Black Bear Diner Hayward

I have been to other Black Bear Diner sites multiple times, and have always enjoyed the food and service.

I happened to expect the same when I visited the Black Bear Diner at Hayward, but unfortunately I had a bad experience.

I was served a dish that I have had multiple times in the past from various other Black Bear Diner sites, but was missing one of the key ingredients that makes the dish special.

I was not notified beforehand that the kitchen was missing this particular ingredient (maple syrup bacon jam) that’s special to the “We Be Jamming” sandwich.

Instead, I was served a normal sandwich with meat and cheese. I was never informed that the dish that was served to me was not entirely the one I had ordered.

It was only after I happened to take a bite of the sandwich did I notice that one of the ingredients was completely missing.

On checking with the staff, they happened to take my plate back to the kitchen to fix the mistake.

However I was astonished and taken back when the same plate was brought back from the kitchen after some bacon pieces were added to it. I was not even served a new dish in a new plate, instead it happened to be the same one that I was served initially.

This has been a sad and unsettling experience altogether!

The service started well, then went downhill. However, the general manager made it right. I will definitely come again.

Definitely a great place to eat. I eat as different as I can. To me this diner is a pivot, am glad I took. My server was amazing, up until he clocked out. Not informing us if we wanted the bill before he left. Lastly, their seats hurt my back, soo stiff.

Nice place to bring the family. Also, kids eat free from 4pm-9pm so that certainly helps! When we got our plates, I was surprised to see the pancake was shaped like a bear with eyes made of banana slices with chocolate chips, etc. (see picture). I've got two small children and the wait staff was really nice. After dinner, my toddler wanted to roam around and I walked with her. I like the diner experience and the food was particularly delicious.

We'll definitely be coming back.

I drove from Castro Valley only because they said they offered outside seating. I get here it's not open. A total waste of time and gas.

Black bear doesn't disappoint. Great service and really good food in large portions. I really enjoyed my experience.

They deliver our food an a dirty dish cart other than that I mean I guess it was ok, our server was nice and attentive other than the dirty dish cart that our food was carried on it was good

Portions are huge but don't let the menu fool you.make sure what you order isn't an extra upcharge or an additional item.

The atmosphere was family friendly and our waitress was awesome and saw to my needs.
I had the Chilli. It was like home made.

You pay for what you get. Food is okay. Service is okay although the food came out fast, it took about 10 minutes for them to get to is for our order and then 15 minutes after we ate for our check. For a party of 10,3 adults and 6 kids $120 (kids eat free-not sure what age) it was worth it.

I have been here multiple times and I haven’t had any issues with my order the food is good and the multiple waiters that have took my order on different occasions were very friendly

Great menu to satisfy your hunger with enough portion size on the plate to take home. The parking is good and service can differ depending on the amount of flow for dinner rush or the lunch rush other than that take your lady on a good date or family on a nice meal

Took too long to get my order. Grits were a bit more soupy than what I am used to. I will go again at a different time.

Friendly service but a bit too slow. Food is average/ good. Price is reasonable. Would be a nice place to spend a morning or early afternoon to have brunch with friends and family.

The clerks were kind and respectful, and they answered my inquiries in fine detail regarding their menu items. This place may compete with Denny’s and IHOP, but Black Bear Diner is in the same boat as Emil Villa’s California BBQ: better than Denny’s and IHOP. And the place is so off the books, there isn't a large crowd of people (though I did come on a weekday) ; thus, one didn't have to wait too long to be serviced. I would come here regularly, but I must catch a bus. Regardless, I recommend this place to anyone with a big appetite and get their money’s worth from the provided portions. I asked if they could combine two menu items, a chili cheddar burger and a pot roast melt, and they got it done in 10 minutes and without excessively charging me extra. If you ask me, Black Bear Diner is criminally underrated and should have more locations. My only relatively minor complaint is that their advertised specials, such as their steak and eggs breakfast for $9.99, are served from 6 am-10 am. Those specials should be served all day.

Good food, big portions, clean restaurant and very kind staff. Vanessa advised us not to leave baggages in our car, thank you.

The place is bad, the food lousy, and the service slow and bad. And even the natural water tasted ugly. Everything tasted ugly.

Black Bear Diner is a go-to local diner. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the food is good value for the cost, and the staff are all hardworking too. I always enjoy visiting with my mom when I'm in town.