Stopped at Black Bear Diner in Barstow Outlets off the 15 fwy. Place is right next to a big gas station so lots of travelers come through. Service was a little slow since they were packed, but the food made up for it. Pancakes were legit delicious - fluffy, hot, real maple syrup. Vibe is very Cracker Barrel: cozy, rustic, even has its own little gift shop if you want to grab something for the road. Perfect stop if you're driving the 15 and need real food vs fast food. Just go expecting a wait during peak hours. read more

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Wife ordered a sandwich, I ordered dessert to eat with her. (I had eaten earlier). Wife's food came out and was good. My dessert disappeared, then came out 3/4 of the way through my wife's meal. Dessert came out lukewarm (if that) and as a hot dessert, I had zero desire in eating. Waitress proactively took the dessert off the bill. I'd avoid this place due to service, no need to waste your time. read more

We stopped here on our way back from Vegas and were so glad we did! The wait didn't take a super long time which was great. We were seated within 15 minutes or so. The server, Candi was very friendly and quick to come take our order. There was a large party ahead of us and she was sure to tell us but ensured our food would be out as soon as possible. Luckily it really didn't take long at all. Both of our food came out delicious and hot. The service was great, and we grabbed a delicious brownie to share on the way out. Definitely recommend. read more

UPDATE!!!! Jesse, the district manager of the Black Bear Diner reached out to me after my initial review and told me to come back so that they could make it right. And they did! The service was exemplary. The food was great, and it was a great overall dining experience. I get everybody has a bad or off day. And in this case Black Bear Diner made it right. Which in this day and age of throw away customers and compliments means a lot. I will definitely be coming back to this. Black Bear Diner and I have upgraded my review to a solid 4! Wow. That was underwhelming. I like Black Bear diner, I've been going to them for a long time, and as I was heading back to Las Vegas I thought I would stop here and grab a bite to eat as I have always had a great experience there. Well this time, it was an exception to the rule. It was busy so I was not too concerned about the wait time, which was minimal, and they got me seated pretty quickly. Quickly. I like the little newspaper style menus as they were fun to look at and interesting to read while you waited for your server. I already knew I was going to get the mini volcano, as it just sounded like the perfect combination of stuff for me to eat for breakfast. The waitress came by, really didn't look at me, which was odd. And went back to put it in. She came back with my coffee and said the order was in. Should only be a moment. This was great news cuz I was ready to eat and get back on the road. The food came to the table and it looked appetizing enough, they had the two pancakes and my fried egg on top and a piece of bacon and a link of sausage. Flanking the pancakes with a nice garnish of an orange slice on a lettuce bed. Here's the problem. Everything was lukewarm now it did come out pretty fast which was surprising to me that it wasn't really hot. But literally everything on the plate felt like it was sitting in a dish in the back with a warmer waiting just to be built. The pancakes there are usually really good this time. They were terrible. I was very very sad about this cuz I really like their pancakes a lot. The egg was cooked well but again it was lukewarm at best. Same with the sausage and the bacon. The sadder thing was the flavor just wasn't there. Normally they have some personality to it, but these felt contrived and run of the mill. Now. I don't know if they, like Everyone else is having to downgrade and downsize because of the cost of everything, but whatever it was it was not working for me. Again, I will say that I like Black Bear Diners but the one in Barstow I will be avoiding every time I drive through. This is sad, and I hope that someone in corporate reads this because it would be great to have this restaurant be top notch when you're driving between Orange county and Las Vegas or vice versa. Bottom line? I seriously doubt that I'll ever come back here. Which is a bummer, because I am a big fan of this particular chain. There are plenty of other great eating establishments in the Barstow area. So this one I would kind of drive past. ************* Response to Black Bear Diner Corporate Thank you for your heartfelt response. In fact, it was one of the nicest chat GPT responses I've read this week. At least you got my name in there which was a nice touch and made it feel more personal, however, when you forget to put your email in there for me to respond to, that leads me to believe you really don't care. Thank you for the response albeit a very perfunctory one. read more

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It used to be we only went to a Black Bear Diner for our free birthday meal. Now that we're on the road all the time, we love that we can find a Black Bear Diner at some TA locations. These, of course, allow for truck parking! Whenever we're heading out of California during the day and going through Barstow, stopping here has become a must. We seldom ever have to wait for a table, but if we do, counter service is always a quick option. The coffee is good and hits the spot. We usually always order breakfast, although there are lots of menu options; breakfast is available all day. My husband usually orders The Grizz, which includes everything plus pancakes. I love the "little less" entrees because of their smaller size and price. My favorite is the chicken sausage scramble. The food is good and pretty consistent at this location. The service is also good. I would say it's actually improved since we started stopping here. They also have some amazing desserts to eat there or take to go, along with a small area of Black Bear clothing and souvenirs. read more

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I recently stopped by Black Bear Diner for the first time on our way home from Calico Ghost Town and I'm so glad we did! The food was honestly so good, but the best part of our visit was our waitress. She was the sweetest older woman and made us feel so welcomed from the moment we sat down. Great service always makes a meal even better. My son ordered the mac & cheese plate with crispy chicken pieces and I have to admit... it was probably the best mac & cheese I've ever had. So creamy and comforting. I ordered the chicken ranch melt with a side of onion rings and everything was delicious. The sandwich was packed with flavor and the onion rings were perfectly crispy. My only complaint is that I wish the portion came with more onion rings because they were that good! Overall such a great first experience. Good comfort food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere. We'll definitely be stopping by again next time we're passing through. read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - The best White Cheddar Mac & Cheese - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

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The food was so good! Service great! We will be back! The food is way better than other black bear diners I've had! Props to you guys are the best read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Big fluffy yummy biscuits, chicken fried steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

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I'm back six years later! We still drive from Orange County, CA, to Vegas two to three times a year and always look for different places to have breakfast. Depending on when we're hungry, we sometimes stop in Victorville, and other times, we wait until Yermo. This time it was the Lenwood exit before Barstow. It was Saturday morning around 9:30 a.m., so we knew it would be busy, and it was. We waited about 15 minutes before being seated, but they were very organized. We would have opted for the counter, but we like a relaxing meal, so a table better suits our desires. The service was as good as you can get when you're busy. It was super friendly and efficient. The food was excellent, and the portions were good-sized. Depending on how much you eat, you can order almost everything family style and share dishes. Breakfast, like everywhere, is getting pricy. Plan to spend at least $20 per person. Funny how 10 years, $20 for breakfast for two seemed expensive. This is a bit of a touristy area, though, so prices might be a little higher than usual. read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

We loved our first visit to a Black Bear Diner! Even being one location of a chain of 140+, this adorable, cozy roadside diner was a terrific experience. Yes, it's attached to a TA Travel Center, and you're greeted by a fine display of bear-themed merch (including the brand Lazy One, which has a really cute collection of cartoon bear images on everything from PJs to aprons). We were greeted and waited our turn to be seated by a very friendly staff member. It's a big place with very pacific-northwest vibes. As we settled into our log booth, my eyes went wide for the dessert menu- I was definitely saving room for one of their personal coconut cream pies (okay, I needed up having to get to go because I was so full). We ordered the raspberry iced tea ("bottomless") and a prosecco. Both were great. For our brunch food I had the bacon avocado Benedict and it was perfect. Maybe the best hollandaise I've ever had (perfectly lemony and not too thick, served hot over pretty little stacks of English muffin halves, sautéed leaves of spinach, ripe tomato slices, thick bacon, avocado, and perfectly poached eggs. It was served with a small dish of very fresh fruit. My partner got the chicken fried steak and eggs over easy with grits and a giant California biscuit with gravy. And yes, later, the coconut cream pie was everything I'd hoped for. The whipped cream topping was a bit Cool-Whippy but I liked it. The fresh toasted coconut was a lovely touch. Super service, very friendly. Clean bathrooms where the bear art continues. We can't wait to eat at a Black Bear Diner again! read more

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Best ham steak, eggs, home fries. Best chicken and waffle. Best service from Ebony, Gloria and Gina! read more

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We stop here every time on our way into Cali. We love the food and the atmosphere. Everyone is great lots of friendly servers. We love the connecting store in case you forget anything they have everything. We always buy something from their little gift area . They have the best waffles so fluffy and just delicious. I get on every time we stop here. Very friendly family oriented restaurant so make this a must when you are driving on into California. read more

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After last night in Kingman, I wasn't sure about here today, but I'm glad we did. We had Ebony, and she introduced herself right away, and got our drinks quickly. She came back and got our food order. We got our food. She checked on us, to see if things were good. She's the best server that we have had in the 2,650 miles. I would highly recommend this Black Bear diner, and ask for Ebony.. read more

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Simple country-style food in a relay ambience with attentive and friendly staff. Good value for your money and a great place to recover on the trip to or from Vegas. read more

You absolutely must try Black Bear Diner-Barstow. The food is amazing and plenty of cool stuff to look at during your time spent having lunch, dinner or just a snack . The service was great both times we ate there. The Ambiance is really fun! read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Black Bear Dinner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

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The chicken was very bland and very heavy on the batter, the batter itself was very much overcooked and very hard. Talk to the manager regarding the issue. It seems like she didn't really want to provide a solution. She was just giving me an excuse on why the chicken turned out the way it did and then she has no control on what it's done in the restaurant. read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

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On our latest stop here on the way from Las Vegas to Redlands, I enjoyed a Turkey Club Sandwich on lightly toasted Sourdough with Avocado added on request and French Fries, preceded by a Cup of Chili. The sandwich was cool to the touch and very satisfying, with large pieces of tomato just oozing with juice, and a nice crunch coming from the bacon inside. Fries were suitably crispy. And, the Chili, primarily composed of beef and Pinto Beans, had a nice kick to it without being overpowering. Diane had a compose your own 2-Egg Classic Combo with Scrambled Eggs, extra crispy bacon, a Pancake, and very crispy Hash Browns. She was pleased with it. Service was very good, and portions large. read more

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Everyone I encountered at this Black Bear location was a pleasure to speak to. This location is attached to the TA truck stop in Barstow and the menu prices show that. While the food at BBD is better than the Country Pride it replaced, it's not generally worth the price they are asking for. Still, it is better than average truck stop food. I would just like to see more fresh ingredients instead of premade and frozen chicken fried steak. read more

For years I passed on eating here because I was always in a hurry to go North or South to my ultimate destination I finally stopped because I needed a rest and sat down to order. Received the friendliest service. And the food was as good as all other black bear diners. I'm glad I did not rush past this time. I enjoyed the meal and was glad I stopped to smell the bacon read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Tri- tip dip - YUM! View of the restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

Came in here around 530 pm . Pretty empty not busy at all . Our waitress was Alexis and was just the worse we ever had at this establishment. No personality , never asked for refills until we said something . When she came by asked if she could pick up plates said yes and as any good server she should have asked any space for dessert? But no with her no personalty we had to ask for a dessert and boxes at the same time . Brought boxes no bag . As we were leaving she seen us and no good bye or anything . Glad to say she deserved the tip left behind for her . Lucky my husband is nicer than what I would Of left on that tip spot . If it were up to me a " do better at your job or move on " would not recommend her as a server but food is always good . read more

LOVE!!! Me and my husband's favorite comfort restaurant, we come here all the time and can't recommend it enough. You can't go wrong with any of their dishes they all taste amazing! Everyone is super nice and friendly, and the restaurant has a cozy American diner vibe. Their apple cobbler is to die for! read more

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Great place to stop and eat I'm an over the road truck driver I told then I only had 30 minutes to eat then I'm gone They rushed my order I'm happy I'll leave a good tip too I'll eat here again and stay a little longer read more

Foods always delicious Big portions. Great service. Deserts are also great and hard to pass up on. If full get it to go.

we used to just drive through barstow on the way to vegas from socal but now that we have a preschooler, it has become the perfect halfway must stop their chicken fried steak was solid, though i do wish it came with a bit more country gravy. the biscuits, while massive, are a bit underwhelming -- but what makes this place great is the most reasonably priced kids menu i've seen in a very long time $7 just a few years ago would've been price gouging, but today it feels like a total steal. i cannot tell you how many times i've spent $14 on a kids plate, only for him to have a couple bites. if you can relate, you know it's maddening (and wasteful), so again, this is a godsend, and will rank high up on the road-trip-options-list for as long as their kids menu stays around thank you for watching out for us parents! even if that wasn't really your intention :) read more

Had the blackened salmon on a bed of spinach with pesto sauce, red skinned mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli and carrots. Cost was about $20. Huge portions, could only eat 1/3 of it and took the rest with me to eat later in my hotel room. The food was well prepared and delicious. It was 3pm on a Friday and there was no wait to be seated. Service was prompt and friendly. Love their bear curated gift shop. The bathrooms are very clean and there is a huge parking lot that is shared with the gas station/convenience store next door. This has become my regular stop when in Barstow. read more

Made a pit stop for lunch on our way to Vegas and found this pretty cool diner from Yelp. There was a fair amount of people in the restaurant which is always a good sign. The vibe is log cabin in the desert and I was here for it! - Shasta Cheeseburger | It's your classic cheeseburger, but I aded mushrooms and requested for Swiss cheese. Loved the juicy beef patty and the house made thousand island dressing! The fries were crisp and delicious. It's definitely a dish to try out. You shouldn't find any issues with parking as there is more than enough room for everyone. I'd definitely return! I feel like we found our new go to breakfast/lunch spot when we travel out in that direction now. read more

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Food was plentiful and good quality, on par with diner food at reasonable prices. Tri-tip, corn and baked potatoes was easily enough for 2. My kids loved their bear shaped pancakes. Service was friendly and fun, they sang for our kids birthday. read more

You will notice your silverware in a bag along with a worn old newspaper menu that has been sneezed on and wiped by who knows who. Don't wad it up because they want to keep reuse it. Simple breakfast for 2 was close to $60. Expensive! No AARP welcomed here. Could have filled my gas tank instead. read more

First time going here, it was very cozy and the food was delicious! The service was good too.

Black Bear Diner has become a regular stop when we come from Orange County to Lake Mojave. The food feels like someone's mom made it. The buttermilk biscuit is the best I've ever had, ever. The servers and staff are all lovely and attentive, and will treat you like family. Definitely worth the hour detour to stop and enjoy a great meal anytime you're passing through. read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Two egg breakfast with country fried steak, homemade buttermilk biscuit and gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

5pm Thanksgiving evening and "I'm sorry we ran out of turkey dinners" we decide to have ham dinner "I'm sorry we ran out of cornbread we will substitute toast" Ham dinner comes and it's 5pcs of 1 1/2" ham squares, terrible . Very disappointed not servers fault and as she was also very embarrasse. read more

The foods portion are huge and delicious. I ordered The GRIZZI and it was so good. I have a good amount and packed leftover home for next day. The place is clean and good place for family and tourists. I don't mind coming anytime. read more

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This place was a great oasis on the way to LA. The food was plentiful and good. The prices were as reasonable as possible these days and the staff was great. read more

We came here on our way home from Vegas. We have never been here and excited to try it out. The portions are huge!! There is also a ton of seating with tables and booths available. We were seated immediately which was nice and our waitress came over fairly quickly to get us waters and take our order. I got the eggs with bacon and my husband got the chicken fried steak with biscuit and gravy. Both meals were delicious! The biscuit was so good with the gravy. I got the house potato's which were delicious as they were cooked with onions and peppers. The bacon was thick and had a great flavor! Towards the end of the meal we asked for a box and never got one so we went up to the front and ask. Other than that everything was perfect. There is lots of parking outside and they share their parking lot with a gas station which is convenient. We will definitely be back to try other items off the menu! read more

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I recently ordered a bacon burger with fries from this restaurant. I wanted it cooked medium. When I received the meal and bit into my burger, the outer part of the patty was hard as a rock, beyond well done. It was like bitting onto a hockey puck. The fries were also soggy to the point to where they would droop down when you picked them up and held them up straight. The bun on the burger was also soggy. This sucks because I've eaten here years ago and the food was good and the service was good back then. I get this restaurant is attached to a truck stop/gas station but I still expect better. Such a shame. read more

Quick service, good food, friendly people :) a nice pit stop! Lots of cute bear decor

Clean, fresh and good food. Service was friendly and plenty of food. Restrooms were clean and fresh. Chose this restaurant over Peggy Sues. read more

Love the food everyone is always so sweet. If you stop and are on a time crunch food does take a min to come out . For me it is well worth the wait. read more

Black Bear Diner Barstow - Our breakfast . Bacon eggs potato s also included french toast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Barstow, California

We frequently travel along I-15 through the greater metropolitan Barstow area and always look forward to a food stop at Black Bear Diner. As one finds at most BBD locations, you can expect great menu items, generously portioned for a very reasonable amount. There is plenty of parking in front and a very roomy, sparkling clean venue with numerous examples of the namesake animal on display throughout. Breakfast, lunch or dinner are all exceptional. The friendly staff helps to ensure your meal and visit are enjoyable. Hats off to the Manley's for founding Black Bear Diner 30 years ago and observing its deserved success in the ensuing years. read more

Would like to thank all the waitstaff at Black Bear Dinner for being so kind every time I've visited. Tonight I'd like to say a special thanks to the waitress Diana, who was nice to me even though I went to dinner in my painting clothes. She even shared about her passion for horses and I was also able to share about my love for horses too! Her waiting skills were amazing as she kept the drinks full and food came out hot and well cooked. read more

Super cute diner like atmosphere. Discovered it on the road to Vegas. Wish there was one close by. The food was really good and the service was great. The people are so lovely. Looking forward to our next stop. read more