I've been here SEVERAL times, I once rated this place 1 star because of how horrible the service and food was. They have greatly improved in their customer service and staff has a way better attitude and are more attentive. However, the food still could use some work. I can say that they have a pretty good chicken fried steak and a chicken and waffle "dinner for breakfast". But they cheap out on their steak. I got the NY Steak and eggs "breakfast for dinner" with an extra order of toast. $4.00 for ultra dry toast, never again. And the NY Steak was ordered medium, and was super dry, it tasted like there was freezer burn and very bland. You'll notice in the photo just how THIN the steak was, and THAT is not your average NY steak size, so they must cut 1 steak in half to cut costs. Ordered eggs scrambled with cheese and the cheese wasn't even melted, overall temperature of the food wasn't hot. I enjoyed the fact that the staff has stepped up in making us feel welcomed, now the chefs and/or corporation has to step up and stop cheaping out on their food. Update 7/12/22 - we went back months later to give them time to work out some kinks. Once again we were greatly surprised, I updated this posting to 3 stars as they improved on their food quality. I got the big foot chicken fried steak, the steak was tender and the crust was flaky, you could cut it with a fork which is really nice. Eggs were perfect and I got pancakes for sides, and they were improved as well. My wife got the same but with french toast as the side and the french toast tasted so much better this time. I'm greatly impressed with the improvements this place has made. Hopefully next time we go it'll be a 4 star experience. It seems going here first thing in the morning or before 10 and for early dinner time is the best time to go. Both of those times we went we had good experiences.

Great tasting food and lots of varieties. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner food items served all day. Stopped by on our way home and ordered a couple items from their menu. Waitress was very friendly and helpful. Food was served quick and tasted great.

I ordered the eggs benedict, which was delicious. The potatoes were so good especially when I added some of their chipotle house sauce. The pancakes are so fluffy and tasty! They are a must. I love their coffee, and I always get it with their breakfast. They have flavored creamer. Their staff is prompt and very kind. Recommend!

I’ve ordered this meal before and never had any issues. Tonight upon looking at my to go order (through DoorDash, there was a part of my chicken fried steak that was cold and seemed undercooked. It definitely was not the same temp or looked like the rest. For whatever reason, the vegetables are always VERY undercooked (hard) and I have to cook them a few more minutes in the microwave. This is standard for BB diner veggies as long as I’ve eaten at this location so I’ve gotten used to it (though who eats such undercooked veggies?) The carrots are just about raw. No exaggeration. I’m not sure if they were extra busy tonight and rushed it because my order took extra long to prepare. Whatever the issue, the portion I’m referring to did not look anything similar to the rest of the chicken fried steak. (See pic. I’m sure you can see the area I’m taking about, mid left.) I thought maybe it had gotten soggy after touching the side items (gravy, veggies, mashed potatoes) but the other parts that were touching weren’t soggy, and this wasn’t a problem in the past when I’ve ordered it to go. And why wasn’t it fried like the rest? I’m sure these are probably originally frozen after cooked, and then thawed & fried before serving, as per most restaurants that serve it. But I can’t be 100% sure so I’m afraid to eat it. Thus, I have to leave a negative review because the main part of my dinner is inedible. As for the wait time, it didn’t bother me as I prefer people take their time than get it wrong. I also understand that prices have gone up lately but diners should at least get what they pay for. And be able to eat it! We work hard for our $ too! Not only did I receive an undercooked chicken fried steak, my extra cornbread muffin that I’d paid for was not in the bag. This happens 1/2 the time I order a dinner from here using DD. The employees see 1 corn bread on the receipt and assume the order is complete when in reality I ordered an extra cornbread for a total of 2. Frustrating, especially when it happens consistently. Of course I could call and go pick it up but whom wants to drive all the way across town for a $2.29 cornbread muffin? Had I wanted to drive (or was even able) I would’ve picked up the entire order myself instead of paying a food delivery service to begin. And putting my name on an “IOU” list does no good as I don’t drive so I won’t be able to pick it up unless I get a ride. Plus they’re now closed for the day. I’m usually very satisfied w Big Bear Diner and their food but tonight I was very disappointed. I’m not saying to avoid this restaurant because the food is actually pretty good. It has a home cooked taste & feel to it. But just be sure to check your to go orders before you leave and make sure to let them know if/when they mess up like this. Maybe they’ll take it to heart and let the employees know they need to do a better job. Overall, the food is good...when it’s fully cooked & they put it all in the bag for you. I’m not going to knock the entire place for one bad meal but tonight it was $27 plus tip down the drain!

So we have been here twice, both times were larger parties. First time was 3 adults and 3 toddlers, second time was 4 adults 3 toddlers. Food was fast and hot, runners were courteous and polite. Servers were both amazing. First time around, the meals were on point, I mean delicious. The blackberry stuffed French toast was insane, the Bigfoot insane, the orange juice HOLY COW, coffee was strong and portions were pretty big. Second time around the consistency of our eggs was a bit off, we’re a tad bit wet for my liking, but still ate them cuz they were good, my potatoes weren’t as crispy this time but the flavor was still on point, stuffed french toast was insane again, wife loved it. The chicken sausage was okay, apparently the eggs Benedict with chicken fried steak was outrageously good and my kids loved the happy bear/cub breakfast with the smiley face pancake. Place is great, service is always friendly. Food was basically the same both times, I’d say 8/10 our first time and a 7/10 the second time and that’s if I’m being picky. I and my family would 100 percent come back again and again. Glad to have it right by the house.

I’ve came in on various occasions and I would strongly recommend. Food is delicious and staff is great. Consuelo has been my waitress multiple times and she serves you with such joy. She makes sure to bring everything you need, many times before even having to ask. It’s always a pleasure to be served by Consuelo.

The always reliable Black Bear. Hubby got a burger, I got the taco salad. The taco salad was just unseasoned ground beef. If I'm in the area again I'll just order the cheeseburger salad.

Josefina here was such an amazing person. She helped with all our customization and was so genuinely nice person. I would definitely love to come here again. Please give her a raise. She is golden

I recently just went there I’m from Modesto and thought I should try the black bear from Merced and they did not disappoint at all!! Food was great and the service was amazing . Never met such nice servers/hosts . Definitely would be going there again

The Italian Sausage and eggs were good. Josephina, my waitress was very attentive. The kitchen was terrifically slow. THE B.B.D. was not slammed. I have been a Black Bear fan for years. I travel for a living and spend a lot of time in diners and restaurants in Texas, Florida, Arizona. WOW! What a price jump. I actually was startled. Paul's Place across town is easier on the wallet. Still like your food.

The last few visits I wasn't impress with my food. My food tasted like it sat for a few hours. The restaurant is really pretty inside and the waitress was friendly tho.

So on the way off of the grapevine, my family stopped for something to eat and since it's always good food. Well as expected everyone was left satisfied with our orders, but our waitress was Rosa. She was very attentive, friendly and her service was absolutely amazing! Not to mention she is gorgeous 🙃

If you're hungry then this is the place to go because the portions are bear sized! Lots of menu options and the staff was very pleasant and helpful. We got four different dishes and they were all good.

Second time here. Definitely coming back. Great menu. Lots of choices. More breakfast nummies than dinner but its all day breakfast dinner starts at 4PM.

We went on Christmas Eve and had a wonderful server who flawlessly handled a large table without missing a beat. The only issue was a very reduced menu with not much to offer for vegetarians or vegans but the server asked if I could make a plate out of ingredient offered in other meals. Really appreciated. All around this is a great place to eat and staff is always nice. Our go to place when we visit Merced.

Most items on the menu come in huge portions. You'd unlikely leaving the restaurant hungry. However, food quality isn't that great. In fact, if you dine at Black Bear, you'd have to abandon the thoughts of eating healthy food. For example, they offer ketchup with high fructose corn syrup here! The service is pretty good. Parking is good. Getting in and out of the parking lot can be a little tricky if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Waitress took down all of the instructions, but when the food came out, none of the instructions were followed. I rejected my burger. When it came back, the bun still had mayo on top and bottom, and just a drizzling of BBQ sauce (ordered NO mayo, and extra BBQ). Patty was dry and tasteless. The other burger was covered in everything, despite being ordered with just BBQ, onion rings and cheese. Daughter just scraped off what she didn't want, but only ate half and threw the rest away. $40+ for a burger lunch for two. Waste of time and money. This used to be a go to place when ever I was close to one. No more.

Good food, good service, cute place. I only wish they'd had a Black Bear Diner t-shirt for sale.

Tasty foods in a large portion. It could feed two person easily. our waitress, Kim was really nice, friendly and informative. great location and atmosphere. I always wanted to try BB diner but never had the opportunity to do it although it is next to my home. I’m happy stopped by at Merced.

Good atmosphere around the restaurant not that much of wait for food or to sit. Consuello was a great host! Great food good service my server was Janet. And the assistant manager David kept checking on me made sure I was taken care of. The double burger basket is on hit recommend this next time or any basket! And great dessert!!

I was definitely not impressed with the food. The biscuits were dry. The tri-tip overcooked. And the eggs Benedict were definitely overcooked. I do not like to send my food back but the waitress noticed that I was not eating my breakfast. She was so very kind and had my meal replaced without me asking. She also included a piece of their new pumpkin cheesecake which was absolutely delicious. I would not have gone back or even suggested anyone go there if it wasn't for the service that the waitress provided. I will definitely give it another try maybe they just had we off day. The pictures look great but the food in person was Different