Black Bear Inn

We stopped by at the end of the day on a Friday. First, the atmosphere inside was cheery and welcoming. It reminded me of a bar like the old series “Cheers” or the Ben Affleck movie “The Tender Bar” - people were gathered like old friends at the end of a long work week. Katy was the bartender and server - very welcoming, upbeat- we can’t say enough about the great service we got. Now the food - we had read great reviews from Facebook and finally had a chance to try it out. We were not disappointed! This is pub food better than best - it’s the real deal. First we started with an order of honey BBQ bone in wings (they have many sauce flavor options)- best we’ve had in the capital region - hot, crispy, large sized and absolutely delicious. Next we tried the plain Mac and cheese and it, too, was delicious- lovely melted cheese on top of cavatappi pasta with a lovely blend of creamy cheeses underneath. We didn’t need to add any salt because the flavors were perfectly delicious already. Next we had the pulled pork sandwich that came with Cole slaw and their homemade, hand cut fries. I opted for onion rings. Can’t even begin to describe how delicious everything was - the pulled pork had excellent smoky tenderness, the Cole slaw was delicious — (too many places just can’t make a good Cole slaw but this place has it down !)
And then there are the fries and onion rings - wow - both were excellent! Super flavor and perfect light crispy texture- haven’t had good fries/onion rings like this in years! The menu had many other pub fare options from chicken to salads and burgers. It’s a small cozy place inside, people are very friendly. Highly recommend this place. Katy was great and she makes a top notch White Russian. Our hats go off to the chefs/cooks for the extra mile on serving amazing pub food that sets this place apart from so many other places in the Capital Region

We loved everything about the experience we had yesterday when we stopped for dinner. Great service, delicious food that came out quickly, and a relaxed spot to hang out in.

I knew going in that the wings were a must-try and I was still surprised by how good they were; crispy but still moist and flavorful without having to be drowned in sauce. Loved the loaded fries too! Burger was juicy and the mac and cheese I added for my side will be the next day's lunch.

Highly recommend stopping by to try it for yourself!

First visit and the food was spot on. Burgers were amazing, slightly over cooked for our taste but honestly juicy, thick burgers. My husband had a burger with pork belly on it, the burger was massive. Fresh cut fries and Mac & Cheese both great. The fries were crispy, hot and reminded me of homemade fries my grandmother used to make. The bartender/waitress/ host, she does it all and does it well. The place was pretty busy and she managed to answer each call, table, guest and order with the ease. I’m impressed by the overall experience.

Stopped here 11/15/23 after looking through the reviews which seemed mostly good. We accidentally picked to sit at the end of the bar near the kitchen , don't do that lol only bc it's the bartenders drop off spot for the dirty dishes. We had thought about moving, but didn't mind, the bar is big enough, it's not like they were on top of us. The bar tender apoligized and said she would find a different spot, i told her it was fine. I think we inadvertently messed up her routine, but she was nice. The cook was great. The cheese curds weren't available, they offered mot sticks- which is our favorite, and they were among the best I've had. They have sauces I've never seen before like raspberry bourbon, zesty tequila, and moonshine. We had the 5 for $25 sample platter, which is 5 different sauces , and it was really good and presented well. It came with plenty of celery and carrots and the blu cheese sauce is homemade and sort of whipped, it was really good as well. I thought about grabbing a second order of mot sticks to go, then regretted I didn't. Lol. Definitely not a bad find, I'd stop again.

It was my first time going to Black Bear Inn and the atmosphere was wonderful. The music was nostalgic, the food was delicious, and the waitress was lovely. She was assisting everyone and checking in periodically. Will definitely return with some friends next time! 😊😊

The food and service here are excellent and have been for a long time! The Smoked Wings are some of my favorite wings of all time and I lived in Buffalo, NY. The Pulled Pork Sandwich is definitely one of my favorites as well and I've eaten at a lot of BBQ joints. Their Homemade Shoestring Fries are absolutely phenomenal! The Burgers are really amazing as well! Do yourself a solid and stop by and grab some grub, you won't be disappointed! The prices are more than fair.

Great relaxed atmosphere and superb bar food. Katy behind the bar is adorable and makes you feel right at home. On my top 5 list for wings. Will be back for sure.

On returm trip, tried the Grizzly Burger. Phenomenal!

Honestly, I had the best burger in years. The Mac and cheese is two meals and really good. We will be back.

One of my favorite places to come. The service is always great. The food is always on point I'm never disappointed. Keep up the good work. I also like the updated chair

Stopped here on the way to Palmyra with a group and will definitely want to come again. The food was absolutely delicious and filling. I got the blackened chicken sandwich, which was just the right size. The Mac and cheese was nice and cheesy, with a nice flavor.

Great food, Great service, and great atmosphere 5 stars

The food was very tasty and the staff were very attentive.

We hired the black bear to cater our wedding that had no kitchen, and all the food was beyond our wildest dreams!! It was incredible and so hot and the perfect amount of food was available. We are SO grateful to the entire team that was there to make our day perfection!

The Black Bear inn makes the best Wings in the 518 area code The Black Bear inn is the number one bar in the 518 area

An Amazing bar in the Heart of Watervliet that has Wonderful Food and Drink in a Relaxed Atmosphere. Try it and you will be sure yo like it, alot!

Small place but pretty well kept. Food is OFF THE CHART GOOD. Not super high prices. Mostly affordable. Tv's with sports and other things on bar head wall. Lottery machine. Mostly a bar, but also serves Great food. Seems to have shows and events every week or so (maybe Monthly) but for a small town where is located. Is a very nice place and location. Didn't look for it's parking (or if it has one). But that's the only bad thing if street parking happens to be full when you go.

Food was exceptional, great quality and more than we could eat. Wings and cowboy bites were exceptional. Salads were huge, fresh and delicious. Mac n chesse is out of this world as were sandwiches. Looking for a great place to eat, great portions and fabulous prices.

The food is amazing here. The staff is no nonsense and there to make sure you're well taken care of when you're seated. They have some really enjoyable specials that you must try!

Cozy pub with flavorful food and a great beer selection including some high end craft and cheap low-end iconic American swill. First time there but definitely will be back. Watch your step however the landing for the entrance is a little weird.

Went to the Black Bear Inn yesterday with my sister to watch a World Cup game. Requested the game be put on, Mike let us pick which TV to play it on. Ordered the Cajun parm wings, delicious. Nice, crispy and perfect flavor!! Service, food and drinks were wonderful, I will definitely come back again! Thanks Mike!