Saturday morning, 11:00 seem strange there was a lot of parking and empty tables. Booth seats were dirty and wet. Two simple orders, french toast, eggs, with ham. French toast was soggy and completely under cooked. One portion of ham was completely under cooked the other portion of ham was ridiculously small. Both tasted like a dirty grill. Bear claw and eggs were the only eatable items. Service seemed to be under staffed yet there were a lot of staff gathering and socializing at the register. Nothing like I have experienced there in past visits. This is a reflection on the Management or should I say lack there of. Their numbers should be reflecting these concerns. Their lack of patronage and nearly empty parking lot certainly does. No wonder Katrina's and Awful Annie's had a hour wait. read more

It's a diner peeps! Don't expect 5 star cuisine on a 2 star menu!! Stick with basics when you go to places like this...I usually stick with breakfast or burgers. This was our first visit to this location, since it is relatively new, it took over where the Bakers Square once was, and it looks like like it always has on the inside. I stuck with the breakfast, my husband had the club sandwich. We both requested our potato sides...my hash browns and his french fries...to be well done/crispy, and neither of them were. We saw both of our meals sitting up on the heat lamp shelf for quite a while and that is exactly what they tasted like! My eggs were decent, my husband said his sandwich was about the same. Ultimately, this place was average...if our food had at least been hot when we got it, they would've earned the 3rd star for average, but since it was lukewarm they lose that star. The service was fine, nothing spectacular, but she was nice. Overall, not opposed to giving it another try, but it certainly won't be someplace that we will put at the top of our dining out options. read more

Great experience! From the moment we stepped in, the Manager Diane was sweet and was full of hospitality, made us feel like we were having lunch at a families house Our waitress Kaitlyn made the most key recommendation, ordering the hamburger salad from the menu. My husband said, " it was the best salad he's ever had." If you have the opportunity to stop in if passing by or you're a local and have yet to dine here. Trust me you wont be disappointed read more

Best quality of food I've had from a black bear. Very clean. food was fresh and good! Service was great. No wait to be seated on a. Sunday at 8:15 am best breakfast hands down read more

The cheeseburger salad would have been good if not for the awful hamburger. I can eat most anything just for the food value. Eat to live right? After two bites I picked all the meat off. The table behind is had all sorts of trouble getting there soup and their check. The servers spent more time apologizing then it would have taken to serve twenty soups. In the end they never got it. Might have for it to go... read more

I've never actually been to a Black Bear Diner. We had barely eaten all day while skiing in knee deep powder, so we were starving on the way back. A friend told me the food quality can vary by location. Service here was quick and friendly. - Tortilla soup: mostly rice, very thick. Good flavor, but it was almost like porridge - Chicken tenders: nicely fried, not too much battery good flavor - Bear-BQ chicken: chicken breast with BBQ sauce covered bacon (great bacon), tomatoes, and cheese. It came with mashed potatoes and gravy, lots of vegetables (squash, brussels sprouts, zucchini, etc), as well as a side salad. It was a good amount of food - French dip: super hearty and filling, lots of thinly sliced meat, caramelized onions and melted cheese. This ended up making us super full but was so good. They let us sub the fries for onion rings, which were crisp and well seasoned - Parmesan cheese burger: like a patty melt on Parmesan crusted bread - pretty good, but not as good as the French dip. It came with fries, a salad, or soup I'm sure some of my experience was influenced by the fact that I was cold and starving, but I would definitely go back for the French dip and onion rings! read more

I like Black Bear Diner. Other locations offer quality food at value prices. The fish today was greasy and the fries were cold. The Cole slaw lacked any dressing and was very dry without it. I did like the ice tea and attentive service. read more

The food was good, and value for your dollar. The service.. Well that is another story. Our waitress (Robyn) was forgetting stuff at our table, other staff had to bring our food out as well as refill our coffee. I could understand if it was break time, but as she told us, "she has to make sure that tables service is great, they are friends with the owner". Well maybe if her conversation skills and service were consistent for all patrons, they would have more repeat business. Not to mention my bill was hung up in their system, so I had to wait for her and another girl to discuss how the tip would attach because of the automated system. I felt like not tipping to help their issue resolve itself..... read more

Finally stopped in one of these BBDs. Read a lot of good reviews and have been wanting to see for myself. Big parking lot so no problems there. Basically this is a diner with a lumberjack type of theme in their setup & decor...it works. There's a good menu selection from breakfast to dinner. We were there for lunch so I don't know if you can get breakfast orders all day or not, but I suspect you can. I tried their Cubano sandwich and opted for a bowl of chicken soup. The sandwich was average and had a decent taste. The chicken soup was pretty good, but my only disappointment with it...it came in something the size of a cup and not a bowl. So I felt I didn't get my money's worth there. But overall, I liked this place and will return if and when I'm in the neighborhood. read more

The place had maybe 5 tables on a Saturday afternoon, 2 or 3 wait staff when I walked in. One said hello and told me to sit anywhere so I chose a small booth next to the counter and kitchen. I sat and waited 5 minutes alone at the table looking around before I got up and had to ask for a menu from a young waiter. 5 minutes later, I had to signal him again in order to put an order in, a basic bbq sandwhich and fries. I'm watching the staff yucking it up amongst themselves, talking about last night, the weekend plans but totally ignoring their few tables. 20 minutes later I actually had to ask another waitress what the holdup was on my food. She saw it waiting under the heat lamp and brought it to me. The brisket was dry and tasteless, the bbq sauce was awful and the fries were warmish but on the cold side. Unreal. I walked to the register without a bill and never saw my waiter move so fast to get to the register. To top it all off, the electronic register read out my total with a CHOICE of either 15% or 20% TIP!! I was planning on not leaving a tip at all but had no choice other than making a fuss. I just wanted out, I'll never eat at one of these places again. read more

We love Black Bear, and the Auburn location doesn't disappoint. Great food, huge portions, friendly service. The cinnamon roll French toast is amazing. read more

Several of us met for an xmas breakfast and had a good time and great meals--and there was no complaining about portions! I had my usual oatmeal with all the fixings. Some had sandwiches but most had eggs of some sort. All good. read more

Do you love, country homestyle biscuits, so large you can make a meal out the biscuit, this is your restaurant, delicious pies, you can take home, great hamburgers, a large variety of selections, friendly wait staff. Check them out for yourself. read more

me and the wife stopped in from a long drive from reno calif , being off 80 we decided to get a bite . the staff were very nice and the food came warm and fast. The place seemed smaller that other black bears we have gone too.(Tracy, Manteca , Modesto) but then again , it was slow . But we enjoyed our stay and filled up on the large portions that were served to us. Thanks it hit the Spot!!! read more

Service was excellent! Very unexpected due to the shortage of help all over the country. The food also was very good!

We've visited this location well over a dozen times because it's a stones throw from the house and it was a step up from Denny's. I've been noticing a sharp decline in the food quality and portions throughout the last year or so. It's always been inconsistent, which in the food industry is a very bad quality, however the last few months have turned to consistently poor food. The staff is great. Great servers, hosts and bussers. Great table side conversation and attention. The food...it's all generic Sysco, and it's hard to get away from that these days, but it's lackluster Sysco products. A 2.5 oz c-d grade Tyson chicken breast cut in half for a sandwich really isn't worth the price not quality nor size of the sandwich at $11 a pop. Not with two slices of bacon, a slice of cheese and sysco produce and a handful of fries. Last night was the reason this review is being made. Great service, and that's a huge plus, however my french dip maybe had 2-3 ounces of overcooked tritip, which while more expensive then in the past, isn't a huge cost to them, and the plus options lo and behold, included count them, four slices of mushrooms and 7 quarter slivers of onion, mind you all of this was in the inner 2/3rds of the cheap roll. The jus was quality, I'll give them that, but for almost $12 with a handful of fries, unacceptable. Other black bear joints care about the quality and quantity of the food. This one is seriously lacking. Denny's does a better job, and these days, that's very telling. read more

Very larger portions for the price. Alright food but personally I'm not the biggest fan of this place I've had way better.

Great food. Fresh turkey on my sandwich. Sweet potato fries that were crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Great service. We had a couple of special requests, and they were happy to accommodate us. Large, clean, well-stocked ladies room. read more

Stopped for a quick burger today. The food, when it finally arrived, was good. Service, not so much. It took 1/2hr to get the food. The order was not completed as ordered. I was asked if I wanted a little more Dr. Pepper, I said yes. Never got it & when our waitress came back with the bill she realized that & offered to get me one to go. While that was nice, I really could have used it with my meal. read more

Black Bear has always been a favorite of ours when we are traveling. We are happy there is now a hometown Auburn location. The food is always great, huge portions and a friendly and helpful staff. The only thing I do have an issue with actually has nothing to do with the restaurant itself, but it's with other diners of a certain age. It has happened the three times we have eaten at the restaurant. I have an issue with the diners who have their cell phone ring on high and choose to take the call as others are trying to enjoy their meal. I find this obtrusive and rude. I think restaurants need to have a sign in the window (just like the movie theater) asking diners to please silence their cell phones, or take the call outside. It's just the right thing to do. ***(Update and second update!): Two days ago (8/15/2016), Black Bear was just downgraded from 4 stars to 3 (see updated, updated review below - it's back up to 4 stars). On Aug. 15 we had a to-go order. Our to-go order was bad. The details are pointless now. I left a message with another manager and was told to speak with Diane. Diane called me within just a few days. I explained the issue with her, and she couldn't have been more gracious, apologetic and she rectified the issue - immediately. Black Bear goes back up to 4 stars! Diane - you are a rock star manager; Black Bear would be smart to keep you on! The meal in questions was a one-off and we will absolutely be back! read more

This place was great, the service was great, food was wonderful, and it was easy to get off and back on the freeway. Next time I am on my way to Reno/ Tahoe I will stop by here for a bite to eat read more

Fast service, good food. A little like Dennys but in an upper scale. Had the suo, it was okay. Family atmosphere. read more

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

Hash browns were the best I have ever had, eggs Benedict perfect, great music. This place is my new favorite!s read more

Black Bear Diner Auburn - Bacon eggs Benedict, with avocado! Hash browns rock! Friendly wait staff makes for an enjoyable evening (yes, breakfast for dinner). - Diners Near Me - Auburn, California

Prior to eating at this location yesterday, every time I've had breakfast at any Black Bear location has been a huge disappointment. That all changed yesterday at the Auburn diner. The pancakes were by far the fluffiest I have had ANYWHERE, and the bacon was easily the best I've ever had at a diner. Not to mention, the staff was extremely efficient and friendly. We were only up here due to losing our home in the Camp Fire, but this was a blessing that we needed. Would not hesitate to visit this location again. read more

Great staff. Friendly. Make you feel at home. Not too noisy and never too quiet. Good place for family or dates. Alot of meal choices to choose from. The desserts are delicious as well. :) highly recommend to friends read more

Black Bear Diner Auburn - They have Mexican food - Diners Near Me - Auburn, California

I am going to start by saying the word diner is in the title. So if you come here looking for a diner experience you will have a great one. Friendly service, great portions, reasonable prices. It seems that some of the other reviewers have come here looking for a foodie experience. Misguided. Go for the sweet diner items that stand out. As much as I try, I am always steered back toward the chicken fried steak. Crispy and tender, topped with their house made gravy served with two eggs, your choice of style, go over easy and break the yoke into the gravy it is outstanding. Choice of potatoes, get the hashbrowns. Then for the bread choice get the homemade biscuit topped with more gravy. ( don't tell my mother or my doctor I am eating this if you bump into them). Kids meals are inexpensive and have nice options. They include a Sundae, and the server will bring out all the toppings so they can choose what they want on it while it is made at the table. My little boy really felt like a grown-up and was engaged with the dining experience, it was awesome. Plus it is a great inspiration to get them to finish their vegetables. Nice, friendly, simple, value oriented. Never have enough room for dessert but their pies are homemade and look fantastic. read more

Black Bear Diner Auburn - The heart stopper. Chicken fried steak with eggs over easy and hash browns. - Diners Near Me - Auburn, California

See all

I have never been disappointed with this restaurant, but I will NEVER be back!! The waitress forgot to put one of our meals in, then told us the kitchen was closed, so one of us couldn't eat. I heard the waitress tell the kitchen it wasn't a big deal "it's not like it's for me"!!! Then, they had the nerve to tell me when they brought the check that they took the meal we didn't receive off the bill, like they were doing me a favor!!! Hello, I didn't get the food, you better take it off! Rudest wait staff ever!! I have worked in the service industry all my life, and have never left anything less than a 20% tip....until today. She is not getting a penny!! read more

My friend and i came to eat there yesterday. The food and the service was terrible. The table wasnt even wiped off and it was sticky. Some of there tables werent even six feet apart. We had to ask to move because they sat some people close to our table and we were uncomfortable both of us being older. The taco salad is very bland. No seasoning on the meat. My friend ordered the lettuce wrap and all it was was a burger wrapped in lettuce with pickles and tomatoes. The first one was way too raw, the second was so dry you could hardly bite it. Weve heard nothing but good stuff about black bear but the cook and wait staff sucked. I wont go back. They must of got new cooks. Ive been there before for breakfast and it was good. read more

Excellent food and service!!! We went there on Mother's Day and they were PACKED but that didn't hinder their food or their service. The food was delicious and their service was GREAT!! I love this restaurant!!! read more

Just finished eating at Black Bear Diner. This is an annual trip thing, so, we know what to expect. The waitress was great- she was clearly dealing with new staff and was doing her best. We get a taco salad. We order extra sour cream on the side. After the SECOND dollop of sour cream onto the taco salad- there is a foreign food object. My daughter is NOT eating THAT- nor the taco salad she just put the sour cream and "foreign food object" onto. The waitress apologized saying, "it looks like fruit", but I will be happy to get you another salad. Solved- I'm happy...... THEN... the manager comes over and wants to explain that it was "no big deal, it was just fruit and they sit next to each other at the serving area". Not happy anymore! No need to justify it!! It did not belong there no matter WHERE the fruit and sour cream are in relation to one another. read more

Not as good as it used to be and we were regulars. Won't be going back . If you take you small pup in they make you sit in back noatter how well behaved your pup is. read more

I do NOT recommend this place. I grabbed a pasta to go, headed home and then found a hair in my pasta when I was eating it. I live 25 minutes from this location. When I called in, they were not helpful. They told me all they could do was re make the food. I asked for a refund for my meal, they said they couldn't find the ticket and the hostess also did not give me a receipt. I did sign a merchant copy receipt when I was in there since I paid with a debit card and they said that was also missing. WOW! I have the charge on my card and all they said they could do further was have the manager call me. I have yet to have heard from Black Bear Management. Highly disappointing and disgusting!!! Spend your money elsewhere. read more

First stopped by for lunch! Perfect burger and hot crispy fries!! A few days later best breakfast in a long time!!! French toast almond bearclaw!! Delicious yummy scrumptious!! Yummy!!! Please come to San Diego!!! read more

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

See all

Just love Black Bear Diner. The location in Auburn has friendly staff and giant plates! Yummy breakfast too. read more

Black Bear Diner Auburn - Look who we found this morning. Such great food and family fun! - Diners Near Me - Auburn, California

First time eating at these dinners. The burgers are amazing. Big portions. Staff is very polite. Priced are reasonable. Definitely recommend. read more

If there was a way to post ZERO or 1/2 stars, this would be one of those reviews. Arrived approx 6:15p on at Saturday evening; busy, but not packed. Stood at counter waiting for acknowledgement, took about 2 mins for a server to acknowledge. Then asked how many; responded 4. All of a sudden there was a scrum of employees, with some sort of (Asst.) Mgr. pointing to where we should be seated. This took a good two minutes - then they broke up and walked away - forgetting to sit the customer! We looked at each other stunned, wheeled and walked out. Black Bear Diner: see ya!! read more

Everyghing was wonderful. Hubbys hamburger was wonderful and my taco salad was great. Well worth the visit! read more

Huge menu and portions of various diner foods and ethnic hits. Great server and decent food.

Jacob made our dinner here great. Super friendly and a smile that never left his face even when not in front of customers, very genuine. Best waiter we've ever had. Another plus was that all 3 of our steaks were cooked to a perfect med rare! Definitely returning. read more

Stopped in to eat at 10:45 am. Asked for a booth. Saw many available. Was told it would be 15 minutes at least. I asked why when there were plenty of open booths. She asked us to take the counter or a booth for 2. I explained we didn't want the counter and a booth made for two is really a booth for one. She explained they had to keep booths for 3or more open IN.CASE a large party happened in. Did I mention there were at least 3 open booths??? We left! I'm sure the food was up to Black Bear Standards and the restaurant was clean. read more