Black Bear Diner Merced — Restaurant in Merced

I’ve ordered this meal before and never had any issues. Tonight upon looking at my to go order (through DoorDash, there was a part of my chicken fried steak that was cold and seemed undercooked. It definitely was not the same temp or looked like the rest. For whatever reason, the vegetables are always VERY undercooked (hard) and I have to cook them a few more minutes in the microwave. This is standard for BB diner veggies as long as I’ve eaten at this location so I’ve gotten used to it (though who eats such undercooked veggies?) The carrots are just about raw. No exaggeration. I’m not sure if they were extra busy tonight and rushed it because my order took extra long to prepare. Whatever the issue, the portion I’m referring to did not look anything similar to the rest of the chicken fried steak. (See pic. I’m sure you can see the area I’m taking about, mid left.) I thought maybe it had gotten soggy after touching the side items (gravy, veggies, mashed potatoes) but the other parts that were touching weren’t soggy, and this wasn’t a problem in the past when I’ve ordered it to go. And why wasn’t it fried like the rest? I’m sure these are probably originally frozen after cooked, and then thawed & fried before serving, as per most restaurants that serve it. But I can’t be 100% sure so I’m afraid to eat it. Thus, I have to leave a negative review because the main part of my dinner is inedible. As for the wait time, it didn’t bother me as I prefer people take their time than get it wrong. I also understand that prices have gone up lately but diners should at least get what they pay for. And be able to eat it! We work hard for our $ too! Not only did I receive an undercooked chicken fried steak, my extra cornbread muffin that I’d paid for was not in the bag. This happens 1/2 the time I order a dinner from here using DD. The employees see 1 corn bread on the receipt and assume the order is complete when in reality I ordered an extra cornbread for a total of 2. Frustrating, especially when it happens consistently. Of course I could call and go pick it up but whom wants to drive all the way across town for a $2.29 cornbread muffin? Had I wanted to drive (or was even able) I would’ve picked up the entire order myself instead of paying a food delivery service to begin. And putting my name on an “IOU” list does no good as I don’t drive so I won’t be able to pick it up unless I get a ride. Plus they’re now closed for the day. I’m usually very satisfied w Big Bear Diner and their food but tonight I was very disappointed. I’m not saying to avoid this restaurant because the food is actually pretty good. It has a home cooked taste & feel to it. But just be sure to check your to go orders before you leave and make sure to let them know if/when they mess up like this. Maybe they’ll take it to heart and let the employees know they need to do a better job. Overall, the food is good...when it’s fully cooked & they put it all in the bag for you. I’m not going to knock the entire place for one bad meal but tonight it was $27 plus tip...

I've been here SEVERAL times, I once rated this place 1 star because of how horrible the service and food was. They have greatly improved in their customer service and staff has a way better attitude and are more attentive. However, the food still could use some work. I can say that they have a pretty good chicken fried steak and a chicken and waffle "dinner for breakfast". But they cheap out on their steak. I got the NY Steak and eggs "breakfast for dinner" with an extra order of toast. $4.00 for ultra dry toast, never again. And the NY Steak was ordered medium, and was super dry, it tasted like there was freezer burn and very bland. You'll notice in the photo just how THIN the steak was, and THAT is not your average NY steak size, so they must cut 1 steak in half to cut costs. Ordered eggs scrambled with cheese and the cheese wasn't even melted, overall temperature of the food wasn't hot. I enjoyed the fact that the staff has stepped up in making us feel welcomed, now the chefs and/or corporation has to step up and stop cheaping out on their food.

Update 7/12/22 - we went back months later to give them time to work out some kinks. Once again we were greatly surprised, I updated this posting to 3 stars as they improved on their food quality. I got the big foot chicken fried steak, the steak was tender and the crust was flaky, you could cut it with a fork which is really nice. Eggs were perfect and I got pancakes for sides, and they were improved as well. My wife got the same but with french toast as the side and the french toast tasted so much better this time. I'm greatly impressed with the improvements this place has made. Hopefully next time we go it'll be a 4 star experience. It seems going here first thing in the morning or before 10 and for early dinner time is the best time to go. Both of those times we went we had good...

Food and service was great, but the social distancing is a problem,? Went by for breakfast at 7:30am and restaurant was not open, so this edit is a necessary change! Was really looking forward to dining there, but what a disappointment! Hours of operation say 7am-9pm, this is a Tuesday! Consistency and opening on time are two of the most important things that I look for, when I am looking for a good restaurant! If I go to eat and it isn't open when it is supposed to be, I don't trust the hours of operation and will eventually avoid that restaurant altogether! I know they have good food, but is it really worth wasting my time, when I can find another good restaurant minutes away that is open when they say! It seems like the customer isn't important, at that point! There were at least 10 cars going through the parking lot as disappointed as well! If hours of operation are posted anywhere, please make sure they are open when it's supposed to be! A sad waste of time for us! I would not recommend to anyone, only because I wouldn't know if you are open at the correct time! I know your food is awesome and would have loved to dine in your awesome beary cute establishment, but you weren't there waiting for us, customers! Sorry, I don't like writing bad reviews any more than you like reading them! Hope everything is okay and you are all healthy and maybe it was some kind of fluke thing, in that case, I can't wait to write an awesome review! So, please explain to customers when not open, I don't know, it could have been an emergency, so please give feedback and let's get this ugly review a pretty remedy! There is always an explanation, hopefully this has one and hopefully this is just a one time thing! Thank you and again I'm sorry for...