Black Forest Brew Haus

Black Forest Brew HausBlack Forest Brew Haus
Black Forest Brew HausBlack Forest Brew Haus
Brewery, Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

2015 New Highway
Farmingdale, New York, 11735
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.83
Beers:
37
Ratings:
187
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.83
Reviews:
42
Ratings:
54
pDev:
10.44%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by MichaelLamb:
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Rated by MichaelLamb from New York

3.09/5  rDev -19.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25 | food: 2.75

Dec 23, 2014
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.85 by Dmbphoenix from New York

May 04, 2019
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Reviewed by eluvah from New York

3.59/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 2.5 | food: 4.25
Restaurant and bar is a throwback to the 80’s. Lots of wood. Not much of a crowd the night I was there. 4 beers on tap that were average. I sat at the bar and had dinner, sampling the porter and amber. I had the special of ribs and chicken that was very good. Service from the bartender was very attentive.
Feb 19, 2019
 
Rated: 3.88 by Gkruszewski from New York

Sep 16, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by Icemann383 from New York

Feb 29, 2016
 
Rated: 3.58 by ljc973 from Michigan

Jun 10, 2015
 
Rated: 3.96 by Jlabs from New York

Mar 24, 2015
 
Rated: 3.5 by alexsergio from New York

Sep 09, 2014
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Reviewed by ArsMoriendiOU818 from Virginia

3.65/5  rDev -4.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Not much to eat here for vegetarians. The beer cheese fondue is a delicious for dipping pretzel's in though. Really delicious. The quesadilla was good, but fairly standard. As for the beer, it's good. Nothing special, but it's okay. It's on par with what I've come to expect from small brewpubs/breweries. I really like the atmosphere in here though. There's a darker room with the bar, a more well lit second room and an outdoor patio area, so there's lots of variety in terms of location once inside. This aspect makes up for the previous weaknesses. It fills a certain void on Long Island. There's really no other sizable brew pubs that feel brewery-like, rather than like a restaurant (such as John Harvard's), so I appreciate them leading the way on Long Island in that regard. The beer could use some work (95% of all LI beers could), and if there was some more vegetarian options this place would be top notch.
Aug 03, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by JKIPA05 from New York

Jul 10, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Bigtimejd19 from Florida

Jun 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by clay23 from New York

Feb 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by sirsteve42 from New York

Jan 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by bsm80x from New York

Oct 24, 2013
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Reviewed by theBubba from New York

3.85/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75
Located in an industrial area, and with a red and green chipped paint facade (most likely this place was a former Italian restaurant...no blue, black or yellow here) and with poorly designed signage, I wasn't expecting much. The back looked like the front. If it wasn't for the parking lot I wouldn't know which was which. My home brewing partner didn't think it was opened, but it was.

We stepped inside and were pleasantly surprised. Great atmosphere. Lots of polished dark wood. Bright copper brewing kettles in plain sight. Lot's of space (two nice bars, multiple dining areas and an outdoor "beer garden"). Friendly service.

We ordered the flight and some finger food. The Weizen was very good. The Pilsner a bit over hopped. The Amber and Oktoberfest tasted identical. The Pumpkin was a pleasant surprise. No overwhelming pie spices. My beer battered chicken tenders were perfectly cooked and my friends Quesidilla was pretty jumbo. I can't rate the real food but I plan on coming back. A nice experience and I'm looking forward to their winter brews
Oct 23, 2013
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Reviewed by pjkelley82 from New York

3.78/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
Very good German style beers. I had the hef and my girl had the pale ale.. both were very good... not the best ever but way beyond good and paired well with the food.

Server was so so... asked for a beer menu and he quickly went thru the 5 or so beers they offered and left us be... not superb but far from horrible service... about average.

Food was phenomenal... I ordered the brat and my girl had the bruben which is a beer simmered Ruben.... mine was also cooked in beer.... again... great food.

Overall I would definitely recommend this place if you haven't been and are into German beer. The food goes excellent with the beers and it's a perfect brew pub type eatery.
Jun 19, 2013
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Reviewed by PhillyStyle from Georgia

3.33/5  rDev -13.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Visited on a Wednesday night, December 2011:

My first impression as I walked up to the establishment from the parking lot was that I thought that the exterior needed some renovation, as it appeared that renovations had probably not occurred since the late 70s or early 80s, so I was hesitant to walk in the place. Upon entering, the place immediately warmed up and you immediately notice how big the place is. I took a place at the bar, which maybe only seated 15-20 people. From here, I think that the past reviewers described the place pretty well.

Upon taking a seat, I noticed the list of beers on tap, as others noted, mostly German styles, and I think that they had 6 listed, but the bartender noted that one was out. That night I tried the Hefeweizen and the Amber, which was a Marzen style. Both beer were well done and overall good, but I didn't think that they were anything spectacular.

The atmosphere of the place was perhaps slightly above average, there weren't that many people in the place that night and from where I was sitting at the bar you could see into the kitchen and where the waitresses picked up the food (although to be fair, you can see this from practically anywhere in the place), which I didn't really care for.

The service was average and the food, mainly German fare, was well done. Overall, perhaps not a beer destination, but if I found myself back in the area, I would probably stop by, just to try more of the beers and the fact that there are few beer places in the area.
Dec 07, 2011
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Reviewed by vfgccp from New York

4.25/5  rDev +11%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Atmosphere is great, very much what you would expect walking into a german themed brewpub / restaurant. They have a great patio outside during the summer, and inside is a very roomy and spacious restaurant separated into 3 different areas. Also there is a nice sized bar area as well.

The quality of the beer is top notch, the selections are limited as they often only have 3 or 4 of there own beers available at any time. But I will take quality over quantity any day of the week. Their beer selection often includes a pisner, and AMAZING hefeweisen, a dunkle / bock / or sticke of some type, and quite often a great black lager (schwartzbier) or stout.

Food here is also awesome, they have a great mix of german style food as well as fare for a regular crowd of beer lovers as well. All is pretty reasonably priced.

Definitely a place to check out for a great drink of custom made beer, or to bring friends and family for a full meal, of course still including some beer!
Dec 01, 2011
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Reviewed by CaptJackHarkness from New York

3.75/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3
This is still one of my favorite brewpubs, although the menu is not as good as it once was, and the general atmosphere of the place has aged.

The appearance of the exterior is a touch shabby and shopworn. The interior tries to mimic a Bavarian Chalet. The brew vats are very much in evidence though.
However, I come for the beer! The beer is excellent, and not exclusivly German. My favorite, and the one that I most highly recommend, is their hefeweizen.
This is not located in the best part of Farmingdale, being in the industrial park area near Newsday and the Costco.
Nov 03, 2011
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Reviewed by jeranbrews from Oklahoma

3.83/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Atmosphere - One of the best parts of this establishment. They are really trying to preserve the whole "German" theme. All wooden furniture. A bit dark. There is a restaurant area and bar area and an ample outside patio. The bar area has name plaques and hooks for regular customers to hang their personal mugs and steins, a nice touch.

Quality / Selection - The day I went they had 5 / 6 of their brews on tap available. All were pleasant. What I really liked it they only seem to brew German style beers. ALT, Pilsner, Marzen, that kind of thing. And while many brewers are trying to branch out and be more creative and wacky and see how many times they can fit the word IPA or Imperial or double tripple blah-blah in their beer names, these guys obviously are trying to make good German beer and that's it.

Service - Depends on who you get that day. In the afternoon I went everyone seemed sleepy and not interesting in being there. One bartender was pleasant enough to me but there was another that didn't want to talk to me, didn't want to be there, and didn't know much about the beers. That would have been fine around closing time but she had just started her shift and was already exhausted.

Food - All fairly yummy. They are more American-German-ish in this regard. But there are plenty of sausages and krauts to choose from. Instead of pizza they have fire-cake. (It looks like pizza) My friend ordered the cheese fries and the fries were great but they obviously used canned/squirt bottle cheese instead of a fresher sliced cheese.

value - $6 pints are $3 from 3-6pm weekdays. Nice. Food entrees were much less forgiving. Starting at around $10 per plate, the key word there is "starting at".

Note - Growlers available. $12 for a new one, $8 for a refill.
Jul 24, 2011
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Reviewed by socon67 from New York

3.65/5  rDev -4.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Went during lunch, and I've been here for dinner a few times.

The atmosphere is underwhelming. Place is dimly lit and the crowd (at least during lunch) was a mix of the business guys having a liquid lunch, and office folks.

Inside there are taps everywhere. Its a funky layout, but you do know you are in a place that serves beer.

Service is solid; you don't wait for beer or food. And the staff is polite.

Beer selections include five taps of brew made on premesis. Today I had the smoked porter (very good). For those liking fresh beer it is worth the trip.

Food is decent. Some german specialties make it stand out. The food quality is average. You are getting you money's worth but the grub isn't why you're here.

Overall worth a trip if you are by the airport and want to try some good beer.
Feb 17, 2011
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Reviewed by mgbickel from Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Another weekday lunch trip...well, late lunch at least.

From the outside, this looks like a place my grandmother would go to...nothing about it screams "Brew Haus". The interior is another story...although I am still not getting the German influence. I called the interior a cross between a 70's night club and a Smokey Bones.

You enter into a wide opened area...there is a room for seating off to the left and a large "U" shaped bar a few steps up on the right. The is another bar on the main level that lines the wall where the kitchen is. The brewing equipment sits opposite the entrance. There is yet another room beyond the large bar area...this place is massive!

The beer selection is better that average for a brewpub. They have your common selections, but also some special brews...I opted for the smoked porter.

The food was really good...with a decently unique menu.

The service was great...we had a few different girls taking care of us...I guess the main reason for that is the time of day we were there...but hey, points are points!

We almost didn't go into the place based upon the outside, but once in, we were pleasantly surprised. Worth checking out...
Feb 08, 2011
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Reviewed by grssmnperez from Texas

4.03/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Went between classes almost everyday while in college. The seasonal beers change with the weather on long island! the summer hef is awsome with lots of fruiy flavor and the perfect hef color! The winter brews are just as accomodating with bolt roasted flavors and wonderful dark colors. the service is promt and the atmosphere complimets with the beers having everything open to view and people even working on the brews while you drink! Great place to go! If in town stop by that grab a growler to go!
Nov 15, 2010
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Reviewed by malthegal from Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
I went to the Black Forest Brew Haus on a Sunday afternoon, it was really quiet in the bar area of the restaurant, but there were 2 separate bridal showers going on in side rooms that seemed to encompass most of the activity in the entire building.

The beer was excellent, I had the Brown Ale, the Pilsner, the Amber, and the Sticke. All were excellent and I ended up leaving with a growler of the Sticke. The food was good too, had an excellent choice of traditional German dishes, as well as sandwiches and burgers.

Definitely a place that I'll return to when I venture back to Long Island, but next time I will go on a weekend night to be there when it's a bit more lively.
Sep 13, 2010
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Reviewed by Gmann from New York

3.8/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4.5
The Black Forest Brew Haus is located off of New Highway, couple of blocks off of Rt 110. Nestled within industrial blocks it kind of blends in but you should be able to see the beer garden. Once you walk in there is a long bar to your left and a U shaped bar towards your right. There is some table seating within this area. Through the "bar" area is the main dining room, which is an open room with a high ceiling and a fireplace one on of the walls. There is also an outdoor beer garden. The place seems to pick up around 5:00 and seems to have a lively atmosphere. The decor is nothing special but is nice enough. I found the service to be prompt and friendly, not sure if they were knowledgable about their brews. Their menu is German focused but does have a good amount of American selections. During two visits we had tried the pork shank, plowsman platter, Octoberfest Feast, soft prezel with beer cheese and the bacon wrapped scallops. All were very good. Their braised pork shank and smoked pork chop were very very good, highly recommened. The portion size is fairly large so you don't need to order an appetizer. I found their prices to be reasonable. They have a limited selection of their in house brews, around 5 or 6. I sampled their Octoberfest, Schwarzbier, and Hefe. All quite good, the Schwarzbier was excellent. They do have growlers to go, which you can purchase at the front of the restuarant. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy German food.
Oct 11, 2009
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Reviewed by LilBeerDoctor from New York

3.48/5  rDev -9.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4
Atmosphere: Very relaxed atmosphere. This is a German-themed restaurant so there are the appropriate knick knacks and decoration. There's a wrap-around bar with 3 televisions and many tables for dining. Good place to grab a pint and watch the game or just enjoy a nice meal.

Quality: The beers vary in their quality, but they are worth trying and some of them are quite good (the imperial pilsener comes to mind).

Service: I haven't had any problems with service.

Selection: They have usually about 5 beers on tap at a time, with 3-4 "regulars" and 1 or 2 rotating.

Food: If you like German food, definitely check this place out. I really like their food. The entrees are a touch pricey, but worth it.

Value: I think regular pints are $5 and "special" beers are $6. For a brewpub, the food is on the pricey side but it is good quality, IMO. The average entree is probably $15-20.

The only bad thing I have to say about this place is from when I went here on a holiday around 3:30 pm. They had just finished serving their holiday brunch. They were still open but they weren't serving any food for like two hours or so and there weren't any seats at the bar (although you could order beer). Seemed a little silly to me. When I asked what was going on, I also got different stories from different people about whether we could order food. If it was my first time to this place, I might not go back, but I do like their beer and food so I'm just going to avoid going on holidays!
Jul 02, 2009
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Reviewed by BeTheBall from Florida

3.83/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Went after the US Open Saturday afternoon during a rain break for us. Not many people there; the place is sort uf huge with two large bar areas and many tables surroudning them, along with another room/patio area. Dark wood makes it feel German as they intend. We sat at the bar on the right with some of their beer club regulars, average age even older than me (56). Really friendly and nice people that like to drink beer and socialize. Wait staff was also very friendly.

We drank the Hefe, the Maibock and an IPA. All were good, and were right on style. I did have to ask for no fruit; the Hefe was very cloudy and very tasty. Maibock was sweet and malty, very tasty. The IPA was not a hop bomb, but did satisfy an old hop head like me.

Ate as an appetizer for the 2 of us what they call a Flame Cake, which is sort of like a pizza but with no cheese or sauce? Just the dough and your toppings. Kind of dry, but at the same time light and easy to eat.

If and when I return to the Farmingdale area (next UPS Open at Bethpage?), I will be back.
Jun 23, 2009
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Reviewed by rasta16ry from New York

3.75/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Black Forest is a cool German place right off of 110 with house-brewed beer. It has a beer garden type outside that opens for Happy Hour during the summer.

There are usually five or six beers to choose from, and the amber and hefeweizen are usually there. But they are all really good, and last time I went there was a really nice chocolate bock which was really unique and good.

The food is also good, especially the traditional German food, and it's very reasonably priced. The service is, unfortunately, not very good. Some of the bartenders know their stuff, but some don't and the waitresses are all apathetic and generally girls under 24. They can usually recite something canned about the beer but very little by way of actual knowledge or interest.

But either way the beer is great, fresh and local. The food is good, and everything is priced well. Black Forest is a great place to stop for a nice meal with some good beer.
Jan 22, 2009
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Reviewed by dkoehler42 from New York

4.08/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
The Black Forest Brew Haus is definitely a great place to go for some particularly good brew and burgers. However, their menu is very diverse and contains plenty of authentic mouthwatering german food. It tends to get crowded during the weekends, but during the warmer months you can usually find a space at the beer garden. Sports can be found on the tvs at the main bar, which is usually stuffed, but there's always room.

The only possible drawback, is that it is a bit more expensive than most places. But, I would say that this brew haus is a place worth returning to many times!
Sep 27, 2008
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Reviewed by ItMakesMeHappy from New York

3.8/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I deffinatley like the atmosphere in most of this place except maybe for the area where you get seated for dinner. Its kinda a plain white room with a carpet that looks like it should be in a Howard Johnsons. The indoor and out door bars are great though.
I have only been here a few times and the service was average. I didnt run into anyone with a above average knowledge about the beer they served.
The main reason why I like Black Forest is the beer. Even though they usually only have 5 or 6 taps going at a time I really do enjoy there German lagers but I do wish there was more of a choice.
I am not an expert on German food but I do enjoy trying it and this is a perfect place for just that. My farther lived two years in Germany and he really enjoys the food there.
Jul 13, 2008
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Reviewed by drseamus from New York

3.58/5  rDev -6.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4
It looks nice right as you enter with a clear view of their two large copper brew kettles. Huge pallets of barley are stacked everywhere. I like the rustic look.

We were seated in the back room which is a weird arched room. It looked cool but it was really loud because there was nothing to damp the sound.

The waiter was very friendly and courteous and knew some things about the beer but was definitely wrong on some of the things he said. I'd have liked to see a bit more knowledge out of him.

The food was pretty good though and the beer was made nicely although the pilsener was cloudy and should have been crystal clear. Somewhat acceptable for a small brewery.

I'd probably go back but only if I was in the area.
Jul 04, 2008
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Reviewed by shaebs99 from New York

4.08/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I have been here a dozen times or so and each time I leave happy.

They have 5 or so beers on tap at any time. You almost always see their Pilsner, their Amber lager, and their hefeweizen. The other two will be seasonals or rotationals or whatever.

Their beer is very good especially if you are in the mood for a lager. Their bocks (double, mai, smoked, or whatever) I like a lot.

The food is good as well. Their specials are interesting and I can find something good to eat whether I go for lunch or dinner.

The service is pretty good. Sometimes knowledgable waitstaff, sometimes not. I usually don't ask too many questions so it is hard to tell. I feel the prices are reasonable. 3-6 every weekday is happy hour. $3 beers.

If you like German food or good beer you should definitely go.
Jun 12, 2008
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Reviewed by RblWthACoz from Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -7.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5
I found the atmosphere of this place kind of odd. It seemed really sterile, even though there was a mass of decorations to be seen. I guess it fits in with a lot of the numerous office complexes around the area. Quality of the beer was fine. Everything tasted pretty good and was decent enough. There are only five beers on, so the width of selection isn't crazy, but it works well enough. The bartender must have been in a reeeally bad mood that day. She was super salty. Hopefully she's having a better one today. Though it did kind of turn me off and send me on my way instead of staying for more. Overall this is an okay place. I went, I drank, I'm gone.
May 26, 2008
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Reviewed by Brianmerrilyn from New York

4.03/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Found this place when I got tired of treking from the Bronx all the way to Patchouge to the Blue Point Brewery. To me the place has a good Munich feel with circular bar in the middle with mugs from the beer club hanging and notes about the monthly beer club meeting. Static beer selection but when you get it right, don't change it was my take. Pilsner and Imperial Pilsner(8.3%abv), Amber, Hefe-weizen and Campfire(smoke beer from Douglas X-mass tree) think piney malt. The Hefe is hands down the best beer they have and as a German joint, I was quite happy. Regular pub grup band some heavy German based food but if you like spatzel and schnitzels, this is your place.
This is the only place in Nassau county which befuddles me, especially when the beer festival have to rent out the Nassau Coliseum when they come around each year. Excellent place.
Mar 27, 2008
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Reviewed by OliveDrab from New York

3.83/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4.5
Black forest usually only has about 5 of their own brews on tap but the quality far outweighs the quantity. I work up the road on 110 and going here for lunch and a glass of hefeweizen is a great break from the office or clients. The food menu is phenomenal and offers everything from the simple stuff offered at an applebees/ruby tuesdays/hoolihans type place alongside authentic german food.
I highly recommend going there and drinking some of Joe's outstanding beer. Lets not forget you can get a growler of your favorite beer to go. since I need over 500 characters, let me also add that during lunch the food service is about an average wait but the beers come out quickly.
Jan 12, 2008
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Reviewed by dough from New York

4.05/5  rDev +5.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I have been here many times and have just never gotten around to reviewing it for whatever reason. I love the Black Forest. You might say that the beers are nothing fantastic and you may be right but they are decent and in some cases they are quality offerings. I really like the decor and the feel to this place. It is always upbeat and a fun place to take in a beer or two. The Amber is a well balanced, tasty brew that is almost always available.

The food is really good. I have ordered a good chunk of the menu and have enjoyed all of it as far as I can remember. I tend to stay away from the free Happy Hour Food so I cannot speak for that.

Overall, The Blackforest Brewhaus is one of my favorite stops. I recommend it to any and all.
Nov 12, 2007
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Reviewed by gixxerman from Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -6.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3 | food: 4
Roamed in around 9:20 on a Monday night with a co-worker for some dinner and a few beers. The first thing you'll notice is that this is a pretty large space, and dimly lit. Wood everywhere, they must order Pledge by the 55 gallon drum. The bar is off to the right of the entrance and elevated. The tanks are prominently displayed towards the back on the other side of the bar area.

I ordered up an oatmeal stout, it was on par with others I tried, a bit smokey, and the ABV was listed at 5.4%. It went well with the ribs I ordered.

For dinner I ordered up the 5 hop rub ribs. They were very good, cooked perfectly, the meat fell right off the bone, and they melted in my mouth. I did not catch any 'hop' flavor though.

The bar is decorated with a German theme, and they also use some hops on the vine around the top of the bar, a nice touch.

Very good brew pub! The beer selection might be a bit limited for some, but they seem to mix up the styles, you should find something you'll like. The food does not dissapoint either, definitely a notch above normal pub fare.
Jul 28, 2007
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Reviewed by KATE12 from New York

3.83/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
I really enjoyed this place. Stopped in for happy hour and had a great time. The bar area was dark and very German looking with chalkboards that let you know what the current beers were. While we were there a fresh batch of oatmeal stout took the place of one of the other selections on the chalkboard. The service was quick and friendly with the bartender giving us a free taste of the super fresh oatmeal stout. That was pretty cool. Outside there is a "beer garden" where a great classic rock band was playing. The food seemed good, although we didn't have dinner there. I would be up for coming back and testing it out. It seems like a good place to bring a group of people. Lots of room and different selections of drinks (not just what they brew) for those who don't like to be adventerous in their beer selection. I would recommend trying this place if you're in the area!
Jul 23, 2007
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Reviewed by hopbar from New Jersey

4/5  rDev +4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Stopped in on a Friday night for their Happy Hour. This really is a great place. Right away it reminded me of being back in Germany. There was German memorabilia scattered around the restaurant and on the walls, beer mugs and steins hanging from hooks over the bar (these were for the regulars) and pictures of Germany throughout the restaurant. Even the bartender seemed to grunt in German. Beers were served in mugs and we appropriately slammed them together saying "Prost" and hit them on the bar before drinking. In one section of the bar, there was the cigarette machine (typical of Germany), in another part of the bar you could see the brewery itself where staff were still working at 7:00 PM on a Friday. A refrigerator near the entrance held growlers of beer and blackboards above the bar gave the listing of available beers on tap with alcohol % and price. When I was there, they had five beers: Pilsner, Amber, Summer, Hefeweizen and Oatmeal Stout. People were eating in the bar area but you could also sit in the main dining garden to have dinner. Outside on the patio was a bar, tables and a Classic Rock band playing songs from CSNY, the Beatles and the Eagles. Over the bar was a large tent that said, I believe, "Beer Garden" or something to that effect. It was big enough to see from the road though so it almost invited you to a great time.

Service was great. We were waited on quickly whenever we wanted a beer or food and the bartender even let us know that our fourth drink would be on the house right after we purchased our third! We were impressed.

Although we didn't have a full dinner, we thought the menu looked great with typical pub fare. We did try the buffalo wings, which were deep fried, spicy and delicious. Great to have with our Black River Pilsner.

Overall, the atmosphere, service and beer was great and I am looking forward to going back before the summer is over.
Jul 18, 2007
Photo of DRINKSAROUND
Reviewed by DRINKSAROUND from New York

4.3/5  rDev +12.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 5
i live 4 mi from this place and go there all the time. joe the brewer makes great beer - although there may only be 5/6 varieties avail at any given time they are all quality. the german style restaurant sets them apart from any tgif or applebees plus you can talk beer with anyone around. my favorite dish is the beer braizened babyback's. they are the best anywhere. prices are fair same as any major restaurant. there are usually a seasonal or two plus the main stays- amber -pils - hefe- imp. st. - wish i could get their beer else where but only one place sells it - huntington superstar has it on tap for growlers. location is not that bad either - its only 1/2 mile off rt 110.
Apr 22, 2007
Black Forest Brew Haus in Farmingdale, NY
Brewery rating: 3.83 out of 5 with 187 ratings