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Black Bear Diner San Rafael

4.4

About this business

In 1995 founders Bruce Dean and Bob & Laurie Manley opened the first Black Bear Diner in Mt. Shasta, CA. Their mission was simple: create a fun and friendly atmosphere where the local community could enjoy huge portions of home-style cooking at a reasonable price. Today, we continue their mission at every Black Bear Diner across the country, as we passionately provide guests an outstanding experience. Our menu offers comfort food classics, and our entire menu is offered all day long. Whether you are craving pancakes at 8 pm ... read more

Location details

490 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, CA, 94903, United States

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WeekdayScheduleStatus
Mon6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tue6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wed6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thu6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Fri6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sat6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sun6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
4.42,443 reviews
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Bertrand L.'s profile image
Bertrand L. 
rating
2 years ago

We took a chance on BBD since we've had it in other areas of the west, and had reasonable food and service. However, there was an anticipatory dread based on the previous reviews, so we had set our expectations accordingly. In fact, we did not have any of the issues that have been stated by others - fairly prompt service, food of good quality - the waffle, side of bacon, hot sausage two egg meal, avocado toast - all done reasonably well and promptly. While it might have been that we were just lucky, I have to say I was im... read more

Secret C.'s profile image
Secret C. 
rating
2 years ago

Surprisingly difficult to find, because the word café is not synonymous with the word diner. If you ask for breakfast cafés near me, the black bear diner will not be in the results. That's a shame, blackbear diner has a lot of good food. And if you don't know what to try, check out the Bruce's Meat lovers omelette. Very tasty. Also, try their three namesake sauces in bottles. The Papa Bear sauce is the hottest. After your mail, if you still have room, try one of their pies. Delicious! 

Mike F.'s profile image
Mike F. 
rating
3 years ago

Cant go wrong here I sampled breakfast lunch and dinner food was consistently delicious. Home made corned beef was super good, pancakes were lite a fluffy waffles great bacon and ham off the bone. Probably one of the best burgers I've eaten and I'm from Chicago. This is part of a large western states franchise chain I never heard of them but I wish I had one near north side suburbs of Chicago and if this is its representative they have my vote. SKOKIE Mike 

Kevin L.'s profile image
Kevin L. 
rating
3 years ago

Reuben, manager training a young kid and teaching us Spanish and actually thanked us for speaking Spanish. Why an awesome guy. We gonna be back to try another dish on their huge menu. 2nd time here and it just got better over all. Suburbs and chain restaurants, all good baeby baebe! 

Christine R.'s profile image
Christine R. 
rating
3 years ago

This place has the jolliest bunch of servers & kitchen staff...no RBF's here. With the pandemic, there are RBF's everywhere these days, even with masks on lol. Food is always consistent with hearty portions. There's a section for lighter meals as well. BBD is also reliable during the Holidays, as they are open. They serve wine, beer and mimosas. Peppermint hot chocolate this time of year is delightful. Can't go wrong with BBD, there's something for everyone. 'Til we meet again ~ cheers & see you on Yelp (SYOY)! 

Mary S.'s profile image
Mary S. 
rating
3 years ago

This is a very traditional restaurant with a huge menu and very large servings. Service is good given the difficulty of getting help just now (COVID). Food is on par with similar restaurants. 

Isadora F.'s profile image
Isadora F. 
rating
4 years ago

The reason I come to eat at black bear diner is because theres a really handsome server named Nick who serves the best pancakes ever. I love him 

Sanna N.'s profile image
Sanna N. 
rating
4 years ago

Lupita is absolutely AMAZING! She was so attentive, kind, caring, and sweet. I will definitely be coming back to because of the amazing staff, service, and food! 

Jacqueline A.'s profile image
Jacqueline A. 
rating
4 years ago

Love the price for the portion sizes. The chicken fried steak was good but a little too salty for my taste and too much gravy for my husband ( I appreciated the amount of gravy ). Will try again when I'm craving a guilty pleasure kind of meal. 

Frequently asked questions about Black Bear Diner San Rafael

How is Black Bear Diner San Rafael rated?

Black Bear Diner San Rafael has a 4.4 star rating with 2,443 reviews. 

When is Black Bear Diner San Rafael open?

Black Bear Diner San Rafael is open now. It will close at 10:00 p.m.