Bear & Kono's Coffee Shop — Restaurant in San Bernardino

A Hidden Gem in San Bernardino – Bear & Kono Coffee Shop I really enjoyed this place. The rave reviews speak for themselves, so I’ll focus on what stood out most to me and leave the rest for you to experience firsthand. First off, the coffee is phenomenal — rich, bold, and expertly crafted. The food? Equally impressive. Everything I tried was delicious and made with care. What surprised me most was how this cozy little shop is tucked away in an unassuming strip mall surrounded by government buildings, offices, and healthcare centers. But once you step inside, the atmosphere completely shifts. It’s warm, inviting, and thoughtfully put together. The staff deserves special mention. Even during a busy rush, they were calm, friendly, and kept the energy upbeat. You could tell they take pride in what they do, and it shows in the service. As someone who’s grown up seeing both the beauty and the struggles of San Bernardino, it’s refreshing to see a place like this thriving here. In a city where certain areas sadly carry a stigma of neglect or crime, Bear & Kona stands out as a bright spot — a real gem — and a testament to the good that’s growing here.Another thing I appreciated: the pricing. The quality is top-notch, but the prices are more than fair. I know for a fact I would’ve paid $5 more for the same meal in Rancho Cucamonga or Redlands. Bear & Kona isn’t trying to charm you with trendy decor and overcharge you — they’re delivering value with heart. If you’re passing through on the 10 Freeway or looking for a new go-to local spot, make the stop. You’ll be...

My food order was initially wrong, I’m guessing miscommunication, no biggie. It still looked good, just not something I could eat and they fixed it right away. So kudos to them for that!

Only comment I have is on my Dirty Chai. It did not taste like chai at all, no spice, no flavor, etc. Not sure if they make their own or if it’s one of the brands in the carton box. But it really just tasted like oatmilk with a bit of vanilla. Didn’t taste the espresso either, that was a bummer. I am an avid chai drinker which most people are not. It takes awhile to make a decent chai. I

Overall - The space is great. If you need to work, catch up with friends, have a solo date, or with someone - the atmosphere is warm and inviting. I say go here!

Drinks - Classics to the more commercialized options available. I say commercialized because avid coffee drinkers don’t go for “frappes” but that option is available. Lots of flavors too for lattes and frappes. Plus oat / almond milk is available. I’ve never seen nondairy milk be an up charge but you do have to pay here.

Food - Wide variety of breakfast / lunch options & you’re able to customize...

I had the coffee and matcha here today, and both were absolutely delicious! The matcha was incredibly fresh—the owner mentioned it’s made locally with high-quality ingredients. We also tried the breakfast sandwiches, which were equally amazing.

This place is absolutely adorable! I can already tell it’s going to blow up and become very popular. The atmosphere is phenomenal—not only is it clean, cute, and cozy, but the energy is so warm and welcoming. Everyone who works here is incredibly kind, and the owner is just fabulous! I had a long, lovely conversation with him without even realizing he was the owner at first. He kept checking in to make sure everything—our food, matcha, and coffee—was perfect, which I really appreciated.

The best part? The name! Bear and Kono are the names of the owner’s dogs, and he shared a beautiful story about how they were rescued from a shelter. Even better, a portion of the coffee shop’s proceeds goes to help animals and shelters. How amazing is that?

This coffee shop is a solid 10/10. I highly recommend...