Exceptional Experience - this restaurant checks every single box Spotlessly clean, beautifully appointed (for a diner/breakfast restaurant) and good food with great service The attention to detail for this Black Bear begins the moment you walk along the adjacent sidewalk to the front door. The amount of effort energy and money spent on the exterior landscaping and carved bears outside is evident. The 1953 Chevy pick up truck parked outside is a very nice touch. And honestly, the truck caused me to initiate a u-turn around the block and stop in. The attention to detail throughout the restaurant, from the moment the hostess greets you - all the way through your meal is much more than you could ask for - when seeking a quick breakfast. I'm not sure where some of the occasional "reviewer hate" is coming from... but I'd suggest they might want to recalibrate their expectations. How much more could you possibly expect, or deserve, from a simple, clean, dining establishment (with terrific food) located in Madras Oregon? An "easy" five star review... a delightful and surprising experience! What I learned: Black Bear restaurants are owned by franchisee's... subsequently, the consistency throughout the restaurant chain is absent. THIS LOCATION SHOULD BE THE "STANDARD" for other BB's to be judged by. Steak and eggs special, plus a waffle with coffee ... $17 I can't imagine the concept being executed any better than this! read more

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This place was great! The owner was working training a young man. The service was good, the food was excellent! We left a hefty 60% tip or so because good work is hard to find and this place was doing a great job! We had a bad experience at the Redmond location and walked out about 30 mins before. Stay clear from that crackhead establishment and just got to MADRAS! read more

Always the place we have breakfast when we are in the area! Never a disappointment, went again this last weekend and it was hospitable, fast, accurate, plentiful, and delicious read more

We were in town for a wildfire and ended up that this was our go to place when we needed something else besides camp food. On this trip I had the chicken, waffle, and egg. Now I am a big guy and I could not finish it. It was the best chicken and waffle that I have ever had. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - Chicken & Waffle & Eggs (1190 cals.) - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

I've been to multiple Black Bear Diners and have really enjoyed the service and food. Last week, June 21, 2023 I went to the Black Bear Diner in Madras OR. Our visit started out well but the waitress assigned to our table was surly and grumpy. She avoided us so I had to get up to get help from another waitress. The rest of the staff seemed courteous and attentive. We ordered breakfast as it was morning. My egg was overcooked and the hash browns were barely cooked at all. I'm surprised we stayed. My sourdough toast was harder than a crouton. I will say the bacon, pancakes, and bear claw were good. By 2am I knew that they had given me food poisoning. It was a rough day. My wife didn't get sick so we're 99.9% sure it was the potatoes as that was the only thing different on our plates. I will never go back to this particular diner and only want to save others from our experience. read more

First off, I'd like to clear up some things. This is a delicious American Diner and i love it! Secondly, ABSOLUTLEY no one cares about your review Beatriz. If you want Gluten free then go somewhere else! AMERICA WAS BUILT ON GLUTEN!! #AMERICATHEBEAUTIFUL Meet me outside the Black Bear in a Lettuce costume and ill come as a loaf of bread and we will settle this with a thumb war. Baby, bye bye bye -NSYNC read more

Strange welcome. The greeter is awkward and wearing all black. Looks like a religious cult member. This is Madras, a former logging town, and before that, the Oregon Trail. Too frickin wierd. Good town for the next Stephen King movie. No one looks happy, the wait staff visibly frowning and grimmacing. What gives? Other than the unhappy vibes, OK grilled cheese. read more

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There's a lot of good things at the Black bear, with a menu that appeals to everyone. They are actually the best black Bear within 100 miles of you want my opinion. Service is swift, food is consistently good and you can always expect a good meal when you go in. read more

We have been to several stores in this restaurant chain. In California and Oregon. In this case we were with a large family group for lunch. Despite having a dozen customers at a large table the waiter did an excellent job taking the orders, keeping them straight, delivering beverages and getting the food to the right place. The kitchen kept up. The food was good. The family was together for a reunion and we dined at a half dozen restaurants over a long weekend. This might have been the best meal even though we went to fancier places. We trust the chain. This is a good place for a simple meal. read more

Waitress was nice. Went to eat with the fork at the table an it was super nasty with food on the back side from poor washing if washed at all. Took it up to the counter as they where buzzy and got attitude and as I walked back to my table they where chuckling about it. Not what I expected but all good. Food came out, all but my sandwich, I let them know they can keep it and I was good. Not much care here. Table next to us was speaking to the owner as they where unhappy with there meal and he seemed like a nice guy . But overall lack of care from staff and mabey just a bad day. read more

Had a chicken fried steak it was good the gravy was so bad it was watered down so bad it was disgusting waiter couldn't get me new gravy should of made it right. Waiter really good Joel tried read more

We stop here every time we go to bend, and I don't know what happened to this place, but you have a bunch of kids that just screw off! These boys and I do mean boys are more interested in playing than they are working the worst service we have ever got! Your staff has gone down hill! read more

Just like home! Except better. At home I cook the breakfast. Here I just eat as much as possible and leave the rest on the plate. The southern scramble was wonderful with Has browns, eggs, sausage, gravy and soft beautiful biscuits. My wife's Shasta Scramble with fresh spinach, peppers, onions, tomatoes and hash browns was just as wonderful. Great service. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - Southern Scramble. - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

Ate breakfast 8/1/21. The food was good, was standard breakfast food French toast eggs and bacon. The service, however, was awful. We sat at our table more than 20 minutes before someone came to take our order. It took another 58 minutes to get our food. Our waiter never brought the check, I had to ask for it after waiting for 15 minutes. The restaurant wasn't overly busy. It seemed like wait staff didn't know how the restaurant industry works. read more

The food here is never cooked enough. Great customer service but the food absolutely sucks. Would not recommend.

We went to the Black Bear diner last summer and liked it. Didn't know it was a chain until I looked it up later, wasn't really apparent like with IHOP or Denny's. Portions were large and came quickly. All good food and good service. I was upset to find that there isn't one closer to home. This particular location seems to get pretty busy. We were there mid week and it was still packed. Felt like a weekend crowd! I recommend BB Diner. PS there is a lot of cool bear stuff. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

Excellent service and food. Both of our sandwiches were good. Recommend the potato salad. Solid value.

Jasmine was so kind to fetch water for my dog! Wonderful service from a friendly person while away from home . Thank you Jasmine. I enjoy the Black Bear Diner's road food. Try the Big Foot if you like chicken fried steak. read more

I suspected that I've eaten at one of these places before but once inside, it was confirmed. It was in Beaverton. This is an Oregon chain restaurant,, kinda like Denny's only different. Bear motif with lots of bear pictures and wood carvings all around. Brown bears, black bears, kodiak bears, and grizzlies. There are absolutely no healthy options to be found on this menu anywhere, save for the Gardenburger. There were only 2 things that I found worth even considering and they were the tuna sandwich and the fish tacos. I had the tacos and my partner had the tuna sandwich on sourdough. We swapped one for the other so we both got to sample each. The tuna salad was loaded with mayo and what seemed to be a sweet pickle relish. The slaw was sugary as well so it was almost like they have an overactive sugar craving, believing that everyone else has the same. They assume too much. The service was ok and she was duly rewarded but it's not likely I will be returning anytime soon read more

have to concur with the reviews that have gone before me - the service at this place is outstanding. Our waitress remembered everything and was only concerned with our utmost satisfaction. Their menu is extensive so unless you go there with a certain craving its kinda hard to decide. I got the chorizo scramble which was wonderful. My friends got the Reuben, the pot roast and the meat loaf. Definitely a comfort food sort of place. Large servings and reasonable prices. A great place to stop if you're on 97/26. read more

Food cooked perfectly and I am picky!!! It was my youngest's birthday breakfast and every year all three of my kids choose Black Bear to celebrate each of their birthdays. I love that they have a little gift shop so the kids can pick out something, usually a stuffed bear, to commemorate the occasion. Great staff... kind even when busy. Thank you Madras Black Bear! read more

This Black Bear is so much better than Bend or Redmond. We drive the extra 20 minutes to come here. Food and service are great!

Stopped by here for dinner after a way too long day on the road. They were busy and I was on my own this time, so I got sat at the counter. Basically, I'm ok with that, but since the put the dirty dishes there from the tables and loudly drop them in the bins, not the best atmosphere. The view from that seat is the kitchen area, seeing all the dishes being put on the order line for tables. It was too crowded, unorganized and I'm sure that some people got some cooled off food as it sat there for a while. I ordered the meatloaf dinner. (just wanted something other than a burger or fast food). First came the generic iceberg lettuce salad, with a few extras put on, which I saw being made right in front of me. Salad dressing was pretty decent. A huge corn muffin came with the meal and that was quite tasty. I ordered the lite version (means one slice instead of two). The potatoes and gravy that came with it were great. The vegetables, well zucchini squash fried up, meh. The meatloaf, well that was a bit different. Very herby in flavors, large peppercorns in it and sizeable chunks of vegetables (carrot, onion, celery I think). A bit over flavored for my tastes, but I did leave sated. Portions here are pretty big. Prices at this location, mostly $12+. Didn't have dessert, so can't rate that. Service was ok. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - Lite version of meatloaf - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

Portion sizes = large. Cost is comparable. Atmosphere = Sharis/Denny's. Customer service was overall good. Cleanliness of restaurant was to be expected. YHE Lobby Was cluttered with items to purchase. Parking on the backside of the building not close to the front door. read more

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Love this place for lunch Big portions and everything cook just right. The server was very efficient and provided us road condition information. read more

Waited 1 hour to be seated which is ok because it was the day after a holiday. What I did not appreciate is that they proceeded to seat groups of 6,7, and 8 people that were added to the list after us before we got seated. Finally after an hour they seated a group that had just walked in that had more people than ours. So we left. We told them multiple times we couple split up but at least 10 groups got seated before us. Worst customer service ever and I grew up in this town and have come multiple times. read more

We were on our way to Bend (my Dad and I) and were looking for a place to eat. Saw a few signs on our way and decided to stop into this joint. I'm not going to sit here and tell you this is the most amazing meal you are going to get, but if you are hungry, this is the place to go. Their portions are hugh. You get much bang for your buck. We ended up splitting the Chinese Chicken Salad. The large portion that is, which was $10. Worth every penny. This portion was amazingly big and seemed very fresh. I wouldn't say you should drive to Madras to try this place. It is a small chain, but they seem to be doing things right. Trying to give you bang for your buck at a reasonable price. That to me is a good thing. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

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Great food!! Very delicious. Good portion size. Staff was very polite and helpful definitely recommend this restaurant!! Breakfast was on point. Please support small businesses!! read more

We have always enjoyed the food. Tastes wonderful and the portions a ample. Great place for family get togethers too.

Have been to several of these diners. They are a regional chain in Oregon, Northern California and Northern Nevada (from what I have seen). The mother ship (home base) is in Shasta, CA, and it is truly wonderful. This "branch" is just so so. Very cute decor and large portions, but very ordinary. Skip the biscuits (normally one of their mainstays). They are just big rolls that taste like Wonder Bread instead of a nice biscuit. Had Corned Beef Hash, which was billed as homemade. It is, but it is not hash. It is shredded Corned Beef with a couple of slices of potatoes underneath it. Tasty, but not exactly "hash". A nice step up from Shari's or Denny's. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - Black Bear Diner, Madras - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

Food was good, a little too salty for me, but huge portions. Hostess was a bit odd, then we had to listen to her loudly talk to our waitress about her problems at home. Our waitress was friendly enough, but I felt we were getting pushed out. She brought the check right after the food & didn't come back to check on us any more...what if we needed/wanted something else? We had to ask cashier for a food box. We will give them another chance at a later time, but not a great first impression. read more

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My family and I visited the Black Bear Diner location in Madras OR on 06/22. Unfortunately, it was not the experience we had hoped for which we've had at other Black Bear Diner experiences. To begin with, we waited a while before being seated. Granted, we were a group of 8, which we would have understood the wait, if someone had informed us instead of us waiting for a long time to be seated. Second, we ordered our drinks and ordered our food. We received our drinks and we waited a VERY long time for any refills of any water. We had empty glasses for quite some time. Next, we waited even LONGER for our food. The waitress came by, but only to give us our 2 side salads for 2 people only. How would we feel eating in front of the rest of our family who had not received their food yet? Pretty bad right? No one ever apologized during the whole long hour wait. After we received our plates one by one, my father then informed the waitress that he wanted to cancel his order because it was taking too long. Then, is when she apologized because they were busy. Didn't really seem that it was that full though, and the couple behind us got there after we did and received their food faster. Next, when we got our food, we did not get the right pesto sandwich for my aunt, and my brother received his sausage at least 20 min after his French toast. I'd have to say, we will not be returning. We are unsure if this is some form of racism because we were a Hispanic family, however it was one of the worst dining experiences we have ever received. read more

I stopped in, wanting a fruit-filled bear claw. Given the wait would be 40 minutes, I asked if they still had some. The woman I spoke to, presumably stressed from eclipse foot traffic, snootily said, "We don't even make those." She then turned on her heel as fast as her eyes rolled, a squeaky nuisance in her voice, and walked away. Meanwhile, I'm staring at a menu that lists bear claws as an orderable item. This is a wtf moment. Bottom line: Maybe the food is fine, but if that server is representative of the service and intelligence here, tres mal. read more

On my family's journey to Madras Oregon, we visited this diner only to find that all items were marked up $4 from their online menu for the eclipse!! Really dishonest way to take advantage of people. Woe to the tourists I guess. Anyway, now that I know that black bear diner is such an unscrupulous company, I will no longer support them with my business. Sorry to the hardworking staff that are probably getting shafted by this place. read more

Black Bear Diner Madras - Rip off - American Near Me - Madras, Oregon

FIRST: our server gets 5 stars but we will not give full rating for the meal. SECOND: I have to leave a star. THIRD: We eat regularly at the Gilroy and Tracy locations, both in California. We have NEVER been disappointed with a meal. I was so happy to have found a Black Bear on our route! Both our teens had burgers which are not too hard to screw up. Husband had the "on-special" Prime Rib Dip and I ordered the Grilled Atlantic Salmon dinner. Sadly, this was not to be a meal like our restaurants back home. Regretfully, I wish I would've taken pics but we were driving home from Idaho and had been on the road for close to 10hrs; we were tired and very hungry. My salmon: I ordered a salad and replaced the starch with green beans to go along with the already provided mixed veggies. Hubs: he had fries with his sandwich...basic. My salad was fresh, tasty. That's where it ended. The fish was THE WORST I've ever had...not exaggerating. It was grayish-pink inside, looked microwaved (what happened to grilled??) and I had to add salt to get it down. The mixed veggies looked like they came out of a bag from the dollar store. Green beans were from a can but served in a little cup with bacon and onions...decent. This meal was on a promo poster at the front of restaurant touting how "Atlantic" and "fresh" it was. NOT. PRICE: $14.99. Hubs sandwich: Prime Rib? HA HA HA HA HA! It appeared this is what they do with left over meat from the day before, which is totally not uncommon in the restaurant biz. Meats or fish from a day before are routinely used for tacos, sandwiches, salads and marked "specials". HOWEVER, the customer should not be able to realize this by appearance. The meat was not more than 1/4in thick and completely leatherized. His plate arrived and there was a giant fat piece hanging out of the roll. Thank God for that au jus or he would've needed dental work and a massage after eating. PRICE: $11.99. Again, we give the server 5 stars (and a 20% tip) because she was polite, friendly and it's definitely not her fault the kitchen and QC in this location need serious attention. I will also mention the manager walked by our table several times and not once smiled, said hello, or acknowledged anyone. Sad. Needless to say when we're back out that way we won't be eating there again. Bummer. NOTE: I left the exact same review on Google as well as emailed to Black Bear. Have yet to hear from the company. read more

Another great experience at the Black Bear Diner. This one in Madras, Oregon. Keep up the great work.

My friend and I visited this restaurant on our trip along Highway 26 to Portland. They were not open when we got there but that's not what the sign said. When we got in we were waited on by the manager who did not know the size of pancakes his restaurant served and misled my friend who only wanted one large pancake. He got two for the "meager" price of $8.99. I had the senior ham and cheese omelette with potatoes and biscuit and hit the trifecta with this meal. None of the food had any taste to it. I did not have coffee since it was $2.99 while McDonald's just up the street sells any size for $1. I keep trying with this restaurant chain and failing so no more chances. read more

We ate lunch there for the first time and were not impressed. The food was fine, as was the seating. The service was not good. It took a while for one of the many staff to seat us. No one ever let the host know we were there. Not friendly at all, from start to finish. One has to pay at the register so there was another wait until the host was found. A waiter rolled her eyes as she called for someone to check us out. Quite a strange experience. We will not return. read more

We were expecting a fresh hot plentiful breakfast. We were disappointed. Food came very fast ( fresh?) not very hot and taste was so so. The scrambled eggs tasted powdery ( powdered eggs? Yuck) avocados cooked in the eggs ( should have been in top) bacon was skimpy. Overall disappointing. Very few people in the place. Service was great! Pick up the quality and the people will come! read more

Friendly service, good portions fresh made to order down home cooking moderate prices