Black Bear Diner Pleasanton — Restaurant in Pleasanton

I was greatly disappointed today with one of my favorite breakfast eateries. Two days ago, for Pi day we ordered 4 mini pies (2 coconut, 1 chocolate cream and one apple). We set a pick up time for 3:00 PM. I arrived at 2:45 expecting to wait to get my order. I told the front desk that I was there for a pick up and gave him my name. After 15 minutes I asked to check on my pick up. I was told that they couldn’t find my order and asked for the receipt. As I pulled it up, they found the order form. Unfortunately, the pies were not pulled aside for my order and in the case there was one coconut cream and one apple. I was told to wait and more could be made. As I waited the manager told the head waiter that they could not make the chocolate (which I heard). The waiter came to me and told me the news and asked if I wanted an alternative. I called home to verify what possibilities were acceptable and was told cake. As I continued to wait, I heard the manager tell the head waiter to ask what was my alternative choice, instead of coming to ask me himself. As the waiter came to me, I told the waiter that he shouldn’t be put into the middle and I went to the manager myself. I asked what was the point of having online ordering and allowing to order ahead. The excuse was “it’s a third party system” and “we don’t know ahead of time.” There was no other explanation nor an apology for the mixup. During all this, the manager walked around with his mask sometimes below his nose or completely below his chin. Thirty five minutes after I arrived, I received the pies and cake and left. Over I was disappointed with the lack of service and care by the manager (I don’t fault the waiter) and his disregard for even trying to make things right. Perhaps he thought the $1 difference between the pie and cake made up for my time, inconvenience and lack of service. I may go back because we do enjoy the breakfasts but I certainly will think twice about it and will certainly not...

Good food, big portions, good service. We've been to Black Bear in Pleasanton a few times. The service is always pretty good, and no complaints about the food. The atmosphere is cute, of course outfitted with bear theme all over. Despite the purposeful throw-back decor as a salute to the history of the restaurant, sometimes it still feels dated in a bad way. But if you consider it is an homage to the history then you get over it. It has a bar setting, booths and tables. There are cute themed items you can purchase at the front.

One time I ordered food to go, and even though it was a hot meal, when I arrived I was a little disappointed to see that my food was wrapped in a box and plastic bag waiting for me at the front of the restaurant by the host desk, where it is well air-conditioned. Needless to say, my hot meal wasn't hot by the time I received it, and took it back to where I was eating. My only other "complaint" is that you have to pay at the counter, instead of being able to pay at your table. It's not too bad of a nuisance, it's just not common these days.

The food is great, definitely worth going, and we will definitely continue going back. In my photos you'll see a plate of hash browns - that is a SIDE of hashbrowns, so that gives you an idea of the portions. They definitely intend to send you home with a box or bag of leftovers, so you know you're getting a good amount of food...

I have been at this location previously and everything was great. To be fair maybe I should have rated it then. However, today it was not a great experience. I understand the long wait because it was busy, but I expected once we get a table that the food and service would be as good as in my previous visits. The food was brought to the table without utensils, I asked for the utensils when we received the food and we had to wait 5 minutes until they brought them. I had asked for water when we placed the order and they didn't bring it until we were almost done eating' and not until I had to ask for it again! I ordered chicken strips and the waitress brought it without any dipping sauce. Granted the waitress asked me after bringing the food if I wanted sauce, but I should have been asked this question when we placed the order, so now I had to wait few more minutes before they brought the sauce. The fries were good and the rest of the family had good food. My chicken strips were not great, not what you expect when you go to a restaurant like this. I had better chicken strips buying them frozen from the supermarket and heating them in...