Had a Joe's Hobo omelette. It was delicious. Service was top notch our server was Casey. Very sweet. Patient with us and had great recommendations. Will be back for sure. read more

This place is awesome...we said Wow when the food came out! We will come again when we return to California!

Slow to get seated, service took forever, not good food, fruit on kids meals was not edible, the cornbread (paid extra) was rock hard like something you'd see someone bounce off the ground in a movie. I literally waited 20+ minutes to get my card back after paying. The worst. I couldn't bear to go again. read more

The food here is... well, didn't get the chance to eat. Being busy is not an issue, but apparently being a single diner is. No, I don't want to eat at a counter, I like my space. Yup, not gonna get my Lil birthday special... worth a shot... shot missed. read more

One of my favorite brunch places. Their food is flavorful, not greasy, and fresh. Nice decor, clean, friendly servers, and prompt. read more

Went on Sunday after church. We waited about 5-10 minutes.. we had a big party. We had Jabari and Alicia waiting on us. They did great and were attentive. Food came out quickly. The food was good as always. This was my 3rd time at this location. read more

See all

To begin, we love Black Bear diner. Been coming religiously because of the food and the friendly staff. Today was a different experience. This if the El Cajon, CA on 12/14/25 at ard 3:25-4:01pm. I ordered 3 Christmas dinners, 2 cub meals and a CHOCOLATE CAKE. Understandably, I would not have time to check the bags at the counter just as I picked up the order, or be able to open up each packaging because really, who does that? When I got home, I checked every single container and found I was missing the CHOCOLATE CAKE. Knowing that today is Christmas eve and the diner closes at 4pm, I immediately called at 3:57pm just to report what's missing in my order. The girl who took the call immediately responded , "we close at 4pm... short of saying 'what do you want?' So I spoke quickly and explained I am missing the chocolate cake from my order. She countered with, " it's in one of the bags...we "triple checked" the bags and know the cake was there. After she was done, I said it's not there. She went on to reiterate that we "triple checked it"..... I interjected and said that I know you're closing and I don't need it today, I can come back for it tomorrow. She again, without asking anyone states " we can't do that. You picked up the order today so we cannot give the cake tomorrow. I don't think we can do that. (This response irritated me even more. If you're not sure, then don't say it. Make sure to think about what you will say to a customer before you say it especially if you do not have the authority to make decisions or you don't know the rules for a fact. So at this point, I got irritated even more. I raised my voice because she was talking over me and again, I want to get off the phone quick so as not to hold anyone over 4pm. At 3:59, she stopped responding. I know I am still connected because I can hear the restaurant background. I kept saying hello a few times and she was not responding, obviously ignoring me. I mentioned while she was ignoring me that I will report this incident because it left a bad taste. It's Christmas Eve and she took a piece of happiness away. There is no excuse for rudeness and talking over a customer who is obviously upset. Please review the call. I can't even enjoy the food. It left a bad impression and an ugly taste in my mouth. I have an idea of who this person is. She was at the counter when I picked up the food. In fact, she was very unfriendly. Very standoffish. Friendly advice, to this girl, even if you own the place or related to the owner, you should not be acting like you're better than a customer. I ended the call at 4:01pm as respect to everyone else working at Black Bear diner today. I will call again tomorrow and see how it turns out. It's not the cake, it's the lack of respect that employee showed that should not be left addressed. This girl may have not said it out loud but insinuating and challenging me about the cake, is in bad taste. I offered to take pictures of every container and contents and countering with we "triple checked" the contents is passive aggressively insinuating that I am lying. Why would I lie over $8?!?! And offering to come back and pick it up the next day. Again this experience with this particular employee left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

We ordered: Chicken Sausage Scramble, Chicken Fried Steak & Biscuits. We were shocked at how big the portions were lol. The biscuits were MASSIVE. Like bigger than a hamburger bun lol. I enjoyed my chicken sausage scramble. The avocado it came with was shockingly fresh and my husband liked his chicken fried steak. I really liked that they offer a healthier section in their menu. The service from the host & hostess were ok. Our server was great. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Chicken Fried Steak - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

Bad service, had approach waiter to be seated. Wrong drink served and meal was served after others who came after us. No refill offered with meal I finished it while waiting for meal. read more

I have been coming here for years - either in person, or via Postmates. I love a good diner breakfast. Seems Black Bear's quality is hit and miss lately. I usually get my delivery with the bag stapled shut. This morning, the bag was wide open, and the top to my breakfast container wasn't properly on. Was it tampered with? Who knows. I usually rave about the biscuits - this morning it was over cooked and "crunchy" - maybe reheated from yesterday's batch? For some reason the sausage links were salty. They never were in my previous orders, so I wonder if they switched brands? It is a diner breakfast and still beats fast food any day - I just wanted to voice my opinion on the quality going downhill lately. read more

The service was absolutely terrible. Our server, Alicia, had a clear attitude and made everyone at our table uncomfortable. The way she spoke to us was disrespectful, and it felt completely unnecessary. Unfortunately, this didn't seem like an isolated incident... there was an argument happening between a waitress and the table next to us as well, which says a lot about the overall service culture here. While the food itself was good, it doesn't make up for being treated poorly. Good food isn't enough when the service makes you feel unwelcome. I wouldn't return because of this experience. read more

First time here. Loved it. Service was very good. I never saw the bottom of my coffee cup. Country style place. If you're ever in El Cajon and was a unique breakfast and or lunch experience this is the place for you. Prices are reasonable. read more

See all

After church, this is our favorite go to for breakfast. Great food for a great value! The service is also amazing! read more

What can I say- I think discovering Black Bear Diners have been one of the best places I have discovered. I loved the options available, the plates and portions are huge and the service has always been great- even during busy times. I came to El Cajon to visit family and had a great time. Even with a young toddler and a person in a wheelchair they were very accommodating and were able to fit a large party. Also- they had an unlimited Ice Coffee available and I was able to take my last cup to go. I just wish there was one closer to home, but maybe it's a blessing in disguise because I would probably only eat there. read more

I just add to leave this comment about our server last night, Angelo. He seemed so nice, and he was nice, but he was a very poor waiter. He got our orders pretty much correct, but when they brought my table mate's Cobb salad, there was no dressing. in addition to that, another person in my party did not receive their orange juice. It would not have been a big deal, except our waiter, Angelo, did not come back to check on us. After nearly ten minutes, I had to go to the area where the food comes out of the kitchen and ask that the ranch dressing be delivered and the expeditor brought it out. I did not realize at the time that the orange juice had not come, either or else I would've asked that it be delivered, as well. It wasn't until we had nearly finished our meal that Angelo finally came back to the table, with the checks. At that point, my friend mentioned orange juice had not come with her meal and he brought it over. But, by then it was a moot point because she had already nearly finished her meal. It was a little funny because the booth right behind us had to speak very loudly to get the attention of one of the other staff members to let them know that Angelo had not returned to their table after the food was delivered, either. He was none too happy and listed four things that needed to be addressed. So, I've come to the conclusion that Angelo needs additional training because even though he's a nice enough fellow, he doesn't know his job. He needs to come back to the table within no more than three to five minutes of bringing the food to see if there's anything else needed. He failed to do that, not only with our table, but the booth directly behind us and I would wager to say he neglected ALL of his customers that evening. So, I would urgently ask that the management urgently address the situation and let Angelo know that he needs to do his job in a much more efficient manner. They need to monitor him, to make sure that this does not happen again, with ANY of the customers in his section. We love the Black Bear Diner, their food is delicious and up to this point, their service has been excellent. But, if the Black Bear Diner management continues employing waiters who fail miserably in their service to their customers, we might just have to rethink whether or not we want to continue coming to this restaurant in the future. Thank you very much. read more

Consistently good-great food, big portions but a selection of smaller ones if you don't feel like getting a lot to go. Always friendly service and good at inputting modifications (ex. getting your dressing on the side bc otherwise it's blue cheese with some lettuce added). I really like that they have the option of reasonably priced "Just eggs" breakfast so you're not paying for bacon/sausage if you don't want it. Ample parking, nice classic diner first-come counter seating if you want, and comfortable booths and movable tables if you have a large party. Usually don't have to wait for a seat, and then only a couple minutes. I've only seen larger (6+) groups at rush waiting outside. Minor dings that didn't merit taking it down to a 4 star- coffee is sometimes a little burnt if you're ordering past breakfast (not unheard of, and I'm sure they'd make a fresh pot if you asked), and a couple of times it's taken a moment to find my server. There isn't any non-bacon ranch and the tasty chili I enjoyed for a while (my bad) has sausage in it, so keep that in mind if you don't dig the pig. One of the best all-around diners left in SD, and while it is a chain it doesn't have the soul-suck that a lot do. Well worth the bit of a drive if you aren't in east SDC. Hopefully they'll add more. read more

Great customer service. Everyone was super nice and the food was great. The ambiance is family friendly. My parents love it. Will be back for sure. read more

This place was wild! Felt like you were at Disneyland cause it was a vibe. They lean into the bear thing which is super fun and cute for kids. Inside are bear plushies and bear-like clothing you can buy and even a bear mascot. Learned this is a chain and I assume each one is this way. Portions here were HUUUUUUUGE. With that said, nothing was phenomenal but man for portions it's a bargain. Biscuits and gravy: homemade biscuits SLAPPED. But the sauce wasn't very tasty :/ Omelette: made my own omelette and had hashbrowns with them. The omelette was good and the hashbrowns were HELLA crispy which I loved but due to the thickness they were otherwise mushy after that crunchy layer. Bear choice: it was okay. Sausage, French toast, eggs. All in all it was okay food-wise but huge portions with really good and fast service. Would def be fun for kids though. Parking lot attached so that was nice! read more

See all

We have had breakfast, lunch and dinner at this location and it has always been good! But, the dinner last night really stood out!! I ordered the Tri-Tip with salad, baked potato and mashed red potatoes. First, the Tri-Tip was cooked a perfect medium-rare. The salad was cold and crisp with the best blue cheese dressing (their dressings have to be home-made!). The baked potato was a good size potato and our server put some butter slabs next to it to soften them up (great thinking!). The mashed red potatoes were creamy with the perfect amount of small potato chunks and the beef gravy was very flavorful. The dinner always came with a cornbread muffin, which was also delicious! So, that covers the food. Next, I want to say thank you to our server, Isabel. From the time she greeted us to the time we left, she was on top of it!! Salad was served and we were given enough time to finish it before the dinner was served. Isabel checked in on us at least 3-4 times during dinner, filing drinks, offering more butter and sour cream, napkins, etc. When we were done, she brought me containers for the food I was taking home (yes, I had leftovers for today!). We eat out quite a bit and I have to say that this was the best restaurant customer service we have received in quite some time!! Isabel was an absolute gem and throughout the entire dining experience, she had a smile on her face and made you feel welcome and appreciated! On the way out, we spoke with the Manager (Jose) to let him know how much we enjoyed our dining experience. Great food and exceptional customer service!! We look forward to going back for the great food and seeing Isabel too! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Trip Tip, backed potato, red skin mashed potatoes and salad. - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

Black bar diner is great. It has the best food we got the pot roast with green beans. Our waitress is amazing. Her name is NICOLE. We are going to ask for NICOLE next time. The ambience here is very very nice. It's a little loud, but that's OK. read more

See all

The flavor of the food was very good The portion of food was very good Our waiter "Jonathan" was very good The vibe below average It wasnt "warm" It wasnt an atmosphere that would draw me back Overall i rate this total experience 6 or 7 out of 10 read more

Promoted but bait and switch. We were hugely disappointed with Friday fish and chip dinner. We didn't read the part is the menu that say pollack fish is served and not the regular cod! It's garbage food I'll get surprised it they last one more year! Huge disappointment! The waiter corrected it by offering cod; this is on the regular order. I felt bait and switch applied. read more

Sol was my server yesterday and she crushed it! I've been here a few times, but never have I had such great service! She is a gem and a keeper! read more

2nd time is a charm! Had a family dinner last night July 20th about 7:00 pm. We had 5 diners and were quickly greeted by Jose the manager. Just like the first time the employees are just top notch! So great to see so many young people with incredible work ethics post Covid....seems no one wants to work anymore. Thank you to Angie who was so thoughtful and professional with us. OK! On the best part ... the food! Burgers are amazing! Juicy and Huge! My husband had the Turkey club, he is a Turkey club snob and he really enjoyed the roasted Turkey. Most places just use deli meat. My son devoured the chicken fried steak and loved the red skin mashed potatoes. Chocolate shakes are legendary! Sam was our waitress and she was fantastic! Very nice family diner. read more

See all

Wow! Is an understatement. What a hidden treasure in California. I had first heard about this place from family and decided to check it out upon our spring vacation. I've seen pictures of the portion sizes and yes it is as they say. It was a wonderful experience from walking in and being seated in a relaxing diner setting and the food was exceptional! I thoroughly enjoyed my selection and was not in the slightest disappointed! Ordering a nice taco salad that could literally feed a party of four! The shell was delicious and the service overall for my family and It deserves nothing less than a five star review. The breakfast was portions were huge and just as tasty leaving all of us taking leftovers later to enjoy at the hotel. Can't wait to return to try other dishes very soon & will keep this place in mind when traveling. I highly recommend this spot to try if you have never been, it felt like home. read more

See all

Lillie is the bomb.com. she radiates so much positivity. Food was great as always. Genuinely loved the service this time around.

Went Friday evening. Was there a few weeks ago and was closed for "remodeling". (DIL said it was pest problem). All new staff seemed like. Hostess/cashier was the most unsmiling person, no personality or welcoming. I requested booth and she said all taken. Then took me to mini booth by kitchen. I said okay just cause I was hungry. Very nice young waiter. Order came out fast. Got my usual lesser dinner of Santa Maria tri tip med rare, baked potato. Requested broccoli only but they only had a mix of carrots and broccoli. Order came out fast. Tri tip very difficult to cut and chew. Lots of fat to cut off ends and couldn't chew up most pieces all the way. Potato good. Broccoli good, lots of carrot coins. A little underdone. I thought cheese came on the potato and asked for it on the side( to put on broccoli) They brought a small bowl of it and later on my check was charged $2 extra for it. Decided not to complain. Saw hostess seat several more patrons while there. Still no smile, no personality. Got her again at check out. No smile. No personality. Very blah. Almost seemed mad or unhappy. Probably won't go back again for this meal. Maybe breakfast once in awhile. read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon BARELY (Bearly) misses the mark on account of food that was unfortunately undercooked (came out cold) but a generous and understanding staff were able to take care of our issues no problem. TLDR: Everyone has an off day, but the incredible service made the most of it. Will be back again soon to hopefully raise the grade ;)) read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - Cinnamon Roll French Toast* - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

I love this place. Went to brunch here with my friends. I have always wanted to try it and was so happy they recommended this place. I felt like I was on vacation camping. Such a cute place ! Friendly service ( I forgot our waitress's name) but she was so amazing! The food was just as amazing. Huge portions. Shareable. We each got a little of what we wanted ! The biscuits were fluffy and fresh. First time trying grits which were surprisingly tasty. Definitely trying another meal off the menu. The bear came and walked around ! Kid friendly read more

See all

The food here is good never gross, and so far the servers have been very courteous. Definitely a good option for the price, quality, and amount of food you get. read more

So delicious!!!! The food here is really good and portions are huge! On a Wednesday afternoon before the dinner rush service was beyond reproach! It's so cool looking inside and they even have a jukebox. In east county it's hot outside but theBBD has AC!! Even had the banana cream Pie to go!! We can't wait to come back again! read more

See all

Great service! Samuel and the manager took real good care of us. Kept the bread coming and drinks topped off. Enjoyed my birthday dinner with ny family. read more

Went a meeting with dinner. Placed my order at 6pm. The restaurant server started serving. Everyone buT me were servef by 7.30pm. The server keep on saying it will be right out. At 8 I decided to leave and get something to eat at Burger King. The item I order takes a while to cook and lots of others ordered the same. So for two hours they knew they could not serve me. Instead of doing the honest and smart thing of asking me to change my order they strung me allow. read more

I ordered the Bigfoot with some biscuits and gravy and I almost finished my food until I saw there was mold in my biscuit absolutely disgusting!!! read more

Black Bear Diner El Cajon - 2 Biscuits & Gravy - Diners Near Me - El Cajon, California

See all

We just ate the Thanksgiving dinner we ordered online on November 24th. The turkey was moist and tender-cooked to perfection, the potatoes and gravy and stuffing were all delicious, and the green beans were the best we have ever had. It came with salad and cranberry sauce too which we are saving for another great meal of leftovers. There was so much food we will have to enjoy that delicious pie later this evening. This is the first time we have ordered any Thanksgiving dinner on line and we're so glad we chose Black Bear Diner. We'll be ordering again next year. Ken and Sue Murray read more

Their customer service could be improved. We ended up leaving after almost 50 minutes of waiting for a table. It would have been nice if they acknowledged our wait time but we were the ones kept asking for status, as we saw people got seated before us and we were there first. I'm not sure how they were choosing who gets seated first. There were 8 of us and we just decided to leave since it appears they did not want our business. We even told them we can be separated as a group if it would help to get seated. We saw empty tables. We were disappointed, as the location in Colorado was supposed to be nice and wanted to try this El Cajon location. read more

We've been here on three occasions. The food is good but the service is lacking. The second time we came, the waitress completely forgot about us and never refilled our coffee. So much for "bottomless" coffee. The third time, the waitress also forgot about our table entirely. Shame because if they trained their servers or fixed that, this place would be much better. They say third times the charm, but we won't be back. read more

See all

Family of 5 visited for dinner 9/20. Tri-tip for 4 of us and NY Steak & Eggs for 1. Coffee, Huckleberry ice cream, Cobbler with Huckleberry ice cream and a chocolate brownie dessert topped off the generous meal. Casey was a great efficient, knowledgable, fun server. Aldo(?) filled in during her break and our service was seamless. Thank you Black Bear Diner Delicious dinner and delightful staff. read more

Excellent! Been here twice now for breakfast and both times the food and service have been great! Definitely going to be back.

Enjoyed breakfast after a medical appointment. Coffee was hot and strong, as we prefer. Pancakes were sweeter than I like and would not order them again. The Chicken Fried Steak tasted great. And we LOVED their home fries. Service was attentive. And no complaints there. Cute, cozy vibe. Bathrooms were clean. We've been to other locations, over the years. But this was our first time in El Cajon. Don't hesitate to stop by! read more