05/24/2026
I was invited to check out the Black Bear Diner before their grand opening and here are some first looks.
It was my first time ever in this brand of diner, and I was overall pleased with the entire experience.
I know that they are still training a lot of their employees, but they've got a great management team who is teaching them everything about Customer Service.
Service was friendly and very fast-paced.
They have a very interesting method of manpower.
I was told that there would be 60 workers at any given time and it ensures prompt service to the guests.
The interior had a type of log cabin theme mixed with vintage diner vibes; almost as if I were transported to Lake Tahoe or Big Bear Mountain.
I ordered some basics and had the New York steak (medium rare) with two eggs and a bowl of grits.
I also had a small cup of chili and a cornbread muffin.
I accompany that with their huckleberry lemonade and finished it all with a huckleberry milkshake.
As expected, they can always be disappointments when eating at an establishment that has not been an operation for sometime.
In this case, my steak came out more rare and was quite chewy. The grits came out slightly dry and the bacon that was placed on top was not cooked thoroughly, nor was it crunchy.
However, my cup of homemade chili was superb!
I loved the chunks of meat, beans, onions, and the spice level was flawless! I would say it's a 4 out of 10 heat.
The cornbread muffin was also a good pairing with it.
The huckleberry lemonade was refreshing and cold.
They are huckleberry milkshake was extremely delicious and I actually ordered two!
Overall, I know they have room to improve, and they are just getting their stride.
I'm sure that in a few days and in the future, their recipes will be more solid and they will get the hang of things.
This is popular and now I know why.
📍 605 W Vista Way & Melrose Dr.
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