Worst Black Bear experience. Went to dinner tonight with my spouse. We were seated with menus and waited for 10 minutes before no server came. I went and told the hostess. The hostess got us drinks and said our server would be with us momentarily. Waited a few more mins and still no server. We got up and left. Extremely lousy. read more

My husband and I take turns picking the places we go eat the ONE time each week we eat out. One of his favorite places is Black Bear Diner. We have enjoyed many meals here. We came for breakfast about a week ago, due to digestive issues I always go for the simple stuff: French toast, pancakes, veggie omelette just to mention a few. This time I was really craving corned beef hash; I had never tried it from Black Bear so I de used to order that. My husband ordered one of the skillets. Our food came out within 5 minutes. Some people would love that but I personally don't. As soon as I saw my plate it did not look too good, I had thought about the corned beef hash being golden crispy like at other restaurants. Oh well, let's try it. As soon as I put the first bite in my mouth I felt like throwing up, I had to spit it out onto my napkin, it tasted SPOILED!!!!!! My husband tried it and confirmed it was spoiled. I let the server know and I decided to send the whole plate back, I only kept the pancake that came with it. I was so disappointed!!!! Needless to say we will be staying away from Black Bear Diner for a while. read more

DONT WASTE YOUR $$$$$. WORST breakfast EVER. And the most expensive. Omelet was SMALL and FLAT. NO fluffiness. None. Or air. Like u get when u put it under broiler for a minute. Brown around edges. Dry. Obviously fried in skillet too long. Again, tiny. Very lil anything in it. Waitress said home fries came with peppers and onions. Not ONE of either. NONE. They were chopped up French fries!!!! One of us had burger and fries. They were IDENTICAL! Just shorter than fries Asked for well done potatoes and they were mushy. The WORST food I've ever been served. Hands down. First time in one cause id heard they were like Dennys which is/was the worst. This place is terrible. CANNOT understand 4 stars. People need to get out more, obviously. I will NEVER go to another. EVER. Outrageous prices for such inferior, terrible food. I ate 4 bites and it was dry, tasteless, and brown and flat and that was that. Took it home to feed to the animals. read more

Thank you so much for the great service today!! The food was so yummy!! Thank you again and keep up the great work!! read more

My only complaint was that during the cooler than normal spring in California, the air conditioner was blasting arctic air as if it were 100° out. It was only in the mid 60s outside, so if you like to go when the bears are hibernating, this is the place for you. My mom has cancer and was so cold I had to go find a sweatshirt for her. Otherwise everything else was above standard; friendly staff, great food. But I think I'll wait for summer thaw before I come back :-) read more

Went with a party of 10 to a nearly empty restaurant. Two were running late. The refused to seat us until everyone was here. Said it was a policy. I think if you have a larger party, you should go elsewhere. I will. They don't really want you. I will say that the service once we were seated was good. Cierra did a great job. The food was pretty good also. When we went to pay, the lady who took our money was nice. She apologized for the difficulty getting in. I said, "It's ok. We'll just go somewhere else when we have a big group." Then the original hostess who was such a pill said, "That sounds good. Goodnight!" I was rather taken aback by her blank eyes, smiling rudeness. read more

This is my parents favorite place to go for any meal I love it and meals are great the people are great and I love their newsletters as their menu. read more

Came here for breakfast this morning and everything was great! Food was tasty, and the wait staff was on it. So happy to see people out still enjoying meals and supporting local businesses. Our waitress was Kimberly and she never skipped a beat! She was so awesome. I tried the new chorizo burrito and it was really good! I would definitely order it again. Thanks y'all for staying open and operating for us! read more

Maribel, our waitress, was very attentive and got everything right. Normally, I have to send the order back because something was wrong. Well, everything, right down to the number of butter cubes I wanted, was correct. She checked on us to make sure all was well. I cannot compliment her enough. Even the manager was great! Maribel needs to be cloned! Great service tonight! read more

Come here every other week with my son. Get the steak and 2 egg combo. Never fails to be great read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - American Near Me - Lodi, California

Been here a couple of times, all waitresses are really kind and helpful. I was never looking for a server, they checked in regularly which was a plus! BIG PLATES, I didn't expect my order to have so much food and all for a decent price. Will coming back again, very satisfied. read more

Picked up food as it was too hot to leave dog in the car. French Fries were greasy. Hamburger was tough.

Ambience is spot on for people who love the mountains and outdoors Food can be hit and miss at the Valencia Ca location -- depends on the cook in the kitchen I suppose. The menu is diverse so there is something for everyone, and I enjoy the menu itself. It's like a newspaper with various interesting tidbits about the chain. My go to is the salmon dinner and do not pass up the biscuits. They are huge and delicious read more

Let me start off by saying that I've been eating here at blackbear diner since it open and never had a problem until today me and my wife been waiting to go to the all you can eat fish Fridays and was excited to go it was supposed to be COD turn out it wasn't what we expected they brought some air fried fish look like Gordon's fish sticks or the trident ones idk all I know is I could have went to Walmart bought whole bag me and my wife were disappointed So I flagged the waitress and we told her that we did not like the fish because the fish was not fried it was from a air fryer she claim oh no this fish fried like really I said to myself she asked if we wanted to try the other fish on the menu that they had that is battered we told her yes and they brought me back some more disappointment the fish was greasy and somewhat burned so we just ordered burgers think they should take the fish fry all you can eat off the menu because it's a lie and false advertisement this place is only good for breakfast and maybe lunch just don't order any FISH believe me sheesh read more

Black Bear Diner Lodi - This the so called fish fry - American Near Me - Lodi, California

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Excellent service. Excellent food. Very well prepared nice environment. I will definitely be back here if I'm in the area again.

Yesterday (02-20-20) we had a luncheon at the Black Bear Diner in Lodi, CA. I thought our party would be 20 people, but it turned out to be 22. The waitresses quickly added a table to our tables to accommodate our two additional people. Our drink service was prompt and we received our meals soon after we placed our orders. Some of the people in our party are health conscious and we were pleased to find healthy and lower calorie options on the menu. The waitresses checked back with us to ask if we wanted more water, coffee, ice tea, etc. They were friendly, courteous, and patient with everyone in our party. We were very happy with the way we were treated, with the excellent service we received, and with the delicious food. Yes, the Black Bear is a bit noisy, especially during peak times, but with 22 people in our party we certainly contributed to the noise. Thanks Black Bear Diner employees for a wonderful luncheon, we will definitely return. read more

This morning was probably our third visit. 4 stars for the food. 5+ stars for our server, Ramona! Black Bear diner is lucky to have her. Her sincere welcoming demeanor was appreciated. She steered us in the right direction with her knowledge of the menu. Such a pleasure chatting with her. We will ask to sit in her section next time. She's that special soul that will keep regulars returning. Basic breakfast fare (eggs, toast, hash browns, ham), while served with good portion, lacked a bit of flavor you would get at a mom and pop diner. However, the almond bear claw French toast (yeah, you heard correctly) was very tasty. I don't believe it was dipped in batter, but still had a nice crispy exterior. Between the light dusting of powdered sugar and the almond paste filling, syrup was almost not necessary. read more

On 1-26-23, my sisters and I decided to have breakfast at Black Bear Diner in Lodi, CA. Upon our visit the served all the tables around us, who were not a person of color before bringing our order. We were the first to give her our order and the last to receive our food. The Waitress noticed I was looking at her, and after she served the second table across from us, without making eye contact or apologizing for the wait, she said your order is up next. We were noticing all the tables around us had received their orders, ate and the table across from us, on my right side was the second group of customers who had received their order, then this is when the waitress passed our table and made the comment. When I requested for her to send the manager over to our table. When the manager came over, she didn't apologize for the inconvenience, nor did the waitress, but the manager said as she approached the table, I've taken care of it. She had deducted some of the cost. The manager and the waitress need to receive training for working with other person's of color. This 2023 and regardless to your own personal views or feelings we need to acknowledge and respect others. Having a place of business and serving the public the up most thought is being respectful to others. If a person has concerns about dealing with other culture, then they want to consider another type of employment. Thank you for hearing my concerns. Respectfully, Mary Walker read more

Super cute breakfast place! Opening day was absolutely phenomenal with staff and food. The place is located in the perfect spot near shopping centers and right off the road. The decor is to perfection with bears everywhere and on every thing. The food was fantastic with not being super salty and oily. Breakfast is served all day. Provided is lunch and dinner at appropriate hours. read more

I'm sad to write this review but I'm very dissatisfied with the black bear in lodi ca. I went last month and was served practically raw pork sausage patties. We were also charged for items we ordered that we never recieved after pointing out that we had not recieved said items. I went today and ordered the steak and eggs. Eggs over hard came out sunny side up and my rare steak came out very well done. My husband orders the pork chops and they were inedible as well. We dont like to complain...The waitress felt bad. I know it isn't her fault. I believe that they are too over crowded and rushing thru the orders. Not really understanding 2 bad visits in a row. My husband and I decided we won't try it again. read more

J was an absolute pleasure to have as a server. She went above and beyond. I know I can be quite picky and a little needy but she handle it very well. I even made a joke about it and she laughed with me about it. Because of her I will be back, making sure to ask for her section! read more

Wow , this Black Bear is awesome! Great service , good food and an amazing environment!

Finally got our chance to try out the new location in town. Clean and good food as always! But the staff was amazing, everyone was super friendly and attentive! Our waiteess tonight was Elisa and she was amazing and went above and beyond, after informing me that the brownies were all out for the night she still managed to bring me a fresh hot one from the back! Amazing! read more

It was my first time at any Black Bear diner. I thought I'd check it out since I was in town. Four days in it was still really busy. We sat for about 20 minutes until our server came and got our drink order. We ordered a cheeseburger to see how it was. We told our server to make it dry because we did not like the thousand island dressing. We also asked her to have the kitchen split it for us. She told us no, and that the kitchen does not do that. So we said ok, we'll cut it ourselves. The burger came out, it had thousand island dressing on it, and not only that, the fries were old and cold. After our server, Karime, dropped off our food she never came back to check on us to see how we're doing or how the food was. She checked on everyone else around us and didn't come to us until I had to call her over. So I guess we shouldn't have gone there while they are still in their busy stage, but still, that doesn't justify for their cold and old fries. I'm sure other customers were happy about their visit and food. Not to my experience though, it was the worst ever. read more

Prompt service and great food. I'm glad that there's now a legit breakfast joint on this side of Lodi. Also, the bus boys were on point. Especially a young man named Ethan. Wow that guy is good! read more

This diner recently opened and this was our first visit. It was nicely decorated for Christmas and we really enjoyed the bear decor. The food was fantastic and plenty of it! My husband and I both took home enough for lunch the next day. Our server, Arabella was very sweet and answered all of our questions. Their prices are comparable to other restaurants in the area. You won't be disappointed! read more

This place is great. Good food, our waiter was so great and helpful. And they are helpful when it comes to being gluten free, your able to request a gluten free bun for your burger or sandwich I thought that was very cool, since I have celiac disease an can't eat gluten. Overall good place read more

Been there twice since they opened, once for breakfast (outstanding) and once for dinner (mostly great, a few glitches). In both instances, the waitresses were superb, especially the two who served us at dinner, Ciera and Elisa--5 stars to them. As for dinner, the portions were generous and everything was really quite good--almost. I asked for a glass of white wine with my salmon, and it was served at room temp. Really? Warm white wine? Black Bear folks, you do know you're in a premier wine region, right? I had to add some ice cubes from my water class to make my $6 glass of white wine modestly drinkable. Next, it's October so we asked for pumpkin pie for dessert, which can only be had in a small aluminum baking dish; no slices. Okay, we'll try it--never again. The pie crust was stuck like glue to the aluminum; we had to eat the filling with a spoon. Do the cooks know about spraying a pie pan before laying in the crust? Finally, Mr. Manager are you reading this? You have a kitchen staffer who doesn't wash his hands after using the toilet--dashed out of the stall and straight into the kitchen while I was washing mine--stocky Hispanic-looking male. Good thing I saw that after finishing my meal--maybe. read more

Picked up a couple of pies to go. 1 black berry cobbler and a coconut cream. Got them home all excited because they looked good! So I dug into the coconut cream, one bite it was horrible. I've had frozen ones from the grocery store that tasted better. So then I tried the berry cobbler, it was a bit better, but the crust was tough..... so sad! read more

The service is great. The food is good. Tasted fresh, but nothing special. It's not a bad choice if you're looking for a typical diner experience with typical diner food. We do like having kids options and senior portions too. Overall I would come back and reccomend it to others. read more

Food is always delicious! Never really too packed when we come here. Service is not the best but good enough.

Food was okay. Service was horrible. 1/3 the way thru our meal the hostess brought us catchup and syrup. When they were clearing the table they grabbed my sons gummy bears and threw them away without us noticing. They cost me $5. Told all of this to the manager and nothing was done. As a matter of fact she seemed hostile from the start. Horrible managing. Tough luck on my part I guess. Sad. read more

Hot and new Lodi. Well , I'll give it new not hot. Food is ok, but nothing we would go back for. Portions are good but the taste isn't there. read more

This place is Good! I went to, two different Black Bear restaurants, in two days. One on Saturday, in Manteca and the next day (Sunday) in lodi. I ordered the same meal. I did it, because I was curious, (ordering the same meal. ) Going for two days in a row, was just coincidence, yes I could of gone anywhere. Totally opposite from each other, restaurants. One I wouldn't go back to, and one, I'll go all the time. Lodi was it, the food was more, it was a good meal, that I enjoyed. The waitress was great (Ramona). Both restaurants had a good crowd, but Lodi had a way bigger waiting list. I recommend Lodi Black Bear restaurant and don't recommend Manteca Black Bear. read more

A good place for a quick meal! The food isn't anything special! But well prepared! The French toast is great! Eggs are pre to order. Didn't find the pie special! Fair meal for the price! read more

Ramona at Black Bear Diner is the Best server!! She paid attention to our needs and was very quick with all of our requests! The food was amazing and her sweet personality made the experience that much better!! We will definitely be back and ask for Ramona! read more

Not impressed at all, typical diner food with little to no flavor. All hype no show; even the "Sweet Tea" needed help.... do not promote anything "Southern" if you can't do it. Let's talk about the 12 person line to check out... why can't we pay at the table? Answer: "you need a sign for a cards". Well that happens at all restaurants when you use a card.... lame across the board. read more

If could give a zero star I would. This just comes down to customer service. Place a order through Uber eats, close to $70. Uber eats failed to find a delivery driver after an hour. Fine. It happens. Changed my order to pick up. Called the restaurant to make sure my food wouldn't be cold since it had been sitting there an hour. I was told that if I wanted my food warm (prepared over), I'd have to repay for my food. Another $70. Oh, and I can contact Uber Eats and have them refund me. No, the right thing to do would be to prepare my order again since you are getting paid regardless and it wasn't the customers fault. Definitely lost a loyal customer with this one. read more

Today is the first day Black Bear Diner has opened in Lodi. I've been to the Mount Shasta Black Bear, so coming in I had high expectations. I ordered a pancake and hash browns. The pancake was amazing it tasted like yellow cake, but it wasn't sweet. I personally like my hash browns crunchy and my hash browns were nice and crunchy. Lastly, I took a pie to go (chocolate cream pie) and let me tell you, this is a great pie it's chocolatey, and the chocolate crumbles in your mouth nicely. The service was also speedy they checked in on us and tended to us a good amount of times. As for the design, it was great they had tall booths and a nice bear trim on the wall. The Lodi Black Bear also has a little kind of like bar with bar chairs. The bathrooms were also nice and clean. Lastly they have a jukebox which is available to the public to select songs, and they had a little gift shop where you could buy Black Bear memorabilia. Overall this Black Bear Diner exceeded my expectations and I recommend this to someone who is looking for good eats. read more

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My absolute favorite restaurant for chicken fried steak!!! I ordered chicken fried steak on Monday October 12,2020 and my first bite I almost spit it out. I had my husband try a bite and he said yuck. When the waitress came over to our table I asked her if they had changed the recipe, she said yes the last delivery had a different chicken fried steak. The new cfs is gross and leaves an aftertaste in my mouth. read more