Bears Den

Great place for drinks and some good food while watching the games. Prices were great.

Great quick lunch. Had the BLT and recommend it. Chicken wings looked good. Cold beer.

Amazing place! The people who run the place and the food ia awesome! The Brisket Melt is one of the most delicious sandwich we ever tried. 100% recommended!!!

Great country store! If Buckey's and Cracker Barrel had a child!

Nice place. Good food. Pizza takes a bit longer to arrive, but is worth the wait. Love the decor.

Great place. Robert, the owner, is a great guy who will talk with customers that he's never seen before. His yearly super bowl party is always a hit with plenty of food at the buffet table. If you're in the area I'd suggest stopping in.

We popped in at last minute. They stayed late so we could enjoy our meals. I was thoroughly impressed with the service and the food was to die for. We'll definitely stop here again on my next trip

This place is decorated in a really cool way; it’s super low-key and the people are nice. I had the burger and it was fantastic. It’s a really cool quirky place and they even have a reading nook! You have to see it. Perfect for after hiking at Garner.

Stopped here twice while we were down in Texas. Once for beers once for food. The staff is super friendly. The patrons were also extremely friendly. Ordered deep friend green beans, burger, and my wife got the brisket. I am not sure how it compares to other Texas brisket since it was the only place we had it while visiting but it was excellent. Place is very large with lots of eclectic seating and extremely clean bathrooms. I would recommend for the friendliness of the staff alone.

Hidden gem! My friends and I visited Bears Den after looking for something to eat late in the afternoon, and it was the closest thing that was open but still almost 10 miles away. I was wary of the quality because in my experience small hidden places like these usually don't mind the quality too much but I am happy to say we were all pleasantly surprised! Not only was the food really good, the staff were all very friendly. The décor was also super cute, I loved the little bears all over the restaurant, worth mentioning it was also very clean. Will definitely come again if around the area!

Very quiet and quaint atmosphere with the cutest teddy bears. 🧸 6 📺 for watching sports. The service was awesome! The couches are cozy. Family friendly!

Had spent a few days in Garner State Park and wanted to watch the LSU game. Luckily Bears Den was open and serving up Hot Boudin and some Tiger Love! 🐯. Tina took great care of us, the kids. Had a great time and know where we can catch the game if we are nearby! Note: it's in the back behind Bears Market but worth the effort.

Really nice place the atmosphere is very good very local Friendly the food is very good great selection have been there twice now have had the chicken sandwich and the steak and cheese which is both really good will definitely be back

My wife and I were running the Twisted Sisters route in our Shelby on Thanksgiving Day and were delighted that the Bear's Den was open!! Danielle, our server was great and the food (they were only serving traditional Thanksgiving meals that day (YAY!!) was GREAT. We hope to be back next Thanksgiving!!

A unique place in the village. Quite sophisticated decoration inside in my opinion but feels warm. Lots of sofa where you can enjoy your meal & watch your favourite game. Our server was friendly. We took chips & queso with brisket and another one with pulled pork, both were delicious. My husband took the brisket melt sandwich and he enjoyed it. The toilet was spotless!

Amazing food, service, and people!! You have to try the fresh pork rinds ☺️ My husband and I shared a plate, it’s a lot to eat. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬ May the Lord bless you in Jesus name AMEN

Fries were great ...brisket was okay... I think we were an inconvenience to the server. We were in after lunch time and it was not busy. The place was so cute and fun... Just a bit disappointed in the service

Good prices, lots of food and everyone enjoyed what we got. 8.99 for Sliced Brisket Sandwich with lots of meat, Onion rings were extra 2.99 and 2.49 drinks free refills

Excellent choice for lunch. Menu selection is good. Food is tasty and yummy. The personnel is professional and attentive. I highly recommend this place for the family. You won't be disappointed.

Amelia Aguilar

Amazing food, service, and people!! You have to try the fresh pork rinds ☺️ My husband and I shared a plate, it’s a lot to eat. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬ May the Lord bless you in Jesus name AMEN

Jimmie Leal

Good prices, lots of food and everyone enjoyed what we got. 8.99 for Sliced Brisket Sandwich with lots of meat, Onion rings were extra 2.99 and 2.49 drinks free refills

Lavon Price

Fries were great ...brisket was okay... I think we were an inconvenience to the server. We were in after lunch time and it was not busy. The place was so cute and fun... Just a bit disappointed in the service

GRV

Excellent choice for lunch. Menu selection is good. Food is tasty and yummy. The personnel is professional and attentive. I highly recommend this place for the family. You won't be disappointed.

Alexis Piña

Hidden gem! My friends and I visited Bears Den after looking for something to eat late in the afternoon, and it was the closest thing that was open but still almost 10 miles away. I was wary of the quality because in my experience small hidden places like these usually don't mind the quality too much but I am happy to say we were all pleasantly surprised! Not only was the food really good, the staff were all very friendly. The décor was also super cute, I loved the little bears all over the restaurant, worth mentioning it was also very clean. Will definitely come again if around the area!

Midgie Eddington

Very quiet and quaint atmosphere with the cutest teddy bears. 🧸 6 📺 for watching sports. The service was awesome! The couches are cozy. Family friendly!

Leon Connelly

Had spent a few days in Garner State Park and wanted to watch the LSU game. Luckily Bears Den was open and serving up Hot Boudin and some Tiger Love! 🐯. Tina took great care of us, the kids. Had a great time and know where we can catch the game if we are nearby! Note: it's in the back behind Bears Market but worth the effort.

Gsdtwins Reviews

Really nice place the atmosphere is very good very local Friendly the food is very good great selection have been there twice now have had the chicken sandwich and the steak and cheese which is both really good will definitely be back

Tim Allums-Realtor

My wife and I were running the Twisted Sisters route in our Shelby on Thanksgiving Day and were delighted that the Bear's Den was open!! Danielle, our server was great and the food (they were only serving traditional Thanksgiving meals that day (YAY!!) was GREAT. We hope to be back next Thanksgiving!!

Gabbie D

A unique place in the village. Quite sophisticated decoration inside in my opinion but feels warm. Lots of sofa where you can enjoy your meal & watch your favourite game. Our server was friendly. We took chips & queso with brisket and another one with pulled pork, both were delicious. My husband took the brisket melt sandwich and he enjoyed it. The toilet was spotless!

Jake Hewitt

Bear’s Den in Leakey is a great, popular local bar and grill. I got the brisket quesadillas which were great. The fries were crispy and delicious. They serve beer and wine, not liquor, just a heads up. The food coming out from the kitchen all looked really good! If you are camping out at Garner State Park, head here, it’s only 15 minutes away. Great atmosphere!

Terri Mott

The food was excellent, the service was exceptional and the decor was so cute. Highly recommend this establishment.

The food was great, and the environment and service was amazing. Only one person was working when the entire restaurant was basically filled and the only thing that I think was not amazing was that the food took a little while, but I understand considering the fact they were busy.

Nice cozy little place hidden behind the gas station with a great relaxed vibe. Friendly staff and fantastic food! Their sign said they had the best Philly cheesesteak and my husband said that was not an exaggeration! Nice little place hidden behind the gas station! Friendly staff and fantastic food! Their sign said they had the best Philly cheesesteak and my husband said that was not an exaggeration. Their barbecue sauce is also amazing. Definitely recommend!

Bear’s Den is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy a great meal in a friendly, laid-back setting. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, making it a perfect place to gather with friends, family, or unwind after a long day. The food is consistently delicious, with generous portions and plenty of flavorful options on the menu. Everything is prepared fresh, and the quality really shows. Drinks are well-made, and there’s a great selection to choose from.

Loved the interior, all the doo dads were great. The waitress was friendly and helped us whenever we needed anything. The food was amazing too. The ladies and gentleman I came there with loved it too. The second time I went 12/19/25, the waiter was very attentive, kept asking me if I needed anything, or did I, when I was down just sit in their couch and put my feet up. That was very kind of him to ask, but I didn't . This is a great place to eat in my opinion.

Bambi

Bear’s Den is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy a great meal in a friendly, laid-back setting. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, making it a perfect place to gather with friends, family, or unwind after a long day. The food is consistently delicious, with generous portions and plenty of flavorful options on the menu. Everything is prepared fresh, and the quality really shows. Drinks are well-made, and there’s a great selection to choose from.

leyao

The food was great, and the environment and service was amazing. Only one person was working when the entire restaurant was basically filled and the only thing that I think was not amazing was that the food took a little while, but I understand considering the fact they were busy.

Kelley Cox

Loved the interior, all the doo dads were great. The waitress was friendly and helped us whenever we needed anything. The food was amazing too. The ladies and gentleman I came there with loved it too. The second time I went 12/19/25, the waiter was very attentive, kept asking me if I needed anything, or did I, when I was down just sit in their couch and put my feet up. That was very kind of him to ask, but I didn't . This is a great place to eat in my opinion.

What a pleasant experience. We sailed in 30 min before closing expecting nothing great. Boy was I wrong. Great food. Diffently try the corn poppers. The single waitress working was so over the top nice. The grilled cheese was to die for. And my favorite part was the decor. Everything bear and Texan you could ask for. We can't wait to stop by again.

Stopped in to check it out after a 90 mike motorcycle ride. Help yourself soft drinks with unlimited refills. Nice helpful young lady (Kyrie?) was our server. I went with the sliced Brisket Sandwich and Tater tots. Excellent brisket. Moist, tender and not salty and a choice of BBQ sauces on the table. Quality food and good service amidst comfortable, funky surroundings.

My friends and I just went to this restaurant and I really liked the decor and how the setting was arranged. The bathroom was super nice. It was super huge and clean! We were able to see the game from everywhere from the all the TVs they had. It was kinda pricey for not a lot of food, but it was still really good. WAY better food then I expected. The waitress definitely knew we weren’t locals, but I honestly thought her attitude was unique and made the place memorable. I liked her a lot. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but expect to feel out of place if you’re not a local. Great bar type of place!

We were told by multiple people to get the brisket, sadly they were out of brisket. But I got the pulled pork potato and it was really good! My husband got the 2 meat plate and said it was pretty ok. My son loved his Ruben.

First time visiting this restaurant and would come back. Kinda easy to miss this spot as it's hidden behind the gas station building but worth a visit. -Service was 5/5 stars. Fast and friendly. -Food was 4/5 stars. Tried the loaded brisket baked potato. Brisket was pretty good, and the potato was massive! It's loaded with butter, cheese, chives, and sour cream (a bit heavy on the sour cream, in my opinion).

This is a hidden gem...literally behind a gas station and tourist shop. You'd never know it's there unless you're told (or Google it)! This boasts a cozy environment with amazing, personable service. An amazing menu selection to please most appetites. Definitely recommend the brisket! It pleased even the most discernable pallette (my 75y.o. mom whose stomach can barely tolerate a thing). She was raving!! Stop and have a bite and a chat, shop in the shop out front and shop til you drop to walk it all off and be sure to take a selfish in their adorable bathroom. We don't get down south often enough, but this will be a regular stop along our way from now on!

Lovely place to have dinner. Little library with lots of stuffed giant animals and a bar with big screens to enjoy sports or any show/channel you request.

This time we attended a family get together and we had a great time. The food was tasty and well presented. The service was prompt and friendly. We enjoyed the decorations and design of the place. It seems all country and original details where you can find many photo spots. A nice place to spend an afternoon surrounded by a special atmosphere conducive to good conversations with friends. Maybe this is Leakey’s highlight place.

Rosamaria Gonzalez

This time we attended a family get together and we had a great time. The food was tasty and well presented. The service was prompt and friendly. We enjoyed the decorations and design of the place. It seems all country and original details where you can find many photo spots. A nice place to spend an afternoon surrounded by a special atmosphere conducive to good conversations with friends. Maybe this is Leakey’s highlight place.

Dalton Allen

First time visiting this restaurant and would come back. Kinda easy to miss this spot as it's hidden behind the gas station building but worth a visit. -Service was 5/5 stars. Fast and friendly. -Food was 4/5 stars. Tried the loaded brisket baked potato. Brisket was pretty good, and the potato was massive! It's loaded with butter, cheese, chives, and sour cream (a bit heavy on the sour cream, in my opinion).

Jennifer Ceniseros

This is a hidden gem...literally behind a gas station and tourist shop. You'd never know it's there unless you're told (or Google it)! This boasts a cozy environment with amazing, personable service. An amazing menu selection to please most appetites. Definitely recommend the brisket! It pleased even the most discernable pallette (my 75y.o. mom whose stomach can barely tolerate a thing). She was raving!! Stop and have a bite and a chat, shop in the shop out front and shop til you drop to walk it all off and be sure to take a selfish in their adorable bathroom. We don't get down south often enough, but this will be a regular stop along our way from now on!

Jeni Torres

Lovely place to have dinner. Little library with lots of stuffed giant animals and a bar with big screens to enjoy sports or any show/channel you request.

No beer on tap here which is unfortunate. Cool place/ atmosphere. Very cozy. Good price for food not too expensive

Food was ok service was ok. Was not busy at all.

NOT impressed….My Air BNB host (3 miles away) recommended 2 places for food/beer on Sunday at 6pm. Bears Den was the only establishment open (NOT TRUE) Gypsy Sally’s is new… check them out!!!!! When I pulled up to the building (behind the meat/mercantile) the OPEN sign was not illuminated. Questionable…as I was told they closed at 11pm. I opened the door, looked around, very low lighting, no direction..… still not sure if they were open. I saw what looked like the bar area and sat down. There were 2 people at the bar (bartenders friends) and one family with 2 kids behind me at the long table. I was not greeted, only asked by someone “would you like a drink”. I ordered some food, finished my beer, and wondered if I was going to get a second beer. My corn poppers were over cooked but the Rueben was ok. I could not eat my mediocre food fast enough!! The bartender was not welcoming. A couple employees from the kitchen came out to the bar area and all they could do was complain about wanting to close early. No one checked on the family eating behind me and they had to ask for their bill. The bartender said “yes, you have to come to the bar to pay”……. Shocking!!! As they were the only table. The most I saw the bartender talk was when 2 more locals walked in and ordered food. Not my kind of welcoming place. Save your time and money!! Gypsy Sally’s ROCKS

Nice place if you're just wanting beer & wine. Waitress was friendly. However, only came to our table twice. Food was mediocre 😕 and the owner supposedly wins in competition cooking... guess it was just an off day. Hubs had brisket sandwich, and I had a BLT. Brisket was dry and the bacon was just a slab of fat 😞

Have eaten here about half-a-dozen times and usually been somewhat satisfied with our meals, but tonight was a major disappointment. The fried pickles were weirdly separated from the batter. The chicken strips were thin, small, hard things with more batter than chicken. The French fries were limp. There's not much to choose from in Leakey, but we will probably be taking this one off our list of possible restaurants when mom doesn't want to cook.

If I could give zero stars, I would. I walked in with my family and friends, and we were not greeted at all. When we went to sit at a table, a woman in red visibly huffed and puffed while reluctantly cleaning a larger table for us. From the moment we walked in, we felt like we were an inconvenience. We decided to leave…extremely disappointing experience. Wouldn’t recommend. Decided to go to Mi Ranchito across the street instead and had a wayyyy better experience!

Post a good review for this place a few years ago. Went recently a few different time and had a completely different experience. The burger was dry. Next time the cheesy brisket tots were not great. The cheesy was old and thick and the tots were not crispy. Sad to see a good place go to crap.

Need to take down the awards for winning brisket competition. This is equivalent to a child cooking, brisket tough & the taco salad had cold leftover meat on top. DO NOT RECOMMEND

Boring and trying to hard to fit in with other places. Do you own thing. Got sick after eating there food. Service was decent but everything wasn’t. House liquor Drinks weren’t good either. Someone said this was best place to eat on reviews. Definitely not. Go somewhere else.

Keith W

Need to take down the awards for winning brisket competition. This is equivalent to a child cooking, brisket tough & the taco salad had cold leftover meat on top. DO NOT RECOMMEND