Black Bear Diner - Geriatrics Only

Walking into Black Bear Diner is a bit of a trip. This particular example has a strange mix of Christmas and Valentines Day decorations, a skeleton crew, and a location that leaves much to be desired. West Boise isn't exactly the height of dining elegance, but of the few taco stops on that side of town, this one is perhaps my least favorite. We also brought the average age down by probably a decade when we walked in. I was surprised none of the other patrons died while we were eating. On second thought, one may have, he was a bit slumped as we walked past on the way out.

It's a bummer, the last time I was at a Black Bear Diner was almost 2 years ago in Bend, OR and it was a really good breakfast after a really fun evening. I can't say this one went as well. But hey, if you want a pile of gross sweets to end your life quickly, you could do worse. Probably. Dumpster diving or something.

Presentation - Started rough as we awkwardly waited for service at the front of an almost empty restaurant. It was a bit early (5:30ish), but come on, staff up. We were seated after a few minutes, but the general attentiveness didn't improve. No drink refills, no check ins, and a check delivered probably 10 minutes after it should have been. The plating of the tacos was fine, but there's no saving this category. They sucked. 1/5

Aroma - Not much, but what little I could detect wasn't bad. Or maybe that was Addie's strawberry waffle. 3/5

Value - Two tacos, refried beans, and cole slaw for $9.99.  The tacos were decent sized, so the price is alright. There is mention of salsa on that menu. Take a look below, none to be found. 5/10

Fish - Fried cod, usually a sure thing. I would expect a decent flavor and a nice crispy piece of fish. The batter wasn't bad and the pieces, which were decent sized, were not too oily. However there was like zero flavor. No spice or anything. Not sure what went wrong, but it was not particularly impressive. 4/10

Not Fish - Tortillas are right. No lime. Jack cheese works alright. But what the hell is going on with the slaw? It was not spicy, it was actually pretty sweet. Annoyingly so. The side of slaw had some spice, but the taco slaw tasted entirely different. And what is with the cilantro? A couple awkward leaves sadly strewn on top of limp tacos. Mince it you dumb dumbs! And sprinkle, not begrudgingly throw. 3/10

Overall Taste - Between the sweet slaw and bland fish, there's not much going on. I've eaten worse, but they were just sort of depressing piles of mundane nothingness. I'd much rather go get some $2 Del Taco tacos. 3/10

Bonus Points - Tempted to give them a negative for continuing mundane food and type 2 diabetes. But I suppose it's proper preparation for Trump's America. +0

Overall Overall - 19/50

It's honestly a bit refreshing to have a place fall so far from the middle. This was unquestionably the worst stop so far. But it's one more down, so on we go!