Been eating here for awhile. Never disappoints. Service is good, food is always on point, just wish the prices hadn't gone up like they have. BD all day, every day. read more

Classic Southern fried chicken: the chicken was juicy in the inside to the correct temperature, and the fried chicken batter had the right amount of spice. The place was packed, so I advise looking up the menu online and being ready to already if you would rather not get the scorn of the regulars. read more

Had lunch at the Bear's Den after visiting nearby Mercer University to show our grandson where I went to college eons ago, and it was beyond wonderful. My grandson immediately said the Bear's Den rates a place on his "Mount Rushmore of restaurants," and he was right. Southern cooking at its best! Great, friendly service, too. If this place had been there when I attended Mercer, I would have weighed a whole lot more by graduation. Don't hesitate to go find out for yourself. read more

The first time I ventured here was actually years after I had been introduced to their food. They would cater to our company all the time. Their fried tenders, honey mustard and macaroni are off the chain! The green beans are okay. They just need salt. The cornbread is crumbly so if you don't like it crumbly, get a roll instead. I could eat a tub of their banana pudding. I also used to work in Macon and on occasion, I would stop here to bring dinner home because my husband loves it so much. This was actually the place I came to after having surgery. It was just homy and comforting food. Now, at peak hours, the business does get busy and the line for to-go goes out the door on the side, but it moves quickly. Dine-in also has tight seating around lunch, which can be overwhelming, but I just made my husband pick our seats and he got whatever I needed. They will run out of food towards the end of service, so if you want to be guaranteed a main and/or side, you'll need to get here fairly early. read more

Good food always. Friendly service. Particularly the beef and rice. Chicken tenders, the sides especially collards, sweet potatoes are great. Lemonade is a must have read more

Food & service are always fantastic! You have to check this place out if you are in Macon!

I used them for my wedding rehearsal and it was AMAZING. Such a hit!! I appreciate as a bride with how busy I was how FLEXIBLE they were and just understanding. The mac&cheese WAS THE STAR!! I wish I had them cater the wedding itself!!! read more

God home cooking and FAST! Nothing like a meat and 3 vegetables with a drink .... Love me some desert!

Food: slaps every time!!! Tenders were tasty (albeit slightly dry the most recent visit) and the beef tips were AMAZING. Mac and cheese is salty but so good. Service: cafeteria style and so efficient during lunch! read more

The Bear's Den - Ah classic tenders, Mac and cheese, and collards - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

First and last time coming to this place! The food is a solid 3.5 but service brings it down. Order: Fried chicken Mac n cheese Collards Cornbread Banana pudding When I called in, I had asked for peach cobbler and was told they don't make make it everyday and didn't have it. I then asked, "so what do you have" (had a gut feeling they were out of multiple things) and I was told they have everything else, so I ordered banana pudding. They told me my order would be ready in one minute. I had someone pick up my food for me, and when they told me the total, I quickly figured out that my dessert was missing and when I opened up the bag, sure enough, it was. You would think common sense and courtesy would make them CALL right away or at least tell my friend at pickup they were out of banana pudding and if we wanted something else, but nurp! Nothing was said. I called and asked if they were out of banana pudding for my order and she said "yes". I said, "well why didn't you at least tell us so we could choose an alternative?" and she just sat there with nothing to say. I mean, at least say sorry, or something, but radio silence and I just said ok and hung up. I'm going to be nice and just leave my thoughts about the girl to myself. Then, I open the package and there are no utensils, no ketchup, no hot sauce and my friend wasn't asked if we needed any of that. I had to eat dry chicken. The food: 1. Fried chicken was extremely salty and I took off most of the skin. A little dry but bearable 2. I didn't like the cornbread bc it was too dry 3. Collards were decent but too salty 4. Mac and cheese had a decent taste but remind me of cafeteria style creamy mac n cheese and not traditional southern mac n cheese. I also think there was too much roux. Overall, I will not be back. - read more

The Bear's Den - Fried chicken - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

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Been coming here every since I was a kid! The food was and is still great! Great people! Very friendly environment!

I ordered 2 plates, food look delicious. Here is the bad part, I tap my card and it took off on my end. The cashier was rude, talking about he been 5 years and cc machine mess up everyday. I was not going to run my card twice. Yes words was said and she threatened my daughter with a knife.i been restaurant and retail for 28 years. I told the manager, she took the food back and walk off. My family, people I know, and coworkers will not be back read more

I saw that this place closed at 6:00PM so I got there about 5:15 as I didnt want to miss it. At that time many of the dishes were gone but they they were very patient with a first timer there explaining whats left. I got the lemon pepper chicken, 2 big breasts on a huge pile of rice plus 2 sides for $11 something incl tax. Not bad. The place is a bit confusing as on the left is I think is the regular eat in side and then there is to the right a to go side that stays open 3 hours after the other side close. The lady was nice enough to let me sit in an area already closed off as I hate to eat in the car and I was staying at a very cheap and gross hotel and I never want to eat in those. Overall this looks like a very good place to get the usual Southern Cooking. Help was very helpful and friendly. read more

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Bear's Den remains awesome just like it was when we were students at Mercer. We stopped in to grab dinner to-go yesterday after attending homecoming events at Mercer. We loved it. I had the fried chicken, Mac and cheese, green beans, and side of cheese grits. I also grabbed some carrot cake to-go. The food is always flavorful, hot, and delicious. I'm glad to know they are still around. Parking is free and easy on the street outside. They have dine-in and outdoor options are well. The staff here are always awesome. read more

The Bear's Den - Inside view - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

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Food is pretty good and they give you a decent amount of it. Hopefully you can park on the street because their parking lot is terrible. I guess the lady misheard me when I advised I wanted green beans collards and Mac and cheese. I didn't take notice until I got home that I had squash casserole instead of green beans. It was still tasty but that was way too much cheese for one meal. Also it's best to go earlier in the day as they were out of just about everything I wanted including banana pudding :( read more

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Excellent food and service!!! This is real southern soul food. The lowest point was the Lasagna. But everything else is on point! read more

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Great Meatloaf And Fish! Great Soul Food! Love The Mac And Cheese! The Baked Beans Are Great But They Will Make You Fart!

Food like your mama would make! It's served cafeteria style, so don't expect a cloth napkin dining experience. Clean place, friendly staff, happy customers. read more

The Bear's Den - Booth and table seating. - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

No pictures because I was too busy eating. This place did not disappoint. Polished the plate and the table service refilling my sweet tea was top notch. Even the customers made my experience. Great soul food. read more

Great southern cooking. I enjoyed everything that I tried. Like to sit in the room that is full of windows and lets in so much light.

Found this gem because it said bear Everything we had was great, and i passed on some of my favs to try new things. Mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, cornbread, chk&dumplins, lemon chicken, rice, banana pudding... Worth your time and money. Not sure if i would classify it as soul food or southern fare.... But it's fabulous either way and i would go back if i pass thru Macon again. Limited hours though... check website before you go. read more

This is an hidden gem in Macon. The food is delicious and served hot. The service is excellent. The staff ready to serve you. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Macon read more

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Food was very good and the banana pudding was awesome. The service was excellent! We will be going back.

Fantastic food and great service. The meatloaf on Wednesdays is my favorite and the mac n cheese is amazing!

On my way out from a business meeting and I had a taste for good southern cooking. I've heard great things about the Bears Den so I dropped in for a bite. I went through take out bc it was after 3 and the dining hall closes at 3. The line was hanging out the door. I was like oh my how long is the wait! The guy in front of me said it's not long and at the time he was saying that a server took my order. I like the way they take your order - it's written on the back of the to go plate w/name. The take out area is small but the lines move quick. The cashier was very nice and I'm sorry I didn't get her name or photos but I'd be certain the next time. I ordered green beans , turnips and white meat chicken (fried). Total $8.23... I didn't order tea bc I had a gallon of water in the car. It was all tasty! Chicken fried to perfection - golden crispy juicy. Green beans and turnips were well seasoned. The cornbread had a hint of sweetness to it which made it delicious . Kind of tasted like jiffy mix with extra butter or oil . The bag is oily Of course there are no seats in take out but there are seats and tables outside. Parking is on the front street which is shared with the Townhouses across the street. There is parking in the rear. If you're in the area and you're in the mood for southern cuisine, stop by you won't be disappointed. Oh I did glance in the dining hall and it's a decent size maybe seat 200 or 250. It's buffet style as you walk through you're served. I didn't get dessert but they had red velvet cake, fruit , strawberry shortcake, pound cake, etc Enjoy! read more

I have been here a few times. I come when ever I visit Macon. Great food, great service. This place has never let me down. Good portions for a good price. Highly recommend. read more

The shelter lunch..or urban ministry...step up ya....everything.this is a basic homeless shelter halfway eaten meal

While driving on the interstate today I wanted something other than what is offered on the exit signs. Found this restaurant from Yelp and saw the positive reviews. If you are looking for fine dining then look elsewhere. If you want good comfort food and friendly people then don't hesitate to go here. I arrived to a smaller restaurant and walk inside to a cafeteria type service. I came in on a Tuesday and each day has different offerings to choose from. I went with the Chicken and Dumplings, Sweet potatoes, creamed corn, and for dessert some banana pudding. I have to say everything tasted excellent and really hit the spot. If I lived close this place would be dangerous for me because I'd be here all the time. From start to finish the staff were all very friendly and accommodating. When I finished my food it was quickly picked up and removed. I was checked on to see if I needed anything else as well. Overall it was a very good experience and if I'm driving back through I will return for sure. I would definitely recommend if anyone is thinking of going. read more

The Bear's Den - Chicken and Dumplings, creamed corn, Candied Sweet Potatoes, cornbread, and banana pudding. - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Southern fried oily high calorie/ high carbohydrate meals. Chicken tastes fine, and food tastes like butter.

I cannot say enough great things about The Bears Den. I use them for catering, and it is always a big hit and the highlight is the office's week. I personally eat there (maybe more than I should?????). I am trying to eat my way through their menu. Staff could not be nicer!!! Sweetest people!! And they all work together so well. Go in the take out side sometime and watch how great they all work together!! You can get such a great meal for LESS than fast food!!! read more

Very nice place. However the food was very bland. The rice was hard. The good had no flavor. When you think of southern food you think of flavor. I would eat there again. Just know there's not a lot of flavor. The Banana pudding it's amazing. read more

Really good soulfood. Found it on a whim traveling through the area. I ordered the fried pork chops, collards, mashed potatoes and keylime cake, the Monday menu. The chops were a little dry, but we came in late and about 30min before closing. The potatoes and greens were fantastic. My husband got fried chicken and mac and cheese, both excellent (I was a little jealous). Keylime cake was wonderful as was the banana pudding. I suggest to anyone stopping by or visiting the area. read more

The Bear's Den - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Best place to eat in Beall's Hill (between Mercer University and Navicent Medical Center) in Macon, GA. If you're a local, you know exactly how awesome the food, the staff and the people who patronize this fabulous establishment all are! You can dine in or carry out. We usually dine in for lunch and then use the pick up window to the right of the dining room for take out dinner. The main dining room closes around 3pm and then take out is available until 6pm. When you walk in, there's usually a line that wraps around the door and sometimes down the sidewalk. The good thing is that the food is always hot and ready. The Bears Den is definitely one of those places that you MUST experience if you visit Macon. read more

The Bear's Den - Veggie Plate: Rice with gravy, collards, green beans, stuffing and cranberry sauce with carrot cake :-) - Soul Food Near Me - Macon, Georgia

They aren't open on weekends and close at 3pm, there's it first clue. Take out until 6. A very small but very clean place. I'm a food snob and rarely does everything that I order satisfy me. I think they cloned my mother and have her cooking the food. Everything is ridiculously fresh and tastes amazing! If you grew up in the South, then you'll think they cloned your mom or grandmother. If you didn't, we'll, that's ok, you'll still love it. 6 out of 5 stars. Don't miss eating here. The price for what you get is amazing as well. read more

After reading great comments about fried chicken, I finally got to try it. I'd rather go to Walmart or Kroger and buy their chicken. Chicken was very dry and red velvet was too sweet. read more

Delicious food (main meal and dessert) Polite and friendly staff Clean area We called home about this place and continue to talk about it often. read more

The fried chicken is lip-smacking good and the Mac and cheese - oh, my, GOOD! The cornbread is beyond excellent.

It was delicious ribs and sides tender didn't really need sauce mustard sauce was good greens and pasta salad tasted good when in Macon this is my Rib stop read more

Tasty home cooking southern style! Cafeteria type meals with quick service and lots of good down home choices. Try the sweet potatoes! The fried chicken is a popular selection but there are a number of others as well. Convenient free parking in back. Definitely recommend the Bear's Den for a hearty meal! read more

Just sitting here enjoying my favorite restaurant in Middle GA. The Bear's Den is the most amazing little place and the food is outstanding always. My preference is the Beef Tips on Rice and they never disappoint. The staff is friendly and the owner is a wonderful lady, entrepreneur and employer. The Bear's Den catered my oldest daughter's wedding in October and it was perfect...just like sitting down inside the restaurant on Oglethorpe St. So many of our guests were introduced to this phenomenal restaurant and the consistently great food! If you are ever in Macon or surrounding area, it's worth a drive to find the Den and enjoy a great home cooked meal! Thanks Kristi and staff for always providing a stellar experience. read more