Black Bear Diner El Cajon

496

316

7091

2 years ago

Been here multiple times and I've never had a bad experience. From the food to the service, everything has always been exceptional. You walk in and feel as if you're in a country diner located in the mountains somewhere. The inside is cozy, welcoming, and decorated in a woodsy bear theme. The staff is friendly, the food portions are huge and delicious, the prices are reasonable, and it has a comforting, relaxing atmosphere. I've only had their breakfast, so I can't speak for their lunch and dinner. But if it is anything like their breakfast, I'm sure portions are huge, and the food is good. My favorite breakfast item is their build your own breakfast. I order the sweet cream waffle (yum), eggs, and bacon. Their coffee is good, and I like the fact that they offer vanilla and hazelnut creamers in addition to half & half. Nice touch. Worth trying =) read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Build Your Own Breakfast- waffle, 2 eggs, 2 bacon. - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - The Original ScramBOWL - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Kids- pancake w/fruit, cream, bananas, & chocolate chips - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Kids- confetti pancakes - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - 1 Biscuit & Country Gravy, eggs, potatoes - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Mimi L.

247

1 year ago

Nothing too healthful here, but if that's ok, you'll enjoy what they offer. Some friends and I came for the Friday all-you-can-eat fish special, which includes 3 tiny hushpuppies and cole slaw. The fish is the only thing that is all-you-can-eat, not the hushpuppies, which aren't even on the menu...they only come with this special. And not the cole slaw, either, but I bet if you really wanted more, you could get more. But not the hushpuppies. We all agreed that we could eat a whole plateful of just the hushpuppies. Two of us ordered the special, and two ordered the fish and chips. Everything was tasty, and the portion size big enough to take some home. The service was a little slow. Homey atmosphere...like a cabin in the woods. Menus are printed on newsprint, like a newspaper. Bear theme throughout. read more

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Sharon B.

695

5794

2 years ago

Cute restaurant theme! We were in the area and decided to go here for dinner. The restaurant is decorated like a cabin with a black bear theme. The service was great with a very friendly hostess, waiter, and manager. All came over to our table to check on us throughout our meal. We ordered the tri-tip steak and shrimp combo and a pancakes dish. It was a lot of food with big portions. Food was good too! read more

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Melissa L.

4 months ago

Hand brunch with girlfriends. I had never been to this diner and really enjoyed the food and ambience.

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Black Bear Diner

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Rose A.

130

611

1 year ago

Adorable cottage diner with wooden carvings and bears theme! Absolutely love it... almost feels like it should be up in the woods! Service was good, sat us down, food came out on time, food was plentiful for the cost and reasonably priced compared to other diners that are not inflated. I tried the chicken sausage scramble and my son had the sprinkle pancake. Lots to choose from. Clean diners, plenty of seating and also parking. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Breakfast Melt! Delish! - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Keychain - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Sleep mask and teddy bear feet slippers lol - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - News Paper Style Menu - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Country fried Steak with gravy - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Juke Box with Cute Bear themed apparel and souvenirs - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Kids sprinkle pancakes, and the chicken sausage scrambler - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Black Bear Diner

Aw, shucks, you're making us blush!

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Aaron H.

7 months ago

Pretty solid food. Huge portions! Service 10/10. Our waitress was extremely nice and professional. With how busy it was at lunch she took the time to get all our orders correct and made sure our meals were what we wanted. My only complaints are my hash browns were pretty sad and the bacon I specifically asks for them to make em extra crispy and they were all rubbery. Still good food though! My family said the coconut cream pie was absolute 10/10! One of the best pies in San Diego. Overall, we had a great experience and we look forward to trying different items next time! read more

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Black Bear Diner

Aaron H., We can't thank you enough for taking the time to share your…

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Grace W.

1 year ago

Wait, this place is soooo cute. I had never heard of it and it's a little far from where i live so it was a surprise to stumble upon. The decor is really thought out, made me feel like i was in a cabin in a tiny town in the woods. I got the skinny breakfast that still came with biscuits and gravy. Huge portions. I could tell the hashbrowns for example were made by hand. They also had huckleberry syrup to put in the iced tea! I will be returning. Loved it! read more

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Coach Danny P.

7 months ago

Black Bear Diner is one of those places where you know you're going to leave happy and full. The menu has an incredible variety--everything from hearty sandwiches and classic comfort dishes to pancakes and full breakfast plates. No matter what you're craving, they seem to have it. I've tried several things on the menu and honestly nothing has been bad. The pot roast is rich and comforting, the sandwiches are packed with flavor, and the pancakes are fluffy and delicious. But the real standout is the Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak. It's absolutely epic--huge portion, perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in gravy that just ties the whole dish together. If you want classic comfort food done right with big portions and a great menu to choose from, Black Bear Diner delivers every time. Definitely a go-to spot when you're hungry! read more

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Black Bear Diner

Aw shucks, we're blushing! Coach Danny P. Thank you so much for…

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Kimberly A.

2 months ago

Order twice from blackbear because they couldn't give me what I was missing and they still weren't successful with it. I'm seriously disappointed as for someone that is pregnant. I used to love them and now it just makes me not want to order again. read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thank you for your feedback Kimberly A.. We are sorry to hear your…

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Lulú G.

2 months ago

AVOID THIS PLACE!!! HORRIBLE SERVICE, don't waste your time in this place, 40 minutes waiting at the table, and no one came to our table, so we had to leave. read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thank you for your feedback Lulú G.. We are sorry to hear your…

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Rod C.

7 months ago

Great food and servers! I give 5 star's to: Maria B., Jose (Mgr) & Bernice (Mgr), Gustison! Great folks and very friendly. R/Rod C. read more

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Black Bear Diner

Rod C., We can't thank you enough for taking the time to share your…

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Jamilyn D.

2 months ago

You should go to the diner and order a Huckleberry shake. They are very good and refreshing.

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Black Bear Diner

We acknowledge your feedback about the hit and miss experience. Glad…

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Patrick D.

10 months ago

Our team decided to switch things up and hold our get-together and mini team-building at Black Bear Diner, and it turned out to be a great choice. Our server was pleasant, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu, which made ordering easy. The servings were huge, well-cooked, and nicely presented--definitely great value for the price. The seating area was comfortable and spacious, making it an ideal setting for a good meal and some team socializing. The only thing that could be improved was the coffee, which wasn't as strong or flavorful as we hoped. Still, overall, it was a solid experience, and a spot we'd consider returning to for future team gatherings. read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thanks for the kind words and recommendation, Patrick. Keep Feeding…

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Donna H.

7 months ago

Delicious food, large portions, excellent service, five stars We drive from Chula Vista just to eat here; it's that great! read more

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Black Bear Diner

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Sherry C.

4 months ago

Went recently and had a great experience. Food and service was great. They made everyone from three generations happy.

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Black Bear Diner

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Jackie T.

472

1645

1 year ago

First time here and so happy we stopped by. This diner is so spacious and clean. The service was great. We got seated right away and the server who took our orders was so polite and got our orders right. Their menu here is HUGE. Love the fact that you can order breakfast anytime of the day. I got the Chicken Sausage Scramble and we shared the Bread Pudding French Toast. The food came out quick. Our food tasted delicious. The portions here are huge so come hungry. Thank you Black Bear diner for a delicious first time experience and your hospitality. I can't wait to come back and try something else off your menu. read more

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Simore M.

208

343

530

1 year ago

Im not surprised this diner has 4 stars and some cases deserve 5. I drove from Chula Vista just to enjoy this all time favorite of mine. Large portions of delicious food, the most friendliest staff, and fast service. Ive come for lunch and breakfast and never disappointed. A must try. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Regular chicken fried steak and eggs, with home cooked potatoes. Cane with a biscuit. - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Spicy sausage on a biscuit with eggs and smothered in gravy. - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Black Bear Diner

Aw shucks, you're making us blush! Thanks for the four-star review,…

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Veronica A.

107

11 months ago

Had an amazing dinner. My husband and I wanted to check them out. The service was great it was on a Sunday evening. My husband had the chicken fried steak and I had the Tri Tip. Everything was so tasty. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Tri tip - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Cornbread - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Country fried steak - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Side house salad - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Black Bear Diner

Aw shucks, we're blushing! Thank you so much for taking the time to…

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Maria Q.

1 year ago

Cute place for breakfast. We happened to be close by to have our car serviced and needed to kill time. Ended up at Black Bear Diner. The decor is cozy with a cabin feel and bears everywhere. Portions were huge and food was tasty. And we loved that the food was out quickly after ordering. I was too full to try a pie but next time I will have to order to go because they all looked so good! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Pie menu - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Dina V.

5 months ago

Always great food, and friendly service, ESPECIALLY from Sol, she is such a lovely waitress!

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Black Bear Diner

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Kris P.

124

5 months ago

This place is absolutely disgusting. The food was terrible and looks like it was thrown on a plate. This is the second time I've eaten at the chain in two separate locations and both were equally nasty. The service was friendly although the waitress spilt tea all over my sister. Attention Yelp: stop removing my review!! read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thank you for your feedback Kris P.. We are sorry to hear your…

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Stacy F.

5 months ago

Food was excellent. Sat at the counter. Order was taken right away. Food came within a reasonable amount of time. Would go back if I am in the area again. read more

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Black Bear Diner

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Chad T.

Elite 26 All-Star

3267

288

2978

2 years ago

Went with my Mom Dad And Sister for mother's day. Amazing serivce and food as always. Staff was professional polite and went above and beyond. Food we had the Bear paw chicken fired steak. And saland Broccoli and mashed potatoes. 5 stars for all highly recommend going to Black Bear read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - New stacks menu at black bear dinner - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Simeko O.

197

676

2 years ago

When we visited on a Sunday morning, it was really busy! Instead of waiting 10 to 15 minutes for a table, we sat at the counter. The restaurant was full of energy, and our server, Diego, was fast, super friendly, and very helpful. I ordered the Bear's Choice breakfast, which came with two eggs and a choice of sides. I added sausage links and stuffed blueberry French toast, which tasted more like a danish. The food was tasty, and if you enjoy a big menu with lots of options, I'd recommend trying this popular diner! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Coffee tastes good - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Menu - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Bears choice breakfast - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Keri W.

10 months ago

I went to eat with my family for Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving day. They took the only vegetarian dinner item off their menu, fettuccine alfredo. I had to order off the kids menu. I It was just Mac and cheese and French fries. The Mac and cheese looked exactly like the boxed Kraft Mac and cheese that you would buy at the grocery store and cook on your stove at home. I don't expect boxed Mac and cheese when I eat out at a restaurant. Every year we eat here for Thanksgiving but will not be returning. Standards are low here. I had to go somewhere else afterwards. Do better Black Bear Diner! read more

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Black Bear Diner

We are sorry to hear about your disappointment regarding your recent…

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Oscar C.

9 months ago

A place so fantastic I've become a regular! The food is always delicious, fast and best of all affordable--or at the least reasonable prices for the portion sizes. Servers are always in a good mood which influences the overall ambiance and quality of the time spent at the restaurant. It always feels like you're family here, with not one individual member to single out as every one does their jobs incredibly well. You won't be disappointed coming here! read more

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Black Bear Diner

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Tony T.

100

6 months ago

I love breakfast and I love this spot. I bring my friends here and is 45 minute drive and a 45 min wait. But worth it. I brag about this place all the time. read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thank you for your feedback Tony T.. We are sorry to hear your…

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Jessica Z.

3 months ago

First time here and we had a nice lunch with great service. Food was yummy and I would definitely recommend, next time we are bringing the kids- they will love it! read more

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Black Bear Diner

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Jennifer D.

6 months ago

Food was so good!! Service was also great. I love that there is breakfast alllllll day!

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Black Bear Diner

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Esther J C.

779

445

558

2 years ago

Came here, last year, for breakfast with a guy I was seeing and the service was great! It was nice and cozy inside and the food was delicious! He got a burrito, I think and he ate it all! I got a country fried steak and eggs and loved it! OJ was great! Coffee was great! Thank you so much, guys! Not sure I'll be back in the area... but if I do, I'll come back here! read more

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Michael A.

1 year ago

Went to blackbear diner in El Cajon for the first time today and I was very impressed with how good the food and how good the service was shout out to Diego my server for being absolutely awesome kind and super helpful throughout our lunch! He let us know our wait times for food prior to sitting he educated us on the menu and helped us choose some of the best food options we've had in a while. He was even kind enough to give us waters as a parting gift. We are definitely going to be coming back here just because of Diego's awesome attitude thank you black bear diner for some good food!! This place gives home cooking grandma vibes but don't let this fool you, this food is solid and tasty! read more

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Evelyn C.

160

198

1 year ago

The food & service is wonderful. I hand the Eggs Benedict without the meat instead I upped for Tomatoes hubby had tee traditional breakfast of eggs & hash browns. All was delicious we will be back when we come across one in our travels. read more

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Black Bear Diner

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Mike G.

7 months ago

Food is ok but the prices in this place are crazy. Also, crank the AC down a little bit. Having to keep the sweater on and hurrying our meal because we're freezing in there doesn't score any points. When the AC cools down your food and the frozen butter doesn't melt on the lukewarm pancake....thats a problem. Service was great but can't make up for other shortcomings. Probably not going back here. read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thank you for your feedback Mike G.. We are sorry to hear your…

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Carolynn H.

1 year ago

Best pancakes, hands down! The service at this Black Bear Diner is always on point--I've never been disappointed. The menu promises big portions, and they definitely deliver! The pancakes are absolutely incredible, and everything I've tried has been delicious. Consistently great food and friendly service keep me coming back. Highly recommend! read more

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Black Bear Diner

Thank you so much for your kind words, Carolynn. We really appreciate…

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Kyle T.

7 months ago

Let's start by our wait time. Place was packed but the wait was only 25 minutes. Hostess was friendly and got us seated right away. Our server was Fred. I was worried at first it seemed he had a 15 top to deal with as well as our 4 top. He handled both tables like a pro. Check backs were awsome. Our food was amazing. Salad fresh and crisp the Turkey dinner I had was great. I did a sub for the broccoli and had coleslaw and again amazing. The overall ambiance was comforting and music was very nice. We visit from Tucson when we visit my daughter and her family. Excellent experience thank you all!! read more

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Black Bear Diner

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Brandon K.

155

2 years ago

Love this place. Service is down home service and hospitality like the Midwest. Food fresh to order and just a chill home vibe for dinning. Did I day I love this place yet? Yes check them out. read more

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Klausdg G.

1 year ago

good food with good prices. hoestyle type of menu.I saw a sign goin in for the roast beef melt sandwich so I ordered that. I asked what sides were available. I chose the baked potato. food came quick. sandwhich was pretty good. came with cup of aju sauce for dipping. my mom got the chicken fried steak. there's an option for 2 sizes on alot of the meals. she went with the smaller portion. someone elso got the larger portion plate and it was much more food. prices were fairly reasonable. under 20 for most things. service was excellent. our waitress was attentive but not overbearing. very friendly. Inside felt kinda like a dinerish feel. pretty casual. Will defintly come back read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - roast beef melt eith coleslaw - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - chicken fried steak - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - roast beef melt - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Black Bear Diner

Klausdg, thanks for your 4-star review! Keep Feeding Your Inner…

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Gerrie H.

165

303

2 years ago

Great experience at Black Bear Diner in El Cajon close to the parkway plaza mall. Took my friend here for breakfast because I have been wanting to try this place. The interiors gave me an Idyllwild vibe--cozy and rustic. It's hard to believe this used to be another restaurant years ago; the renovations are fantastic. The food was delicious, the service was impressively fast, and our waiter was excellent. On top of that, there's ample parking, which made the visit even more convenient. Highly recommend this spot for a satisfying meal in a charming setting! They also have a fun selection of merchandise for sale, including fur boots, onesies, and T-shirts. They even have a jukebox where you can play your favorite songs, adding a nostalgic and entertaining touch to the dining experience! Will definitely come back! Highly recommended. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Black bear diner merch - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Juke box! Love it - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Cute merch for sale - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Bill M.

1 year ago

We liked our breakfast experiences so much we decided to return and see what lunch was like and we were not disappointed. We both went for the Cobb salad with grilled chicken and it was excellent! We'll be headed back soon to try dinner! Also thanks to our server, Isabel, for doing such a great job! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Black Bear Diner

Thanks for the kind words and recommendation, Bill. Keep Feeding…

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Page 2 of 35

1025 Fletcher Pkwy
El Cajon, CA 92020
Directions
(619) 901-1826
Call Now
Visit Website
https://blackbeardiner.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Black Bear Diner El Cajon open?

Black Bear Diner El Cajon opens at 6:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Black Bear Diner El Cajon close?

Black Bear Diner El Cajon closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon take credit cards?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have catering options?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon does have catering options.

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have a happy hour?

No, Black Bear Diner El Cajon does not have a happy hour.

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon serve alcohol?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon allow dogs?

No, Black Bear Diner El Cajon does not allow dogs.

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have TVs?

No, Black Bear Diner El Cajon does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have bike parking?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon has bike parking.

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have outdoor seating?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon has outdoor seating options.

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have parking?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Black Bear Diner El Cajon wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon is wheelchair accessible.

Does Black Bear Diner El Cajon have free WiFi?

Yes, Black Bear Diner El Cajon has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Black Bear Diner guests can expect great value and big portions of familiar homestyle classic American comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served all day, every day in a fun, friendly, and comfortable local diner. Our big menu offers a broad and appealing variety--from decadent sweet cream pancakes and hearty omelettes to tasty sandwiches, burgers, and ginormous salads to traditional pot pie and all-you-can-eat fish fry dinners in a relaxed casual setting, perfect for families, friends, teams, and community gatherings. Black Bear Diner also offers homestyle catering, with hot buffet & hand-held breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps & salads, boxed lunches & MORE!

History

Established in 1995.

For over thirty years, guests have enjoyed an all-day menu of classic American homestyle food in the comfort of a relaxed, family-friendly local diner, perfect for families, friends, teams, and community gatherings. In 1995, our founders knew folks were looking for a restaurant rooted in something authentic and real. They wanted to create a diner that reflected their small-town roots, where servers were welcoming, looked you in the eye, and smiled when they took your order--where the homestyle comfort food is fondly nostalgic. And where you feel like you've finally come home every time you visit.At Black Bear Diner, we believe that timeless values like quality and personal service are very much alive. Stop on by, bring your appetite and your favorite people. Let us show you our cabin hospitality.

Meet the Business Owner: Bob and Laurie M and Bruce D.

Over 30 yeas ago, our founders created the first Black Bear Diner in Mt. Shasta, California, reflecting our founders' small-town America roots and their desire to bring home-style cooking and personal service back to the dining experience. Today, Black Bear Diner has over 170 diners in 14 western and southwestern states, and each one still reflects that quest for quality, service and value that turns visitors into family.

More Info

Health Score

Black Bear Diner El Cajon Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Black Bear Diner El Cajon

Do you have corn beef and cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

Yes we do!

Is there a long wait on Sundays?

Not really.. They get busy but they handle it very promptly. You can make reservations as well.. I was just there on a Sunday. Was a big line going outside, and we were sat in 15 minutes..:)

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Is there mac n cheese?

Yes, white cheddar Mac and cheese. Then there is kraft Mac for the kids

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Do they serve beer?

Yes they do, a multitude of them including a wine selection

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Do they deliver?

No, I called and asked on that. Dine in and carry out.

Do you serve mimosa's for breakfast?

Yes they do...

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Tri tip dip sauce was very sour/tangy. Is that how it's supposed to taste?

Yes it is au jus... it's literally beef juice

Do they serve breakfast all day?

All day every day Jaime ! Come on in and feed your inner bear!

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Sometimes we get free muffins sometimes we get charged does anyone know if I've been stealing these?

Some plates come with them some don't. Sometimes we are trying to be nice if food is taking a while, and we might bring out some muffins to curve your hunger. If you are new to black bear, servers might bring them for you to try. If you had a less…

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Is there free wifi?

Yes I believe they did if I remember correctly

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Do they have a pet friendly patio?

No they don't

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Any chance you have an allergen menu for soy sensitive customers?

Yes! And we can look up the ingredients for any of our menu items upon request! We want to be able to accommodate and serve all our customers and attend to any dietary needs they may have!

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Do they serve alcohol?

Howdy! We are in the process of obtaining our beer and wine licence and will be serving Beer, Wine, Champagne, and Mimosas once we obtain it!

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Very tasty indeed. Plenty of parking and easy on the wallet. Great service. I believe they have…read morea second location on Adams.

Inside

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Tuna melt supreme ($14.75): remains to be the "supreme" tuna sando, despite trying others the past 20+ years. Bacon hits different, 10/10!

The Godfather Diner

4.8(110 reviews)

5.4 mi

Went here for breakfast on a Sunday. Fast service, friendly, service. Solid diner food and Mexican…read morefood. The pancakes are enormous and crispy at the edges; meaning the were flawless. The omelette was fresh, flavorful, and hit the spot. A tight fit, but the food tastes great and the prices are reasonable. definitely worth the visit

I went in to get quick lunch. I didn't feel well and order Greek Chicken Salad. I thought it was a…read morebit expensive but it was worth every penny. It was family size salad that lasted 3 days. Very generous amount of chicken. Freshly chopped romaine lettuce. Green olives, cucumbers and onions and the cotija cheese. Amazing.

Inside

Chilaquiles -verdes & chipotle Hashbrowns

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Outside of restaurant

Izzy's Cafe

4.3(518 reviews)

2.1 mi•Bostonia

Food is always great and they have the best breakfast in town. Really like the sourdough bread and…read moreblackberry jelly along with their home fries. Bacon is outstanding as is the friendly service. Great Job

The hubby and I stopped by for breakfast this morning and we are so glad we did. We've been here…read morebefore but I've never put in a review and Camryn was a standout today! She knows her stuff-knows how to ask the right questions so that you get what you really want. For instance, I was on the fence about having biscuits and gravy but I asked if the gravy was really peppery. She offered to get me a small taste and although it was delicious, I've been a little under the weather so I decided I didn't want anything really heavy. Instead I ordered the 3 egg scramble with their smoked ham and added cheese-it was really good and a huge serving including their potatoes and English muffin. I'll probably be able to make two more meals from this serving! My husband ordered the eggs Benedict and asked which potatoes they would be able to make the most crispy as we both like our potatoes crispy. She suggested the hash browns and even asked if he wanted them crispy on both sides which was a great way to get them the way he wanted. Those kinds of gestures really make the difference when you're dining out. The eggs Benedict and the hash browns were delicious, btw. :) Camryn had a great personality too-very friendly, bright and quick. She did a great job of checking in on all of her tables. When we go back I hope we are lucky enough to have Camryn serve us again but all of the servers seemed very friendly as well. Great job, Izzy's and Camryn!

Counter seats

1/3 baby rib + 2 eggs + roasted potatoes w bell peppers

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Perfectly seasoned Bloody Mary

Ranch House Restaurant

3.9(130 reviews)

3.4 mi

•$

We were looking for a local breakfast place that we'd never been to before, so we stopped in. This…read moreis the first place I've been in a VERY long time where the home fries are made from actual potatoes - not poured from a freezer bag into the fryer. I got the Ranch House omelette (I think - it's the last one on the list) and it was soooo good! Ingredients tasted fresh and the sausages are delicious! They could maybe cook the bacon for a minute less, but it was still very tasty. The service was absolutely fabulous. Our server was friendly and attentive, and the other server popped in to check on us, too, as did the owner(?)/manager(?). Still, even with all the regular check-ins, it was neither overbearing nor disruptive. The restaurant itself is clean, kind of old school. It would be easy to miss driving by on the road, but definitely look for it if you're in the area! I know I'll be back. :)

Took an hour and 15 minutes for 1 cheeseburger. Very old inside, waitress tried at least. Will…read morenot be back.

Inside decor

Waffle, scrambled eggs & sausages

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Beginner's Diner

3.8(501 reviews)

10.3 mi

Lafayette Beginners Diner…read more Spontaneously, decided to visit Lafayette Hotel yesterday. Walked straight towards Beginners Diner outdoor patio which overlooks the pool, it was crowded. Despite the crowds, there were a few seats available to sit and dine. Usually one must check in with the manager inside the diner, but this time the manager happened to be a few steps away and she said I could sit anywhere I wanted...YAY! I had my pup Fendi in tow and we sat down for a while to enjoy the usual cool music and be voyeurs. As with most diners, it would be better if all the selections on the menu is available to order 24/7. Many items are only available to order during particular times. It was a sunny hot San Diego day, which called for an icy mocktail, a Greek salad and small french fries. The yogurt dill sauce enhanced the taste of both the salad and fries... so good. Service from the manager and servers were cordial, attentive and friendly. A bowl of water was offered for my baby and I always appreciate that extra effort. Because of a much improved overall experience and positive vibes, it merits this review and recommend.

I stopped by around 9:15 PM on a Friday, and the place was packed and full of energy. It was rather…read moreloud, but you could still make conversation. There were only a few stools available at the counter, but I was greeted right away by the hostess and seated immediately. A waiter quickly brought me a glass of water and a menu. I ordered the: * Country Fried Steak (3/5): The breading was nice and crispy, but the steak itself was pretty mediocre. It also didn't come with nearly enough gravy, so I asked another server for extra, and she was kind enough to bring me some. The meal comes with two sides. You can choose from creamed spinach, green beans, sautéed corn, or broccoli along with a carb of mashed potatoes, a baked potato, fries, or onion rings. I chose: * Sautéed Corn: Unfortunately, this had a strange flavor. It really could have used some butter and salt. * Mashed Potatoes: The potatoes themselves were fine, but the gravy wasn't the traditional style you'd expect with mashed potatoes, and I wasn't a fan. One positive was how quickly the food came out; it took less than 10 minutes from ordering to being served. The prices are definitely on the higher end. My country fried steak was $32, and my total came to just over $40 with tip. One thing that stood out was how disorganized the service felt. There was a hostess, around five different servers, and even the manager helping on the floor. I never had one dedicated server throughout my meal. One person took my order, another brought the extra gravy, the manager delivered my food, and someone else cashed me out. Even though it was busy, it's not a very large restaurant, so the service felt unnecessarily chaotic. They could definitely improve the overall customer experience with better organization. Parking can also be difficult, so keep that in mind if you're visiting during peak hours. Overall, it's a cute spot, and I appreciated finding country fried steak since it's not something you see on many menus anymore. Unfortunately, both the food and the service were pretty average. I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think it's a place I'd go out of my way to return to.

Boozy Eggnog

Reuben Sandwich. Section cut. Flavors were great but wished there was more pastrami in it.

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Retro vibe

Cafe 67

4.3(353 reviews)

4.8 mi

The food was amazing! Portions were huge!! Waitresses were friendly and very nice and made sure you…read morehad what you needed. The inside of the restaurant reminded me of a time capsule. Very nostalgic!! Reminded me of a local cafe from my home town. The owner of this restaurant was rude as hell! Micromanaging his employers and commented how embarrassing it was for us to order as much food as we did. He laughed at one of the comments me and my party made about being thick. He was just rude and I felt bad for his employers who busted their asses. I'd eat there again simply because the food was amazing! But I wouldn't go back because of the owner and how much of a micromanaging prick he is.

Ah...finally...getting down the hill from Ramona to pick up the wife from a Ford Dealership, we…read morehave returned to Cafe 67! Still home to the largest omelets and best deals for your money. It was like coming home! Had to have the California Omelet with home fries and had ham instead of bacon. Seems like they use a whole ham steak cut up. Topped with so much guacamole, that i was able to have guacamole toast (on dry English muffins) and still great salsa! The wife had Eggs Benedict and fruit, still wonderful. The only problem i had was, I couldn't remember Brenda's name, who I known since we started coming here since 2005! How many family owned restaurants have made it through Covid and still operating at waiting room only? Still the recommended breakfast/lunch place in San Diego County!

Denver omelette with waffle fries

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Outside

Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen

This restaurant is great for all hours of the day. The menu is a decent size with options for…read moreeveryone. The drinks are good and the food as well. And the portion size is good. The restaurant wasn't too loud...or loud at all actually. All of the staff were really great. No matter what time we went they were all friendly and attentive.

The food here is always great. There is a strawberry salad with cherry vinaigrette and avocado on…read moretop. That is amazing. It'll be the second time we got the French dip because that one's good too. The surface is really good. They bring you hot bread right when you sit down. For your birthday to bring you a hot chocolate chip cookie with ice cream on it Ambience is cool Cafe style casual

Inside

Breakfast steak and eggs. The steak was way over seasoned but the eggs and hash browns were perfectly done!

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Best Bloody Mary

The Breakfast House

3.9(632 reviews)

1.1 mi

Had Breakfast here during the DMV visit and wait on 04/07/2026…read more Very good food and service. I'll have breakfast here again in the future. Very Friendly Staff.

After surviving a rough DMV visit, I treated myself to The Breakfast House--and honestly, it was…read morethe highlight of my morning. Plenty of parking, friendly service (wish my server had a name tag so I could hype him up), and a cozy, family‑friendly vibe that mixes classic diner charm with a modern twist. I ordered the Philly omelet with herb fries and pancakes. The portions were huge, the omelet was packed with flavor, and while the herb fries could've been a little crispier, they were still tasty. The pancake was solid, and the coffee... well, it wasn't exactly coffee‑ing, but caffeine is caffeine. Clean space, good food, great service. I'd definitely recommend giving them a try.

Breakfast burrito

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Biscuits and gravy Yum Yum

Bonny's Cafe

4.1(229 reviews)

1.1 mi•Bostonia

loved the old school vibe of the place, and on top of that, the food was outstanding…read more The chicken fried steak with the gravy was delicious. The fries, fried in beef tallow were crispy and so so tasty. I can't wait to go back and eat there more often. Service was quick, prompt,and the server was super friendly

The staff here greats people like family. This alone would invite me right back. But the food is…read morejust okay. It's small inside but still plenty of seating.

Interior photo of the dining area and kitchen and counter.

Darn Good Chili Size Burger (left) and Mushroom Burger (right)

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Exterior image of Bonny's Cafe with limited outdoor eating

The Pancake House

3.2(305 reviews)

2.2 mi•Bostonia

Solid breakfast spot. Nothing fancy but it's dependable. I had the country fried steak and eggs…read morebreakfast. The steak itself was standard probably frozen patty but the sausage gravy on top was definitely scratch made and better than average. Eggs were cooked a perfect over medium as requested. I chose the fried potatoes that are cooked with onion rather than the hash browns and asked if they could be cooked crispy and they were perfect. My little cousin had the chocolate chip pancakes. They weren't the standard buttermilk with chocolate chips in them. The batter itself is chocolate as well and he really liked them. He said they had a good flavor, but not too sweet nor too rich. The service was on point for a breakfast place. Friendly and quick with plentiful coffee refills. The decor is a little dated but not ratty. It's pretty 80-ish with dusty rose colored booths and rose and teal colored wallpaper and fake marble counters but it gave it a kitschy vibe that I enjoyed.

This place is great for breakfast. Here is well where you will get the best service. We're getting…read morepoached eggs, cottage cheese, and English muffins. The ambience here is American coffee shop style. Like the good old days.

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The border inlet

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Bacon and egg Eggs Breakfast

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101 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Gary A.

9 months ago

You only get one chance to make a first impression. My girlfriend and I went 2 days ago after she had gone the month before with her parents while they were in town over the Thanksgiving weekend. She had good things to say so I was interested in trying it. When we got to the podium the receptionist was pleasant enough, took our name and informed us it'd be 15 to 25 minutes before we were seated. As my girlfriend and I sat there waiting for our name to be called the reception started taking other couples and pairs and seating them ahead of us. I was willing to accept that at first. Maybe they were on the list before me but after a half hour went by and people were continuing to be sat in front of us, I realized that was not the case. I got up and spoke to the receptionist about the issue and we were promptly seated with an apology that followed. I was willing to let it go at that. We sat down and the server was helpful in making recommendations. However, when our order came to the table it in fact was not our order. They had brought us the wrong food. Then, after getting the correct orders we sat there eating and we had the opportunity over here another server and a cook arguing over who didn't enter what and why an order was wrong rather than working together to make the order better. This was not our order. Mind you, this was someone else's. The conversation went on for nearly 10 minutes and concluded with someone finally piping up that the person had been waiting for the correction to their order for 23 minutes. The fact that we could hear such a conversation and that somebody else had this issue did not leave a good impression. I'd ordered the country fried steak as a recommendation from the server. The steak itself had a nice crisp to it and was seasoned well. The gravy however had no flavor whatsoever and was a great disappointment. Overall I was left very disappointed and I will not be returning. read more

Alan P.

6 years ago

Just finished another great meal at Black Bear Diner, El Cajon. When I entered I saw that all of the staff were wearing masks. Tables were either socially distanced or separated by plexiglass. Hand sanitizer was available at each table. I was asked for my name and a contact number in case there was a COVID incident. I chose to be seated at the counter because I was by myself. Every other seat was removed from the counter to enforce social distancing. I arrived at noon on a Saturday and the restaurant was very busy. As soon as I was seated at the counter, I was asked for my drink order. After a few more minutes they took my meal order. This included checking the availability of a dessert for me and reserving it so it wouldn't go to someone else. The main course came in a reasonable period of time given how busy they were. The staff asked frequently if I needed more coffee. And they monitored my progress on the main course and when I was just about done they said they would prepare my dessert. Many thanks to Angie and Maria for taking such good care of me. I ordered the Parmesan Sourdough Cheeseburger and Cole Slaw for my main course. The burger was piping hot and cooked just as I asked - medium rare. I'm glad I didn't use any condiments, because the flavor of the beef by itself and the included Dijon mustard were fantastic. The Parmesan cheese crust cooked on the bun plus the Swiss cheese, tomato, and onion just added to this delicious burger. The cole slaw was fantastic and fresh. For dessert I had the bread pudding. The pudding was hot and delicious, with just the right amount of praline sauce and a touch of whipped cream. I look forward to having this meal again, but it will take me a while to get to it because there are so many delicious choices on the menu. I will definitely return to this restaurant, many times! read more

Betty C.

7 years ago

Today, July 29, 2019, my husband and I had lunch at the El Cajon restaurant. The service was excellent, the restaurant was clean, and the food was good. The reason for this review is because the manager, Jonny, caught my attention by his work ethic. He never just "stood around." He actively was checking on all aspects of the restaurant, front to back. And then this happened: While we were eating, we heard a dog bark. Customers were looking around wondering what the heck? I noticed a couple in a booth, across the way, and they were trying to hush the dog beneath their table. The dog got quiet, and the woman got up and went to the restroom. I saw that Jonny, the manager, was talking to a family who had been seated across from the couple with the dog. This family engaged him in conversation at the checkout register. The couple with the dog was leaving, and the dog I saw was not a certified service dog. I know what a service dog is as my friend had one. This dog was a pet! Now here is the good part. Jonny spoke to the people who brought in the dog!!!!!! Yeah, Jonny. I appreciate this young man's work ethic and his concern for the restaurant and other customers. We will continue to patronize this restaurant! read more

Charlene V.

7 years ago

Love Black Bear! I'm originally from the Bay Area and love going to the Black Bears up there so I was so excited to find out that they were opening one down here in San Diego. I went in for the first time on Mother's Day knowing/expecting it to be busy. Even though our wait was about an hour the hosts took great care of us, providing us with free coffee and kind attitudes. Once we got sat, our server was prompt and brought our drinks very quickly and made sure they were always full. Our food took longer than usual, we waited about 40 minutes for it but boy was it worth the wait. I ordered the chicken fried steak like always and I was not let down. Other people at my table got the cinnamon roll French toast and a California bacon Benedict and it was all delicious. Even though the waits were longer than usual I'm very satisfied with the exceptional service and quality of of food. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Sam S.

7 years ago

I went in today. I had lunch and some of my party had breakfast. My server Jolee was very knowledgeable and she had a cute personality. Jolee suggested the ranch dressing. Man, that ranch is amazing! She suggested to my party to try the gravy on the biscuits and also the country potatoes. The food was great! Now, I want to come for breakfast and dinner. Where did this place come from? I originally thought it was a random pop up. However, they are all over! How is it we are just now hearing about this? Move over IHOP and dennys. My new go to spot. I would travel to broken yolk for better quality breakfast. Now, I have something in my back yard! My server was awesome and the food was great! Love the bear decor. This place feels cozy. I guess it just opened. I assume this will be around for a while. Also, they have cute slippers and clothing. What a cute store! I'm definitely coming back! read more

Kay P.

3 years ago

I want to start off by saying the food is really good. If you want home style country food this is the place. The service however is not good. It was about 8 months ago. We come here about once a week because yes the food is great. Each time we hope that they have some new staff and sadly they don't. The servers are rude , stuck up and very short with you. They always seemed rushed to get your order and never have suggestions. No smiles here either. Management please have your staff get some customer service training or just start over. Young teens would do a better job at this point. Today is our last day here because we have decided that we won't be coming here anymore. This was really our last shot and right when we got here we were greeted after about 10 min in front where we saw no employee. Sadly I was in love with this place because it reminds me of Big Bear. read more

Mandy M.

7 years ago

Went here for lunch last week. I had the smoked brisket and eggs, hubby had fish and chips. Both meals were delicious! I grew up in the Southeast so one of the things that sets the good apart from the bad when it comes to restaurants that serve breakfast is how decent their grits and biscuits & gravy are. Black Bear's grits were perfect and the biscuits were yummy too. I did not try the gravy yet so that is still up in the air. The biscuits were a little sweet, which hardcore down-home cookin' peeps may frown upon but I prefer them a little sweet myself. The smoked brisket was amazing too. The only thing that held me back from a full 5-star review was the eggs. I ordered them over-easy and the yolk was fully cooked hard in some places. Overall, very happy to have this restaurant in El Cajon to balance out the culinary options. read more

Steve S.

1 year ago

My Follow-Up to Black Bear Diner's Reply: Thank you for responding to my review. I did take the time to email your team, as you requested, even though the details of my experience were already clearly outlined in my original post. Unfortunately, I never received any followup or acknowledgment to my email, which leaves me feeling that your public response may have been more about optics than a genuine attempt to resolve the issue. I believe transparency and accountability matter, especially when a customer takes the time to share constructive feedback. If your intention was truly to make things right, I would have appreciated a direct response to my email and a willingness to engage more meaningfully. As it stands, the lack of communication afterward has only reinforced my original concerns. read more

Rano D.

5 months ago

Thank you for your public response here on Yelp. However, I want to clarify that I already contacted you directly by email on April 15 and followed up again on April 20, and I have still not received any response. It is disappointing to see a public reply asking me to reach out, while my emails regarding a serious food safety contamination issue at your El Cajon location have been ignored. This situation is concerning, especially given the location's recent health-related closures. I expected a timely response from management about what actions are being taken. If I do not receive a proper reply soon, I will be moving forward by contacting the county health department and additional customer service channels. I hope this matter will finally be taken seriously read more

Dan K.

7 years ago

Came in today for breakfast. Had an awesome Server Jolee who made my girlfriend and kids feel like family. I really enjoyed my breakfast. She suggested we try the bacon ranch with the kids meal. Seriously, she was right! The ranch is awesome. I'm curious to see what the dinner is like. She said we had to try the bread pudding. Next time I'll be in for dinner and some bread pudding and that infamous ranch. The atmosphere at black bear really feels cozy. They have a little gift shop that's cool. Jolee was telling us how it's new to San Diego area but it is all over Northern California and other states. Come to think of it I think I might have passed one before? Glad we have something cool in El Cajon. Really hope you stay around! read more

Brandon S.

7 years ago

I took my wife, kids and grandkids to the new black bear diner for Mother's Day and we were quoted an hour and a half!!!! We waited and waited and waited. We finally were seated by a a nice young girl with a great attitude. Our server promptly approached us and notified us that the kitchen is backed up and food may take a while. She wasn't wrong it took quite some time. We were understanding as it was Mother's Day. The food finally arrived and it was worth the wait!! We've never heard of the place and we were very surprised at the amount of food and the quality taste. Other than the long wait we had a splendid time. And we will be back to try dinner at the diner! read more

Grace G.

2 years ago

Black Bear Diner offers a quirky cabin vibe that instantly makes you feel welcomed. The portions are generously large, perfect for sharing or indulging in a hearty meal. Brunch here is an absolute must, especially the pancakes--they're fluffy, delicious, and just the right amount of sweet. The food is reasonably priced and consistently tasty, with a ton of options to suit everyone's taste buds. Be prepared to wait a little, though, as this place is always packed, but the wait is definitely worth it. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Black Bear Diner is a fantastic spot for a satisfying brunch experience read more

Pat D.

4 months ago

Dear "Business Owner": How can I email you directly when I don't even know who to address it to? You really should be more transparent. And I take no value in the standard response you give everyone here on Yelp. "Business Owner May 25, 2026 Thank you for your feedback Pat D.. We are sorry to hear your disappointment over your service received. We strive to provide our guests with the service and attention you deserve and it sounds like we let you down. I would like to address this personally. Please email me directly at el.cajon@sdbears.com so I can follow up with you and try to make it right. " read more

Jessica M.

7 years ago

Tried this place out today 4/29/19 it was ok... food was very tasteless. There's many places in east county that make home made food with better service. Waited about 30 min just to be seated. The chain of restaurants is very well known that's why they're busy but food and service was slow. Employees still need to understand the menu and work with each other. Walking into the diner you can feel customers excitement but the employees vibes were tense and fighting with each other. Horrible for 1st week presentation. Wish this diner luck!! We didn't eat our food it's a lot of food but tasteless. read more

Jason H.

Elite 24

148

3 years ago

5 stars for Black Bear Diner! This local gem is our go-to spot for an amazing breakfast experience. My family and I are regulars here, and we're always impressed by the generous serving sizes, each dish brimming with flavor. We recently enjoyed the French toast, pancakes, and the sausage biscuits and gravy. A heads-up for the sausage biscuits and gravy - it's a hearty portion that could easily satisfy two to three adults, but don't forget to ask for extra gravy! Both the French toast and pancakes were fantastic. We have absolutely zero complaints and look forward to our next visit! read more

Jerry C.

8 months ago

Stopped by this diner with moderate expectations and left feeling mixed. The space is classic and comfortable, and the staff was polite, which earns it three stars. Unfortunately, the food missed the mark. The beef in my main dish was noticeably dry, lacking seasoning and moisture. The fries were overcooked and hard, closer to crumbs than a side. More disappointing was being charged for an item I never ordered, which required extra time to fix. With better quality control and more attention to orders, this place could improve with consistency and fair pricing going forward. read more

Dj K.

7 years ago

I had a server Joleene who was great!. I asked her about what to recomend she said the gravy so we ordered the chicken fried steak with gravy on biscuits and the red potatoes. The portions are huge! We attend the rock the church and she was nothing but patient with me. I had questions and she got answers. I will be telling all my rock friends about this place. The wait wasn't too bad however, the hostess asked me the drinks and brought me nothing. I had to retell my server my drink order. My only complaint is if the person who seats me asks my drinks dont ignore me. read more

Joanne L.

108

5 years ago

My husband and I went for his birthday lunch today. The waitress was very nice but my sandwich sat under the lights for at least 15 minutes and his simple bacon and egg breakfast never came up. My husband became upset and we left after waiting a total of 30 minutes. No food at that point. We are very disappointed as we have been to Black Bear Diners in many states and the food and service has been excellent. Today was the first time we tried our local one and our experience was not good! There seemed to be no manager that I could see thus this bad review! read more

Paulina B.

7 years ago

Came in for the first time since they opened and had a great experience. Even though they were super busy, which is to be expected on Mother's Day, we had a very nice experience. From the hostess Daja kindly explaining how long the wait was to Ashley taking care of us at the bar top. Everyone was awesome and the customer service was the best I've had since moving to San Diego a year ago. I could tell everyone was so busy but you would've never guessed it by the quality of our food and kind accommodating service. Definitely coming back! read more

Mike B.

7 years ago

The food here is good, but what differentiates this place from other local watering holes is the impressive customer service!! Our server Noemi was so nice and even in the craziness of Mothers day she went out of her way to help her customers as well as everyone else. The Hobo omelet was very good (Bread not really toasted that well). The owner or manager came up to us and gave us a very warm greating and thanked us for our business. Overall I felt at home with this place and they now have a life long customer. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - diners - Updated September 2026

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3.3

(219 reviews)

Torn about writing this review so going to go through it a bit like a story…read more We saw a coupon in clipp undecided to try it out. Buy an entrée get a free entrée. It was a little skeptical, but the reviews looked great. Despite living here for a few years now, I hadn't seen this place before. From the outside, it looked like a hole in the wall, very unsuspecting. We walked in, and it was huge inside! Many of the tables are family style, there's a bar, there's booths and there are games in the back. So definitely the perfect place for families and parties. It has an older charm that harkens to maybe the 80s? It's a locally owned family business. Something I always wanna support. It was 8 o'clock at night so towards the end of their day and the place was almost empty. We didn't realize it was close to their closing time. That may be why there was no greeting and no one to seat us. So we just pulled up a booth. A cloth was left on the table as though someone were stopped mid cleaning. So I wiped it down and moved the rag to another empty table. The waitress came over and I couldn't tell if she had just been upset or perhaps was suffering from allergies as she was sniffling. Having said that she put on a good face and helped us through our order. Here comes the very good part. The food was good. Dad had a jumbo hotdog which he thoroughly enjoyed. Mom had the mini chili hamburger and was amazed at how filling it was. She said the chili sauce was terrific. Is mine determines whether or not she likes the place by their sauce that is high praise. I had the mini cheeseburger which was good. Where did jumbo size fries which we split between regular fries and curly fries. Then where they good! And if you've seen some of my other reviews lately, I've been on a kick on whether or not the soda mixtures or any good. This Dr Pepper was perfect, just like the good old days. So well done on the food. They had some specials but be aware that the coupon is canceled if you go with the specials. For example, there is a hotdog special with great pricing, which would've suited Dad. However, that meant Mom and I could not take advantage of the free entrée coupon. It's up to you to figure out the least expensive option if that's important to you. The reason the star rating isn't five star is a small concern around health and safety. I say that as one of the waitresses had some very large sneezes and I noticed did not cover her mouth. So between that and constant sniffing from the other waitress, I started to worry about whether or not we might be catching something. Perhaps we just caught them on an off night. I also got the sense that they were really ready for the night to end. So again, we must've just caught them on an off night. If you're looking for good local American food definitely give it a try, perhaps earlier in the day

Since we were in the area.... We had to make a stop here for dinner. IYKYK.... Service is great &…read morethey have laid back vibes. The hubby got the blue cheese burger w/ bacon. I got the mini cheeseburger. We shared some chili cheese fries. Oh so yummy..... That special sauce still smacks!! #OldieButGoodie #GreatBurgers #DiningWithTheAndersons

Cafe 67

4.3

(353 reviews)

Red Tail Bar & Grill

3.9

(73 reviews)

Excellent service and great air conditioning during this heat wave! Love the cocktails here and the…read moreservice is very fast.

So..... after 8 months I have finally resorted to a review in hopes it gets the attention of a…read moremanager. Every time meat is ordered medium rare it arrives well done. Today after going around in circles with the server she insists they do it right. Burger arrives cut in half and well done. Medium rare is pink in center. When the meat is all grey through that is well done. So after many visits from eating in or take out; from burgers to steak ... Guests need to be aware they can cook raw - if your order rare and well done if you order any other way. In addition, t fried chicken sandwich would be excellent if fryer was cleaned so it doesn't have black particles and taste like old oil. Absurd!

Jimmy's of Santee

3.4

(503 reviews)

The food here is great. We usually get the four piece roasted chicken, which is a half a chicken. I…read moreget the side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw. And today we got fancy coffees on the menu. They're brand new come on in Service here is done by very sweet people. Makes you want to come back. I'll ambience is cool and clean

Food is plentiful and good. Service is very good. Ambience is modern and clean. This was a…read moreBirthday party so it was work work. They did great.

Janet's Cafe

3.9

(308 reviews)

I took my older sister there for lunch at my doctors appointment next door…read more It was right after lunchtime and we both ordered the half and half off the menu. The 1/2 of sandwiches were delicious and the tortillas soup was just okay. The service is amazing and the bathrooms are clean too. One of my favorite places to eat in El Cajon.

I've been to this restaurant a few times before, and it was never bad. However, this time, we had a…read morewaitress who seemed to get annoyed when I asked a few questions about another dish. She took it the wrong way and became visibly upset. What bothered me the most was seeing how she was very friendly and patient with the other tables, taking her time with them, while her attitude toward us was completely different. Because of that, we didn't feel comfortable during our visit. In my opinion, the restaurant has a lot of older staff members, and they should consider hiring more younger people who are energetic, friendly, and actually willing to work.

The Pancake House

3.2

(305 reviews)