It was super late and my boyfriend and I wanted breakfast for dinner. So instead of going to Denny's or IHOP , we decide on black bear and I'm so happy we did. We were greeted right away by the hosts and got seated. Lesley was our server and she was the sweetest person ever. She was very accommodating and attentive. Food was yummy as well, I died for their hashbrowns! Definitely will be going back and asking for Lesley, I suggest you guys do too! read more

I really love Black Bear Diner even though it's an odd place to love. I'm a huge fan of diners and coming here just makes my day. The food is average, obviously and can taste different on some days but honestly, it's just fine the way it is. I believe that the service is fine for what it is and breakfast on the weeks is served quickly and properly. read more

Excellent service! We both ordered the Southern fried chicken with fruit substitute instead of gravy and potatoes. The salads were crisp with great ranch & Bleu cheese dressing. The chicken was surprisingly good, not over done. The leg, thigh, and wing were tender and moist. The breast was tough and chewy however. read more

Great friendly service , very accommodating (with my service dog). Which was huge ; as I was handling tough circumstances that day. Food was good; had the country fried steak w/ gravy & eggs. Thanks to the server who was perfectly sweet & understanding! read more

We stopped in Salinas, midway between Santa Ynez and our home in Marin County. Rather than fast food, we decided to treat ourselves to table service and selected Black Bear Diner amongst many other options in the area. It was out first time at a Black bear Diner, despite having seen many ads on TV. Everything about our experience was great! The service was outstanding (thanks, Lisa!), the food, tasty and bountiful, and the surroundings were clean and cute with all of the bear references! We'll make this a regular midway stop from now on! read more

As I stepped foot into this luxury of black bear diner, I was quickly met with the smell of home and the warmth of childhood nostalgia. We were immediately seated by the amazing staff. The restaurant was scattered with hardworking employees who all had smiles on their faces. In fact, our server, Fred was an angel. He truly made our Black Bear Diner experience wonderful. He was kind, generous and accommodating. He continued to make the black bear experience amazing as he checked in on all the customers, sang along to the music playing on the radio, and overall was a lovely person. As the aroma of fresh French fries approached our table, served with a side of smiles from Fred, we knew the food was about to be delicious. Although Black Bear Diner is most popularly know for their breakfast menu, their dinner was quiet divine. Overall, would definitely recommend dining here! Much love and appreciation to Fred!! read more

It was my first time going to this place, i ordered a side of country potatoes, side of sausage links, pancakes, and the meat lovers omelet. I was disappointed with the country potatoes i received them semi-burnt its not something everyone would like to have on their plates. In the meat lovers omelet the ham was very burnt, yet the side of hash brown on that plate was semi-burnt too. The pancakes were delicious. The costumer service was great, the waitress was really nice with a great welcoming feeling. The reason i gave it four stars is because the food tasted great, was just semi-burnt which killed the flavor on some bites. I had to sort out the burnt parts. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - It was my first time going to this restaurant, i was kind of disappointed to receive my side of country potatoes semi-burnt. - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

I was impressed today by their food I swore I wouldn't ever come back after having the worst experience about 4 years ago with their food. I was convinced by my boyfriend to come again and honestly if it wasn't for him I would've stayed thinking the food was not the best but today I was proved wrong. The scramble I had was juicy, flavorful, and best of all has veggies too no only meat. If I would be able to rate this above a five star I should would. I know for a fact I will be coming more often now and won't judge with just one visit no more. read more

I always love come to any Black Bear diner. I got the burger salad. It was huge. I did finish it all. My husband got the steak, baked potato and chicken soup. Yummy! He ordered 2 desserts a banana cream cobbler and cherry cobbler. Yes, he ate them both. He is not a big guy but her loves their food. Our service was fantastic . I wish I got her name. But, it seems like everything was attentive. read more

If you haven't experienced the greatness and fun of Black Bear Diner you don't know what you have been really missing out on. My parents and I started eating at Black Bear Diner since they had the Laurel Drive location and I can say that ever since they have moved into Westridge Center where Famous Dave's and Marie Callender's used to be. The Salinas Black Bear Diner has really improved greatly and their food is so wonderful and their prime rib dinner is excellent to have on holidays and special occasions. And their Thanksgiving dinner is great every year and they give you lots of portions. Rarely I have encountered problems with Black Bear Diner but the staff is so helpful and kind that you will be greeted with a warm smile each time you visit. I can honestly say that Black Bear Diner really does an awesome job with their food and it's no secret or surprise that Black Bear Diner keeps opening up tons of locations all over California because it's truly a wonderful diner and this Salinas location proves it well read more

Black Bear diner is the absolute best when it comes to amazing home cooked meals and excellent customer service. We ALWAYS feel like were spending time with family while were there. Definitely recommend read more

Horrible, inattentive service. We waited probably 15 minutes before anyone even came up front to seat us. When a waitress finally helped us, she was great, but made a point to say we weren't in her section and she was doing us/the other server a favor in serving us. Food was decent and portions were huge but it's not worth putting up with the slow service and long waits. read more

My wife and I went to get patty melts for lunch. I had fries with mine and my wife had the soup. The soup was very good, but it came in a saucer with only about 6 or 7 tablespoons in it. A cup has 16 tablespoons. The patty melts and fries were good, but the portion of soup was ridiculous. read more

My husband and I had dinner here tonight and we really enjoyed our experience! From the moment we walked in the staff was very attentive and our waitress Eric was extremely attentive and just overall awesome! The food was good, I had the ribeye steak which was a little fatty but the flavor was amazing! My husband had the tri tip dip sandwich deluxe and he loved it. If you are looking for good food and a great atmosphere with a very attentive staff then this is the place! read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

So, I can't say it was the worst dinner I've ever had but it came close. My husband and I decided to grab a bite to eat on our way home to Hollister. I ordered the special which was advertised as a 10 ounce sirloin. And 4 jumbo prawns. When my meal arrived there was a steak with some shrimp with onions and bell peppers. Well, first off to call them prawns was an understatement. In addition, they were white, translucent and obviously raw. I asked our server to please take them back to the kitchen to be cooked. She came back with the same raw "prawns" and said that the cook told her these were a different type of shrimp and actually looked that way when they get cooked. I have never in my life seen any cooked shrimp be white! read more

We have been going to Black Bear Diners all around California for a while now, their pies are so delicious. Last Saturday we decided to go again and to my surprise, they were offering the Beyond Meat Burger. I got super excited because that is the best plant-based Burger I have ever had in my 12 years of being a vegetarian. Needless to say, it was super delicious and I am so happy to have found a diner where they serve it. Thank you for including Plant-Based food on your menu! :) read more

Pancakes are delicious, personally I would say better than Denny's or IHOP. I had the eggs benedict plate and it was delicious, and let's not forget about their fresh orange juice best one I've had. However the coffee isn't so great, I would say I've had better coffee at Denny's before. Overall I would go again and try other items in the menu, it is very family-friendly. read more

I called in a order and Melinda suggested I order the n.y and it was amazing. And when I picked it up she offered me a cheesecake that i had to try which I loved so thank you for that I asked for the manager and it was her.. Omg phenomenal cant go wrong!! Great management! read more

The new location is great. However the customer service varies they seem to be very bothered with big groups. Good food but again the waiter customer service varies.. I come very often so I do believe they need to work on people skills. They need to remember they choose the job love it and they are responsible for the experience of the customer leave the attitude at home and let us the customer enjoy the meal. read more

I was treated very very poorly here. I got thrown out like a criminal because I gave my service dog a peice of food. On server warned me forcefully saying you cannot do that. Ok I say then this manager comes over ordering me out. She kept repeating get out of here,obnoxiously. I was leaving. I can only move so fast. Making a full blown scene. This kinda treatment is unacceptable. I was well with in my rights and you lady were not. Wow I will never forget that kinda humiliation. That was a terrible thing to do to anyone. My family left sitting at the table in shock as I get yelled out the door with a full plate of food that was just delivered. We evn had t pay for that burger that I wasnt allowed to finish. No warning no nothing. That food wasnt that great anyway. read more

Christie is the best at Black bear diner I love my waitress I go there for her. She doesn't even need a order ticket everything is in her head. read more

This place doesn't give a fuck bout customer service. They'll give you the wrong order and make you wait for what felt an eternity. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs* thank you First time here & idk when I'll be back.... - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

We, a family of 3 waited 35min which is usual for a Sunday. They text you when your table is ready which I appreciate. We finally got seated and waited another 20 min while 3 other families got seated after us and served, 1 being a family of 5. The only reason a Waiter came up to us is because I caught his eye by staring at him. He told us he's already off but that he would still help us. Then are actual waitress finally comes up to she can obviously tell I'm bothered because she proceeded to explain how other families are waiting just as long as us and that her and the first guy are already off but can't stand to keep customers like us waiting. I understand everything that happening. But maybe they need better management cause I saw the manger walking around the whole time but never once came up to check on us. But they gave us a coke on the house and still paid $80' for this horrible experience. The food is bland but good thing the put "extra champagne" in my $9 mimosa and kept being asked if "I'm better yet". Thanks for checking on my mental health but next time do better at running this restaurant. read more

This is a fantastic place to eat either breakfast lunch or dinner.Great food with average pricing.If ever in town again I will stop for sure!!! read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

Our server's name today is Gracie. Talk about a hard working young lady, she is on point throughout this whole diner! She is watchful, fast and so very pleasant! Thank you for hiring her!! read more

Savannah did amazing she served all 15 of us with grace and did her very best to make sure we were happy. She is awesome

Delicious food, amazing service! Our server Michelle was super accommodating and lovely, and Sadie, the host, really made things easy for us on a busy Saturday morning. Hope to return soon! read more

best place ever for family and friends to come and eat. very kids friendly and the best food ever our waitress "Yaya" was the best love her namy read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Always a great meal at the Black Bear Diner. Hubby and I both had the tri-tip which came with a very nice side salad and two sides. He had huge serving of french fries and veggies with his, I doubled up on the veggies. Great corn muffins too. Friendly service and always a great value read more

Really enjoyed my time here for a early morning birthday breakfast date for two. The wait wasn't long due tot the fact it was the weekday. The food came out great(the bacon was on point) and the staff was well attentive. It was my first time here and it really wasn't a bad experience at all. Will be back soon! read more

I like bears. That's not a surprise if you know me. A cheesy bear themed restaurant can only add something wonderful and funny to my experience during the day. This one is always our breakfast stop after hitting the road early for a day of wine tasting in Paso Robles. I've had the California Benedict and corned beef hash and loved it. Huge portions for eggs, love the country potatoes and the fact that you can get a glass of red wine at 8 am in a BEAR glass nonetheless, fills me with such glee. Dinner wasn't as great - I'd stick with this as a breakfast/brunch meal joint, just fyi. Service here has always been friendly and attentive. Bathroom is a bit worn down, but clean. Decent coffee (in the good ceramic comfort mugs you can rest against your cheek) and so much kitsch you may just have your heart or arteries filled... read more

Breakfast for dinner? This is the place to go! Great diner for comfort food, large portions and for cheap! Service does vary here - I've had some occasions where we've came in for office meetings with about ten of us and I'm the one that gets left without food, or a drink, or silverware . . . or who knows what else. Definitely worth a try if you want some good, hearty american cooking! read more

It's a Black Bear Diner, so it's a staple of our California vacations. Missed the note about free Wifi - we could have used it! I either have the California omelette or the veggie omelette, and this time it was the California one. I think we're close to the point where we've stopped at about 1/4 of the Black Bear Diners out there, and eventually we may visit them all! (do we win a bear??) One minor complaint: less than the usual amount of bear kitsch in the bathroom. In fact, I don't remember any bear memorabilia in the bathroom. I know what they say about what a bear does in the woods, and the presence of a bear helps with that task for some reason . . . ;) read more

Great food at a great price. I went during the early evening hours and was only 1 of 2 tables. I had the fried chicken. Piping hot! Took back enough for my lunch the next day. I would go back again! read more

my waiter ed was amazing! he got me some of the most amazing sweet tea i've ever tasted said his wife made it! omg! amazing like my drink was always full this was the best service i've ever had and the food was good as well i'll definitely be back! read more

All American Diner! Down home style cooking with large food portions and reasonable prices. We always have a good meal, plus left overs. Hungry? Try it here, you will like it. They are Open, Open, Open most of the time. Enjoy! read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Tasty Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast! - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

I really love this place. Jake and I always seem to crave black bear. The food is great, the portions are huge and you leave satisfied everytime. Our favorite is the bacon cheese burger with seasoned fries and for desert a warm blackberry cobbler a la mode. Yum. It's just a great homey place with wonderful servers and great music. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

See all

Whenever someone mentions Fresno State Football or the Salinas area i tell them to stop here, its the best place to eat. I bought a coffee cup to remind me of the experience and a little black bear teddy bear for my son. I still think about the Black Bear Breakfast, like a love affair. read more

Came here for lunch today on a whim and I eas definitely not disappointed! I had no idea that the chain was so extensive, I'd heard of the location in Tulare from a few co-workers, but man, they're all over! The decor is so cute I just want to sit in here and look at stuff for a few hours. Menu's are designed after a small town gazette, with cute fake stories on the front and back, a nice touch. Also, the little things like the bear paw on the napkins make this place way too adorable. I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich, which was supposed to be a small portion. Honestly, there wasn't anything too special about the sandwich, it was tasty, and came with lettuce, pickles, onion, etc just the way I like it. For a small plate, the portion was still pretty big, mainly because of the mountain of french fries! Bonus point: they use seasoned salt on their fries, yum! Service was fast and friendly. Prices are pretty good for the insane amount of food you get, except that a soda is $2.29. Bonus point cancelled out. Bottom line: If you're super hungry, Go Here! I'll be back for breakfast. read more

We come here every couple weeks, we love the food, breakfast or lunch.. and the servers are great, but today was a whole different experience the food came out fast, waitress was o k a y, there was another waitress in the back kitchen and would come out to the front of the house and was being extremely loud and obnoxious, while people in the dining area were eating .. I'm not sure what her name was, but she is thin, dark complexion.. management should control that kind of behavior, it does stand out as very unprofessional.. read more