“Mt. Shasta” (oil painting by Eleanor Ames, 1967)

Are you looking for yummy home-style cooking in a friendly atmosphere? Well, look no further than Black Bear Diner. Are you familiar with Black Bear Diner? If not, there’s a good chance one will be coming soon to your neighborhood. Black Bear Diner offers good food and generous portions at reasonable prices in a warm and hospitable setting.

Black Bear Diner started in Mt. Shasta, California in 1995. Through the years additional locations have been added and today there are more than 70 locations in eight states (California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado). In southern California there are five locations so far, including one in Buena Park not too far from Knott’s Berry Farm. According to the official Black Bear Diner website, it looks like more southern California locations will be opening in 2016.

So what can you expect when you visit a Black Bear Diner? Large portions and delicious food, plus breakfast served all day. The menu is inside a custom newspaper which is personalized for the diner’s location. The front and back pages highlight news stories from different time periods. We have visited the Buena Park location a few times and here are some of the menu options we’ve tried.

One of our favorites on the menu is the Sweet Cream Waffle.

Photo credit: Krista

On a recent visit I tried the Fit & Focused Tuna Chef Salad and it was quite tasty.

Photo credit: Krista

If you’re dining with children, they get their own newspaper titled “The Beary Tale Times” with the L’il Cubs menu on the front and stories, word searches, mazes, and other puzzles located inside and on the back. This newspaper and little pack of 4 crayons keeps even the smallest cubs entertained. We didn’t realize at first, but all cubs’ meals ordered after 11:00 a.m. receive a free kid size scoop of ice cream with toppings. One of the ice cream flavors is huckleberry which is what our grandson ordered and it was yummy!

Huckleberry Ice Cream = Yummy! |Photo Credit: Krista

Each Black Bear Diner is decorated with drawings and artwork of black bears and hand-crafted wood carvings of black bears. A small gift shop with bear-related items is located in the front of the restaurant. In addition to a Bear Lovers e-Club, if you’re interested in traveling and trying out the different Black Bear Diner locations, be sure to also sign up for the Passport Program.

Buena Park, California location of Black Bear Diner | Photo credits: Krista

I first learned about Black Bear Diner from my Mom who grew up in Mt. Shasta. Over 20 years ago, Black Bear Diner was started by Bruce Dean (a.k.a. “Sugar Bear”) and Bob Manley (a.k.a. “Papa Bear”). It turns out that Bob Manley and my Mom (Carol Ames, Class of 1961) attended Mt. Shasta High School at the same time. One of my Mom’s teachers for geometry was Papa Bear’s father (also Bob Manley) and Papa Bear’s mother (Sinobia Manley) was my Mom’s piano teacher. In addition to Buena Park, I’ve visited the Mt. Shasta and Gilroy locations and am excited that more locations are opening all the time.

Mt. Shasta, California – The Original Black Bear Diner | Photo credit: Carol Ames

If there’s a Black Bear Diner near you and you haven’t visited yet, I suggest you try the home-style food soon. If you’re looking for a business opportunity, consider franchising a Black Bear Diner and helping them grow.

In our experience, every visit to a Black Bear Diner has been yummy and is one of our favorite gathering places with friends and family. As its website says: “Come Hungry, Leave Satisfied”. It’s time to visit Black Bear Diner and feed your inner bear.

Do you have a Black Bear Diner in your neighborhood? What are some of your favorite offerings on the menu?

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”