Black Bear Diner has finally settled in Moreno Valley, bringing great food in huge portions in a friendly fun atmosphere that welcomes diners of all ages. Upon arrival for breakfast at 9:30am, we were immediately greeted with friendly faces and warm smiles. We waited just a few moments, taking the time to peruse the “Bearrrific” gift shop set up at the entrance. In the short span of time our table was being prepared, we were greeted by two more employees attempting to seat us, now if that isn’t a prime example of Credo#1 of Black Bear Philosophy which reads “At Black Bear Diner we strive to greet all of our customers at the door quickly and with a smile. Of all your options, YOU CHOSE US, and we are grateful!” I don’t know what is. We were seated promptly and comfortably as the Black Bear staffers continued to meticulously follow their philosophy credo by credo.
Our hostess asked if we were first timers to “The Bear” and we excitedly confirmed, she handed us what looked like a newspaper from 1986. It featured stories and ads that were trending at that time in Moreno Valley. A fun read although we were anxious to see what was actually inside the pages…the menu! Our waitress promptly took our drink orders and gave us some tips on the menu and quantity of food we were about to orders as well as some recommendations on top sellers, checking off Credo #2, “Your server will give the attention you deserve hopefully with a little personality too. One thing you'll never get at the black bear is a can greeting in a slick atmosphere!”
Credo # 3, “At Black Bear Diner we've created a menu that our customers love lots of options with breakfast available all day! We cook everything to order so it's going to take a little longer than the average bear pun intended so. So relax! Enjoy the Jukebox check out the pictures, read the menu and Viola, the food will be there!” and Credo # 4 “Wow! - if you don't say that when you get your food, you either ordered toast or our cook's flashed back to when they were working somewhere else. We buy huge platters, and we do that for a reason: we want to fill them with food! You work hard for your money and you deserve your money's worth. We're seldom accused of not providing that!” were absolutely met as we ordered two breakfast platters, “The Grizz!” which by name alone sounds a bit intimidating. It consisted of 2 sweet cream pancakes, 3 eggs, 2 slices of hickory smoked bacon, 2 sausage links & a smoked ham steak, served with a heaping mound of strip-cut hash browns. It really lived up to its classification on the menu-“Our biggest portions for the hungriest bears.” The Bear’s Benedict-Classic version definitely did not disappoint! A generously portioned split English muffin, thinly sliced smoked ham & 2 poached eggs covered in buttery, cheesy, Hollandaise sauce were served up to perfection and exceeded my expectations. I was a happy diner after the first bite!
Our portions were generous enough to both share and take some home, giving validity to Credo # 5,
“On the other hand, sometimes our customers who are not used to the portions think we are serving too much. Nobody likes to be wasteful, and neither do we! I think we have one of the highest “to go” container cost in the industry. We urge you to take the extra food home and enjoy it later. At Black Bear Diner, we give you the choice as to how much you want to eat. Nothing is worse than going away hungry from a restaurant. It won't happen at the Bear.” We were so stuffed, there was no room for even the thought of tasting the delicious looking homemade desserts and goodies on display intentionally as you wait to pay your check!
The last credo of the Black Bear Philosophy is Credo # 6, “As Black Bear Diner grows, we make this promise to you, our valued customer: We will read every single comment. We truly appreciate our customers taking the time to write to us it helps us determine if we are meeting your needs at all of our locations. So write! Good or bad we want to hear it!” And we will see if it holds true by the response to our article. However, with the given track record of the other 5 Credos, we have full confidence “The Bear will not disappoint!
Black Bear Diner is truly a unique dining experience bringing what people love most when they dine out, a great experience, delicious food and satisfaction of knowing they got their money’s worth. On behalf of foodies of the Inland Empire, "Welcome Black Bear Diner!"