Black Bear Diner
2450 Fremont St., Monterey (831) 645-9700
805 W. Laurel Dr., Salinas (831) 449-1545
Whether it’s in Monterey or Salinas, this homespun eatery is your favorite place to take the cubs. Maybe it’s because the place is a veritable-bear heaven housing everything from stuffed black bears to bears on candy to bears on T-shirts. It could be the friendly glow of the jukebox spouting hit after feel-good hit. But more often it’s the food. Every Cub’s Meal served after 11am comes with a free sundae loaded with chocolate syrup, rainbow sprinkles or Oreo crumbs, making us wish we could all stay 12 forever.