Saturday, February 28th, 2026 4:14 PM Server: Eduardo OVERVIEW: My first visit ever to a Black Bear Diner. Personally, I don't like big, corporate-backed venues like Denny's & IHOP, but since this place in Lodi got good reviews, I thought I would give it a try. But again, since it was a big-name restaurant, my expectations were low. PROS: - First off, excellent service, a well staffed kitchen & dining area. Dining area atmosphere very warm as well, with lots of families enjoying their meals. - Our waiter was Eduardo. A very attentive guy, who brought out our meals less than 10 minutes from time of order. GIVE THIS GUY A RAISE! - Did the, "Build your own Breakfast" with steak, eggs & pancakes. The pancakes were excellent... golden brown, not burnt, and large & fluffy. These guys know how to make classic pancakes !!! - Ordered orange juice. IT WAS DELICIOUS. I was expecting some watery, sugary juice substitute, but this was REAL ORANGE JUICE. (Minute Maid) CONS: - The steak was quiet, "Meh". Sure, it just a standard portion of a, "Build your own B'fast" meal, but the steak itself was so unimpressive, like it came from one of those microwave steaks at Walmart. - I understand that eggs are expensive nowadays, but I ordered three (3) eggs, but they were so small, that it felt like eating just two eggs. CONCLUSION: Great restaurant with great vibes. Just wish that the steak & eggs portion of my breakfast were bigger. The pancake portion was just fine. Will go there again and give them the chance to earn five stars from me. read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Real Minute Maid Orange Juice - American Near Me - Lodi, California

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We were hungry and couldn't decide what to eat, so we stopped by Black Bear Diner since they have such an expansive menu. It was early afternoon and not busy at all, so we were seated right away. I ordered the Chicken Caesar Melt with a side of fruit, while my husband went with the tri-tip dip and fries. The Chicken Caesar Melt came with grilled chicken breast, Caesar dressing, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss and jack cheeses on sourdough bread grilled with a Parmesan crust. It was delicious--I especially loved the crispy cheese crust. That said, for a Black Bear portion, the chicken was a bit skimpy, and I would've liked just a little more meat. My husband enjoyed his tri-tip dip, which featured seasoned tri-tip on a grilled ciabatta roll served with au jus. The restaurant was pretty quiet during our visit, though we've been here during busier times when it can get quite loud, especially with the dinner crowd. The restaurant is kid-friendly and offers plenty of booth seating, which I prefer over chairs. Customer service can be hit or miss--sometimes we have excellent waitstaff who check in regularly and keep drinks refilled, and other times they disappear once the food is served. Unfortunately, this visit fell into the latter category, as our waitress didn't return until we were ready to pay. Overall, the food is good, there's plenty of seating inside, and a large parking lot outside. It's a solid option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. read more

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Good service and food I have not had a bad meal from this chain compare to Dennys I had their Friday Prime Rib special. It was good and came with soup or salad and two sides. It was worth the price. read more

Service and food was top notch! I ordered the birthday breakfast combo and it was delicious. French toast, sausage and eggs were extremely filling and definitely hits the hunger spot. Definitely a good place to eat breakfast and more! read more

Celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary this week, love the breakfast here. They have such an extensive menu selection but you can't go wrong with breakfast! lol... The service is always quick and such a nice place to relax and enjoy the food! read more

I ordered a Chicken Pot Pie through Door Dash. It was inedible. I don't know if it sat under a warmer for a prolonged period of time but the chicken was hard and extremely dry, the vegetables were unrecognizable mush and there was absolutely no sauce. After two bites the rest went down the garbage disposer. I have ordered from this restaurant several times and enjoyed my food both on site and through delivery so I don't know what went wrong but I would caution anyone about ordering this menu item read more

This place definitely provides a good meal experience. We ordered chicken fried steak which comes with eggs, hash brown, and your choice of toast, fruit, or one pancake. We ordered ours with one pancake. The chicken fried steak was very delicious. The gravy on top was creamy and seasoned perfectly. The hash brown was good, but it did need more salt. The eggs were tasty. The avocado toast was good, but really simple. I would have liked for it to have had something else on top. The fruit was refreshing. The shredded corned beef brisket hash was dry. I would have preferred it to have been more juicy. The fried chicken was also dry. It did not have that nice crispy tenderness that a good fried chicken should have. The pancakes were very delicious. They are made with sweet cream so the syrup is not really needed. The service was ok, not too friendly. The place provides a comfortable environment for family breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Overall, this place was good. read more

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We were on our way home and decided to stop at a Black Bear Diner for breakfast since it's one of my husband's favorite places to eat when he travels. I had never been to one before because we don't have a location in our town, so I was curious to try it. I ordered the Classic 2-Egg Combo with sausage links and eggs. I also asked our waitress, Sonia, to add gravy to my biscuit, which she kindly did. I also had ask for hashbrown for my side dish. However, when our food arrived, I noticed my plate didn't come with hash browns. When Sonia came by to check in, I mentioned that I didn't get the hash browns I asked for. She then told me that the Classic Egg Combo only comes with one side dish, the biscuit, and that I don't get hash browns with it. I could've swore, on the menu it stated it come with a biscuit and a choice of a side dish, but I maybe wrong. However, what frustrated me, because if there's only one included side, I don't understand why she had asked me me earlier what I wanted as a side. I clearly said hash browns, and if the biscuit is the only included side, that should've been clarified. Had I known, I might have ordered hash browns separately, but by that point, I was annoyed and didn't feel like waiting. I ate my food and we left. It wasn't a terrible experience, the food was decent, and my husband still enjoys this diner a lot. Maybe I'll give it another try in the future and try something else on the menu. Hopefully, the communication will be a little clearer next time. read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - My husband got the Gritt plate ( I think) and I got the Classic 2 egg combo. - American Near Me - Lodi, California

I cannot speak to the ambiance of the restaurant since this is a review of a door dashed order. The blackened salmon from this restaurant was really tasty and a hearty portion and less expensive than other salmon dishes I have ordered at other restaurants. I really loved the mashed potatoes and seasoned veggies as well. Would definitely order again! read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Blackened Salmon - American Near Me - Lodi, California

Bf and I come here when we're craving some delicious diner themed food, our local go to spot! Bf went with the classic, pancakes, but with a twist! He got the red, white, and blue pancakes. It came with 2 pancakes, strawberries, blueberry sauce, and whipped cream. The fruit was fresh, and they gave a generous amount of blueberry sauce. I got the 10oz Santa Maria tri tip and homemade chicken pot pie. I thought the tri tip was a 7/10. I feel like the tri tip could be a little more crispier on the outside, and I felt the serving was a few oz under 10. Overall, it was still worth the prize. It came with two sides! The homemade chicken pot pie crust was very delicious, but I wish the crust extended to the entire pot pie and not just the top of the bowl. The filling of the pot pie was warm and creamy, I would order the pot pie again. Overall o do recommend Black Bear dinner, service is always quick, servers are attentive, and restaurant is clean. Delicious food for a home ambiance feel. read more

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Very filling and delicious breakfast! I had Joe's Hobo Omelette, and wow -- it was so good. Loaded with flavour, cooked perfectly, and absolutely satisfying. The hash browns were even better -- seasoned just right. And I have to mention the biscuits with gravy -- pure comfort food perfection. Generous portions, friendly service, and that classic Black Bear Diner charm make this location an easy 5 stars. If you're in Lodi and craving a hearty breakfast, this is the place to go. read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - American Near Me - Lodi, California

My hubby and I have ate here numerous times. Location is always very clean and service is often attentive. Love reading the newspaper menus and LOTS of food options. Ate the Sierra burger with a house salad last night and it was great! Ranch dressing is homemade with a bacon flavor, delicious! read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Sierra Burger - American Near Me - Lodi, California

Fish fry Friday was great I had my fill on fish and salad. The waitress was nice , efficient and pretty- you can't beat that combo . Atmosphere was nice too I will return read more

The food was good. The service was good. The restaurant was dirty! Glass dividers between booths were smeared with food and fingerprints. The walls were covered with greasy prints. The inside of the windows were very dirty as well. read more

Decided to give it another try despite the prior bad experience. It was much better. I ordered the chicken stack with onion straws. Very good and has been consistent taste-wise the last few times. I opt out of the hollandaise sauce. Overall, much better visits in the last couple of months. The servers are all very professional and nice. The difficult one seems to be gone now, thank goodness. read more

Disappointing experience at the Lodi location. Let's start with the positive: restaurant is really clean (bathrooms as well) and servers are top notch. Fast, friendly and professional. Now the not so great: food quality and portions did not meat expectations. Tri tip was burned and fries were cold - Bigfoot was not warm neither and only 5 onion rings? We told our waitress and she profoundly apologized and mentioned that the kitchen would do better next time. Guess we were accustomed to the larger portions served all over Northern California and the Valley is different.. read more

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The service tops the list on this place. I had Mary B when I sat at the bar top. I came in at rush Sunday morning and was immediately greeted, ordered and not rushed at all. The food was good for a busy chain restaurant (I had the chicken fried steak) and it was out promptly. Thr cook staff is sharp and organized. Would definitely come here again. read more

Great experience meeting large group here. Hostess offered to seat us even though half our group had not arrived. Waitress was patient waiting for them, checked back with us and kept our coffees full. Food arrived quickly and we had requested extra gravy and crispy hash browns and both came out perfect with meal. We had chicken fried steak with country gravy, omelettes, bacon and eggs and pancakes. Entire group was pleased with their meals. Most didn't finish as the portions are large. Service could not have been better. Not the fanciest breakfast but good food at a fair price. Definitely come back. read more

First time eating in black bear diner. Server was really nice and helpful. But thats all the good thing I can say about this place. I ordered chicken and waffle, it's supposed to come with chicken strips but I got 6 piece of small chicken nuggets. To top it off, the chicken is dry and stale, not even warm. And the icing on the cake is the fish from the fish and chips, my mom ordered the fish and chips and gave me a piece. On the last bite, the piece was cold and so I took it out of my mouth. And guess what was with it. A worm came out of the cold piece. I told our server and told us that she will tell the manager, manager told her its not a worm. Check out the picture and judge. Google'd fish worm and it looked like it. Manager was gracious enough to take off the fish & chips off the bill. Not coming back here. And please avoid this place. read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Fish & Chips - American Near Me - Lodi, California

We ended up going to Black Bear diner during the peak hours on Sunday morning. We had to put our names on the list, the wait was about 15 mins, we received a notification via text our table was ready within 10 mins. Our waitress had an extra pep in her step! We ordered our drinks and meals just as quick. The food arrived fresh and hot, very tasty as well! I'm usually not a big pancake girlie but these were good! We will definitely be back to try out more items! read more

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I've always meant to come here but never got the opportunity till recently. My mom suggested this for lunch after I mentioned craving a club sandwich. We were sat right away on a late Sunday afternoon. Our server, Mary was peppy and attentive even with the Sunday rush! We ordered and got our food quickly. This club was huge and loaded with turkey, ham and bacon. The portion of fries was huge! Would love to come back for another meal soon. read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Turkey Club - American Near Me - Lodi, California

I really hate giving a bad review but I feel like I have to say something this time. The steak was ordered medium rare and came out drier than the desert and extra well done. We don't send food back so after a ton of chewing, he finished it. The deep fried hash browns somehow came out wet and soggy! But then, we both lost our appetites when my bf bit into his biscuits and gravy and pulled a piece of paper out of his mouth!! It looked like maybe a piece of butter wrapper. Our server was shocked and brought over a bowl of fruit instead. She's the only reason I gave two stars instead of 1. We will never go back here for breakfast because it was an awful and disappointing experience. read more

Went to get my bday free food amazing... also ordered a veggie 3 egg omelette add ham and onions... this is my $25 omelette no meat no veggies nothing read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Wheres the veggies and meat that i paid $5 for??? - American Near Me - Lodi, California

I really enjoy the Tri Tip dinner here! It is very tasty (med rare) and even the Little Less version of 6 oz. of meat is a perfect portion. The meat is still juicy and it comes with mashed potatoes and gravy plus green beans. I found the green beans to be bland. Not enough seasoning on them. The gravy on the potatoes was good! I added a cup of brocolli cheese soup ($3.99 more). The cup size is smaller than expected. Soup was just ok. As usual, the cornbread was good! I wanted a piece of pumpkin pie. They had none? Surprising, consudering it is the holiday season. I opted for the apple pie with ice cream. Delicious small tin of pie with premium, creamy ice cream was served. Be aware that this is $8.99 w/ice cream. Their coffee is not weak here which I appreciate ($3.99/cup). The service was good. However, in the end my bill was almost $30! Wow! Hmm. Watch the add on prices here. read more

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5 stars because the pancake was super delicious, it reminded me/brought me back to my childhood when I used to eat this for breakfast at school. (elementary forgot what grade) The omelette was also good but too much bacon and too much sausages but other than that everything was great. (First time here with family) read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Joe's Hobo Omelette - American Near Me - Lodi, California

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First time sat at the counter with my friend. Cute newspaper menu and place. Staff was attentive and friendly. Food was good eggs and French toast. Bacon is thick and crispy. I'm sure if you like it less crispy you can ask. Will definitely be returning. Great experience read more

We arrived at 8:30pm when 9:00pm is the closing time. We were turned away at the door because the kitchen was closing in 10 minutes. I guess they don't care about the four person check they could have profited on when we are always 20% tippers. I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon. read more

Good portions and food was served quickly. Our server was friendly and polite. Some of the food could have been hotter in temperature.

Been wanting to try this for some time. I had the two eggs over easy with country potatoes, bacon and wheat toast. Could have been a little hotter but not terrible. The bacon had great flavor as did the country potatoes. Wheat good but eggs a little to done for me. My wife had the waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Strawberries not 100 percent great but it is winter. Service was great. Restaurant very clean. It was good but not so good I would travel far to go to. read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Two eggs, country potatoes, bacon and wheat toast. - American Near Me - Lodi, California

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It's the best place in Lodi for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Why? The food quality and quantity is better than decent, the cost to dine there is a real value, and most all of the wait staff is pleasing and attentive. In addition, the staff takes the orders on I pads which enable the meals to be served in a timely manner with no mistakes. On a rare occasion, if something is not up to par, a simple request is honored. I have eaten many times at Black Bear in Lodi ......all you can eat fish on Friday is worth looking forward to, the breakfasts are best shared, as there is a lot of food. The prime rib on Friday or Saturday evenings is affordable and delicious. The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and tidy. read more

Absolutely amazing customer service , clean, delicious food . Fast efficient . Clean bathrooms

Went here for Valentine's Day breakfast and they seated my wife and I right away . The food was good and the service was just as good . Didn't need to wait to long for the waitress to come by and take our order or to ask if we need anything. All the best decorations and wood carvings were a nice touch on the decor . read more

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I would give my server today Ramona 10 stars! She was absolutely wonderful! Food was pretty good as expected. But boy that Ramona was so nice AND so attentive, A++++++! She deserves a big tip from everyone she serves. Ramona thank you for a sweet dine in experience. It's people like you that really make a difference in someone's day. Cheers Ramona read more

First time trying black bear diner at this location We had Donna as a server She was great very attentive very fast no mistakes great service The food was great and the wait time was minimal Great experience thank you read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - Kids chicken nuggets - American Near Me - Lodi, California

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Service is always outstanding, shoutout to Mary! Food quality is delicious, and the portions always so huge for the affordable price. I highly recommend this location for the consistently great food, amazingly consistent service, and affordability. Even when it is busy, you still feel seen and valued and the food is never compromised by a full house! Shoutout to the manager and team of this location! read more

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I don't like to speak on racial issues but I have too. I went to Lodi BLACK BEAR DINNER (big mistake). They sat me down no issues. I was ready to order within 5 minutes. They had waitresses walking around and no one said hi will be right with you. I looked around and the couple ( not black ) got their drinks already. 10 minutes goes by and still nothing. I looked around and all the tables got drinks and food. and still no waitress come to my table. At this point I am pissed i got up and asked the guy sitting people what's going on with the waitress. He said that he would take my drink order. Then the table was sticky. I asked someone to wipe it down. Then here come the waitress with the drinks. She Then went too 3 other tables before bringing my coffee . So I got up and said I guess you all don't want my black dollars. The waitress never said anything to me. As She looked in shock that i was leaving. I will never go back there again. Be aware. read more

Friendly servers andstaff. They have great food with reasonable prices and good portions!

I love the food but hate the silverware. The first thing I look at is the silverware it's not fit for anyone. Super

Always good food at a reasonable price!! Good service especially like seeing Ramona, great server!!!

Always good service and food. I get the crispy chicken bacon ranch wrap and it never disappoints.