food was subpar and less than 1/2 of the entree was eaten. Coffee was good , but won't be returning anytime soon even though they have reopened. read more

I love going here to eat in the morning it's excellent. Tonight I was so disappointed got the build your own 2 egg with extra sausage blueberry pancakes and potatoes.i have never seen this ever good thing I checked my to go order in the car my supposed 4 pieces of sausage were sliced it wasn't four pieces. I went back in made sure I was calm because thise are somebody's kids. I showed the young man the sausage and he looked and he was like well maybe they rhought it was an omelet, that is not my order so they took it I'm the back pulled the chopped sausage out and made me four fresh sausage. it just mad me feel like only the eggs were fresh and the rest might of been leftover. I am so disappointed, and got me looking side ways at the staff at night. That's not good at all. read more

Food good order was good and seevice. Roaches all in our booth. Told manager and did nothing this morning

First time here and gotta say... it's awesome! Lots of great stuff on a huge menu and the service was great. Good size tables that give you plenty of room which was perfect because we ordered a lot. The hobo omelette was really good and the Bread Pudding French Toast was an excellent choice. Stop by you'll love it read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Bread Pudding French Toast* - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Waitress "Cassie" comes over, tells the wife and I the other waitress is now off shift and will be taking over. The wife gets the Tri Tip and I get the 11 ounce burger (M/W) with 2 extra 1,000 Island dressings. The char on the outside of the burger and the juicy inside was really good. The 3rd time in a row the wife has to get the Tri Tip that she loves so much. No need "to beg" refills and our orders were perfect. That dressing for the burger and to dip my fries is was the bomb. So we just had to ask the very excellent waitress "Cassie" what her favorite thing on the menu is? "The Blackened Salmon. We agree because that is the other item ("Product" in McDonald CEO language) I like. Why only four stars? Well, back when this place first opened up, had some bad experiences, but now that the seasoned veterans are taking over and management has drastically improved, I give it four stars and soon to be five. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - The 11 Ounce Burger with American Cheese. - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

I'm really surprised by this situation because we've been there before and everything was great. July 15th for my mother-in-law's birthday I took my husband, MIL, and SIL for dinner. There was no air conditioning. The staff gave out paper fans which is ridiculous. It was so hot we couldn't even eat and took our food home. My husband wound up getting sick. I messaged the restaurant the next day and I haven't gotten a response as of yet. How can they let their employees work under those conditions? It's atrocious. It wasn't just one day either, I found out from a few other people it was a few days. That's a repair that should have been attended to immediately. I won't be going there anytime soon. read more

Food and service were great but what really made it was the dessert it was absolutely delicious, I had the home made banana cream pie, overall it was a great experience. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Western BBQ Burger with Homemade Crispy Onion Straws - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I know I'm months late but BBD has one of the best Veteran's Day deals! They def know how to treat their veterans! The ambiance is very beary the service is super friendly BBD def knows how to cook a Chicken Fried Steak! Veterans def going here next Veterans Day read more

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I know they're a chain but they're seriously the best. This is my go-to spot for breakfast any time of day. Great burgers. The taco salad is amazing and huge! Good coffee and have always had good service. The only downside is the lighting over the booths is blindingly bright so we usually ask for a table. read more

Food: Well, okay... we came here once and my daughter got chicken and waffles. It was SO good that she begged us to come back. The rest of our food was okay, nothing amazing, but solid. So we got back a second time and sit down to order, "Chicken and waffles please" - they are out of chicken. Oof! Strike 1. That sucks. She was disappointed but she got something else and we shrugged it off. Then about 2 weeks back we came in again... this time I asked first, "Do you have chicken for the chicken and waffles?" They are out of waffles. Oof! Strike 2! And isn't it just batter? I don't get it. We didn't stay that time because my daughter was visibly sad this time. So I think we are done trying or else this just becomes a running gag we try to get out of, like Groundhogs Day or something... Atmosphere: It's cozy inside. I love all of the details, like the wood carvings and all of the bear stuff. It's like you're in a log cabin. And I like that they have paper menus and throw them away (because plastic reusable menus are germ magnets). The newspaper-esque theme is pretty cool too. Price: It's no more expensive than say, Dennys or Ihop. Middle of the road and they have lots of options. A decent meal for two - 50$. Service: Each time we have been, the servers have been great. Nice servers and even when the guy had to tell us they were out of chicken, he was super apologetic. No complaints on the service. Overall: It's a nice place... when they have the advertised food. So I honestly don't know if we will be back or not. Maybe we will give it a shot but I don't want my daughter to be disappointed again. I get it, if it was something they only made 50 of a day, I'd understand. But... chicken and waffles? Hmmm... read more

This place has now become a Sunday tradition for my son and I, we come here every Sunday for breakfast and it never disappoints! We get here early before 830 because anything after that you are going to have to wait a while to get a seat. I always get the two egg combo and get the grits as my side...I first had grits in Texas and I can say these grits are almost right up there with the ones in Texas. Staff is always friendly, food is made fresh to order so of course it takes some time to come out BUT its worth it!! The place is always clean including the restroom. It's located in a strip mall with a large parking lot so always plenty of parking. Definitely will continue coming here!! read more

This is a reliable spot for a good bite to eat early in the morning. Breakfast is good and the portions are huge so there's always left overs. I like their biscuits and gravy (gravy on the side) but this time I got their cinnamon roll french toast with a side of my favorite red skin breakfast potatoes. The french toast was yummy and not overly sweet. Potatoes were seasoned and cooked perfectly. Service wasn't the quickest but the waitress was friendly when she was able to visit our table. This is an older restaurant though so it's a bit outdated and could definitely used some cleaning up around the place. Those curtains deserve some TLC. All in all, good place to bring a family because there's something for everyone and it's about as casual as it gets! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Cinnamon Roll French Toast* - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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