Breakfast Bear — Restaurant in Town of Rib Mountain

I had brunch here with friends today, our first time since this place opened this past week. We had a short wait which was conveniently managed over an app. The service was fantastic. Sam kindly suggested a dish out of a few I had my eyes on. I was not disappointed! The spicy bloody mary was one of the best I've had in some time and included all the fixings! I noticed they include some local faves on the menu: Timekeeper and Nueskes. The food was absolutely delicious! I can't wait to bring my kids here!

Updated 30-Dec-2023 Considering the name is Breakfast Bear, understandably, breakfast is likely their strong-suit. However, for my local enthusiasts, I must update my review to maintain a well-rounded opinion. On my second visit, we ordered lunch around 11:30. Our server was very friendly. I always appreciate good service over all else. I ordered the Bear Paw Melt: a grilled patty with sliced fresh jalapenos and grilled wild mushrooms/onions over grilled white bread with a side salad. This did not have nearly the flavor of the breakfast tacos I had the first time - neither the patty or the salad. I also ordered the mimosa flight which didn't make it to the table until I was a almost done eating my food. Our server followed-up once I mentioned it; however, we were seated directly in front of the bar. There was no apparent reason it was taking so long to make such simple drinks. And I wasn't thrilled how they tasted compared to others I have had elsewhere. My friend ordered the Sweet Potato Walnut salad which looked absolutely delicious but was much smaller compared to other places with similar main-course salads. For the price, I'd suggest this restaurant serve bigger salads. Since there are not a lot of non-lunch items on the menu, also work on the flavor of what's there and maybe expanding considering it is open well through the lunch hour. These are just observations and suggestions. The people here are warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is fun, and everything is very clean. I will certainly be back, but might stick to the delicious spicy dishes I...

In the heart of a diner that whispers hometown charm with a confident, culinary flair, the walls echo with a promise of more than sustenance—they promise an adventure. There’s an almost tangible presence of Anthony Bourdain in the corner, his image a silent nod of approval, an assurance that here, food tells a story.

The tale today is chilaquiles, a traditional dish that speaks volumes of the place’s soul. Served by Alexis, whose service is as honest and heartfelt as the meal itself, each forkful is a testament to the authenticity that Bourdain himself championed. She moves with the ease of someone who's not just serving food but sharing a piece of her world.

The chilaquiles arrive in a cascade of color and texture, green salsa lending a vibrant note to the perfectly crisped tortillas, all crowned with eggs like a morning sun. But it's the personal twist—a side of lush avocado and sharp goat cheese—suggested not by the server, but offered as a whisper from one patron to another, that truly transforms the meal. It's a bold move, to take a classic and make it your own, but here, it feels right. The avocado adds a rich creaminess, the goat cheese a daring kick, each bite a step deeper into a cultural journey.

The ambiance of the diner, alive with the day's beginnings, pairs with the dish as if choreographed. A bite here takes you through the bustling streets of a Mexican mercado, a sip there and you're at a roadside stand, the world unfolding with each taste.

It’s a meal, yes, but also a moment—a perfect harmony of environment and flavor where each element, from the genuine warmth of Alexis’s service to the patron-suggested sides, comes together to create an experience Bourdain would have relished. In this corner of the world, the spirit of true culinary exploration lives on, a delicious reminder that sometimes, the best dish is one that comes...

This was our first time at Breakfast Bear, and unfortunately, it’ll likely be our last.

We ordered the Spicy Vegan Bowl, and while it looked amazing on the plate, the experience went downhill fast. Everything in the bowl was mushy and completely bland. The vegan sausage was wet and soggy, the tofu was soft and flavorless, and the potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms just added more mush. No seasoning. No contrast. Just a pile of textureless food.

We both sent our bowls back, and before we could even explain, our waitress (who was very sweet and professional) already knew the issue—“too mushy?” That alone says a lot. I also ordered fries just to try to salvage the meal, but they were completely inedible too. They tasted like corn tortillas, and the waitress confirmed they’re fried in the same oil. That’s careless and unacceptable.

The most disappointing part? No manager ever came to the table—not to ask what went wrong, not to apologize, not to do anything. For a first-time guest clearly sending food back untouched, that lack of accountability sealed the experience for us.

The biscuit and short stack of French toast were the only bright spots, and the bartender made a good drink—but that’s not enough to make up for a ruined meal.

We left hungry, frustrated, and ended up cooking at home. If you’re vegan or care about flavor, texture, or basic service, skip this place. Looks aren’t everything—and in this case, they were...