Frank R.

I really love black bear diner. I think this place still needs to work out the kinks in it since it is new there were a few things wrong. The fries were way too salty and the glass of soda we had was extremely dirty. Other than that the food was good. It's still a very large portion that they give you. The ranch dressing is so good and the country gravy is also very good. I had a steak and it was seasoned very nicely. I would come back here but some of the other members of my family did not like it. The service was also very good. Our waitress was very nice.

ty D.

They are new. Kinks need to be worked out. I will definitely wait a bit before I return. One of the two meals was good. Tri tip sandwich ordered deluxe was a hit. The Cobb salad was NOT. Unsure the issue but it was not good. Hard to explain as it "looked" good. The waitress was nice but in a half empty restaurant it took over 15 minutes before we were even asked for our drink order.....

Ann V.

It was my second time back here...wanted to give it another chance since Father's Day was a no-go. I ordered at open seating and it took forever. I spoke to the Manager. He attributed the slow service was due to the holiday so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, I really looove the black bear theme...feel like I'm on a camping trip at a national park. This time, I can tell it wasn't that busy. Things were going smoothly until I noticed a lag and asked the waitress. She informed me that the server didn't accept my eggs from the kitchen because they were not done the way I requested. When I finally received my comfort food, everything was cold except for the eggs - not so comforting afterall. I thought my entire meal would be re-made. Anyhow on both visits, I had not sooo great experiences. The 2 stars are for the black bear theme and friendly staff.

Kristina C.

This place has been packed since they opened so we were pleasantly surprised to see a few open parking spaces when we decided to give it a try. Upon entering we were immediately greeted by a host and seated right away. The overall layout appears to be similar to the old Coco's but with upgrades to the Black Bear Diner style. There were two of us in my party and we ordered the Bruce's Meat Lover's Omelette without sausage, hashbrowns and toast and the second meal was the Hickory Smoked Ham Steak with hashbrowns and an english muffin. Both dishes came out in a reasonable time and were very hearty so no one was going away hungry. The omelette meal as a whole was good, the Smoked Ham Steak had a couple issues but they didn't ruin the meal. They ordered eggs over medium but they were definitely over easy. Barely cooked but we understand it can be tough to get the different levels just right. The second issue with the this dish was the english muffin. We expected it to toasted, with a little toasty color on it but it came out like it was barely warmed. Just a step above a untoasted/not warmed english muffin. The next time we'll ask that the english muffin actually be toasted and not just warmed. The final two items we took to go were the apple cobbler and the homemade chocolate cream pie. The apple cobbler was more of a mini apple pie vs a cobbler. The topping is different on a cobbler and this was had more of lattice look like one would do on an apple pie. I found the pie very tart, almost like they didn't put enough cinnamon/sugar in it. I ended up brushing it with melted butter and adding my own cinnamon/sugar on the crust before warming it up again. It helped cut the tartness. The chocolate cream pie was good. Overall a good experience and we will go back.

Brett L.

Finally got a chance to try out the new Black Bear Diner. Not quite sure what all the hype is about. Will start with the negatives and finish off with the pros. Staff need more training. The hostess needs to learn that she can't just say 15-20 minutes for everyone. We waited 30 minutes for our seats, and the people after us were waiting even longer. Our server was terrible. I don't recommend sitting in Nicole's section. Not sure if she just had an off day or not but she was constantly confused and forgot a lot. Food sizes although ample, were mid in taste. We ordered the Hobo omelet which the fries it came with were extremely overcooked and the cinnamon cakes. Pros: plenty of seating, and lots of seating available when waiting for your table. Orange juice was delicious although pricey. The eggs used in the omelet were good. It did not taste like an omelet with poured eggs, but tasted more like three whipped eggs. Plenty of ingredients in the omelet, and the different hot sauces available at the table were a nice touch.

Cindy L.

Classic breakfast joint....plenty of parking....friendly faces. I think this restaurant is a great place for families and friends gathering together. The service was great and quick. My California Omelet came with so much avocado!! A nice quick stop for brunch.

Toby P.

I had never been to a black bear diner, now I've been twice. My first visit was through an invite to the soft opening. It was well timed, the staff was very friendly and helpful and my party enjoyed our dishes. I got steak and eggs and they came with two massive biscuits. My friends got chicken fried steak and eggs and an omelette. We all liked our meals and all had food we took home. The portions are large! I returned yesterday with another friend who wanted to try it. There were a few people waiting outside. We were greeted kindly and put our name on the list. They said it would be a 20 minute wait so we sat on the benches inside. There were seats at the bar but we chose to wait for a table. It was interesting to watch the staff at work. They didn't stop moving. Cleaning the counters, the merchandise areas, the outside windows and restocking various items. The time went by quickly. Just after the 20 minute mark we got the text our table was ready. We approached the podium and were taken to our table. I sat in this room last time too. Bring a sweater if you get cold easy as it is colder on this side. We had looked at the menu prior to coming, but still, we had a hard time deciding. Our server was patient with us and came back a few times. There were several empty tables in the room the whole time we were there. Finally, we were ready to order and did so, our waitress was cheerful, answered our questions and disappeared with our order. The food definitely took longer this time. We were surprised at the wait. Eventually, our food came. We ordered pancakes/waffles, eggs, and bacon/sausage links (bear's choice). We didn't see the server for a while and we had to request butter as there was only one pat on the table. We also needed more syrup as the pancakes & waffle were a bit dry. The rest was really good and we managed to eat most of it. If you are expecting a gourmet experience, this is not for you. If you are expecting a rustic chain diner experience with large portions, then this spot will leave you fulfilled. I've enjoyed both my meals here and will be back.

Roz E.

This place took over what used to be Coco's, which was empty for awhile. They finally opened and man, the wait! But I not only got lucky to find a parking spot, but there was also one spot open at the counter! Score! Otherwise, it's an hour wait! Quite a few items to choose from. I decided to get the Bear's Choice breakfast. You get to choose your plate. I did the french toast with scrambled eggs, pork sausage link, and bacon! Oh, and I got the freshly squeezed orange juice. Not necessarily by hand, but a machine. Nonetheless, it is freshly squeezed. I got my diner breakfast fix! I definitely want to try some other dishes!

Perla R.

I tried black bear diner today for the first time since I didn't see a long wait out front like it's been since it opened haha I tried the pot roast grilled cheese sandwich it had grilled onions & a horseradish sauce w/ au jus dipping sauce but my plate came out without the au jus unfortunately. We also tried the chicken fried steak & eggs plate and sweet cream pancakes everything was very tasty I especially loved the pancakes I would come back for those alone!

Lisa P.

Vista restaurant just opened in June. We arrived early Sunday morning around 7am. The restaurant only had a few customers. Kevin provided great service. He was kind and willing to assist. Superb service. We had a great breakfast with cinnamon roll French toast with ham and two eggs. One thing I love Black Bear. My eggs were prepared poached. Compliments to the chef! Loved my breakfast. By the time we left the parking lot was packed and the restaurant was full. Come one come all but arrive EARLY! Simple drive from San Diego. Give this place a try. Don't forget the biscuits!!! The vibe with the juke box was great.

Jennifer B.

Would you give this to a customer? This is our second time going here. We tried to give the benefit of the doubt the first time, but Ultimately came up, disappointed the second. We've been a been to a couple blackbear diners up north and absolutely love them . Sadly, This location did not impress.

James W.

We waited a LONG time for this location to open & finally stopped for lunch. Black Bear Diner's best food is their breakfasts. But we ordered lunch and it was good. My wife ordered the chicken taco salad which was huge but the chicken tasted packaged or pre-made. My club was good especially the bacon & fresh slices of avocado but the same chicken. The kiddo ordered the kid's mac & cheese which he enjoyed. The decor has black bears everywhere which we love. Service was attentive but the food took about 40mins to arrive (2pm late lunch).

Gene M.

Probably a 3.5, but I'll give the benefit if the doubt since this is a new location. We showed at 6:50am and didn't leave until 8:15. Too long. The food was good, but it took about 45 minutes and a chicken fried steak and some pancakes. Our waitress was good, but it took over 10 minutes just to get our coffee. Nice place upgraded from an old Cocos. My only valid complaint is the breakfast food took way TOO LONG to come out. We'll be back, but with caution.