Stop to have late dinner Terrible chicken Caesar salad very little chicken and very watered down dressing Will not return read more

Our server's name today is Gracie. Talk about a hard working young lady, she is on point throughout this whole diner! She is watchful, fast and so very pleasant! Thank you for hiring her!! read more

Savannah did amazing she served all 15 of us with grace and did her very best to make sure we were happy. She is awesome

Delicious food, amazing service! Our server Michelle was super accommodating and lovely, and Sadie, the host, really made things easy for us on a busy Saturday morning. Hope to return soon! read more

I've been here plenty of times with, ahem, the ex. Regardless, the portions are more than generous per person and reasonably priced too. The environment is so warm and inviting that sometimes you just won't want to leave. It feels like a home away from home, and I would always get nostalgic whenever visiting. Funny how something so comforting can trigger good memories. When I get the chance to stop by I always have a craving for their Hobo Omelet (I think that's what it's called) and a Black "Beary" shakes. Side note: you will see plenty of bear puns, jokes, and zingers. Some are clever and others are, well, un"bear"able. Did I just say that??? read more

This is a fantastic place to eat either breakfast lunch or dinner.Great food with average pricing.If ever in town again I will stop for sure!!! read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

Jesus Christ we have had it with his place. Every time we try to give this place a second chance. They blow it majorly. Cold food, dirty plates, and lord knows what used food was placed on my plate. Never ever again will we come here again? read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Yummy re-used Orange and rotting salad to garnish my plate! - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

This place is WAY better than your local Denny's! I definitely prefer to come here for a hearty but CHEAP breakfast! My bf and I came here once Saturday afternoon and the restaurant was keeping busy, but it didn't take long for us to get a table. The menu is very creative, designed as a newspaper. It is a little overwhelming to go through it all as there is a wide selection of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I got the hungry man's country fried steak combo to share, and my bf got a waffle and regular egg, sausage breakfast... but he was so stuffed that he couldn't even eat his portion of the large country steak combo. It was HUGE. I ended up taking home half my country steak b/c I couldn't finish it. It was good, crispy, and full of flavor. Can you say food coma?! The waffle was big, but just your typical waffle. Overall, it was a good experience here and I would definitely come back for brunch! read more

Wow love all the Black Bear Diners when I travel.Seems like a familiar face.Hot food and lots of it.Place is clean servers friendly and attentive.Love the pancakes and waffles.No matter what meal I eat here it is yummy read more

Stayed at the Laurel Inn which is right next door so we decided to try this place for dinner. This is true diner food. The portions are HUGE, so order wisely. I ordered the fried chicken and it was delicious, great fried chicken. My bf ordered the chicken fried steak on the recommendation of the waitress, it was bad, very bad. (But the fried chicken was great.) They also serve beer and wine, which is a plus. They have a great homemade hot sauce (they also sell it by the bottle in their gift shop, yes they have a gift shop). We went back the next morning for breakfast. The waffle was tasty and the coffee was surprisingly good. The service was good and the staff was very nice. It looks like many locals frequent this diner and if I'm back in the area I would go back. They also have big carved bears all over the property, pretty cool. read more

best place ever for family and friends to come and eat. very kids friendly and the best food ever our waitress "Yaya" was the best love her namy read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

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Really enjoyed my time here for a early morning birthday breakfast date for two. The wait wasn't long due tot the fact it was the weekday. The food came out great(the bacon was on point) and the staff was well attentive. It was my first time here and it really wasn't a bad experience at all. Will be back soon! read more

Can't say anything bad about this place. When I'm hungry and in the mood for breakfast, which is an often regular occurrence I choose, this location. Breakfast is served all day and is delicious no matter what time of day you decide to visit. I've tried several of the many items to choose from. for the most part I've been very pleased and content, however, Bruce's Meats Lovers Omelet holds a special place in my heart. If you are a fan of salty fatty breakfast meats as I am, this is a definite must. Also the Big Foot Chicken Fried steak is pretty damn awesome as well. Additionally if you're a glutton bottomless pit such as myself try the bread pudding, you will no regret it. All in all, the prices are fair, food is delicious the portions are extremely generous, service is great and the place is clean What else do you need from an establishment? read more

From the first encounter I knew that maybe we should leave. Against my better judgment we stayed and I guess got what we deserved. Hear me out. The greater, no smile, no hello, no facial expression - total flat affect. He grabbed two menus and just walked off- was he seating us or the couple next to us who were confused as well.?! We assumed it was us when he turned around and just stared - what a douche with a shitty attitude! We went because the couple next to us didn't want to go, by the way they were here first. Our table was in the back with open windows facing the the motel front lobby next door. Our shitty host dropped the menus on the table and walked off. My husband wanted to cause a scene, but I feel we should've again just walked out. Our waiter was very upbeat, and had what seemed like a great attitude. We ordered the grizzly breakfast and regular chicken fried steak and eggs. Nothing complicated. I had water and my husband had a Dr. Pepper or was it a Mr. Pip. Any way our food came out as fast as the table was seated behind us with the worst out of control kids and oblivious parents. I think that just adds to this super dining experience.?! So to the food. Burnt hash browns, I mean black. Under cooked eggs, my husband likes runny but not "I just cracked you open on my plate runny". Gravy was cold, say what. English muffin break your teeth off hard, with a hint of "I was burnt too. Ham was spongy and grizzly. Thank God for the two pieces of bacon. I really don't think that those two pieces of delicious bacon was worth the $30 dollar price for our horrid dining experience. No drink refill after our server passed by us numerous amount of times to take care of the animal kingdom behind us. We have come here several times over the past couple of years and every time we say we should have gone to seaside to eat at Black Bears or not come at all..that's probably why our visits to here are getting longer and longer apart. Today was our last. I'm sure BBD will be happy for that, they can't afford more negative reviews. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Black Bear off Laural St in salinas.. - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

Great food at a great price. I went during the early evening hours and was only 1 of 2 tables. I had the fried chicken. Piping hot! Took back enough for my lunch the next day. I would go back again! read more

This place was recommended by a friend. We stopped by on a Sunday for a late breakfast/early lunch and surprisingly the wait was not long at all (less than 15 min). They have a huge variety of items that are freshly prepared and very reasonably priced. The hamburgers are huge, yet tasty and the fries that come with the meal are quite tasty as well. Most of the items you could split between two people and still get plenty to eat. The only thing I would avoid would be the steak salad. The pieces of steak are not cut into bite-sized chunks and the dressing has way too much mayo in it. read more

Black Bear Diner is my honest to goodness favorite place to eat breakfast. It's sanitary and generally the food is taken care of quickly. The staff are friendly and will check on you frequently, resisting the urge to say "How are WE doing today?" Geez it's like I don't know about you but I was doing fine until you showed up. They do not do that. My orders have always been spot on. They've never missed a single detail I've asked them for. If you asked for a piece of basil on top of your sandwich instead of a flag, that's what you'd get. Another thing I love about Black Bear is the way they serve their tea. If you were to order hot tea, they'd come out with a mug of hot water, a cute little refill pitcher of hot water, a bottle of honey, and a tea bag. Just load it up with whatevs you want! ( sugar sugar sugar sugar sugar) They also have an event called Teddy Bear Tuesdays where you bring in a teddy bear and they'll give you a free kids' meal. I know what you're thinking. What about adults? Well the kids' mini volcano is a good lil portion for breakfast. Bacon, sausage, pancakes, and an orange slice, with your choice of a side. Or you can just go for the Mickey Mouse pancake. Whichever one suits you best. Try not to sit at a counter, though. Having to look over your shoulder to talk to someone isn't the best thing in the world. Their trashes or something are under the counter too so sometimes they'll come set dirty dishes in front of you so they can clear other ones. Quite a "special" show if you ask me. That's the only downside though. Everything else is A-ok. You can also purchase a paper bear to honor either someone who had passed away from cancer, has cancer, or survived cancer. They tape it up on any free space they have on the wall where someone can't come rip it off. This place is awesome, and out of all the places I've traveled so far this remains the top breakfast place on the list!! read more

Walk in on Friday 13 2015. Got seated by the Manager Liz. She attentive, and very kind. We didn't wait at all. The server Frank was quick to get our drinks and take our order. Now we must dig in for all this yummy food. By the way it is very growded here today! No one working lol. Well yelpers another success for Salinas Joints out . oh as I was typing this our food is here! And its amazing!!! Happy Friday Folks. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

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my waiter ed was amazing! he got me some of the most amazing sweet tea i've ever tasted said his wife made it! omg! amazing like my drink was always full this was the best service i've ever had and the food was good as well i'll definitely be back! read more

Always a great meal at the Black Bear Diner. Hubby and I both had the tri-tip which came with a very nice side salad and two sides. He had huge serving of french fries and veggies with his, I doubled up on the veggies. Great corn muffins too. Friendly service and always a great value read more

I have been to 2 Locations, the first in Reno, NV and the second in Salinas, CA. I am a regular customer in the Salinas location for breakfast. Only once have I been slightly disappointed and that was just that the bacon seemed a little overcooked... But honestly, that is a 1 in 10 shot. They have a wonderful menu and every time I go I try something new... That is a HUGE deal for me cause I almost always stick to what I know. That's how good the Black Bear menu is! I love the omelets and skillets. I haven't tried the pancakes cause I don't eat carbs, but they certainly have a menu for everyone and willingly make substitutions. If you have never eaten here before you must stop in for breakfast ( I can't speak about the other meals because I have never had them!). It certainly beats out Denny's or Ihop!!! read more

I agree with the others as to the quantity and general quality of the offerings. I have dined here 3 times during the past month. Both lunches and the breakfast were very good. The servers were cheerful and the orders came in a short time and cooked as ordered. The only down-side for me was the takeout desert yesterday. I took one coconut cream mini pie and a peach mini pie. The coconut cream was very good, but the peaches were few and far between. I'll be back, but not for the peach pie. read more

They changed their biscuit and gravy. Noooooooo bring back the old gravy. The new gravy is a 2 star. The food portions are still huge and the service is still friendly. read more

We come here every couple weeks, we love the food, breakfast or lunch.. and the servers are great, but today was a whole different experience the food came out fast, waitress was o k a y, there was another waitress in the back kitchen and would come out to the front of the house and was being extremely loud and obnoxious, while people in the dining area were eating .. I'm not sure what her name was, but she is thin, dark complexion.. management should control that kind of behavior, it does stand out as very unprofessional.. read more

So...I love coming to my local Black Bear! I normally stay with usual ( chicken fried steak, pot roast or bob's burger ) menu, but I wanted to try something different. I had the "Fish & Chips". Soggy, oil filled cuts of cod. Tasted like oil when I bit into it!! I might of stained my shirt with the amount of oil it had. The wife got the "Rib Eye Dinner". I've made a better tasting steak with salt, pepper and a Foreman Grill. If you're visiting BB, please stay clear from the steak and fish & chips! You will thank me later! Staff is very friendly and eager to please. My 3 year olds got balloons for being good while eating. Still great service, next time I'm sticking with the holy trinity ( see food list above ). read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Everywhere you look...BEARS!! - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

I was excited to try black bear for the first time given the decent reviews. However, to my disappointment, the meal did not live up to my expectations. I ordered an omelet and immediately when my meal arrived, I was appalled. It was pretty much the ugliest omelet I have ever been served at a restaurant. It was irregular in shape and the bottom of the omelet was oozing with grease. I took a few bites and couldn't manage to eat any more. The hash browns were also the ugliest hash browns I set eyes on. And to no surprise the taste was bland and it lacked the crunch I love about hash browns. So the only thing I managed to eat was the side of toast... This is probably the first time I left a restaurant still hungry. I definitely won't be coming here for breakfast anymore. read more

This place is far worse then the old one off of Laurel. There they would at least tell you when your table was getting ready and check in with you during the wait time. We came in at 5:30 and left at 6:30 after an hour wait and no communication to our party of 7. While we were waiting several parties of 4 came in, sat down , ate and left , while we were waiting to be seated which is beyond Unexspectable if I could rate less of a 1 Star I would. read more

6 stars for YaYa! She's so funny & nice! Our visit was very pleasant and food was great!!

This place satisfied my diner food craving! The hostess Anela sat us promptly and Yaya was an excellent server offering us options and delicious suggestions. Overall amazing experience and will absolutely be coming back again. read more

I had a lovely time and it felt like home. There was a wonderful server, her name was Yaya, she took our order promptly. Our host Anela was very hospitable and quick to seat us. The service was fast and efficient and the food was exactly what I wanted! I will definitely be coming back again. read more

Sonny the manager is a star. We had a night for a meeting for the Knights of Columbus and with the Cal fireman staying at the Laurel Inn they took over the place where are meeting was going to be but as Knights we understand the need to accommodate the goodness of what they do to preserve out sate. Sonny put us in another part of the textural and it was great even though we had a great turn out ( usually only 10-15 member show up) we had 25 members and the service was the best for one person and she handled it like there are four of us. The food was amazing and we all left happy with a full belly. I sure hope Sonny welcomes us back as we had one of our best meetings out we've had in months. Thanks Sonny and your staff for the great experience and evening. read more

The service was good and prompt. Ordered volcano for breakfast; 3 pancakes (just average), 2 sausages, 2 burnt bacon strips and 2 sunnyside up eggs. I'll try this place again but not the same order. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Here 7am for pancakes n my sunnyside up eggs =D - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

Milkshakes were runny, we sent them back. Fries were soft and cold. Have eaten at other locations and food has always been good. Was very disappointed. read more

I was at the Black Bear Diner today and was very disappointed! My bacon cheeseburger salad was swimming in water. There was at least 3/4 of an inch of water at the bottom of the bowl. I thought it tasted a bit soggy and when I finally got to the bottom and saw all the water I knew why! My waiter was Jacob. I have had this salad before and was quite happy with it. I saw the "cook" literally throw/slide the remake at the waiter. Certainly not the waiters fault but he made NO offer to make this right nor did he offer to compensate in any way. I had to ask for a to go box because there was no way I could eat the salad and be on time a client appt. in my office. I arrived at 2pm and they were not busy. read more

I first would like to start off by requesting to speak to an actual employee or representative regarding my most recent experience, because it was just that unbelievably horrific. After waiting over an hour and witnessing a madhouse on mother's day, I will not be returning back due to my terrible experience. In a few words, our mother's day breakfast was ruined thanks to black bear diner. Extremely unorganized, customers waiting for over 2 hours, no management in sight, many customers requesting refunds, food was beyond cold after receiving it, pieces of plastic within a bear claw, some employees not wearing face masks during this covid-19 pandemic, just completely awful! I have also captured photographs of customers not practicing social distancing (had over 10 people close to each other) and the pieces of plastic that was located within the bear claw. I cannot find the words to explain how disappointing and vexing the experience was. The only thing that was acceptable or pleasing was a specific employee by the name of Blanca Sumaya. She was one of the many Frontline employees apologizing on behalf of the diner and finding new ways to still work hard to get customers their meals. read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Plastic - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

What large portions they offer at Black Bear Diner. My wife ordered the California Club and I got the chicken salad on a croissant. Both were very good, but they left (2) items off the club that had to be added afterwards. The cooks were talking about football, so we think they got sidetracked on the order. We were sitting at the counter and able to see/hear what was going on. We also ordered a bear claw and coconut cream pie to go. Both were fantastic. Wish we had these restaurants back in Ohio read more

Pictures speak a thousand words and if you dont think that looks good then you better start believeing what your seeing. Better than Denny's! especially for those open road trips. TRY SOMETHING different. SUPER FRIENDLY staff and COMFORT FOOD for the long road ahead. Just dont eat oo much in case you get sleepy and oh make room for desert. read more

Always good food and service with plenty of leftovers at the Black Bear Diner. Kids love the old school pictures and prices from back in the 50's menu. read more

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HIGHLY recommend Black Bear Diner in Salinas! My family and I have been coming here for years..management and staff are excellent and always treat us well every time we are there. Big portions and great food..always =] read more

Black Bear Diner Salinas - Bear's choice! - Diners Near Me - Salinas, California

So delicious! Go here with an empty stomach and you will not be disappointed. I bought the fried chicken tenders from their "lighter foods" but it was still too much for me to finish in one go, so I got a box and saved the rest. After driving six hours later, it was one in the morning, and the leftover tenders made a perfect snack and were still good! Also the decor is wonderful and homey, with bears over everything. If you're there on a Tuesday and have kids, make sure to have them bring their teddy bears and they'll get a free meal! I love that concept, as a kid I wanted any sort of excuse to take my bear places. Kind of random, but they seem to make their own lotion, as they had 'Black Bear all natural lotion' by the register, and it worked fabulously. I should have asked if they sold it, too... Definitely will be returning on my next inter-state road trip. read more