Paging Gordon Ramsey! We've got a kitchen nightmare on our hands. The food we had here was abysmal. Which is a shame, because this place has all the makings of being a prime hangout spot: beer garden out back; cool little bar inside; giant picture of the Queen on the wall with two bullet holes through the plastic frame. But we sampled a bunch of dishes and they were all so painfully bland. It was like chewing on construction paper. Unacceptable. It really hurts me to see such a nice space squandered. For what you're served, it's terribly overpriced. Thumbs down, middle fingers up. read more

Once upon a time, Hansel and his Gretel decided they were hungry for some old Deutschland fare. As they wound their way through the city on a quest for sauerkraut, they happened to see a lovely German Cottage, promising the culinary delights of the Black Forest. Gretel had her misgivings, as this cottage happened to be near other places of ill repute, but Hansel was firm; they just had to try this place. Upon entering the rather charming establisment, they were greeted by a wicked witch. She seemed nice at first, but she brought the two back into the coldest part of the cottage where they sat shivering while they waited for their wine. They were concerned about the lack of other German children in the cottage, for it seemed like a big place and surely other people would want to eat there too. However, there were no other children at all! Shivering both from the cold and the abandoned-house feeling, Gretel had to put her coat back on to stave off a chill; when the wicked witch came back to ask what they wanted to eat, Hansel chivalrously asked if they could sit somewhere warmer. The witch made a big stink about having to switch their table number, but finally moved them nearer the radiator, where Gretel huddled close to it like a prisoner in a fairy tale. When the wicked witch finally brought their food, Hansel and Gretel were perplexed. What the heck was this stuff? They had never seen anything like it before. Gretel's rostbrauten, her favorite, was tougher than shoe leather. Her spaetzle was also gloppy and looked like sheep brains. Hansel's "special" schnitzel looked like it had been cooked in a lawn mower and tasted about as good. And unlike traditional German meals of grand size, there was hardly enough to cover the huge plate (nothing like the potatoes making the meat look small). After their initial horror abated, Gretel asked for some sauerkraut to liven things up. The witch angrily stomped off to get some and returned quickly. She then ignored Hansel and Gretel for the rest of the meal, even though both of them had run out of water. Hansel tasted the kraut and made a face; Gretel tasted it and could not even swallow. It tasted like fruit punch. Convinced that the witch was trying to poison them, they pushed the kraut away. They ate what they could from their plates and asked for the check. When the witch finally brought it, she glared angrily at their half-full plates and the untouched kraut, then seized it back to the kitchen. They could hear her talking loudly, probably to her goblin cook. When she returned, she slapped down the check and disappeared. Hansel was freaked out and just paid with some cash. They then escaped out the door, too glad to have made it out alive to ask to speak with a manager. read more

This was by far the craziest experience I have ever had in a restaurant. This is Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares type stuff. So first walking into the restaurant was a huge disappointment. I expected some old school class and charm, but was greeted by a dark mess. My boyfriend and I stood at the doorway with waitresses to their backs to us for a couple minutes when we just decided to seat ourselves. It took nearly 10 minutes to receive our drinks and the cocktail I ordered ended up being a shot. On top of that I found a dead fruit fly in my drink. I ended up asking for a replacement drink which took another 10 minutes to get out. Then my boyfriend went to the bathrooms and said they were disgusting and smelled like 'everyone had peed on the floor'. We specifically came for the Beef Wellingtons and Sweetbreads, but they had been taken off of the menu even though it was still online. So eventually I ordered the rabbit and 10 minutes after we had ordered they informed me that it wasn't on the menu either. So on my fourth choice I ended up with Goulash. My boyfriend ordered the veal cutlets. Weirdest thing that happened that night...the waitress brought us bread and butter packets. When we went to open the butter packets they had already been opened and eaten out of! There was bread chunks still in the butter! How does that even happen?!? Finally, when we got our meal my goulash was bland and tasteless. Goulash is a thick Hungarian stew full of vegetables and chunks of meat. Literally, I had two chunks of meat and a couple chunks of peppers. I loaded it with salt and pepper and it still sucked. Now my boyfriend ordered $22 veal medallions with asparagus. When he started on the veal it was tough, fatty, and turns out not even veal. They served him a pork chop and tried to pass it off as veal. This was the last straw for us. I asked to speak to the manager. I told her about the bug in my drink, eaten butter packets, and the pork chops posing as veal. She said thats not possible because they would have no reason to serve pork chops, it doesn't benefit them at all. Well, ya it does, when you see a restaurant operating like that one wonders how they are cutting costs to remain open. I told her that I wanted the meal compt. She stood there for a minute before responding "Uhhhh....well whats wrong with yours?!?" Rude. I told her that I would pay for the two beers but that was as far as I would meet her. She eventually agreed. When the waitress came to the table to give us our bill she said "Thanks for all of that, now Im probably going to be fired. Thanks. Im going to be fired". Well, that was awkward and not appropriate. Looking at the bill I noticed that they also made me pay for the $6.5 drink that had a side of fruit fly. I ended up paying the bill and leaving as fast as possible. We had just talked a week before as to what our worst restaurant experience was and now I actually have my answer. Gross, gross, gross. They only way I would ever come back is if I saw it on Kitchen Nightmares. read more

I am deeply saddened as I write this review. I love German culture and cuisine and had previously had great experiences at this restaurant hailing it as one of the best in the area. I see that this place has started focusing more on selling beer (I promise there is more to German cuisine than that) and less on their fare. I am also willing to overlook some of the spelling mistakes on the menu (my advice is to have a German-speaker proofread it before it goes to the printers). But this latest experience I had was a real disappointment. When I came in a few weeks ago everything was perfect so I decided to come back this week for a nice meal. I ordered the Sunday special (cabbage rolls) and was disappointed to find that they were unlike what a cabbage roll should be with cabbage tomato sauce and a rice and meat filling - instead it was more like a meatloaf of leftover meat in a cabbage leaf with unseasoned tomato paste on top. I found a hair or something inside my mashed potatoes. Usually I like to believe that it was my own but this time I'm not entirely sure. My evening ended abruptly, however, when I saw a mouse scurry across the floor from the kitchen to the dining room wall. Never in my life so far had I seen a rodent in a restaurant before and certainly would not expect to see one in a restaurant in this price range. I am pretty rodent-phobic and see it as a sign of either poor sanitation issues, building maintenance issues or both. I am hugely disappointed and hope not to have this place - one of the (sadly) few German restaurants in the area lose mine or anyone else's business - but rather, to have this matter promptly investigated and eradicated permanently. Mice on the floor of a restaurant is unacceptable. Will sadly not be returning anytime soon. read more

Favorites: the spätzle and the atmosphere, especially the accordion player. Least favorites: our server was unpleasant, service took way too long (over 30 minutes for two entrees), the beef stroganoff was overly salted and the beef wasn't tender. Came on a Friday night in a party of 2 with a reservation. We were seated promptly, but our server definitely wasn't one for hospitality. She immediately informed us that the roasted chicken was out (on the 2 for $30 menu), however didn't offer up the substitute. Our bread basket came before our pitcher of beer and it took over 30 minutes for us to get our entrees. Unfortunately since the food took so long, I had my card on the table ready to pay and we had to request to-go boxes as soon as the food came out as we had after dinner plans. read more

This is one of my favorite drinking spots, especially in the summer. Their patio is lush and beautiful, and from time-to-time they have an accordion player to serenade the patrons. On one beer-filled evening last summer, he was playing the usual requests from the Sound of Music soundtrack, and when he found out that my boyfriend also plays accordion, he regaled us with a hilarious rendition of Del Shannon's "Runaway". The entire patio started singing along, and it was one of those priceless summer moments that you always remember. Being of the veggie persuasion, I don't tend to eat here, but their German beer selection, beautiful space and lively atmosphere are enough to keep me coming back. read more

It's so random. We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon, and after getting a couple breaths of the air inside, we turned around and left. It smelled like the inside of the bathrooms had made it's way into the dining room. ... We've been here many times before, but it had been a while. This time reminded us why. I hope it improves! read more

Prior to last night, my last visit to this establishment was over a year ago. Had I written a review then, I'd have awarded a solid 4 star rating based upon food and overall dining experience. Sadly, my most recent visit has confirmed the rumors: The Black Forest has slipped. From my previous hypothetical four star rating, I am subtracting one star for the confused and rather lackluster service. Our server fluttered by on a number of occasions but could/would not stop at the table unless flagged down with a shout and an arm wave. The lone exception was when the check was suddenly and without request on our part plopped down on the table. Apparently we were done. Who knew? I'm also pulling one star for the decline in food quality. Both the Reuben and the onion rings--previously known as solid choices--were lackluster. One star remains for the very nice patio, one of the best in town. One star remains for the sauerkraut balls. I like them even if no one else does. I am thinking that The Glockenspiel in St. Paul is the better alternative at this point. read more

Having grown up with German grandparents who were first second-gen Americans and spoke German when they didn't want me to know what they were saying, needless to say I've eaten my share of German food. We found this place by chance and it was warm inside so we sat down. Not terribly wonderful food, and certainly not authentic German in the way that I know it (although my grandmother said her German was "low" whatever that meant) but the service was attentive and since the food wasn't great we didn't eat too much. Bonus? There's a German place out on the plains of Stillwater I think which is full on 'kraut the way I know it. If you're looking for a German restaurant and don't mind the drive ... read more

I've always had rather mixed opinions of Black Forest Inn. I like the idea that I have a German restaurant within walking distance of me. I like that the place has been there for decades, even surviving the neighborhood's first transition to a destination for asian groceries and dining, and so far surviving the current transition to a trendy, hipsterish neighborhood. I like some effort they've been making (lately?) with some nice ideas: seasonal events/menus (a christmas craft fair, a special asparagus menu in spring, octoberfest, etc). So I wish actually going to Black Forest Inn could actually be an enjoyable experience. German food is not often noted for its quality. I have been to Germany, but I wouldn't describe myself as an expert on the cuisine. But I can say that I can't remember ever particularly enjoying a meal at Black Forest Inn. On my last visit, I went sacrilegious and ordered a burger. It wasn't that I gave up on their German food, but a couple years ago local food reviewing legend Dara listed their burger as among the best in the state. Best burger down the street from me? Well, what's taken me so long? Was it all that? Not in my book. Just a garden variety burger. Perhaps even sub-average. You let me down, Dara. But hey, it was a nice day. I was sitting on the patio drinking a nice German lager. The waitress was nice, for a change. Like other reviewers I've often had bad service. But on this visit, all was well. So I didn't find a great burger, but I had a better visit than I probably ever had, so I can't complain this time. But seriously, some good service shouldn't be a notable exception. Especially when you don't have much else going for you. Work on that, BFI. read more

I really wanted to love this place. I really did. But we were not impressed. The food was decent (at best). I had the Sauerbraten and my husband had the Weiner Schnitzel. We also had the spaetzel. Nothing horrible (although there a few grizzly pieces of my Sauerbraten), but nothing great. No real reason to go back. The service was fine. Our waiter seemed a bit clueless but was pleasant. We went on a week night about 7 and we were the only folks in the except for one other party. Not a good sign. The place itself, the decor and ambiance, needs some help. It's dark, dank, and seems dirty. The sort of dirty where--had I seen the inside with some bright light--I don't know that I'd have wanted to eat there. I tried to imagine I was back in one of the century-or-two old Central European restaurants I've been in. It didn't work. The website says it's been open since 1965. It looks like it's not been redecorated since and perhaps not cleaned since then either. I'll go again and give it another try. Perhaps during the warmer months so we can sit outdoors. But, all in all, this just isn't the great place some folks had told me it used to be. read more

One of the nicest treats on Niccollet Avenue. First, Black Forest has one of the best outdoor patio areas in all of Minneapolis. It is spacious with a fountain, statues and ease to move about. Very very inviting. Also, it is closed off by fence and ivy so it has a secluded feel as well. The wine selection is global. Though the menu is focused heavily on German Cuisine, they offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The restaurant is family owned for two generations and they have maintained a community feel with excellent food and an at home feel. PS - Their homemade chocolates....wow! read more

Why is this place so wonderful? Is it the massive, affordable German beers on tap? Is it the warm pretzels with homemade mustard? Is it the bullet holes in the wall? This place makes me happy. Sitting at the bar, as I always do, I am surrounded by every type of person. The grungy hippies, the hipsters, the nerdy guy drawing comics in the corner, the business men, the old men sharing a pitcher, a couple on a date... This place is wonderful because it welcomes everyone. Yes, the beers are wonderful, the appetizers and pretzels (yes, this is all I've tried) are super tasty, the patio is great- but its the feeling I get, sitting at the bar that I love the most. Snuggle up to the bar for a couple hours- you'll walk away with some new friends. read more

Will try it again but walked in, asking for a table for 3 got a table for 6 seated next to a huge, loud party. Had to yell to talk to the other person waaay across the table. Tried multiple times to flag down our waitress for a drink, some water and hopefully a new table. Never happened. We left. Will try it again when I can get a patio seat but damn I wanted to try the spaetzle. Boo, hostess and crappy waitress, BOO. read more

My grandma is very proud of her Polish heritage. So, for her birthday we deemed it appropriate to go some place that specializes in sausages, sauerkraut, and good beer. After a surprise at the airport and special guest in tow, we ventured to Black Forest Inn at the tail end of the Friday dinner rush. It was still warm out and they led us to an amazing patio. This is the type of patio dreams are made of. Fountains. Trees. Rope lights. The perfect ambiance for an 80 year old birthday. Our waiter was a bit slow at first but he made up for it in friendliness. I got the Reuben sandwich, which they boast to be the best in town. It was great! I have had better but I am definitely not complaining! Grandma and my Aunt had the Deutschburger Casserole (although Gma's pronunciation sounded more like douche-burger) It was basically meat and mushrooms over spaetzel (noodles) covered in cheese. Yummy! After dinner he asked if we needed dessert and we declined. He then went to get the birthday girl her "surprise." Instead of a free dessert as the birthday special, they give out awesome little beer steins. That was so cool! I'm so excited that she has a keepsake from her night! read more

I love good German beer and food. A few years ago, I would have given this place a 4.5. Unfortunately, both the food and service have deteriorated. The last time we visited, we had to wait at least an hour for our food. It's sad to see such an iconic establishment decline! read more

My family and I went there on a Thursday after a Guthrie show. We showed up at 11:30 PM and the waitress' first words were "we close at midnight, the kitchen is closed, you need to order now". Terrible welcome and with two tables only occupied, the bartender brings water but doesn't offer to take drink orders even though the waitress was busy sulking over how much she hates her job. We asked for a root-beer float for my 17 year old and she said the kitchen is CLOSED - how hard is a scoop of ice cream. All in all in pathetic service. read more

I've been here twice over the past 6 months and I think it's a solid, if not sensational pick for good, hearty German and Central European food. The decor is a bit disney-fied but I kind of like the kitchsiness of a place like this (it doesn't feel like a Bavarian beer hall - it feels like the German pavilion at EPCOT Center but, then again, that doesn't really bug me). The service here has generally been congenial. I had a German beer that was quite good and reminiscent of a Guinness. My boyfriend particularly likes the sauerbraten and both of us enjoyed the spaetzle. My beef stroganoff was quite good. Again, nothing sensational, but it was decent and portions are large and filling (we brought plenty of leftovers home with us). The prices - given the portions and the relative quality - are a little high but not outrageously so. We also shared a Black Cherry torte for dessert that was just the right balance between chocolate, cream and fruit. My only quibble: our waitress was friendly and generally attentive...but since the restaurant was quiet, several of the waitstaff gathered at a nearby table where they read magazines. I'm not a fascist but I think this looks terrible and puts the customer in an awkward position ("I'm sure the recent edition of Vanity Fair is interesting but we really would like the check"). But, overall, it's a solid place to eat. read more

Two words: Hungarian Goulash! Best. Ever. (OK 4 words technically) Having grown up on many of the dishes the Black Forest Inn offers, even if I'm Slovak and my fiancé is Czech, this is as good as it gets. While they're considered a German restaurant, my family came to Minneapolis in the early 1900's from what was then Austria-Hungary. There is definitely a sense and appreciation of nearby Eastern European cuisine that's dished out just like (or even better) than my family has for generations. I mean technically we all eat the same things. We just have different names for them. Maybe they've changed the recipe or something but their Goulash was honestly the best I've ever had (hopefully my family isn't reading this!) This is what Hungarian Goulash is supposed to be. I've tasted at least 30 different Hungarian Goulash dishes in my time and this has been the best hands down no questions asked. It had the perfect kick of spice along with the perfect ratio of stew to spaetzel. I never thought I'd describe Goulash in such detail (nerd alert!) but they deserve it. I'll probably spend the next decade trying to recreate their recipe! As for the other food, my fellow Slavs know just how difficult it is to make the perfect spaetzel. Mad props to the Black Forest Inn for perfecting this delicacy that can easily be ruined in a hot sec. It wasn't clumpy or gooey and for that I am very thankful. Loved the ham and sauerkraut balls and that both spaetzel and sauerkraut are both side dish options. That's hard to come by! Depending on the day they have specials so make sure to check that out before your visit. As a true Slovak I love the special shots/libations menu and the variety of beer, including local brews. The service was awesome and overall no complaints about a single thing. I am so pleased this isn't a mere brat house. Even if I'm not German, thanks so very much to the Black Forest Inn for preserving the food our families brought to Minneapolis. You're the real deal. If my grandfather and great grandfather were still alive they'd visit every week and the shots would be on them! read more

"Not German, not Swiss" Like Olive Garden & restaurants like it that are an Americanized version of Italian, this is not real German food.My deceased husband was from Zurich Switzerland and found the food offensively bad, & not authentic in representation, not a place you'd take our German Swiss relations by any means read more

Judging from the outside you would expect this to be the most delicious and magical restaurant in all of the Twin Cities area, but it falls flat and leaves you simply feeling indifferent to it. I want to like this place and I've come back a couple of times. Never again. Anyone who even knows a smidgen about Germany food can see that they have a long way to go. I've brought exchange students from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Croatia to this restaurant and they all said the same thing, "It's OK, but real German food is much better." At the very least you would expect to be able to get some decent dessert, but I found the Black Forest cake to be very dry. Don't see any reason to come back here unless someone else expects me to show for a special occasion. read more

Admittedly, this is a restaurant that absolutely screams for a significant facelift. I certainly understand from where the negative reviews come about ambiance and, being a shameless fan of heavy German food of almost any quality, where those who aren't would view the food negatively -- this is food definitely running against current dining trends. But I'll have to admit I've never had a bad meal here for myself (but others I've been with have disliked the heavy nature of the food). And the beer selection is awesome for a person who isn't obsessed with hops. The Franziskaner Dunkel Hefe-Weisse is out of this world and you just can't find it on tap anywhere else. Best bet is to go on a nice day, sit in the garden outside and give it a shot. If they'd only spend the money, lighten up the place and try to cater a bit to current tastes, I think they'd have something. read more

What a waste of my time and money. The schnitzel was greasy, and overcooked. The service sucked. The waitress was trying to be nice, but it just came off as creepy. She messed up the order and brought the pork schnitzel instead of the veal. She tried to make it right, by offering a free piece of struedel, and free is exactly the right price. We left that on the plate too. The place smells like a greasy grill, and it carries over to the food. The ONLY redeeming quality was the spaetzel, which was, at best, mediocher. Never again. This makes two places Guy Fieri has featured on his show we have gone to that have been horrible. Beginning to think having him visit is a death sentence for restaurants!! read more

I love this place, because this is *precisely* the kind of German food my German grandmother made. I almost thought she may have been head chef. Luckily, BFI isn't one of those German restaurants that throws bratwurst on American junk food and calls it a day like Hessen Haus in Des Moines. This is authentic and unsullied by American tastes. The warm potato salad was dreamy. I thought the decor was charming, and the gated patio in back was nice and oasis-y. I can barely stand Uptown anymore, so this is a nice break from faux hipsters and their gentrifying ways. read more

I went here for lunch with a co worker today, and all in all it was a good experience. Until today it had been years since I'd eaten here, but I still remembered how awesome their patio seating is. It's still one of the nicest outdoor dining spots I've ever been, its a plaza type space, and the rain today made it even more wonderful since the weather was temperate and there were many spots on the patio that were protected from the rain. With the exception of potato recipes I'm more into americanized German food like what's served at Gluek's. I had the Potato Pancakes and my co worker the Spaetzel & Cheese. Food tasted good, and the prices for lunch are very affordable.The lunch menu lacked variety a bit though, and there was practically no other meat but pork. Out of the meat options the only things that appealed to me was their homemade bratwurst, and the fish, but since those can be found elsewhere I ended up ordering something unique to a German restaraunt. I think next time I'll give thier bratwurst a shot since it's homemade. The service was good, and at least when we were here there wasn't any sauerkraut smell. I'd definetely come here again for thier Potato Pancakes. read more

The epitome of a once fine restaurant resting on it's laurels. An unforgettable meal to be sure, but not in a nice way. Uninspired Germanic cooking at its finest. Void of spices, meats either over cooked (schnitzels of every stripe) or tough (non braised pork shank totally devoid of flavor) . How can spaetzle be so poorly executed? Flavorless dough balls. Sloppy,bordering on slovenly service. Fire the pastry chef or find a different supplier. read more

One of our favorite places. Far more family-friendly than Gasthuf (no knock on them; just always have my son with). He loves the Jaegerschnitzle and Hossenfeffer(spelling?). I am not much of a Brat eater but I love theirs. The reb cabbage is great. They also grind their own brown mustard...its awesome. Oh, the tap beers are always creamy and the right "cold" read more

Came to BFI with 9 co workers for a work dinner we arrived at 4pm and were told we could not order from the dinner menu until 5pm. We were told that nothing was ready yet for the dinner menu They were also out of: Pretzel & A few beers Salad Root beer And some wines. The food was actually amazing. Very heavy German fair but still delicious. But the service was absolutely awful. I would give the service 0 stars and the food 4. The waitress was condescending, and she even told us that her shift was over so we should just close our tab. read more

This place is a mixed bag for me. Today was my second time and when I entered I was waiting a good 5 min before anyone from the staff came up to greet me and seat me, and it was pretty empty too (It was around 1ish). But after I was seated the service was good and consistent. I started off my neal with a mug of that great German beer. Last time I got Hacher-Pschorr, this time I got Dortmunder Actien. Both are excellent beers in my opinion and a great way to get things started. Last time I had the Sausage Sampler and I remember thinking nothing too special, they were good but tasted like sausages I could buy from any supermarket except the Chicken Curry Sausages those were unique and quite good. This time I ordered the Sauerbraten Sliders and a Pork Wiener Schnitzel accompanied with Spatzel. The Sauerbraten sliders were ok, the flavor didn't really jump out at me as anything special. Accompanying my sliders were some fries that tasted good I think, better than fast food fries. But for me it was the Wiener Schnitzel that got me going. The pork was tender and juicy and plenty crunchy but not overly tooth breaking crunchy. Lot of good flavor from the fried pork cutlet. I have never had Spatzel before so I was excited to give it a try here. Now since it was my first time I can't compare it to anything else but I really enjoyed it especially with the gravy topped on. But there were some hard pieces mixed in that I believe were a result from over cooking. Something I really wanted to get (but decided to control myself) was the Apple Strudel! I just love Apple Strudel especially served with cream or ice cream. The first tine I was here I remember the Apple Strudel was delicous and a perfect way to end any meal. Overall I have mixed feelings about this place. Not overly great but not horrible. I plan on coming back for some more of that delicious Apple Strudel! read more

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This is a pretty authentic German food experience. The menu reflects some real German specialties that you won't find at other restaurants which I appreciate. Almost everything comes with the spaetzle that's made in house and it's good. I ordered the polish sausage dinner that comes with sauerkraut and potato salad (and boy was I glad it wasn't a mayo-based potato salad). Super tasty and big sausages enhanced by the sauerkraut. I also ordered the potato pancake which I found to be a bit cold and bland. It came with sour cream and applesauce but I guess I prefer a latke with higher concentrations of onion in it. I was pretty excited to try a glass of Rheingau wine. I was too young when I visited the area to have wine before but I never forgot all the vineyards dotting the hillsides of the Rhine and finally got my chance to try it. Very good. Wait staff was pleasant and attentive, prices are reasonable and our party of seven seemed to enjoy their visit. read more

I've had some mediocre food here all right. I know how sublime good German food can be - this sadly is not. I've also had some of the only service that ever caused me to complain. I am the hardest person to piss off in the world, possibly, but they managed to do it, where few have. Why do I like this place enough to return often? 1. The room. It's snow white's cottage plus an Avedon with a bullet hole. 'nuff said, the kitchmeister in me is sold. 2. The garden in summer. A little paradise. 3. Beer. Flights. My introduction to Kostritzer. THIS is what hops should be like. Yeah, um, sorry Surly, but no. 4. the Matjes Herring. Get the small plate unless you are a large sea bird. It's fresh and gooood. 5. The Lentil Soup. It's crazy how good this is, especially with the Polish sausage in it. (Which is better than the Bratwurst, believe it or not.) Seriously my favorite "soup of the western world" in Mpls unless you are talking $$$ big food places. I pretty much have given up on all the entrees save for the occasional weird special, and I just get these things. These add up to a very pleasing soft spot for a flawed restaurant. read more

Its a decent place although I can't say the prices and what you get for it are in vibe. I got the pot pie - that was good and worth it. This also comes with a nice side salad. The buns are excellent!! My brother got the rabbit, and it tasted pretty decent, but all that was served with it was Spaetzel and a little bit of gravy - the spaetzel on its own wasn't all that great. Others got the sauerkraut hotdish and then a veal with spaetzel - for $20+ for the veal and the rabbit - eh - not really worth it. The pretzels are served with a delcious mustard - definitely recommend that. I also got the hot spiced apple wine - it tasted like rotten apples to me, so I ended up with the gluhwein - the hot spiced red wine - that was much better. Its an okay place, not super impressed read more

This is the second year in a row we have attended the Oktoberfest festivities at Black Forest. This year we went on socks and sandals night, and they were doing free pedal pub rides! Such a fun time, I've always wanted to ride on the pedal pub. I love the patio at Black Forest, it is so quaint and charming. Luckily we went on a warm night and were able to sit outside. I really enjoyed the big pretzel appetizer. This pretzel was big enough for 6 people to share. It came with really great cheese and mustard dipping sauces. As for the entrees, last year I had the hample pie and I think it was better than the cabbage roll I had this year. But, I really liked our desserts. We tried the sacher torte which is a dense flourless chocolate cake with tangy apricot glaze and chocolate ganache. The apple strudel is always a winner. They make all of their desserts in-house and get their apples from local orchards! I've heard the bratwurst dinner is the most popular entree. And they make their own sausage, if you like that sort of thing. read more