I don't normally do reviews, but felt this one needed to be done. on 11/24 we took our daughter out for dinner for her birthday, and she chose Black Bear Diner in Vancouver, because she wanted steak. When we got there we waited for 15 mins to even be seated as no one was there to take us. After we sat down we waited about 2 mins with our menu, and someone came up asking if she could take our order. I told her we were not ready yet. so she walked away. another person came up and asked if she had offered to take our drink order, and I said no. so this new person took it. got our drinks and then waited about 15 mins for someone to come back to take our order. Order was placed, and what seemed like another 20 mins our food came. I went to cut my daughter steak (which we asked for well done) I could tell that it was very squishy. cut it and it was VERY rare. took it up to the counter and said we had asked for it to be well done. They took it back. I had also ordered BBQ Ribs and shrimp. I got 3 small ribs and the BBQ must have been an after thought as a table spoon of it was just put on top, my veggies looked like they were almost over cooked, and yet almost still had a raw crunch, along with so much pepper on it. The cocktail sauce tasted like there was tabasco sauce added or something because it was the spiciest that I had ever tasted, my mouth was on fire. As we were still waiting for my daughter's steak she had to use the rest room. As we were leaving the restroom, a server said that the steak was back at our table. We got back to the table, and though it did look like it was a bit more cooked we cut into it and it was medium rare. My daughter now very hungry didn't want to wait so she tried her best to eat it. She just couldn't and we didn't blame her. it was still very pink. no server came back to ask how the new steak was. we finished what we could of the meal and was ready to leave, about another 20 mins. waited for another 10 mins and no one came with our check. There was another couple a few tables away who also seemed to be annoyed that no one was coming with their check either. Now there were MAYBE 4 tables in use, and I know at least 3 servers. so where were they? We went ahead and walked up to the front desk to pay for our food. The other couple had already made their way up. The cashier didn't know what table they were sitting at, and had to have them show her where they were sitting so they could pay their bill. I still didn't see any servers while we were waiting to pay. The lady that was paying you could tell was very upset with her experience also. We finally got up to pay. I mentioned to the cashier about the steak, and she just said sorry, not sure why that is happening lately. I personally feel like they should have taken some off since we didn't get what we were paying for. We paid our $83 for dinner that was not very good, and most of it couldn't be eaten, and left. Needless to say we were doing Door Dash for black bear, but in the last 9 months or so they have gone down hill. I don't always get my items, or it is just gross. I was hoping that going in for my daughter's birthday dinner would be better. It was not. sadly to say, we will not be back to Blackbear. At least not...
Read moreA Bear-y Good Time at Black Bear Diner
Picture the bear-y best of the American West transplanted into the heart of the Evergreen State. Yes, my fine food enthusiasts, I'm talking about the ineffable delight of finding an old favorite in an unexpected place.
It's like picking up a hardback novel you've loved and lost years ago, now nestled in Vancouver, Washington. That book? Black Bear Diner, an old Idaho favorite of ours now cozily located in southwest Washington, delivering its familiar charm and mouthwatering fare that had us grinning wider than its mascot.
The ambiance is a boisterous blend of rustic charm and an almost tongue-in-cheek homage to all things ursine. It's a touch of whimsy that works as the perfect backdrop to the main event, the food. The decor is not just fun; it's pure visual comfort food, rich in nostalgia and wit, with each bear-themed knick-knack ready to amuse and bemuse in equal measures.
Speaking of comfort food, the menu is a carnival of familiar delights. It is to your taste buds what a symphony of John Denver's greatest hits is to your ears – comforting, familiar, and instantly satisfying. Whatever you order, be it their all-day breakfast or bear-size burgers, it's downright delicious. The servings are as generous as their heritage, enough to put even the heartiest of appetites into a sweet, food-induced hibernation.
Our waitress was the human equivalent of the perfect cherry pie – warm, delightful, and instantly endearing. With service that made us feel more like family than customers, she embodied the true essence of hospitality.
All in all, Black Bear Diner isn't just a place to eat; it's an experience - a belly-filling, heart-warming, smile-inducing experience that I bear-y much recommend. If you're prowling for a place to feed both your hunger and your nostalgia, this is it. Get ready to have a paws-itively amazing time. Rating? A solid 5 out of 5 claw prints. It’s a...
Read moreI recently dined at Black Bear Restaurant, and it was an exceptional experience. I started with the soup of the day, a hearty tortilla chicken soup. The broth was rich and flavorful, filled with tender chicken and just the right amount of spice. The fresh tortilla strips added a wonderful crunch, making each spoonful truly satisfying. It was the perfect way to kick off my meal.
Next, I had a medium-rare steak served with coleslaw and corn on the cob. The steak was cooked to perfection, with a beautifully seared crust and a juicy, tender center. The seasoning was perfect, bringing out the natural flavor of the meat. The corn on the cob was sweet and buttery, cooked just right. However, the coleslaw was a bit of a letdown. It was fresh and crisp but lacked the tangy kick I was hoping for, making it feel somewhat average.
I also ordered an omelette with two scrambled eggs, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and avocado, accompanied by crispy hashbrowns. The omelette was fluffy and packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each bite was a delightful mix of flavors, with the creamy avocado adding a nice touch. The hashbrowns were perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing a satisfying crunch.
Despite the average coleslaw, I finished every last bite of my meal because everything else was just so delicious. The portions were generous, really big plates, and I left feeling completely satisfied. The waitress was incredibly polite and attentive, ensuring I had everything I needed throughout my meal. The bathroom was also very clean and well-maintained, which I appreciated.
Overall, Black Bear Restaurant delivered a fantastic dining experience. The food was flavorful and well-prepared, and the service was top-notch, and not too expensive. Despite a minor disappointment with the coleslaw, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and look forward...
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