I recently had the pleasure of eating at Black Bear Diner, and I truly appreciate their impressive range of menu choices. As someone who enjoys a good culinary adventure, their eclectic mix meant I could pick and choose to my heart's content. This spot is particularly adept at putting together great dishes for kids (or should I say cubs), making it an ideal place for families with even the fussiest eaters. My little niece, for instance, is a tough one to please, but even she couldn't resist their Mini Corn Dogs!
One of the most appealing aspects of Black Bear Diner is its accessibility. Need a hearty breakfast? They've got you covered. Hectic day at work and can't be bothered to cook dinner? It's the perfect spot to grab a comforting meal. Fancy a mid-day snack? Pop in and grab whatever your heart desires.
I found the history of Black Bear Diner quite captivating. It began in 1995 as a labor of love by founders Bruce Dean and Bob Manley with a humble aspiration - to offer affordable, delectable home cooking to their close-knit community in Mount Shasta, CA. True story: the diner became so popular that people would drive 50, 60, even 100 miles for their famed steak and eggs! Fast forward 27 years and Black Bear Diner has evolved into a franchise of 143 restaurants, that's quite the bear hug from the public, wouldn't you say?
If you're as intrigued as I am with this foodie gem and are pondering opening a Black Bear Diner franchise yourself, feel free to explore further by clicking here.
Where Did I Find the Nearest Black Bear Diner?
Initially a west coast phenomenon, Black Bear Diner's massive growth has led to 143 locations sprawled across to the east coast, reaching as far as Missouri and Arkansas. It's a tad sad to note that there are currently no plans to expand overseas. Who knows, I might just be eating my words here in a couple of decades as they continue to expand! Here's a handy link to help find the nearest Black Bear Diner location for you: Click Here.
Why Black Bear Diner Stole My Heart?
Aside from the bear-y cute theming, what sets Black Bear Diner apart is its absolute dedication to freshness. I've heard plenty of diners claim they serve fresh food, but Black Bear essentially redefines the term. They take the farm-to-table concept seriously—whipping up everything from scratch in-house. Freshly cut fries, homemade sauces, self-crafted pickles, bespoke spice-blends, even home-churned ice cream! I mean, who does that? Knowing their commitment to switching completely to free-range eggs by 2024 gives me a glimpse into their ethos, and I love it.
What About the Little Ones and the Veggie Lovers?
Absolute thumbs-up! Featuring a fantastic kid’s menu that they adorably call the 'cubs menu', they offer everything from low-calorie egg scrambles to Papa Bear's Cheese Pizza, customized for the tiny tummies. Now if you are a vegetarian or vegan like my sister Jenny, do not fret - there are more than enough mouth-watering options from scrumptious oats to succulent veggie burgers.
Breakfast All Day, Every Day?
Why confine the joy of breakfast to mornings when you can enjoy a plate of crisp bacon, hash browns, and eggs anytime? Appeasing your inner bear with an all-day breakfast is a fantastic feature of Black Bear Diner. They serve breakfast from 6 in the morning till 10 at night—7 days a week. Because, honestly, when isn't a good time for breakfast?
Do They Serve Alcohol?
Yes, indeed! A family restaurant it may be, but they sure know how to serve an array of chilled beers, fine wines, and other selective alcoholic beverages. The selection, though, varies from location to location, so do check the menu at your local spot. Oh, and they make their own delicious non-alcoholic drinks too!
My Black Bear Diner Experience: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive variety of menu items
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
- All-day breakfast service
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Homemade ice cream and sauces
- Serve alcohol
Cons:
- Not available outside continental USA
- Limited beer and wine selection
- No home delivery as yet