Gluten-Free at Black Bear Diner

Dropped by for dinner while on a road trip and our waitress seemed irritated that I was asking questions regarding ingredients in a marinated chicken breast as I considered an avocado chicken sandwich on a gluten free bun in which they offered (which is not on the menu but which the waitress told me about). There are breakfast options, burgers and sandwiches that can be made on a gluten free bun and one salad dressing that’s gluten free (gluten free balsamic) which is labeled. They do not have an allergen menu available nor could I find any information online. I’m not celiac so I ate some hash browns and fruit but for those who have celiac or who are reactive please be careful. I’ll have to wait a few hours to see if I have a reaction.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

My husband and I had breakfast here four days ago. I explained my allergy to the waitress, who didn’t seem like she’d been trained on these issues but was willing enough to talk to the kitchen for me. I had an omelet and hash browns, with the omelet being excellent and the hash browns just average. Great iced tea and excellent, attentive service. I can’t speak for anything but their breakfast menu, but we enjoyed our meal, and I had absolutely no reaction.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch

Sat down and got the menu. They did not have any GF options marked. When the waitress came to the table, I asked her if they had a list of gluten free foods and her reply was that they didn’t have anything gluten free except potatoes. She was very rude and unwilling to help navigate the menu. With the orange juice sitting on the table. We got up and walked out. I would not eat at this black bear. I’ve had much better experiences at other locations

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Before I had to cut gluten, my husband and I would eat here a good bit. I love their salmon, and he loves their pancakes and breakfast options.

The gluten-free options are buns for the burgers and balsamic vinaigrette. To err on the safe side, I ordered the pesto salmon with green beans, mashed potatoes (no gravy), and the balsamic vinaigrette dressing for my salad (GF indicated on the menu). They brought the cornbread on a separate plate, and my husband ate it (the waitress said they did not have a GF roll as an option). All of the burgers have a GF bun option for $1. Our dinner tasted excellent (as always). I wouldn’t mind coming back for a burger sometime.

As far as breakfast items go, I wouldn’t feel confident dining here. My takeaway from this restaurant is they aren’t as cautious with cross-contamination in regard to gluten.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contamination?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers online ordering

My wife has celiac and is very sensitive. There is one item on the menu that's gluten free and server was not helpful at all. My wife had omelette and it was nothing to write home about. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars as because she did not get sick at all from this. We were both really surprised by it.

Celiac friendly?

No

A lot of things are meat and eggs there are sandwiches that have a bun but you can remove it. Many other options that taste great.

Good restraint with gluten free food. YOU just need to know if the thing has bread or can ask. You can easily determine what would be gluten free just by reading the menu.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I’d give them zero stars if I could. They show on their website that they have GF buns and 2 GF desserts. Went with a group of 6 people today, 2 of us are GF. When we asked the hostess she said they don’t have GF food just a bun. We thought it was odd but sat down anyway. Waitress tells us it’s not a GF restaurant and the only thing GF was the bun for a hamburger but that the hamburgers weren’t GF. We asked some additional questions about breakfast tacos and eggs. Waitress went to the back and asked someone and would come back with vague answers. The manager never came to our table to talk to us. We left without ordering anything. I would def avoid this place.

Celiac friendly?

No

Though the lack of favorites is discouraging, I'm always left satisfied. Flourless lava cake was my favorite treat growing up; had no idea it was GF until I was diagnosed.

While I was in town visiting family they took us to this restaurant. They do not offer a GF menu. The waiter was not GF knowledgeable, so I had to ask ALOT of questions and was very specific in my ordering. I ordered the veggie omelet because it is made in a pan that never has flour near it according to the waiter. I also ordered the grits without bacon or cheese. The food was ok, have had better but I did not get cross contaminated. I wouldn’t make this a regular stop but was pleased with the service.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Called ahead and talked to them. Was told they where knowledgeable about GF. I was told they had lots of options. Food came out looking safe..... didn’t even make it 15 min from the restaurant and I had 2 VERY sick kids!! Worst cross contamination we have ever had!! Never going back!!!

Celiac friendly?

No

The omelettes are safe to eat but way over priced for not very great food. Hash browns/red potato sides not safe. Best part of the meal was the 5$ cup of orange juice...

The staff were not too knowledgeable about the menu. There were the option of gluten free buns for lunch, but no options for breakfast.

Portions were big but they didn't have a gf menu when I asked. Seemed to think I was speaking an alien language. I ended up getting a salad for safety sake. Definitely nowhere I'd choose to go again.

On the menu (which is giant) there’s only gluten free buns and gluten free dressing listed. The waitress didn’t know much about gluten but after talking to the chef, she promised that most of the breakfast was safe. I had the ham and cheese omelette with fruit and was fine. The portions were huge. There’s also apparently a gluten free lava cake and brownie. If the wait staff was more knowledgeable I’m sure there would be many more options, I just didn’t want to risk it.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The burgers are very good. Love the bun. not sure if it is celiac safe though.

They said they have bread,but all they have is bun for burgers,too disappoint.i don5 even know why they are in the glut free app.

They characterize themselves as gluten friendly. I had the protein burger, which wasn't very exciting, no condiments so i had to ask for mustard. The lettuce wrap was one piece of wimpy lettuce so i ended up eating it with a knife and fork. They do have a gf bun option for a dollar extra. The fryers are not dedicated.

Celiac friendly?

No

They say they are gluten sensitive. All their food is gluten cross contaminated. They cooked my eggs in a separate pan and I still got sick. I couldn't order anything but eggs and the fruit bowl. No meats or anything else.

Celiac friendly?

No

Their gluten free buns are really good and not too much of an additional charge (I believe it's $0.75). There's a fairly large selection of burgers and sandwiches you could substitute the bun for, but really that's your only option. Overall, very limited gluten free menu.

GF was not clearly marked but was stated after I asked about it. That said my sandwich was tasty. Service was ok

The French Fries are gluten free and they offer gluten free buns.

They've came a long way! I tried an omelette (w/o milk or cheese as I don't do dairy). As soon as the order hit the kitchen, the manager came out and greeted me. He explained to me how the food was prepared and protected from cross contamination by using separate pans and utensils. I was impressed. He again came out with my safe food. Restaurant is focused on creating safe conditions for those with gluten allergies and celiac disease. He also said that most foods are made fresh and you can customize what you want. I'm doing four stars because they don't have a plethora of naturally gluten-free products, but there are possibilities!

They have gluten free buns ! The buns are the Udi brand and they are so so good . Also their dressings are listed as GF or not . They also have a chocolate lava cake which is gluten free !

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Didn't like the food there. Sorry to say, but it was kinda gross. Got my daughter a burger with a gluten free bun and after an hour her stomach hurt. It also gave my husband stomach pains.

Bleah!! Both hubby and I got glutenized. I had salmon and hubby had a salad. Found a fry under my fish. Fries are not gf. Food was yucky too. Never had greasy salmon before. And service was slow. Sooo sick.

Celiac friendly?

No

Hit or miss whether the server/staff/manager knows what to do or what's available. No separate menu but dressings are listed as gluten free or not. According to their corporate website they will work with Allergies and are developing gluten free options.

Celiac friendly?

No

Every time I have tried to eat here the employees act like they have never heard of gluten and wanted to know if that is cheese. I turned around and left. Not worth getting ill because of untrained staff. Not celiac safe.

Celiac friendly?

No

Good food, but they do not offer GF buns or bread. Not a lot of GF options.

Celiac friendly?

No

it was terrible the waitress laughed about the allergy don't go there if you have celiac...

Celiac friendly?

No

Yummy!!! Gluten-free bun is really good!!!

No gluten free items?

Celiac friendly?

No

I used to be able to eat here and they would modify things so it was safe to eat. They must have changed managers though because I recently went here and ordered my usual omelet with the modifications and informed the waiter of my gluten issue. Halfway through my meal I had a big reaction and they were very reluctant to ameliorate the problem. Never eating here again!

Their chocolate lava cake and brownie are both gluten-free and really good. Other than that, you can mostly have breakfast with no toast/biscuit.

Went fine! They have some dressings and a molten cake labeled as gluten free, but that's all. Waitress did inform the kitchen when prepping the meal. My husband is Celiac and breakfast food is usually a safe bet - the omelette and French fries worked out and he didn't get sick!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Went to Black Bear diner (Roseville) for breakfast today.

No celiac menu available,

I ensured my server knew of my celiac and asked this to be communicated to the chef.

Ordered, one of their eggs scramble, after a few bites, started to itch.

I stressed to my server the importance of avoiding cross contamination before ordering.

I would have left if not for his reassurance,

"We serve special diets. I understand."

The food came, couple of bites,

Started feeling sick.

I asked if everything was cleaned before preparing my meal.

He stated,

"I let the cook know, I was not back there watching, hope your itching stops soon.

Fellow Celiacs know,

The, Itch, is one of the least of concerns. 45 minutes have passed, now nauseated,

I was exposed to cross contaimination at Black bear diner.

I would not recommend this diner for Celiac community.

Celiac friendly?

No

They don't have anything gluten free. Went there and the waiter had no clue what I was even taking about when I asked for an allergy menu so he had to ask the manager. Turns out they don't even have one. Don't know why this restaurant is even on here

Celiac friendly?

No

I called and was told that their only gluten free menu item was the "Garden Harvest Salad".

Celiac friendly?

No

if you have celiac, don't bother. One salad is gluten free and that's it. There are many items on the menu that could be easily made gluten free, but I'm guessing they know they have lots of cross contamination.

Celiac friendly?

No

There is only one GF item on the menu. I've had their GF salad selection a couple of times, but it doesn't ring any bells for me. For one, it is way too sweet for this diabetic with celiac. This time I tried the bacon cheeseburger salad with vinegar & oil. The servers are not very well versed on GF.

Went for breakfast and had a excellent scramble with fresh fruit and cottage cheese on the side. My waiter knew all about celiac and cross contamination, and was very helpful. I'd go again, though it did make me a little sad to see all those delicious-looking baked goods.

There was nothing on the menu that was gluten-free unless the standby of iceberg lettuce and lemon wedges. I can get that at home. The waiter didn't have any suggestions.

Celiac friendly?

No

Meet the owner and he is so friendly and helpful!

There was only ONE gluten free item on the menu. They said if I knew what I could eat the could fix me like grilled chicken. Duh I know that if I want to eat an animal how to order. I can even order a hamburger and not eat the bun. My husband is happy with his food but this shouldn't be listed on a gluten free restaurant finder.

Celiac friendly?

No

Only one gf item on menu.

Celiac friendly?

No

Randy explained what was available an that there were strict policies in place to make sure there was no contamination.

Manager super knowledgable about GF options and very happy to help.