Black Bear Diner El Paso — Restaurant in Socorro

Huge letdown!

We talked up Black Bear Diner all weekend just to leave hungry and disappointed.

This location needs a major overhaul. The cooking staff and the manager that was on duty.

The initial welcome was lacking the life of other Black Bear locations and should’ve alerted us that there was going to be issues. But we continued in our bliss knowing the food was going to make up for it all.

We were in for a surprise. A bad one.

Our party of 9 was seated in the back where they could put several tables together. No problem. BUT, there was food on the chairs. We cleaned it off ourselves. After we sat down, we noticed food all over the floors. Everywhere. Some had been there so long that it’d been stepped on and become part of the carpet. Should’ve walked out.

But we were still in our daydream that the food would cover all misgivings we had.

Our waitress showed up and took our drink orders. It took a minute to get our drinks but okay maybe she’s quite busy. She returned and ignored our requests for straws. When she was walking past, we had to call out to her to get her attention. She had brought coffee and creamer but no silverware and we still needed straws. She brought five sets of silverware. We were nine people. Come on now.

Then she returned with plastic ware saying they had run out of silverware. It was lunchtime. How does this happen?

Anyhow, we go to order our food. The first four things we try to order she tells us they don’t have it or they’re not serving it until 4pm. The menu clearly states that they serve dinner all day except for specific items. She tells us ‘well normal people don’t want these until like 4pm so I just say we don’t have it’. Not the same thing. When I tried to order corned beef she’s like we don’t sell that. I show her on the menu and she again goes ‘we ran out, but I can check’. I give up and order the steak and eggs.

We waited for a bit…more coffee but no refills on anything else.

Finally our food arrives. The pot roast had obviously been microwaved. Parts were volcano hot and others were so cold it was still congealed. The pancakes were beyond golden brown and hovering on charcoal black. My steak was ordered medium, but it was so overcooked we had to stabilize the table while I cut it. My hashbrowns had a mix of raw and burnt potatoes. And my sunny side up eggs were overdone on the bottom and raw on top.

The waitress didn’t bother to come see how the food was. She knew. I had to find her and ask to speak to the manager.

I politely let the manager know the level of food was inedible and unacceptable. She then has the audacity to ask if I’d ever seen a sunny side up egg before. “I’m sorry, but I’ve been ordering these eggs for over 20 years. So yes, I know a thing or two about how they should look.”

She simply started picking up all our plates. Then she asked if we wanted something else. I replied that if the cook can’t make eggs, we don’t wanna bother with anything else.

My nephew, who eats pretty much everything, even had to tell her the food was not good.

This brunch was a bust after all the hype I had given it. I was so disappointed to say the least.

At least, I had leftovers at home I could heat up myself...

Nestled at the intersection of charm and nostalgia, Black Bear Diner stands as a beacon for those craving a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with hearty, all-American fare. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that pays homage to rustic Americana, complete with charming bear decor, vintage photographs, and an overall vibe that instantly feels like home.

Atmosphere and Ambiance: 5/5

The decor at Black Bear Diner is a delightful blend of rustic lodge and classic diner, giving patrons a sense of comfort and familiarity. The wooden accents, cheerful bear motifs, and cozy booths make it an ideal spot whether you're dining solo, enjoying a family meal, or catching up with friends. The lighting is warm and inviting, enhancing the diner’s cozy feel, while the friendly staff ensures that you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

Service: 5/5

One of the standout features of Black Bear Diner is its exceptional service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and genuinely seems to enjoy their job. From accommodating special requests to checking in on you without being intrusive, they strike the perfect balance. It’s clear that they take pride in creating a memorable dining experience for every guest, and this personal touch is evident throughout the meal.

Food: 5/5

Now, let’s talk about the food—the true star of the show! Black Bear Diner excels at delivering generous portions of classic American dishes that are made from high-quality ingredients. The breakfast menu is nothing short of a morning feast, featuring everything from fluffy pancakes stacked high to savory omelets bursting with flavor. The “Grizzly Bear” pancake—a mouthwatering creation—perfectly captures the essence of indulgent comfort.

For lunch and dinner, the variety is impressive. The burgers are juicy and cooked to perfection, while their signature meatloaf and pot roast showcase the diner’s commitment to hearty, homemade goodness. Don’t skip dessert; their bear paw brownie sundae is a must-try, offering an indulgent end to your meal that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Value: 5/5

Given the quality and quantity of food, Black Bear Diner offers exceptional value for your money. The portions are generous, ensuring that you leave satisfied and, in many cases, with leftovers for later. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the comforting atmosphere and the attentive service that accompany each meal.

Overall Experience: 5/5

In a world that can often feel rushed and impersonal, Black Bear Diner shines as a reminder of the comfort that can be found in good food and genuine hospitality. Whether you're visiting for a leisurely breakfast, a quick lunch, or a cozy dinner, this diner has something for everyone. Each visit feels like a warm hug in a bustling world.

For anyone craving delicious, classic American diner fare served in a delightful atmosphere, Black Bear Diner is a must-visit destination. I can’t wait to return for another round of their mouthwatering delicacies and the friendly smiles that make this place truly special. Highly...

UPDATE: Went to BBD on 23 March 2025. New rating--overall 3; Food 3, Service 4, Atmosphere 2 (Previous rating 5 across the board) We went to BBD and arrived @1045AM on a Sunday AM, realizing it gets busy after church, but we knew this going in. We got our name on the list and proceeded to wait. We were notified they were going to pause/stop seating people for 30 minutes since the kitchen was backed up; after we had been there 20 minutes waiting for a table. As we observed the surroundings during this timeframe, we noticed a lot of staff behind the counter standing around while the counter and several tables were littered with plates. Shouldn't waitstaff be cleaning up and keeping the area ready to be received by customers? Upon finally being seated the floor was littered with food and paper products at our table and a few surrounding tables; appears they hadn't cleaned the floors just wiped down the tables. Our friend who was with us has been both a cook and waitstaff and was truly appalled by the lack of discipline to keep the dining area cleaned up.

Alyxandra was very nice and seemed to be about customer service; but there were some shortcomings--I wanted the red potatoes crispy and with onion--no onion was included and the potatoes were not crispy, the order was not annotated with such. Husband ordered a biscuit with side of gravy, the gravy was on the biscuit. Our server didn't bring it out; my husband asked the person who brought it to us for more gravy we never got it. We weren't asked about how our meals were, but water was refilled without having to ask.

Food was good for 3 of us, 1 was so/so.

We've been BBD diners for years, this visit has soured my husband from wanting to go to this location ever again. This location has gone downhill since opening. I hope the new location being built on Joe Battle will be able to sustain the BBD credos which built the brand. I hope we can continue to eat at BBD and be long standing customers for years to come. Not sure why it's hard to find good help in ELP.

I sent an email to BBD HQ, got a response that someone from the location would reach out to me, still waiting.

BBD never disappoints for brunch/breakfast foods. Waitress was very kind and attentive. They offer military discount for each meal with a valid ID card, not off...