Black Bear Diner image

Black Bear Diner

Restaurant Breakfast restaurant Hamburger restaurant Family restaurant American restaurant Diner

One of the Most Revieweds in El Cajon


Address

1025 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92020

Website

blackbeardiner.com

Contact

(619) 444-2327

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (2.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (19) good (14) delicious (13) menu (12) Bear (11) time (10) Black (10) breakfast (10) great (9) restaurant (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 kenda p. 1 year ago on Google
    Portions were huge and delicious. Definitely a diner to visit. The server was very attentive and friendly. The vibe of this place was nice and chill for the morning. The Benedict was delicious and mouth watering. I don't know what I was expecting but I was pleasantly surprised. I will be visiting again.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Micky N. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Breakfast and good service. I heard about the very generous portions, so I decided to go light and order the Shasta Scramble from the "diet" watchers side of the menu.😄 I ate until I was stuffed and still brought enough home for later 😋 The hashbrowns had a nice crunch on the outside that I love and the biscuit was huge! Our 4 slices of bacon on the side, were thick, delicious and cooked perfectly. We loved it so much, we had to come back and this time we ordered the chicken fried steak n egg combo and the ham n egg combo. Black Bear will definitely be added to our favorite restaurants for breakfast list.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evelyn C. 2 years ago on Google
    It was my family and I first time here in this location on April 4, 2021. We went a day before my moms birthday 🎂. Everything was really delicious and can’t wait to go back again with my parents and my son. We are regular customers at Black Bear Diner my son and I in Portland Oregon. We visit the one in Gresham Oregon. If you are near this one you must try it out!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lisa 1 year ago on Google
    March 31 st my daughter and I ate at the Black Bear Diner. The woman who seated us was abrupt and dismissive with no name tag. (Probably better that way) Our waitress wasn’t the friendliest either, got a couple things wrong… but she had a huge cold sore on her lip she probably should have covered with a mask. I had to convince my daughter to stay and eat there. Our food finally arrived and it looked nice. My Denver omelette was good… if you like processed ham. Her Benedict was excellent but not quite how she ordered it. Both of us had half the plate full of hash browns… the top was burned the underside was cold. We didn’t eat them. My English muffin was soggy and cold.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Texcollex 11 months ago on Google • 286 reviews
    Great service and ample servings. Black Bear Diner has a very large menu specializing in home cookin'. Our party of 6 only waited about 10 minutes at lunch. I enjoyed the roast beef, and the broccoli was delicious. I had the smaller dinner order and it was plenty. They also offered Mothers Day specials all weekend.

  • 3/5 Daniela A. 8 months ago on Google • 232 reviews
    Came here soo exciting to find a dinner serving breakfast. I’m from the Midwest and was ready to get a skillet loaded up! The atmosphere was real put giving family dinner! Unfortunately there were no skillets in the menu.. so I went with the second best option.. an omelet. I got the meat lovers omelet with extra cheese and a hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was delicious! You can’t really go wrong there. The omelet how ever was so disappointing. What they did was put the egg mixed up on the grill, let it cooked all the way and then topped it with the sausage ham and bacon with cheese then folded it over. FOLDED OVER! So the toppings were not mixed in the egg.. not mixed in just made in a very lazy way.. and the topping were sprinkled on top just so lazy and I didn’t even get extra cheese! Completely disappointing and just didn’t hit the mark for me.. the English muffin was good but those are probably preordered.. Also I needed water the whole meal and had to ask a bus boy for some cuz the waitress was not very much around.. service could be better but ehh I won’t be back..

  • 5/5 Amy R. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff and food are amazing! A group of us from work met for breakfast and the staff was super attentive and when the food arrived, it looked and tasted delicious. This was my dish...The Shasta Scramble! A LOT of food and don't forget those amazing Biscuits!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great friendly service, food is delicious. Portions are shareable, I had to take mine home. They have a big assortment of gift items Keychain, mugs and clothing. I bought a cute Keychain and an awesome pj long sweatshirt.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria C. 1 year ago on Google
    1st time going here for lunch and got the Chicken Cobb salad -and let me tell you 'wow' it didn't disappoint! Large bowl fully loaded up with all the fixings, every veggie fresh -nice and crisp like each should be, nice thick ranch dressing; chicken strips cooked perfectly and cut up for easy eating -I got the Frank's Red Hot sauce on mine and it added the right amount of kick! Our waitress was Nicole, super sweet and energetic, puting out some really great vibes. Between her and the bus staff, they were jamming on drinks, cleaning tables, and pushing out food. We had a little hiccup with my girl friend's salad and once told they bee lined to get it fixed right away! Great customer service! Have had breakfast here several times and always highly satisfied; their good sized portions, variety of menu options, attentive staff, tasty food, very clean restaurant, cute themed decor, along with easy parking -makes this spot a must.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda Ridge J. 6 months ago on Google • 227 reviews
    I have been wanting to eat breakfast here for about a year. I am retired, and it's difficult for a night owl like me to get up early enough to catch the morning crowd. They're a chain establishment, but the El.Cajon crew don't act like it! Their customer service is first-rate, the decaf coffee was piping hot, the bacon was crisp, the eggs were cooked to order, the grits were creamy, the pancakes were well done, and the prices were reasonable. I will definitely return to this delight! 💕

  • 5/5 JJ S. 3 months ago on Google • 168 reviews New
    Great place. Dinner runs about $16 kids meals about $7. Can get busy in the morning hours during breakfast but dinner time it’s easy to get in. Staff is very friendly.

  • 5/5 Elvia H. 6 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    First time here and love their service. Food is amazing and great quality, and Victoria, our server, was really helpful and so outstanding. One of our favorite spots now, Come hungry if you get one of their big breakfast. Love their bear 🐻 decorations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Fernanda G. 1 year ago on Google
    7.5/10 I got an omelette and it was really good - the Hash-browns 100/10 best ones I’ve had ever. My friend got the French toast and it was pretty average- in my opinion this place excels in their savory menu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ayded M T. 10 months ago on Google
    Great place to eat! Me and my husband went there for breakfast. It was delicious and their service is really good. I fully recommend this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K. Catherine P. 1 year ago on Google
    I am originally from the south, and lately have been feeling homesick. But when I went to Black Bear diner with some friends I felt right at home. The restaurant was clean. Everyone there was so kind and there was so much hospitality all around. I can be a bit indecisive when it comes to ordering my food and the person who took my order was so patient with me, nonetheless. They answered all of my questions regarding the menu options and helped me order based on those options. Their menu is a newspaper and they have lots of little bears in different hidden areas around the restaurant, it's so cute! The amount of food you get along with the prices of the food and the quality, is totally worth it. I ended up ordering the biscuits & gravy w/ a side of sausage and eggs, and it pretty much cured my homesickness. I definitely have found a new favorite comfort food place, that tastes like home. I will definitely will be coming here more often, when I am able to. Thank you Black Bear Diner for being so kind and patient with me, and for making me feel so welcomed. And a big thank you for the anonymous angel that covered my friend's meal and got her kid a teddy bear. It really means a lot, to be a part of such a supporting community.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Osito R. 1 year ago on Google
    As my son would say when he was small "Dada I'm stuff-ted". I had the 12oz prime rib dinner and it was delicious. It was cooked exactly the way I wanted it. Potatos and gravy were on point. Oh and the tomato soup was yummers as well. Place was busier than I'm used to but there were no lapses in service. Savanna was my server and she was delightful. Of course I had to top it off with a banana cream pie which never disappoints. All in all, another great visit. Oh and before I forget. All thru Dec they're supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A worthwhile cause which I've seen in action. If you don't come for a meal. Just come for pie and coffee byt don't forget to buy a star ;-)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Queen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Breakfast, good service, generous portions, clean restaurant. We were promptly seated upon arrival. Family friendly restaurant, an upgraded dennys with bigger portions and modest prices. We ordered the chicken fried steak n egg with potatoes combo, cinnamon roll French toast, and the sweet cream pancakes combo with 2 eggs plus sausage links. Everything was prepared fresh. The pancakes are sooo good. Light fluffy, buttery. Must try spot, we will definitely be returning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a wonderful amalgamation of a wilderness lodge and a 50s diner all rolled into one. The menu's are on newsprint and offer quite a variety. I decided to try the Hobo Joe's Omelette with smoked ham, link sausage & thick-cut smoked bacon, jack cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach & onion. Instead of potatoes, hash browns, grits, or fruit, I asked for avocado. The biscuit is huge, bigger than my fist. I wished I had some of those for my world famous sausage gravy. I tried each of the house made hot sauces and came to the conclusion the best one was all three together. I would definitely go back. The serving size is big enough to save half for lunch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yvonne W. 3 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    Had to come back for another try. Last trip was not so great. However, very pleased with our meals. Service was great. We will return.

  • 5/5 Karen S. 3 months ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    The portions you get for the price are phenomenal. The service is so friendly and fun. Seating is great. Although the lighting is far to bright. Plenty of parking and normally no wait on the seating. Food is amazing.

  • 5/5 Deanna L. 4 months ago on Google • 30 reviews
    Feel like you're in Tahoe on vacation right here in San Diego! Both the exterior and interior have a cabin in the woods/mountain diner vibe. Exposed wood with animal carvings really transports you to a different place. The menu is on a newspaper and is extensive. You can also read about the history of the Black Bear Diner(s) on the menu. It was a cool conversation piece and helped pass the time quickly. The food is not going to knock your socks off, but I have never had a bad meal here. Very solid coffee and pies (which is a must have for a diner). Waiting staff and front desk are always very pleasant. Kitchen works swiftly and efficiently. Recent trip with one other person came to only $47. Give this place a shot and it will be your new go-to spot.

  • 3/5 Lewis C. 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    It was my first time at this diner. I'd heard good things, read good reviews, and I know it to be a popular local spot, and maybe it was those things which poorly tempered my expectations. I felt as though the host/hostess and waitstaff were all a little absent. I try my best to sympathize with food service workers. I was in the industry once upon a time and my wife currently works in food service. I understand the trials and tribulations that one can go through. I understand that many personal issues can find themselves leaking into one's professional life. I understand that it's busy. Regardless of those things, I felt unattended to. The waitstaff was very inattentive albeit inoffensive. I never once felt that anyone was being rude or mean to me, but I felt the service was subpar. I had to fight to get the waitress's attention and we were not tended to as I have experienced in comparable restaurants, and diners of comparable business in specific. The food was acceptable. My wife loved her breakfast, though we both thought the vegetables included were not particularly good. We loved the charm of the diner, but the service was, in one word, disappointing.

  • 5/5 Johnny B. 4 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    I recently had an outstanding dining experience at Black Bear Diner, and it's undoubtedly deserving of a five-star review. From the moment I walked in, the warm ambiance set the stage for a delightful meal. What truly made the experience exceptional was the impeccable service provided by Nicole, our waitress. Nicole went above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction, displaying not only efficiency but genuine warmth in her interactions. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she managed to make the dining experience truly memorable. It's rare to find such a perfect blend of professionalism and friendliness. The food was fantastic, with generous portions and a diverse menu to cater to various tastes. The cozy atmosphere and Nicole's exceptional customer service make Black Bear Diner a standout choice. I highly recommend this establishment for anyone seeking a delicious meal accompanied by top-notch service. A big thanks to Nicole and the entire team for making our visit truly enjoyable!

  • 4/5 Dylan C. 10 months ago on Google
    Fun brunch spot. Didn't realize just how large a chain it was, but you can tell by all the memorabilia on the walls. MASSIVE menu so you're sure to find what you want and a friendly environment. I've had their chicken fried steak Benedict, which was very good. Eggs were a bit over but fine. They have a massive country fried steak, which is called the "big foot." My wife has tried their sweet cream waffles, which were also very good. Fun spot but can be very busy on weekends as expected. Only have had brunch, but they have a large menu for lunch and dinner as well.

  • 5/5 Alonso M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great restaurant, staff was really nice and friendly. Food is definitely delicious. Portions are great. Prices are affordable. I do really enjoy it and I will come back soon.

  • 2/5 Ryan N. 1 year ago on Google
    The waffles looked better than they tasted. My first bite took me back to my middle school cafeteria. Eggs Benedict was average. When you first walk in, it's like you entered a meat freezer. The staff literally has to wear jackets at the front. Not sure the thinking behind that. Raise the temp! I won't be returning. This place reminds me of a breakfast tourist trap.

  • 5/5 Pir P. 2 years ago on Google
    I had the 2 eggs and corn beef hash. First off, come here with an appetite because their biscuits are huge. Food was absolute amazing. The staff was also amazing. If you come here, you will need to be willing to wait cause there is definitely a line. Would highly recommend coming here at least once if you are visiting San Diego.

  • 5/5 K. B. 4 months ago on Google
    Already wrote a view for this specific location's Facebook page, so I'll keep this short. Never a dull moment when dining. Food is always great, comes out fast and is warm and delicious. We used to go so much that the staff started to recognize us, and some still do when we pop in from time to time. Interesting merch selection, and I have brought a few things from there myself. Desserts are very tasty! I haven't lived here all my life like a lot of my friends and co-workers have, and some of them have never heard of this place. Will always recommend.

  • 5/5 Margaret B (. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful tasting food, huge portions, great prices! And you can even sign up for the birthday special with your email! There has never been anything that I've gotten here that I've not enjoyed thoroughly!

  • 5/5 Keith V. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    My co-worker highly recommended this restaurant because of my love of pancakes. Now I'm writing a review telling everyone ... That this restaurant and the pancakes are fantastic! The food is awesome and the service is top notch. The prices are somewhat competitive with other diners but it makes up for it with large tasty proportions. What makes my visit so unique, Was the friendly bear in a costume. The Bear was in the restaurant entrance greeting me and my family. That was so unexpected and appreciated. If you looking for a family dinner with good proportions, I highly recommend Black Bear Diner.


Call (619) 444-2327 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup

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