2 stars does not represent the food or stuffed bear puppets. 2 stars represents a different strategy than I had as they are slower than slow. I almost walked out, but having paid, I chose to stay. I ordered to go. 30 minutes later, no food.Then I threatened to only buy a pie, and be refunded....more waiting. Bought a bear puppet. Played with the bear puppet. Finally, 40 minutes later, they gave me my to go bag. The placed was packed. People had 45 minute waits, and there were a lot of them. Like Independence opened suddenly after a strict lockdown pandy and let in a herd of people, and they all shoved into Brown Bear Diner. The chicken and waffles (no egg my choice ) worth every penny. The pie, enough for 2 or 3 people. My mom had a Reuben and it didn't top McCallisters. If this review was food alone, 4 stars. The tactic: call waaaay ahead, and leave your house 10 minutes before your time is up. And on parking, the back lot doesn't go around the building. Don't get stuck. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Chicken and Waffles - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Absolutely delicious! I've never eaten there in person which I'm sure is even better but even delivered the alfredo was delicious and the patty melt was one of the best I've had! Definitely freshly made onion rings although not on HiBoy's level, most aren't. We will definitely be back again for sure! read more

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Big portions ,of OK food. Nothing to make me want to go back. There are better local diners nearby.

Looked so cool on the outside and wanted to try it. Order food for pick up, and they were ready when we got there. No wait time. Steak and eggs were bland, though. Steak tasted a little bit more burnt than usual. Maybe we'll try something else next time. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Steak, eggs, fruit and gritz - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Super cute restaurant! I am a huge bear lover so I was so excited. The place was very busy we waited 20 minutes so wasn't too bad. The coffee was good, the staff wasn't overly friendly but nothing too bad. I ordered French toast with fruit and my husband got Bruce's meat lovers omelette with hash browns. He said the hash browns weren't good at all. They weren't seasoned good at all but the omelette was pretty good. French toast was good. I would definitely recommend this place. You might just have to season your hash browns and put some ketchup on them! read more

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We have breakfast at Black Bear Diner often. The diner is always clean; the food is always good. Our waitress today was Journee and she was awesome. She was very cheerful and personable talking with us about the puppy we are adopting. I hope we have her as our waitress again. read more

I had dinner there this evening, the food was good, it arrived hot and fresh. Peggy was my server, she was the best server I've had anywhere in a long time. read more

The food was delicious! Great chilli. The service was good considering how busy they were. Loved all the bear wood, and sign decor. Price was very reasonable. Will be returning. read more

I just wanted to say Jurnee made our experience absolutely amazing. Shes was on point with everything and super kind.

I have been numerous times and have Jurnee as a waitress multiple times. She has been so friendly and courteous and is part of the reason that I keep coming back. Also, the food is pretty good. read more

I was in Independence and needed breakfast on one of the last shopping days before Christmas 2023. The area was understandably busy and Black Bear Diner was shining like a beacon that morning. I knew it would be packed. I knew there would be a wait. But as I saw no other acceptable option in the immediate vicinity, AND I was in the company of an impatient spouse, Black Bear Diner was the place for me. We were even fortunate enough to snag the last open parking spot at the back of the building. Once inside and on the list it was really only about a 10-minute wait before we were seated in a comfortable booth in the kitschy mountain cabin atmosphere. Our server was a kind, chatty sort, who likely would've pulled up a chair if she'd had the time. I ordered French toast, 2 over-medium eggs, and link sausage. My husband had 2 over-easy eggs, hash browns, bacon, and one of their massive biscuits with gravy on the side. I know it sounds like a lot of food, but c'mon. It was the holidays. We had not one single complaint. Our order was swiftly delivered, well-prepared, and tasty. Black Bear Diner is a solid breakfast spot if you find yourself east of the Metro. read more

Show up and not even open advertised to open at 6 and employees just staring at us through the window

This place gets packed early in the morning for a week day. It was only Monday but there's already crowd, but as we went in, we got seated fairly quick. It was my first time here at Black Bear Diner, I can tell this establishment is all about the bear, from the decor, menu, condiments, and even their merch. I did not know what to expect or have I ever heard of this place before. Everything is all new to me. We had a great server, she was patience and informative. I had breakfast which consist 2 eggs, 2 sausage links, 1 big ole waffles, and a side of sweet potatoes fries. It was plentiful on the plate. I was so fully and satisfies. Big portions. Would like to come back and tried their extensive menu, so many options to choose from. It was definitely a good experience. read more

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This is the 2 nd time I've spent $5 for a coffee and they gave me water mixed with vanilla. Coffee is more important than the actual breakfast at 6am and they screw me on it every time! Gross. Might as well go to McDonalds. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Their idea of coffee is water mixed with vanilla sweetener. Don't buy it! - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Waited for 10 minutes to be acknowledged. Couple came in behind me and we were all waiting. Finally asked if someone could seat us. Manager, Issac asked the couple if the were ahead of me, even though I was in line FIRST. He was rude and dismissive. Might I add I'm black and the elderly couple was white. Not what I'm used to from Black Bear. Not holding to the standards of the owners vision. Shame on them!!! Get three stars because at least the food is good and the waitresses are awesome. read more

Comfort Food, and Plenty of It! Going over their menu for the first time I do not think I have ever seen so much "comfort food" in one place. The list goes from Sirloin Steak & Eggs, through Chicken Pot Pie, to Desert after Desert! The contrast to most other restaurants does not stop there. Nestled commercial area just north of I-70 at 4053 S Little Blue Pkwy in Independence, MO., it shares the parking lots with a Lion's Choice, a Wendy's, and Menard's. I would say that its target market is families and folks with hugh appetites in search of value. The interior is kind of "rustic hunting lodge / Bass Pro Shop" with counter seating, surrounded by booths and table. Showing up at 5:00 pm on Sunday, the place was just starting to fill up with their dinner crowd, so I was surprised to see so many un-bused tables. Yet another casualty to the post COVID-19 labor market. But Black Bear Diner is all about the food. We chose Chicken Pot Pie and Tri- Tip Dip. The Chicken Pot Pie had really big chunks of tasty chicken with a supporting cast of fresh veggies. "Tri-Tip" is a cut of beef that come from the Sirloin, so rather than roast you usually find in a "French Dip" you sink your teeth into flavorful and tender sirloin steak. Add some Swiss Cheese and a very good a ju and prepare to fill up. Back to the portion sizes, I had ordered fries as my side, and believe I won the french fry lotto! I sure was not short changed there. I really wanted to try some of the deserts that looked so good on the menu, but there was no room in my stomach. Maybe next time. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable of the entire menu. Looking back, things seemed a bit slow. Not slow enough to effect the tip, but noticeable none the less. Prices are very reasonable when you consider the quality and quantity of the offerings. I know we left with a doggie bag and about a $30 plus tip charge to Discover. So if you are in the area and hungry, I would recommend you take advantage of the value here. I know that we will be back. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Tri-Tip Dip - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Destyni greeted us with kind eyes as we looked over the menu. She did a great job. Was extremely attentive, always asking us if we needed anything as she walked by. Black Bear has such a cool feel. The Oldies playing in the background really make for an enjoyable atmosphere. The furniture does as well. The beautiful wooden sculptures really bring a warm feeling. Not only is this place adorable the food is awesome! So flavorful. I got a chicken fried steak and my boyfriend got two orders of biscuits and gravy and onion rings. Five out of five on food it was perfect, it was fresh, and it had incredible flavor. The country red potatoes has such a unique and tasty flavor. I will be coming back here! That's for sure. read more

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I recently went to Black Bear Diner with a group. We enjoyed our food and the atmosphere. Our server was very patient with our group and our many questions. We were a little bummed we weren't able to partake in their all you can eat fish fry because it's only offered in Friday and Saturdays after 4 as well as their slow roasted prime rib. We came a little too early on a Saturday. I definitely plan on going back to try it as well as their breakfast items with my family. The newspaper/newsletter that the menu and about the history of the diner was also very unique and cute. read more

The food was cold. The waitress was inattentive. Why anyone would pay to eat breakfast at this place is a mystery to me. Next time try a loca restaurant and enjoy the experience. read more

My companion and I disagreed on stars, he thought four so we average 4.5 and rounded up. Food was plentiful and delicious-great breakfast and I eat breakfast out a lot. The service was a touch slow, hence my companion saying four stars. I think it is Detroit slow but probably southern normal even if KC isn't exactly the South. Biscuits as big as my coffee mug, sausage Pattie's the size of a good homemade hamburger. Chicken fried steak was reported to be as good as it was huge. We may not have a need for lunch today. read more

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The location was right off 70 Highway and S Little Blue Pkwy, in front of Menards. I came with a friend and this was our first time here. I heard good things about the place when they opened and wanted to try it for the longest time. When I first arrived at the restaurant, I already loved the outside décor such as the wood bear-shaped columns and the bear-log statues out front. It was a nice touch to the bear-theme. When I entered the building, I saw the front area had merch for sale. I decided to look around first and take some photos, since it was all new to me. The host was very cool and gave me a little time before I was seated. Our server named Abigail was really nice and welcoming. She gave us time to look at the cool menu that was formatted like a newspaper. Their menu had many options from breakfast items such as: Pancakes, Waffles, French Toasts, Omelets, and Benedicts to Lunch options like: Burgers, Soups, Salads, and finally Full-course Dinners which included: Steaks & Such (After 4pm). They also had the history and story of the restaurant - how it was established - all on a paper placemat. It was a good read when waiting for the food. I ordered the Chopped Steak & Eggs which consisted of a 10oz seasoned beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions & beef gravy. In addition to 2 eggs (scrambled), it comes with strip-cut hash browns or country red potatoes and house-made biscuit or a cornbread muffin all for $11. I got a side of Caesar Salad and instead of Hash Browns or potatoes, I got extra sides of Italian Hot Sausage Patties and Bacon (for an upcharge). Total protein overload, but it was so delicious! I finished almost everything. My friend ordered the Bear Paw Country Fried Steak that was served with Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans, Country Gravy on the side for $10 and a side of house salad with their house-made Bacon Ranch dressing (So delicious!). The portions of our food were huge at a good price. Abigail came by often to make sure we had everything we needed during our meal. She was super friendly and we even chatted with her for a bit about the restaurant - how it was established and the area in general. I would highly recommend asking for her section if you like great service, she would take good care of you. Overall, everything was great and I would definitely go back and try more of their food and receive amazing service from Abigail again! read more

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We were promptly seated, and this was a Sunday before the 4th of July. Our waitress greeted us with a smile. The food was about what one would expect. Except for the cornbread. That was was sweet and delicious. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Ruben sandwich was good, the meat was a little dry but still good. - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Oddly enough we have one of these a block from our house and have never been. However, while driving cross country I needed a break for driving and my son and I stopped here. He had fish and chips and LOVED them. I had a burger and fries, the burger was over cooked but the fries were amazing. We got a Turkey club for my daughter to go and she thought it was perfect, however the side of fruit was inedible. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - My son's first fish and chips with malt vinegar - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

I feel like this restaurant is very underrated. I had a great experience as far as the food goes. I just ordered a breakfast combo, and the pancakes are so good! Everything was cooked as I ordered it. The service was fast and from the time of order to the time the food got to the table was about 10 minutes maybe less. I will definitely be back here to try more of their food because the menu is huge! You can come here for any meal of the day.. read more

Nice older diner like experience. Good menu and average prices/dining room. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and the food is good! We always take mom when she comes to visit! read more

This we our 2nd visit. The first time we got lunch and it was good and we've been wanting to come back but it just didn't work. Today we went for a very late breakfast. Busy with a 15 minute wait. Service was good and the atmosphere fun. I had a chicken fried steak and it was everything they should be. Nice and meaty and crunchy with good gravy. Green beans had great crisp flavor. The salads were good and crisp with great quality dressings. I got a bear claw to take home. N it was Berry good. More a Danish than a claw but no complaints. The star of the day though were the corn bread muffins. Light and fluffy while moist and a nice crumble. Yes they have flour and sugar in them. But that's my preference instead of the dry grainy ones you get at other restaurants. I'd come back and just eat the corn bread and a salad folks. So very very good read more

Our server was fantastic and the breakfast for dinner was just right Will continue to eat at this restaurant read more

Received the BEST of customer service, which is something hard to come by these days. Warm, friendly, and accommodating. The jukebox was a fun touch, which my daughter was excited to try out. Will definitely be back next time we're in town. read more

We travel to Independence a lot and I've always wanted to try Black Bear Diner and I finally got to this morning. I started with a Creamy Vanilla iced Cold Brew - it was fine, but pretty sure it's just International Delight Iced Coffee from a carton. For breakfast I had the Grizz and he had the Bigfoot. Everything was really good, huge portions. The pancakes were delish! The biscuits and gravy were enormous. We'd come back. read more

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Friendly people. Wait time for a table typical on a Sunday. Food was OK. Both my husband and I tried the Bears choice breakfast with eggs, meat, and a carb choice. Scrambled eggs seem to be done the way we asked. Bacon is thick cut and sweet And very difficult to get crispy. So it was really just chewy. I chose the blackberry stuffed French toast. I was disappointed because there was only blackberry jam as the stuffing. I feel like it needs some kind of cream cheese or sweetened ricotta cheese to offset the sourness and tart of the blackberry jam. The French toast was not made out of bread but some kind of homemade dough little bit like a donut dough but different. We couldn't place it. And it was a lot of dough! We had to cut into the middle of the bear claw shaped pastry to find the jam and avoid a lot of Rolled over bread dough. We put maple syrup on it. It helped the flavor, but it really needed a creamy substance with jam like ricotta or cream cheese. My husband got the cinnamon roll French toast, which was actual cinnamon rolls flattened and dipped to make French toast. This was delicious to me as it had almond flavored cream cheese. I liked this very much and my husband thought it was a little much. read more

No allergen menu online or at the location . Person in our party had a milk allergy, the website lacked allergen data. We asked and the waitress went and talked with the manager and they looked at the package. The waitress daughter had a milk allergy and took it as serious as if we were her daughter. Very clean, Very attentive. Salad was large, rolls were nice corn bread. Dinner was perfect alot better than cracker barrel or the other places. will return. ! read more

GREAT salads huge portions, menu has many options to choose from nice server. Prices are fair considering the sizes of the meals

It's great to have Black Bear in Independence. I love the burgers. They have good country cooking. I'm excited to try more menu items, but my rating to start with is simply for having another great food choice here with a great burger. I ordered Bob's Big Bear Burger which is the biggest one. The 10 oz all beef patty is served with grilled onions, thousand island dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. The sweet potatoes fries were great as well. read more

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Such a good restaurant! We had to wait for a table, which is normal there, but so worth it! Everything the family ordered was great. I had the Tri Tip dip. Was one of the best French dip sandwiches I've had yet. Covered in cheese, onions and mushrooms. All of my favorites! Our waitress was awesome and we never had an empty anything! Highly recommended! We will definitely be going back read more

I want to like this place but I can't...it's like a Dennys with lots of Bears. Food has zero flavor and is pricey On the plus side they serve beer. So order the kids meal with a Bud Light. read more

After a very hard day of calling in sick to work to get some chores completed at my house I worked up quite the appetite. Knowing that Black Bear Diner is 10 short minutes from my house I was relieved. Waiting like a child on Christmas morning for my wife to get home so we could make our way to this fine establishment. Although I was very excited for a hot fresh me i couldn't make up my mind on a meal. Our waitress Lacee made a suggestion to try the fish and chips. WOW what a great suggestion and a great meal. My wife and I were very impressed with he politeness. Lacee embodies Black Bear credo #2. We will be back to dine! read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

I came in late on a Tuesday with my girlfriend and it was a perfect diner experience. I ordered the California omelette with potatoes and the home style biscuit. The biscuit was huge, super fluffy and delicious. The omelette was well made and the the hash browns were crispy but not too crispy. We tried a little of all three hot sauces and none were hot in my opinion, but they all had a good flavor to them. The coffee was good and the coffee mugs were so cute! To top it all off the staff was super nice and our waiter was the sweetest lady! We will definitely be back read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - The cutest mugs! And such good diner coffee - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

I enjoy going to Black Bear the food has always been good, the service of nice and friendly. I have had the fried chicken dinner, roast beef dinner, and tasted the Apple pie. I was not disappointed read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

My coworker brought me here and I am taken aback by how perfect it is. I ordered a salmon pesto pasta dish. The salmon was perfectly flaky, the pesto not too overpowering, the pasta perfectly cooked, the toast soaking up all the good juices. Our waitress was sweeter than the pies in the front cases; she kept up with my drink level and we made good conversation. The place is well decorated and relaxing to be in. This was a life changing experience and I look forward to returning to try absolutely everything on this huge menu. read more

Black Bear Diner Independence - Blackened Pesto Salmon (960 cals.) and Chicken Fried Steak (560 cals.) - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Not a bad place. Mix of Cracker Barrel and Corner Cafe. Would have rated higher but the rib portion of the shrimp and ribs is barely a 1/4 rack, skimped on the onion rings and had to ask for the 2nd side to be brought out. Food isn't bad, loaded grits were good. Will try again but you need to increase portions as mine left me hungry. read more