Why Locals Love Black Bear Diner Tempe
Nestled in the heart of Tempe, Black Bear Diner Tempe is a warm and welcoming American restaurant specializing in hearty breakfast and classic family-style meals. Perfectly suited for families and friends seeking a comforting dining experience, this beloved spot offers a nostalgic ambiance that pairs wonderfully with generous portions of delicious, home-cooked favorites.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the friendly buzz of a bustling diner where the aroma of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee fills the air. The menu shines with a variety of satisfying options that celebrate classic American cuisine with a delightful twist. Breakfast lovers will be tempted by the Cubs Sprinkle Cakes, fluffy sweet cream pancakes dotted with vibrant rainbow sprinkles and crowned with light whipped cream — a playful sunrise treat especially adored by the little ones. For those looking for a hearty start, the Cubs Mini Volcano delivers a perfect eruption of flavors with two pancakes, a freshly cooked egg, crispy bacon, and a savory sausage link.
Chocolate chip pancake enthusiasts will find joy in the Cubs Chocolate Chip Pancakes, where melted chocolate chips infuse every bite, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream to add an indulgent finish. Beyond breakfast, Black Bear Diner shines with its full-course dinners available after 4 p.m., like the perfectly roasted 8 oz turkey breast served alongside creamy red-skinned mashed potatoes, rich turkey gravy, seasonal vegetables, and tangy cranberry sauce. For meat lovers, the Santa Maria TriTip Dinner stands out as a juicy 10 oz marinated tri-tip seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, cracked black pepper, salt, and fresh parsley — a sophisticated yet comforting plate that transports your taste buds straight to California’s iconic grill tradition.
Complement your meals with a tempting selection of sides and extras — from crispy golden French fries and sweet potato fries to classic cornbread muffins and fresh Caesar salads. Whether you crave the crunch of onion rings paired with fries or the comforting warmth of mashed potatoes topped with savory gravy, Black Bear Diner covers all your comfort food cravings with excellence.
The dining atmosphere is infused with a charming bear-themed decor and a family-friendly vibe that makes every visit feel like coming home. Guests frequently praise the attentive, warm service; many have noted how servers like Ashley bring personality and care that turns a simple meal into a memorable experience. While some patrons mention that desserts like the bread pudding could be refined, the hearty portions and thoughtfully prepared mains consistently win over diners. The buzz of happy families, the laughter of children, and the inviting scent of fresh meals combine to create an uplifting environment for both casual and special occasions.
Overall, Black Bear Diner Tempe is more than just a place to eat — it’s a comforting embrace of classic American flavors, generous hospitality, and a homestyle atmosphere that makes every visit worth savoring. Whether it’s a big breakfast to start your day, a cozy family dinner to unwind, or a simple treat that hits the spot, this diner truly lives up to its reputation as a local favorite.
Black Bear Diner Tempe
7700 S Priest Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284
Phone: +1 480-719-4520
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Feb 15, 2026
Our server was super nice, attentive. Made great suggestions. Made sure our drinks were full. I was really looking forward to the bread pudding but it had way too many raisins. Making it not like "bread" pudding. Pot Roast was amazing but wished dessert was better. Brought home as to go because we were full but I ended up throwing away. :(
- Feb 11, 2026
Shame on me for not visiting sooner. I live 5 minutes away and I never thought of going here for breakfast!! They don’t advertise in the neighborhood like IHop and Danny’s, so it just never came to mind. I was shocked when I showed up and the entire dining room was full!! It was Sunday at 10:00am! I waited 10 minutes to be seated, which was acceptable. The food took a bit long (almost 20 minutes) to come to our table, but my cinnamon French toast was worth the wait. The menu has overwhelmed amount of items, but that’s why they are so successful!! No advertising and still packed! 10/10!
- Feb 5, 2026
My wife and I have been to a lot of the black restaurants. Mainly Arizona, California, Oregon! . This food was excellent like always Proportion's were over the hill like our waitress! She was super. She made sure my order came exactly the way I asked. Cannot Thank Ashley enough, she had a great personality…
- Jan 24, 2026
Great place for breakfast, me and a buddy had good service, and fantastic meal. I will return.
- Dec 23, 2025
Fun atmosphere! If you love a great breakfast and bears, this is your place. Hands down the best home-fried potatoes I've ever had. So delicious. The waffle was superb. Such a yummy flavor to it. The service was acceptable but nothing over the top. This is a great place to bring the kids and the whole family. Take a walk around and check the other areas too. Great coffee and the offer flavored creamer too.
- Dec 18, 2025
Enormous servings of superb traditional breakfast items for two of and the third got a taco salad that required a second platter for the sour cream and salsa dishes. My Southern Scramble started with a tender biscuit topped with sausage patties and scrambled eggs then smothered in sausage gravy. As if that was not enough, there is a choice of potatoes. I got the "country" style and the redskin spud chunks were cooked tender and seasoned perfectly. (I truly hate to leave great food on the plate, but I'm not sure even younger me could have plowed through this meal. The theory seems to be that if you leave hungry, you probably just ordered toadt.
- Dec 18, 2025
This was a wonderful experience, start to finish. I'm in town for the week and was looking for something outside of the traditional chain restaurants. Black Bear Diner fits the bill to a T. The atmosphere is wonderful. I was greeted as soon as I came in, and was immediately struck by the decor. It's very comfortable and there's lots to look at. My server was pleasant, and quick with recommendations. I ended up going with the chicken fried steak, a weakness of mine. I got the side salad for a starter, and when I asked for ranch I was told they make theirs with bacon and onion, and was that ok with me? Can confirm: totally worth it. That was delicious, and set the tone for the rest of the meal. Everything was great, I couldn't have asked for better. I'll be back, for sure!
- Dec 6, 2025
Food, portion and price is wonderful. Breakfast is so yummy, their blueberry pancakes are soo good as well as their eggs and omelets. Everything is yummy, it won't disappoint.
