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    Black Bear Diner Downey

    3.5 (730 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Black Bear Diner Downey Takeout or Delivery

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    BLACK BEAR DINER DOWNEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Allyssa C.

    This was by far our most disappointing visit to black bear. We usually enjoy coming for a family meal, but this visit had a lot of issues. We ordered the bears choice breakfast, and the prime rib dinner. For the bear's choice breakfast. I chose to get the biscuits and gravy and it was not very good for one thing. The biscuits seemed to be over baked and they were really hard, and there was not much gravy that came with the meal. The dish so it was really dry, which was disappointing And for the prime rib dinner the meat came out a bit overcooked, and the cornbread muffin that it came with was incredibly bad. Not only was the muffin dry, but it also has a weird taste to it like there was way too much salt in the batter. The only thing that was ok was the chocolate pie. I felt that it was mostly cream if anything, but the crust and pie that were in the tin was what we expected. On top of the food issues, I feel like the service was also disappointing. After we got our order taken, which was 15 minutes after we sat down, our waitress just disappeared for the rest of our meal and we had to ask multiple people for boxes and the check which seemed unnecessary.

    Biscuits and gravy with sausage
    Shirley C.

    Feels like cabin and bear cave feel Huge menu. Feels like you're down south. They have specials of the day and portions for varying appetites too Their pies are awesome too Better than Marie Callender's too

    Streetside sign
    Derek W.

    Black Bear Diner in Downey easily could have earned 4 stars from me, but a couple of major missteps in service were enough to bring it down to 3. I'm a part of Black Bear Diner's E-Club where you can get a free meal as a welcome gift as well as a free meal for your birthday. The free meal is typically the Bear's Choice entree. The Signal Hill location is closest to me, but I was planning to get dessert somewhere between the Downey location and home. After getting dessert, I made my way over to the Black Bear Diner on the south side of Florence between Rives and Paramount, directly across the street from The Marketplace Grill Cafe. Parking shouldn't be an issue here. The parking lot is very spacious that I'm sure if you wanted to dine at other restaurants along Florence, you could park in this lot as well. One thing I love about Black Bear Diner is the bear decor both inside and outside the diner. This is no different here, though I didn't see as much bear decor outside compared to the Signal Hill location. However, they more than make up for with plenty of bear decor and merch inside the well-lit diner. Upon entering, I saw a server behind the order counter, and I told her I wanted to redeem my birthday Bear's Choice entree. I asked her to remind me what the Bear's Choice was even though I knew what it was; I like to do this to get a feel for service. How was it? She mentioned that the Bear's Choice entree would be a pancake with a sausage link, bacon strip, and eggs, the last of which can be cooked to the customer's preference. Right off the bat, I could already sense problems. First, the Bear's Choice is supposed to be a choice of the main entree as well as the meat. For the entree, you're typically allowed a choice of two pancakes, one waffle, two French toast, or two biscuits with gravy. For the meat, you can choose from 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links, or a piece of ham steak. You're usually not allowed a mix between two different meats. Also, notice how I said "a pancake" as opposed to "two pancakes" two paragraphs ago? Even though I knew I should have been given more choices, I actually would have chosen the pancakes, and I also would have preferred getting both bacon and sausage in my meal, so I chose to remain silent about my inability to choose my meal of choice, except for the eggs, which I requested scrambled. I asked the server how long it'd take, and she estimated between 7 and 10 minutes. She told me I could take a seat at one of their benches, which have paw prints on them. However, I wanted to explore all the bear merch and decor they have in store. From teddy bears on the wall to bear sculptures on either side of their jukebox, it's hard not to take a photo of them! I also noticed a table that advertised catering by showing what their catering trays look like. I didn't know, but am not surprised, that Black Bear Diner did catering, and I'm sure my co-workers and I would appreciate having Black Bear Diner cater for us one day to start work off on the right foot. 7 minutes after I placed my order, a different server who was serving a table inside noticed me waiting in the lobby and offered to assist me. I told her I had already placed my order and was waiting for it. Suddenly, the server who rang me up had an "Oh crap!" moment when she realized she forgot about my order! She went to the kitchen to box and bag up my order before handing it to me. She seemed to be a little swamped, and I could tell because she forgot to include two things: utensils and condiments. Even though I noticed before leaving, I chose not to ask because I had some at home. Well, I thought I had some pancake syrup, but turns out I only had honey at home. Better than nothing, but not getting a packet of syrup was quite a downer from this Downey diner. Even though I prefer waffles over pancakes, I actually liked the pancakes here more than the waffle from the Signal Hill location. In fact, I'd say I like them better than IHOP's buttermilk pancakes, though I'm also saying that because I'm currently disgruntled with IHOP lol. The pancakes were larger and fluffier, and I unfortunately didn't have enough honey at home for the size of these pancakes. There aren't any compartments to the takeout container, so I had to separate the pancakes manually from the eggs and meat; that way, I wouldn't accidentally pour/spread honey on either/or. The sausage link tasted just like any regular sausage link, and I can say the same about the scrambled eggs as well. However, I can't say the same about the bacon because it was almost burnt! Like a few more seconds on the griddle, and I'm sure they would have had to cook an entirely new strip of bacon for my meal. I saved the bacon for last, thinking it would have tasted the best, but it turned out to be the worst, at least of the four parts of my meal :(. Overall, my experience at this Black Bear Diner met my expectations, but these missteps were definitely avoidable.

    Elizabeth L.

    Black Bear Diner in Downey is just great. You can have breakfast all day and they have some great sandwiches, bottomless sodas, and wonderful desserts. The place is clean and ever so comfortable. The staff is great. We always love our server. We have been a few times. They know the menu and are pretty fast, but they don't rush you out. The diner is super cute and you will be comfortable here. I love their coffee. On Friday nights they have a special, hand-breaded fish fry and it is great. The pieces are long with just the right amount of coating and never overcooked. The fries are also great. We love their breakfast. Their biscuits and gravy are great and the biscuits are always fresh. You can have that as a side or they come with some of the meals. The Bigfoot Chicken Fried Steak and eggs is cooked the way you want it and it is a lot of food. I sometimes share it and order something smaller for the table. You will love their Big Bacon Breakfast. I think it comes with 6 pieces of bacon so I always have some to take home to my dogs. It has everything you want and more. Try this one first. You can dine there and you should because it is fun, but they also have delivery and take away. You will love this place.

    Big OUR Biggest - The GRIZZ
    Luis M.

    My family enjoys coming to this location, we always receive exceptional service. Sometimes there is a wait during peak hours but they are very efficient as far as taking orders and getting the food out. Food is delicious, love to indulge on the Big GRIZZ or a chicken steak. Restaurant is clean & staff is attentive.

    Avocado toast, eggs, and fruit. 4/9/25
    Lilah J.

    I've been to Black Bear Diners in several cities. It was actually mom's first time for brunch here. She not only enjoyed her Bear's Choice breakfast but, loved all things black bear from decor to the cute gift shop. We even purchased earrings and a key chain for her. Our family commonly redeems the birthday Bears Choice Breakdast for being on the emailing list. No shrinkflation at this corporate chain! I just got a simple breakfast of avocado toast, fruit, and scrambled eggs. Solid. Host and server were welcoming and pleasant. 4 Stars. We'll be back.

    Bottomless hot coffee -vanilla creamer on the side
    Monique M.

    I came here on Christmas Day with my mom, sisters, nieces and nephews. Family Christmas brunch at a family kid friendly restaurant is what we were aiming for and got that here at Black Bear Diner. They offer a standard American menu with comfort foods choices. The wait was about 30-45mins. They don't take reservations only first come first serve, so plan ahead especially for busy days like the holidays. The kids were entertained with their kid coloring menus so that was a plus while us adults dived into conversations. We all got nourishing plates. However, my sister claimed her biscuits and gravy were perhaps dry but didn't bother and my mom returned her steak for a medium rare as this is what she originally requested for and didn't get it. Overall, it was a pleasant experience for our family get together at a restaurant. Our server was pleasant and welcoming. No complaints. It was my surprise treat to my family. They didn't know I was paying the bill. Come here for a cozy family time and comfort meal.

    Emotion detected. Cause: hot chocolate unavailable since Christmas. System failure confirmed 01/01/2026.
    Morris M.

    I took my family to Black Bear Diner on New Year's Day, which--according to my calculations--was already a risky operation due to people. The place was packed. We queued. We waited. Time passed in a very linear and somewhat unforgiving manner. Eventually, we were seated. Only then were we informed that they were out of chicken tenders. And hot chocolate. The hot chocolate, we were told, has been unavailable since Christmas Day, which raises several questions, none of which were answered. From a systems perspective, this is inefficient. If key menu items are unavailable, especially comfort foods that children (and frankly adults) emotionally rely on, this information should be disclosed before people commit to standing in line like obedient humans awaiting a software update. Instead, we waited, sat down, and only then discovered the truth. This is misleading, poorly managed, and a waste of valuable family time--time that could have been spent doing literally anything else, including staring at a wall. In conclusion: good bears, questionable planning. Please update your system. Or at the very least, put up a sign.

    Eggs Benedict
    Chris L.

    Update** I've since come back to BB a few time in the last few years and service has gotten better, still a bit of a wait though. The food has also been good with nice portions. The ambiance is load and chaotic because of how busy they are

    Build Your Own Breakfas
    Sofia L.

    The food portions were great and taste was good. Really followed through on how we requested the food. The con is that my food wasn't that warm and my dad's food was cold. The waitress was nice and offered to get different eggs, warmer, but by the time she had checked in we were already halfway through our food. We did wait for the food for a bit and did notice a table get their food before us despite us getting seated before them. It was busy but it wasn't a long wait to get seated. The place was clean and nice. Other than that, the pancakes were really good. Better than the French toast that I've tried before

    BIGFOOT Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs*

    I absolutely loved returning to black bear after almost 4 years of not visiting the Downey location! My server Ysis went above and beyond during my visit, and mind you it was a packed house and not once did i feel like i wasn't being taken care of! I also have to add that it was during St Patrick's Day and she was the ONLY one in spirit!! Actually reminded me that it was a holiday. The food was amazing, had chicken fried steak and the orange juice was spectacular!! I will definitely be coming back to this location and look for that server again!!! Bravo!!!!

    Before 9am on a weekday. After 9am you're effed. lol

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    2 years ago

    Thank u Rosa for your great service food was on time delicious coffee hot and filled

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    2 years ago

    Our server was Mike and he was very attentive and nice. We had a very good experience with him.

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    2 years ago

    First time at this location and it was amazing with customer service and food was amazing thank you guys from Downey Black beat diner

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    2 years ago

    The food and the service here is awesome. They make one hell of a burger. If you have a thing for bears, it's a must.

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    Page 5 of 19

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    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen - Chilaquiles rojos

    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen

    4.0(2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Kid friendly

    I came during lunch time and it was packed. The host was so sweet and handed us some menus to look…read moreover while we waited for our entire party to arrive. Once we were ready she had our table already prepared. We have to order inside first before you can be seated. Once seated our food came out not too long after. Everything looked and tasted delicious! We ordered the chilaquiles verde, short rib omelette, tropical pancakes (seasonal), and the mango curd french toast (seasonal). The chilaquiles verde was savory and tangy. It wasn't soggy at all and definitely one of my favorite dishes. The short rib omelette was savory but didn't give me any wow factor compared to the other dishes I ordered. The tropical pancakes were so pretty. I only tried a piece of it without the syrup which I think was a mistake because the kumquat syrup was my friend's favorite. I definitely need to try it again with the syrup. Best for last, mango curd French toast was my favorite! I fell in love with sweetness and tanginess of the mango curd. The French toast was soft and you can taste the butter. I wish it was a main menu item. I'll definitely be sad to see it go. They have lots of seating inside and outside.

    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen presents itself as the kind of elevated brunch destination that…read morepromises thoughtful execution and a polished dining experience. Unfortunately, the reality falls noticeably short of that expectation. While the food itself is serviceable, it never rises beyond what you might expect from a standard at-home breakfast spread. Nothing on the table felt particularly memorable, inventive, or worth returning for. The biggest disappointment came in the details, but really lack thereof. The fruit served alongside the meal had the unmistakable appearance and texture of pre-packaged, bulk-distributed produce, lacking the freshness and vibrancy you would hope for from a restaurant positioning itself as a neighborhood kitchen. It gave more cafeteria than curated brunch. Service also struggled to meet even basic hospitality standards. Water refills required repeated attempts to get someone's attention, and neighboring tables were similarly left flagging down staff for utensils and tableware. Once the order was placed and food delivered, attentiveness seemed to disappear almost entirely. I'm not sure where the standard is set.. Given the location and atmosphere, there's an expectation of a more refined and welcoming experience, but the execution never quite supports the price point or reputation. If you do visit, avoid outdoor seating unless you're prepared for an even more disconnected service experience. Ultimately, there are far better places to spend your brunch budget. Especially when this is the kind of meal many could comfortably recreate at home with fresher ingredients and more care. If you're going to have competitive price points for these meals they should at least match.

    Photos
    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen - Morning scramble and breakfast burrito

    Morning scramble and breakfast burrito

    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen - Classic waffle

    Classic waffle

    Poached Neighborhood Kitchen - We specialize in organic, farm to fork breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, avocado toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, waffles, mimosas, & coffee.

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    We specialize in organic, farm to fork breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, avocado toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, waffles, mimosas, & coffee.

    Stewart&Grub

    Stewart&Grub

    4.4(822 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    I was fiercely craving a chili burger and fries today so I did a search for local eateries that…read morehave them and I ran across place, the pictures were what caught my attention but I was sold on the reviews! We were a party of 6 and had planned to eat there but they only have outdoor dining and it is a rainy day so we took the food home. I had the chili cheeseburger and chili cheese fries, they were both delicious and hit the spot perfectly! Everyone was made fresh and They gave us the yellow chilies which went well with the grub! The employees were polite and friendly too! We can't wait to go back and try more menu items! Try this place you'll like it!

    This has been a favorite of ours for years, but recent times have seen quality decline a bit. Don't…read moreget me wrong, it's still good, one of the best burgers in town. But knowing what it used to be... and knowing that this will be one of my last chances to eat there for awhile (we're moving to Europe next month) makes it a little harder. First the bad: the Rio is my usual favorite. Tonight, my burger was so overcooked and just dry as the Sahara. The wings had odd places where I had to spit out the dry, overcooked bits. Overall, the wings were great - sweet Thai chile - but what were these weird dry spots? And really, shredded lettuce is terrible. Put a nice leaf of lettuce, or don't put any on there at all. Now the good: the meat is very good quality, and has good, beefy flavor. The wings that didn't have the weird crusty dry spots were very well cooked, succulent, and that sweet That chile sauce is so money. The staff is very nice, polite, and organized. The prices are in line with what you'd expect to pay for a better quality burger. And you can let them know if you want customization - or you can just go with Grub style (their sauce) or backyard style (mustard and ketchup). Overall, Grub is a pretty reliable meal spot, better than average by quite a distance. But please - don't smash the smash burgers so hard and so many times! It leaves all the juiciness in the griddle. I'm hoping that I'll be back one day and it'll still be there, making epic burgers and wings!

    Photos
    Stewart&Grub
    Stewart&Grub - Gorgeous Grub Burger with Well Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries

    Gorgeous Grub Burger with Well Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries

    Stewart&Grub - Front of store

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    Front of store

    The Marketplace Grill Cafe - Ribeye Greek Salad

    The Marketplace Grill Cafe

    3.7(1.5k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to The Marketplace Grill Cafe since they first opened, and I can honestly say…read moretheir food is always delicious. My absolute favorite is the Greek chicken salad--I can't even explain how good it is, it's just that delicious every single time. Recently, my sisters surprised me for my birthday by taking me there, and we had such a great time. It made the experience even more special. Their pastries are also amazing--fresh and so tasty. What really stands out to me is the customer service. We had such a kind and friendly server who took the time to talk with us, which made us feel so welcome. That's the kind of service that keeps you coming back. We ended up staying for almost three hours because that's how comfortable and relaxed we felt at The Marketplace. It truly feels like a place where you can enjoy great food and great company.

    I've always liked the food at this place, but today was definitely a big miss. My omelette was…read moreovercooked and the "home style" potatoes were simply boiled, then smashed. Absolutely zero seasoning and no flavor whatsoever in those potatoes. The coffee and the service was great though. My server was very attentive as well as the busboy. It was very busy for a Monday morning and the ambience is not that. Overall a clean place, but the breakfast could have used some seasoning.

    Photos
    The Marketplace Grill Cafe - Restroom

    Restroom

    The Marketplace Grill Cafe - Salmon & Shrimp. Also includes steamed vegetables, risotto, and focaccia bread

    Salmon & Shrimp. Also includes steamed vegetables, risotto, and focaccia bread

    The Marketplace Grill Cafe - Latest Menu

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    Latest Menu

    Black Bear Diner Downey - diners - Updated May 2026

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