Black Bear Diner Elk Grove

Black Bear Diner restaurants have enormous differences between locations, even in the same area. I remember I had very nice service at this Elk Grove location before. But my terrible experience in the Natomas Black Bear Diner stopped me from going to any Black Bear Diner for over a year until my friend wanna Black Bear Diner on the last Sunday. I went to the Black Bear Diner in Elk Grove, where I had a good experience, and I hope they're still good. I ordered a Denver Omelette for lunch because I love breakfast food. My omelet is excellent, and the amount is generous. My friend enjoyed his sandwich as well. The best part is that I received excellent and attentive service. Thank you, Black Bear Diner Elk Grove. I am confident I'll enjoy my meals at your location. I'm glad the good Black Bear Diner is in Elk Grove.

Black Bear Diner in Elk Grove never disappoints! The food is always delicious me and my husband always order our usual, the New York Steak and Eggs, and it’s cooked perfectly every time. What really makes this place special, though, are the servers. Rita, Luis, and Blanca always go above and beyond. They’re so welcoming, friendly, and attentive that it feels like we’re right at home whenever we’re here. Their service is consistently outstanding, and we truly appreciate the warmth they bring to every visit. This diner has become one of our favorite spots, and it’s because of both the great food and the amazing staff. Highly recommend!

This was my first time here and the food was amazing. I had the Joe's Hobo omelette with pancake, and a Arnold Palmer. They gave me so much food, I couldn't eat all of it, but I did eat most of my food.

I love the food here. Large portions. Very friendly. Best place for some comfort food. Update 6/25 Went here for lunch and was extremely disappointed . The food quality it deteriorating. The salmon was extra fishy smelling and white . Onion rings burnt until there was no onion, and my side of ranch was so thick with giant chuncks of bacon you couldn't dip in it. The best thing I can say is the server was nice.

Large portions, fresh food, and service are great. You can always count on black bear to get full, and I love that you get free breakfast as a member of their rewards club.

Very poor customer service. They have old menu prices that they use on the menus they give but choose not to honor the prices of the menus. When I brought it to the cashiers attention she said she could not honor the prices even though the menu we were given had 2025 printed on it and the cheaper prices. She said there was nothing she could do about prices and reiterated that she would not honor the price.

Come here for the food, not for the service. Maybe I should go and try other locations. The server was quite rude hence our experience here was terrible. We had questions about the menu but didnt want to listen, she kept asking how we want our eggs. Its a shame, we like Black Bear Diner.

The food was really good. We ordered Bob's Big 10oz Burger & Chicken Bacon Avacado Club

We were seated right away. Our server Monsei was very polite also attentive. We ordered the Vegetable Omelette and French Toast, scrambled eggs with bell peppers and onions including mild sausage patties. The food was served piping hot and flavored. We will be back.

Love coming here for a breakfast T- bone and eggs Staff is amazing and fast I always get the perfect pie recommendations and I never leave without 1 Shout out to the seniors menu a balanced meal options at a great price

Even though we pass by this place like thousands of times, today is the first time we actually try their food. We ordered take out online. The process is very smooth and easy. As I entered the store, I am like a kid amazed by the decors both outside and inside! And yes all those stuff animals! If I were a kid and had a birthday or special occasion, I will beg my parents to take me here! The young lady behind the counter is super nice and friendly! In case she is so nice she made my day and I felt as if I were living in the southern states! Superb service! She greeted me as I entered, ask for my name as I indicated I was here for the take out, and handed me my order with a cheerful greetings. The food is well packed and that brief interactions is just great! We ordered the burger, fish and chips with salad, and a slice of cake. Everything is well packed! The taste is average, and thus the four stars review. It might be because we went around 4 pm when the cook is not around or something. They are definitely eatable, but not wow. The meat in the burger is well done (we ordered medium). The fish and chips is seasoned well but not that awesome. We think maybe also because we got take out. If we dine in there it is probably better. The cole slaw is blend. The salad is crisp but the thousand island dressing is not good (but then they didn't make the dressing probably so not their fault). The fries, because we had it as takeout, could have been better. Lots of butter provided for the cornbread. No ketchup provided, which is actually fine for us as we have a very preference on a specific Portland branded organic ketchup (seriously best ketchup ever!). We think if they use paper boxes instead of plastics, it will definitely enhance the take out experience (those poor slice of lettuce under the fish). We looking forward to return and dine in for a better food experiences!

Fantastic service, great food, huge portions, and a welcoming environment for kids! Great place for breakfast! Our kids love coming here. I also highly recommend the dish in the photo. I forgot the name but it's new, has banana and caramel, and it tastes like amazing, moist French toast! Will definitely be back and would recommend for families!

Black Bear Diner is surprisingly good and consistently serves up solid meals. There's always a line out the door because everyone else knows they have reasonably priced meals, good portions, tasty dishes, and the service is great. We've had countless brunches at this location in Elk Grove and I've not been disappointed. It's a bit loud inside, the decor is kitchy with country/black bears everywhere, there's plenty of parking, and you'll leave with a satisfied smile. My favorite dishes are the basic brunch dishes (fried eggs, sausage) and their pancakes.

The Basket Bundles costs $11. It comes with a side and a drink. This month, we tried the ones on the menu by the door. My sister got a breakfast sandwich with corn, my dad got a cheeseburger, and I ordered a crispy chicken sandwich with fries. Also, we got the soda drink because it looks like the fast food restaurant's.

Wow! I still can't get over how big the portions are here! I came here for my free birthday meal and ordered the biscuits and gravy with sausages and scrambled eggs. My husband ordered the French toast with sausages and over easy eggs. Everything tasted good, but I have to say the biscuits were too dry and tasted like they were not made to order. I think next time I'll order the waffles instead. Other than that, staff were friendly, but understaffed. We waited long for the food to come out!

I usually don't do brunch but I have had breakfast and lunch at this diner and the one in Davis, CA when I used to work down there. They always do a great job on everything and their sausages were excellent!

Went here on a Saturday morning, and found out that they are celebrating their 30 year Black Bear Diner anniversary! Came here with my husband to celebrate his birthday. The atmosphere of the restaurant makes going here feel like a cozy experience. The food was absolutely delicious, and if you come here during your birthday month (sign up for the Rewards program online) you get a free Bears Choice breakfast! Our waitress Rita was so sweet and attentive, made the experience going here so lovely.

Went to order breakfast this morning and once again the chicken fried steak breakfast meals are not available to order online through their site or the delivery services.

Large portions, fresh food, and service are great. You can always count on black bear to get full, and I love that you get free breakfast as a member of their rewards club.

Great parking, greeted by a very friendly nice lady with big smile, good seating, immediate service, ordered Tuna melt and fries. Disappointed by food: Tuna smelled and tasted fishy, not fresh. Fries were probably precooked and reheated. meh.

Got the steak and eggs. Steak was average. Then eggs were good, country potatoes were just ok. The banana French toast was decent. My cousin got eggs and ham and they only gave him half a slice of ham for some reason. Overall an average breakfast spot.

Love the service and hospitality here! On the weekends, it can get packed from the weekend I was here. Came in for brunch and I adore the rustic camp-like feel of the restaurant. Such a great selection for brunch! I ordered my classic chicken and waffles and eggs Benedict. You gotta add their homemade hot sauces as each as their distinct flavors. I believe they mentioned their hot sauce mama bear, papa bear, and baby bear hot sauce can be sold. Too bad I had other errands, otherwise, I definitely wouldve bought it as a set. thanks Black Bear diner! I shall be back! :)

Another Bear diner we always stop at them. Love the oldies music.. from start to finish great service. Rita was right with us asking for our drink order a little conversation to see how we are how our day was going.... Place was clean. We ordered corn beef hash Rita came out to tell us they were already out and promptly took another order. The sausage patty was really good not overly spiced. The biscuit and gravy are to best fluffy biscuits with the gravy hot and tasted great. Great experience.

Service was fast and quick ! Even though this place is always mostly packed . Lots of options to choose from the menu and the food is overall good compared to other chain restaurants. Cute decorations on the inside and nice restaurant to take the kids , family friendly

A Fox got the Chicken Fried Steak today I ordered the make a choice of biscuits and grave with thick bacon and eggs. It was good but I am looking forward to trying The Grizz next time They was very packed with people but everything seemed to flow very smoothly and everything was clean and orderly Our waitress name is Bailey and was very helpful and friendly

Absolutely terrible experience. The service was unbelievably slow--even though the place wasn't busy at all. It was just me, my husband, and our baby, and we waited over an hour for our food while other tables who arrived after us were served before us. Our waitress barely checked in on us the entire time and didn't even look our way. It felt like we were completely ignored. This was one of the worst dining experiences we've ever had, and I would never, ever come back here again.

My friend and I came to Black Bear Diner after work to redeem our free Bear Choice rewards from signing up to become their e club member. It gives you the option to pick two eggs cooked your way, 2 pancakes or waffle, and 2 slices of bacon or 2 sausage link. We both got pancakes, over easy eggs, and she got bacon and I got sausage so we could try both. I haven't had black bear in years but I alway remembered how gigantic their pancakes were. They gave us two FAT pancakes, they were delicious. I didn't love that they had a piece of lettuce underneath it because my pancake absorbed a slight lettuce taste. Other than that, I loved the pancakes! They were so fluffy. The eggs were cooked perfectly! The sausage and bacon was also scrumptious. I usually am more of a sausage girl than bacon, but their bacon was a killer. I would come back and try their other breakfast goodies! I love breakfast for dinner and Black Bear Diner was really yummy!

Service is always great and the food even better. My favorite dish will have to be the new Caesar Salad with chicken. Love the fact that they have a gift shop, just needs to get re-stocked. My visit was Sunday and when I walked in we were greated right away, waited about 20 minutes to get sat because of how busy it was.

Great service and nice outdoor patio! Food was great (I had the pumpkin pancakes - their traditional pancakes with pumpkin sauce and whipped cream - my husband had the chicken fried steak, eggs and a biscuit - good sized portions and everything tasted good). Coffee was also very good! Prices were higher than last time (although we haven't been to a Black Bear Diner in years).

The LARGEST serving of food on a plate !!! I've NEVER been to a diner that serves as much food on a plate as Big Bear Diner. I am visiting the Sacramento area and decided to visit this restaurant since a diner always has something for everyone! We dined in around 2:30pm during a midweek. Some of us ordered breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees. To me, each plate is equivalent to 2 meals. YES, that is exactly how much food we each received! LOTS! The assistant manger was surprised at our amazement . I ordered a veggie omelette, very filling. I do prefer the veggies to be more cooked, less raw. It was too crunchy. Same with the hash brown, bc although the potatoes were shredded, it needed longer cooking time since these are wider shreds (1/4", as oppose to the traditional 1/8".) My mom ordered a taco salad. I am NOT joking, their taco bowl was like a taco bucket! HUGE! The kitchen kindly gave my mom extra salsa and dressing, which is much needed with the portion of food! Side note, even their biscuit is the size of a softball. Normally biscuits are the size of a baseball. We had a great experience, and customer service is TOP notch! We automatically got extra napkin replenishments and water refills. Definitely check out this restaurant when you are extra hungry, or pack the leftovers to go! They do not disappoint!

We went for the pancakes and they were so worth it. The service was quick even though they were busy and everything was cooked perfectly. The cute diner gives a mountain diner feel it was very cozy.

I met my friend at this restaurant for breakfast this morning. We had a great time. The food was pretty good. Their serving sizes were great and they didn't pressure us to leave as we sat and chatted for a little bit after our meal. Everyone was friendly. They gave us really nice sized to go bags along with quality to go containers. We definitely will meet there for breakfast or brunch again soon.

Obviously this is a casual diner chain with pretty average expectations. Somehow they failed to meet them. I waited extremely long for an order of pancakes bacon and eggs. The portions were surprisingly small for an $18 meal. Waitress was busy and did her job, but not exactly nice. Then I witnessed the manager, a dude in his 50s, treat his hostess rudely. When I went to check out, a party on the patio was pleading with the poor hostess for somebody to serve them. Maybe this spot was just having an off day, but I will not be returning.

Came here for brunch with my mom. Typical lunch food. Feels cozy inside. Cute bears in the front you can purchase.

My in laws invited us here for breakfast and it was our first time. It's not a restaurant that I would necessarily select to eat at often, but the breakfast food was good and the service was actually pretty excellent. My favorite bites were the sweet cream pancakes and the blackberry cobbler!! We went on Christmas morning and got sat quickly. The staff were in Christmas sweaters and that festive-ness made me happy. It was a full house and all of the families looked happy and I would return to this location for breakfast. The blackberry cobbler was divine! We tried that one at the restaurant and took an apple one home!

Restaurant was clean with unique decor. Waitress was courteous and very attentive to us. The sweet cream waffle we ordered was amazing, but the shasta veggie scrambled I ordered to me tasted bland. The scramble came with hash browns that were crunchy on the outside but soft in the middle. I would definitely order them again.

We came in on a Thursday for brunch. I haven't been here since before Covid happens so it's been many years. The food is basic. My kids loved their cub meals. Decent price and portion of the food is a lot. I would come back again

First time here and the atmosphere is great. Friendly people and worker. Good size burger for the price. Comfort food. You can order anything on the menu no matter what time of day. Burger is juicy and full filling. I would come back here again with family and friends.

Party of 8 Nephews Promotion on Thursday 5-22-25 my Nephew's pick was Black Bear Diner in Elk Grove we got there around 10am just ahead of the rush. Even though we beat the rush we still waited at least 15 minutes for our meals. I had the bruces meat lovers 3 egg omelet with fries my meal was horrible from cold fries to the generic tasting omelet with some sausage sprinkled on the inside and bacon and ham sprinkled on the outside, lets not forget the dry un melted cheese sprinkled on top. My Wife got the California omelet which was just as also horrible and the red potatoes had this horrible seasoning that left a horrible after taste. My 89 year old Father in law got just 2 pancakes and they were hard as rocks almost broke the few teeth he has left. We did not complain at the time, who knows how long it would have took to remake the food with the rush being in full swing. We had already waited 15 plus minutes just to get the food initially . Our bill was around 160 ish food was so disgusting we only left a 20 dollar cash tip. I had a stomach ache all day yesterday after eating at Black Bear Diner Elk Grove. consumer beware..

We went for breakfast at about 10 on a Friday morning and our party of 5 was seated in a few minutes. I was expecting a long wait. We were so excited to bring my brother here. He was surprised by the serving sizes. I shared half of my biscuit with my brother and tried to share some corned beef but he could only eat half of his own plate. I'll be back.

My first time here with my s/o was nice. The sweet cakes are actually pretty sweet. I needed water to drink it with but it was delicious nonetheless. I'm also super picky with my bacon and they did great. The lady that served us was really sweet and I loved all the little bear stuff inside to match the theme. Super cute.

The service was great. There was no wait when we dined in on Thursday evening. The waiter made sure all of our needs were met. He was kind and considerate. He asked how we liked the food and if we needed anything. The atmosphere was quiet and only a few people were there. There's space for two people or enough for a group. I ordered the shrimp and Cod plate with broccoli and grits. Hubby ordered the tri-tip plate with a baked potato and salad. Our son ordered the kids pancakes. The food was pretty good. It said creamy grits but they were a bit watery.

After church hubby and I went to Black Bear dinner for brunch I ordered chicken fried steak and hubby ordered Volcano , everything taste good the service was efficient, and our waitress she's very nice , the only think we didn't like , they seated us next to the door on the way to patio and the waitress and waiter are in and out it slammed and makes our chair uncomfortable from bumping , they should fix the hydraulic arm so it would closed slowly not slamming and makes it so uncomfortable.

My favorite spot for breakfast any day of the week. I usually order the tri tip deluxe while my wife gets the Grizz. This location is always on point with their service. Totally a diner vibe. Great for small and large groups. See you soon!

Tried calling all night to order Ang no one picks up. Called both numbers on yelp and website and nothing. Bummed

Awesome service! Very clean dining for gatherings. Kids loved garlic bread on fettuccine kids menu. Everything was not as bad

First time trying Black Bear Diner and, errr, got a pretty bad food impression from it. Ordered the blackened pesto salmon. Grittiest pesto sauce that I've tried (very unappetizing appearance as well) and the bland salmon was so freezer burned that it looked just like chicken. The accompanying red-skinned mashed potatoes was alright (smooth but tasted kinda overly milky) and the broccoli was straightforward steamed broccoli (was supposed to be pesto broccoli but I was super glad that it was served plain lol). The creamy vanilla cold brew that I also ordered was pretty much like a melted Starbucks Frappuccino where it was 15% coffee and the rest creamer/milk. I was looking for something stronger but it was still a little better than the food monstrosity. Other folks in my party got the tuna chef salad, Reuben, and chili cheddar cheeseburger. No remarks about them besides the fact that the salad dressing for the tuna chef salad was missing (ordered via online takeout). Ehhh I can kinda sorta see how this could be a go-to diner spot in EG (themed decor and food portions are bigger than at most restaurants). Just stay away from the salmon!!

Food was great, service was wonderful, server was attentive, friendly and exceptional, and food was good, and atmosphere was refreshing, well lit and clean every time kids and i went there. Thank you.

First time eating here 2 weeks ago. Took a group of Seniors. Staff was all friendly, patient, and accommodating. A fun forest lodge vibe. Seems I can't get out of any restaurant paying less than $25. Even before tip. They being said, portions are generous, so a plate could be shared. Sign up for the Bear Club and receive a free breakfast and meal during your birthday month. An overall good experience. We will be back! Be sure to tip generously, even with take out,someone has to get your order together. Enjoy!

Visited this location while visiting my family in Dec. There were about 14 of us at around 7pm and they accommodated us nicely. The servers were very kind and helpful, got all our orders out quickly and correct. My daughter and I shared the turkey, club with avocado and it came with fries! We both enjoyed it, it was a large portion. Next time I'd like to try dessert. Overall a good experience and I would go back!

When we lived in Reno, we stumbled upon Black Bear Diner and have loved it ever since. As a special needs mom, I appreciate a restaurant that is family-friendly. Black Bear Diner is just that. Perfect for families, dates, and people of all ages. When we moved to Elk Grove, I was excited to hear we have a location here! The restaurant is always clean and welcoming. The tables are clean and even the bathrooms are well maintained. We have eaten here a few times and the food is always so delicious and great portion sizes! Black Bear Diner has paper menus that look like a newspaper. Kids are given a child's menu and a small box of crayons. One year, we even had Thanksgiving dinner at Black Bear Diner! So yum! They were busy but efficient! The staff were doing their part taking care of their guests! Everyone was pitching in to help! My most recent visit was on a date! The atmosphere was nice, casual, and relaxed. We were able to have a conversation in a laid back setting.

I came here for breakfast. The food was pretty basic. A good place to come with family. Elk Grove doesn't have many options for breakfast so this is a good option.

Great good, huge portions and wait staff was fantastic . Prices very reasonable especially considering the large portions. Had an omelette , potatoes and toast. All were yummy

I've eaten at black bear diner at the Arden location and it was good so I decided to go this location in Elk Grove because it's closer to me. I was seated quickly, the services were good but the food not. I order the Chicken Sausage Scramble with a side of potatoes. I ordered this exact meal at the Arden location before so I know what it's SUPPOSED to taste like. When I got the food, the eggs looked discolored, lumpy, & greasy looking. It was a scary sight. I was scared to eat it but figured they must have overcooked it a little, causing the lumpy discolored eggs to appear that way. The chicken sausage looked fine but tasted horrible. It tasted like it had been left out of the fridge or expired. I couldn't continue eating it. The potatoes were partially burnt on some sides & I drenched in ketchup. I will never return to this location. Great waitress & host though.

I love coming to this Black Bear Diner. It's right off the 99 frwy. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. Seriously the portions are humongous so I'm usually prepared with the to-go containers, even before I start eating. I ordered the eggs Benedict one time and another time, grits which is a childhood favorite for me. I went on an evening when I didn't want to cook and selected the Chicken Fried Steak , It was delish ! They dredged it with the sauce that you put on biscuits and gravy. On the side I had green beans and mashed potatoes. Its definitely affordable and portions are sizable.

1/15/25 9am Greeter was prompt and happy :) He put up with me asking for different tables lol Breakfast was great and was exactly as i requested. The best part was server Alia, she was prompt, sweet, happy, took that slight pause that lets you know they are really listening....thanks Alia, when things cost so much these days...having great customer service makes all the difference!

Ordered Bobs big burger and was not cooked to my request and did not have 1000 island dressing in it and very little mayo and fries were not fresh fries and did not taste good 2nd Bobs big burger did not have 1000 island dressing and very little mayo in burger and did not get fries with burger and waitress was not around to let her know the problem with food and waited 8mins for another waitress to help. Had to get a near by waitress to help and said "you want me to bring out some 1000 island dress for your burger ? And in an awkward tone "did you want me to redo your burger instead ? After reviewing of receipt a 3rd salad was added to our order, which was not ordered and never received. However, did get a verbal refund from manager/ waitress, will have to monitor credit card statement for refund credit , inconvenient. We usually eat at black bear diner because of food quality but not today and will not go or eat at Elk Grove black bear diner.