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Salinas Black Bear Diner is probably best known as the “local's hangout”, and proudly displays local athletic jerseys and photos on its walls.  With the true feel of that old fashion coffee shop / diner atmosphere, it’s just a fun place to sit down for a good old fashion meal! As with all of the BBD West stores, Salinas is also involved in many local events and fundraising efforts.  The Management and Staff become extremely active in community efforts such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Telethon, Relay for Life, Salinas Rodeo, Monterey Food Bank, City sponsored organizations, and many other local church, school and individual groups. We are located off of the Laurel Drive exit of Hwy 101, it sits adjacent to the Laurel Inn Motel, a well-known Salinas landmark. Re-modeled and re-opened under the Black Bear Diner West Inc. flag on April 28th 2003, this building conversion was originally a Golden West Pancake Restaurant, built in 1973.  Located off of the Laurel Drive exit of Hwy 101, it sits adjacent to the Laurel Inn Motel, a well-known Salinas landmark. Salinas Black Bear Diner is probably best known as the “local's hangout”, and proudly displays local athletic jerseys and photos on its walls.  With the true feel of that old fashion coffee shop / diner atmosphere, it’s just a fun place to sit down for a good old fashion meal! As with all of the BBD West stores, Salinas is also involved in many local events and fundraising efforts.  The Management and Staff become extremely active in community efforts such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Telethon, Relay for Life, Salinas Rodeo, Monterey Food Bank, City sponsored organizations, and many other local church, school and individual groups.

  Daily breakfast buffet
Located in the lobby
Dress code: Casual  

The Steinbeck House is the birthplace and boyhood home of John Steinbeck, the 1940 Pulitzer Prize winner for Grapes of Wrath and the Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1962 and now operated by the Valley Guild as a luncheon restaurant. This Queen Anne Victorian was built in 1897 and restored in 1973 for an elegant look and feel of a Victorian dining establishment complete with family photos and memorbilia.
 Dining in this Literary Landmark is a unforgettable experience.  Our menu features Salinas Valley Produce and Monterey County wines.
The Valley Guild's active members plan, help prepare and serve luncheons directed by a professional chef.  All profits go Salinas Valley charities and to maintain the Steinbeck House.
The "Best Cellar," Gift  Shop opened in July 1975, features vintage books, paperbacks by John Steinbeck, The Steinbeck House Cook Book, and gift items.  It is a good place to browse before and after lunch.  Valley Guild is celebrating 35 years of operating The Steinbeck House.
Call for reservations to enjoy this unique dining experience at the Steinbeck House. Afternoon Tea served the second (2nd) Saturday of the month Tours and Private Parties

Summer Sunday House Tours through Labor Day from 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Bus Tours Two seatings - 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. A docent talk may be requested when your reservation is made Group minimum: 12 people Reservations: Mandatory Payment: $100.00 deposit one week in advance. Visa, MasterCard or check Cancellation: Will be honored up to 48 hours prior to reservation date Comp. Policy: Complimentary meal for the bus driver Parking: Passenger drop off area on Stone Street at the side of the house. Free motor coach parking is available at the Amtrak train station one block away.

Summer Tours Sunday Summer Tours Open to the Public 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Memorial Day thru Labor Day (exception Father's Day) Private Parties The Steinbeck House may be booked for that special party (i.e. dinners and receptions) Book a private room for a club or business meeting Book the entire house for a large occasion 20 to 80 guests