Gluten-Free at Black Bear Diner

Daughter and I have Celiac Disease. We explained everything and the result was no nasty gluten side affects. They did very well. We shared an omelette (no sausage) and the GF toast. The food portion was large and tasted so good.

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

— Very

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

Never been to the Black Bear Diner before, but I’d heard raving reviews about it and thought maybe it wouldn’t live up to the hype. It absolutely did, for breakfast at least! I got a meat lovers omelet with hash browns and gluten free toast and I could not get it in my mouth fast enough. The server made sure to check that the hash browns were gluten free with the chef. Husband (not gf) got the chicken fried steak breakfast and loved it.

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

— Very

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

No gf menu, waiter not knowledgeable. Avoid if you are Celiac.

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

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

No gluten free menu, but ok turned great experience. They have gf bread and a gf salad dressing (balsamic) listed on the menu. Safest options are eggs or omelettes (available all day), confirmed they don’t do anything weird to mark their omelettes not gf. Staff wasn’t sure if the grits were gf or not and were going to err on the side of caution and say no, but I had them bring the cannister out and it’s the same can of Quaker instant grits we get at the store. (Not marked gf, but ingredients are corn grits and vitamins). Their willingness to double check everything and err on the side of caution made me feel really safe.

So so basic food (omelette, grits) but did not get glutened and it’s better than not eating!

Outdoor patio seating is great, too.

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

— Very

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

• Offers outdoor seating

i used to go here all the time and they have a pretty good variety for my needs i, wouldnt recommend it for specifically no cross contamination celiac

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

— 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?

— Average

It was great! They have no gluten free menu, but there are gluten free choices. My waiter was very attentive and told the kitchen I had gluten allergy. They swapped gluten free toast for the biscuit that came with the omelette and potatoes. They took measures to avoid cross-contact (switch gloves, clean up, separation, etc.) I am a happy Celiac!

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

— 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?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

They have gluten-free bread that can be used for toast or as a bun. It’s pretty good bread - honestly it’s probably as good as the gluten-y toast. I have zero faith in their procedures, though.

Probably safe for those looking to minimize gluten, but not a good place for those with celiac or wheat allergies

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

— 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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast
• Good for brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for fish-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for shellfish-free

Salmon was excellent. The waiter double-checked ingredients to make sure I could eat safely.

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

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

I came to black bear diner from out of town. They have bob red mills oats and as long as you tell them about cross contamination they are good about pulling out a separate pan. The fryers are shared and the grill is as well celiac safe I give a 5/10 due to my waitress knowing about celiac but gluten intolerant you would be safe here.

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

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Good

Servers were uninformed and not helpful when asked about gluten free options. The menu offers gf bread on the breakfast menu and a gf salad dressing but no further information on allergens were available.

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

— 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

Tried questioning the waiter on if the omelets were cooked in a shared pan with other gluten ingredients. She didn’t understand me or what I was asking. That should have been my first sign to not order anything. But I really wanted to eat with my family so I got a California cheese omelet with fruit. I even asked her if the bacon was cooked on a grill top near gluten and she said no it was cooked in the oven. I think the veggies in the omelet were cooked near gluten. Not sure but definitely got glutened! Don’t recommend if you have celiac

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

We had a very knowledgeable waitress and cook. They were very careful with my food to make sure it was gluten free and not cross-contaminated. I am a very sensitive Celiac and there were no issues eating here. Thank you for a great experience!

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

— Very

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?

— Excellent

I’m celiac & got the gluten free bread avocado toast (they do all day breakfast) & it was super yummy and didn’t get sick! there is cross contamination as it’s the same toaster but i didn’t have any issues! they do have other options like chili, a taco salad, and some other options as well!

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

— Not very

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?

— Excellent

The waitress had never heard of celiacs but she was very accommodating. She went and spoke to the chef about what precautions needed to happen. We stuck to a simple eggs and bacon with a fruit side. My daughter especially loved that dessert came with her kids meal. Strawberries and whip cream!

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

— Somewhat

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

Not a gluten free establishment. Only could have one type of salad. Nothing was marked gluten free nor had a Allergy menu. Staff did not know about Celiac or gluten free items. Will not go back.

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

— 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/None

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

— Poor

Traveling for the weekend, stopped here for dinner. I asked before we were seated if they had gluten free options and was told yes. The menu had nothing marked as gluten free. I asked the waiter and was told no they didn’t have anything but could do lettuce wraps on the burgers or sandwiches. I ended up having a baked potato for dinner, very disappointed. Would not recommend.

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

— 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/None

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

— Below Average

Wait staff and manager knew nothing about gluten or other allergens. Tried to redirect me to online menu, no online menu provides list of ingredients. Was told all they had that was gluten free was a gf roll, chicken. When I ordered that they then offered me salad and dressing but could not advise which dressings were GF. Would not recommend, would not come again.

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

— 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/None

Other Characteristics

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

I asked the waiter if they had a gluten free menu and he laughed. So I asked if they had any gluten free options and he laughed again. He apparently thought the subject was quite comical. He said “we have things that are naturally gluten free like eggs, potatoes, bacon, ham and sausage and oh we have gluten free buns” I ordered a turkey club sandwich on a GF bun without any sides because I didn’t trust any of them. The food tasted good but we didn’t get very far down the road before I got sick.

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

— 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/None

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

— Good

They don't have anything GF. They have salas. That is what I got.

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

— Not at all

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

I enjoy having the eggs and egg omelette with fried bacon

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

— Very

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?

— Excellent

Big cross contamination problem. Not gf friendly. Poor service.

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

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Poor

Our waitress has a dairy allergy, so was well versed in allergy safety and knew the ingredients for all of the dishes. She made sure our food was safe and properly handled. I would not trust the other staff to know about allergy safety. The food was very good and we were glad to find a meal at one of the few places open on Thanksgiving.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options

No GF menu, no GF choices, but you can find something to eat. I had a bacon cheeseburger salad with oil and vinegar, and I was fine. If you are celiac and used to navigating the real world without hand-holding or special accomodation, you can figure something out. If you are counting on the staff or menu to do it for you, look elsewhere.

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

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Average

I just left Black Bear Diner in a rush because I'm so sick. But, it wasn't the food, but the steak sauce, I took a whiff of it and it smelled like A1, so I just went with it. BIG mistake. So avoid theor sauces. I also didn5 get a good feeling about their general awareness of Celiac Disease. So, I was risking it anyway. I dint think I'm going to be going back, wh8ch sucks because I do like comfort food.

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

— 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/None

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

— Excellent

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

I mainly stick to omelettes here, and they’re okay. Not my fav breakfast place to go to.

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

— 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?

— Below Average

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

— Somewhat

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

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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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-contact?

— 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!