The Black Bear Pub Nanaimo

Found this great pub tonight. We were going to go to the regular type place like Cactus Club but I always like checking out the places the Locals go to. We were not disappointed. The pub had a very cozy warm feel to it. Pool tables and darts here as well. Lots of seating too. Our waitress Holly was very attentive and greeted us right away. Service from her was excellent! If you want good pub food and cool atmosphere, check out the Black Bear!

I went with my dad and brother. When we walked in the girl who greeted us was friendly and said hello, told us the patio was open and our server would be there shortly. We waited almost 20 minutes before our server Nicole came to our table. When she finally arrived we immediately felt like we were interrupting her day! We ordered our drinks and appy. Finally after several more minutes waiting she arrived. We asked for coasters, which are generally standard in any pub especially with glass tables. She turned to the dirty table behind us and grabbed a few dirty ines and threw them on our table... I noticed they had food and rings on them and asked if we could please have clean ones. They are one time use and not to be reused she grabbed them off our table and threw them very aggressively back into the dirty table... one even bounced off onto the floor . She huffed off and slapped 3 fresh ones on the table and took off before we could place our order... so we waited several more minutes before she came back to our table to get our order. She was not friendly and her answers were short and abrupt. She mostly just backed "yup" at us to every question or order. Finally our food arrived and it was good. Fresh veggies and burgers were nicely done!! The ladies room was just gross! If I went here again I would ask for a different server and would not use the bathroom! Overall we were pretty disappointed... Oh yes my brother a beer conisour and fine dining expert found his beer to be flat and not good at all. He was also served a pale ale that was definitely not a pale ale. Haha we also found the emergency exit locked up good and tight! Not cool! However we did find it amusing. Music and view were great! There are better pubs than this in the area that are much better!

Amazing little pub. Huge patio overlooking Brannen Lake. Excellent menu, something for everyone. Delicious food and drinks. Our server Steph was amazing, super polite and always smiling. She made us feel so welcome on a very busy evening.

Super Local Pub, Best Staff ever! and the friendly patrons make the place. This pub is unlike the other local restaurant/pub franchises yawn this place is unique and has an atmosphere. The Lakeview from the patio deck is so nice and very relaxing in the summer. The food and atmosphere have finally been very good over the last couple of years since the last guy who ran it to the ground sold it. Congrats to the new owners who have brought the pub back to its former glory! Our Go-To Place!

The best part of my experience here was the gentleman that held the door open as he was leaving and we were entering the establishment. Upon walking in, it was apparent that the establishment was a place for regulars which was nice. However after finding seats, we noted that the regulars were preferred. We weren’t greeted at the door and after finding and sitting at a table for about 10 minutes, we realized that we most likely were not welcome. The tall blonde server looked away from us as she cleaned the table next to us. She made sure to check on the table opposite us and did not acknowledge us at any point while we were at the table. Rather she looked to either side or above our table. There was a gentlemen walking around offering tickets for a steak special, however he also failed to stop at our table of four as well. What it comes down to is this establishment needs to work on its customer service. I hope we just caught them on an off night.

Three of us went for early dinner, Reuben sandwich, Black Bear beef dip, & a Salmon burger. The food was plentiful & excellent! Service was friendly & prompt sorry, don't know her name, a shout out to our server, she took care of all our needs. Highly recommend the Black Bear.

Had a great time at the resto. The staff were so helpful and friendly. The food was amazing. It was very busy when we reached, but the server still accommodated us and served us in a timely manner. They have pool table and karaoke to entertain the people.

Cozy little pub, tucked away in a quiet spot a few minutes drive off of busy Metral Rd in the north end. Plenty of parking, and a nice older looking pub inside. But most people opt for the patio. Which is surrounded by a huge lawn, so you don't feel closed in like Cactus or Browns. The slightest glimpse of Brennan Lake helps too. Food is great, with a decent selection for a pub. Large plates, with med pricing. Great service.

Food is not bad. Manager Sandra is horrible. Had heard from other customers I'm not the first to experience her abrasive and abusive behavior. I HAD enjoyed going there as most of the staff are pleasant otherwise.

Good price, good food and great staff.