Black Bear Diner Laveen — Restaurant in Phoenix

I have gone to this location 3 times with varying degrees of satisfaction. To start, this is really one of the only places to get a sit-down breakfast in the Laveen area, because of that, I guess that makes Black Bear Diner the best breakfast in town by default.

The food is your basic American diner food that is hard to mess up, but the food here is far from perfect. The main pro that I have is that their breakfast meats here are very good. The bacon is some of the best I’ve ever had, while the sausage patties have the look, texture, and flavor as if it were made fresh in the back every day. The hot link was also surprisingly flavorful and was a compliment to the breakfast. I’d also like to shout out their fresh orange juice which is delicious.

My wife and son love the pancakes here, while on our last visit my wife had the stuffed blackberry “French toast” which is their house made bear claw stuffed with blackberries and cooked in the traditional French toast way. She had no complaints!

The biscuits which they pride themselves on are very dry and can only be saved by smothering them in gravy, otherwise they require lots of beverage to make your life enjoyable after eating. Every time I’ve come here, I had to ask for butter for my biscuit or toast, it didn’t come with it on the side, which is something I found odd. Also, the toast and/or biscuit was never hot / toasted enough to actually melt the butter when I finally got it.

The hash browns are another story. In one visit my hash browns were almost overly crispy while at the same time, my wife’s were under cooked with no color to the point that she wanted to have them fried some more, but wouldn’t do that due to being more work for the staff, and of course, time. The “country potatoes” were a much better option than the hash browns if I were to go again.

The biggest con that I’ve had for this location (or maybe it’s just an American diner thing?) is the vegetables in the breakfast dishes. The onions and green peppers are basically just warmed through and aren’t actually fried up. They are super crunchy instead of being softer and the onions still have that “spice” in them from basically being raw instead of having a little sweetness from being fully cooked. The raw-ish vegetables also leave a little pool of water at the bottom of the plate from being under cooked. This is an issue that we’ve had the last 3 tines from coming here and is the biggest disappointment for me and made the breakfast less enjoyable. While writing this an hour later, I still taste the raw onion in my mouth.

The service is overall pretty good, with no real complaints. If you come after 9am on a weekend, expect to wait anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Plates range around the $12 mark and are very filling. Our family of 3 got out for under $45 (pre-tip) with everyone having had something to drink (coffee, orange juice, and milk)

Long story short, while this may be the “best breakfast in the Laveen area,” it is only the best due to a lack of competition. While it’s not the best breakfast I’ve ever had, there were definitely some positives and feel it’s worthwhile to visit if you’re not driving from too far away. I am moving, so I will not be back to this location and will probably not be going to the Black Bear Diner close to our new place as there are better,...

Black Bear Diner in Laveen, Arizona, is an absolute treasure that has won my heart with its comforting, hearty cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This diner is a cozy haven for those seeking delicious, home-style meals, and here's why it deserves a 5-star rating:

Hearty Comfort Food: Black Bear Diner is known for its hearty comfort food that never fails to satisfy. Whether you're craving a classic American breakfast with fluffy pancakes, a hearty burger, or a comforting plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, they have it all. The portions are generous, and the flavors are reminiscent of homemade goodness.

Breakfast Anytime: One of the standout features of this diner is its all-day breakfast menu. You can enjoy your favorite breakfast dishes at any time of the day, whether it's the crackling bacon and eggs or a stack of pancakes.

Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is warm and welcoming, with rustic decor and friendly staff that make you feel right at home. It's the perfect place for a relaxed meal with family and friends.

Freshly Baked Pies: Black Bear Diner is famous for its freshly baked pies. Their dessert selection is a sweet treat for those with a sweet tooth. Be sure to save room for a slice of their delicious pie, whether it's classic apple, cherry, or a seasonal favorite.

Friendly Staff: The staff at Black Bear Diner Laveen is attentive and friendly, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of fantastic. They make you feel like a valued guest from the moment you walk in.

Family-Friendly: Black Bear Diner is family-friendly, offering a children's menu and an atmosphere that caters to diners of all ages. It's a great spot to bring the whole family for a satisfying meal.

In conclusion, Black Bear Diner Laveen is a culinary haven that delivers on comfort, flavor, and hospitality. Whether you're a fan of classic American diner fare or simply looking for a hearty, delicious meal, this diner is a must-visit. It's a cozy oasis that feels like home, and I can't wait to return to Black Bear Diner Laveen for another...

We were very disappointed with our latest visit. We've been here before and the food was delicious, this time however it was edible, but only just. Last time I had eggs Benedict it was perfect. The sauce was perfect, eggs poached properly, and muffins toasted just enough. Potatoes on the side were cooked as they should be. A properly prepared meal. This time was a pale imitation of the dish. The sauce was an odd dark yellow and curdled looking. The muffins were toasted well but sat in a large puddle of grease. One egg was overdone the other was poached properly. Eggs are not always easy to get just right so that could be overlooked. The potatoes and my companion's grits were awful. Potatoes were the source of the greasy muffins. They sat in their own pool of grease and were either burnt crisp or mostly done. Almost as if they were not cooking quickly enough and were hurried to the plate. The grits were sent back. Very few pieces of actual grits in a dish of warm water. When the server was asked she said they'd been a bit wet all day. A bit wet? I asked if the cook was new and was not surprised that she said he was. Obviously neither had eaten or prepared grits before. I have been cooking since I was 13 and come from a long line of great southern cooks. Having worked on both sides of the kitchen as both a cook and server I am not ignorant of how meals should be made and served. Telling our server that I would be ashamed to serve a meal like that didn't get a manager as it should have. She merely apologized and said she didn't charge us for our iced tea!! Seriously? The cost of the meal was $27.00---before tip! I may sound overly critical but for that amount of money I expect more. We're not sure if we'll give them another chance but if we do and the meal is so poorly done it will go straight back to the kitchen uneaten as we head out the door for...