The Black Forest Brew Haus
2015 New Hwy
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(631) 391-9500
fax: (631) 845-4709
web: www.blackforestbrewhaus.com
email: mail (at) blackforestbrewhaus.com
hours: 11:30a - 11p
wireless internet available
Brewmaster: Joseph Hayes
Visit Germany without getting on an airplane. This brewpub has an excellent kitchen and a fine selection of German-style beer.
According to the Black Forest web site they have a "Kraeusen Klub" that meets on the last Monday of each month.
Reader Reviews
Donavan's Review
The Black Forest Brew Haus is located in the heart of an industrial park in Farmingdale. Not a location I would have guessed or would have stumbled across by accident (and I have stumbled across an excellent German restaurant on Long Island that was very near water). Despite being in an industrial park, the general location itself makes for easy access; it's just south of the LIE off of 110, essentially on the border of Nassau county (though still, technically, in Suffolk).
The signature beers, brewed by brewmaster Joseph Hayes, are the Black Forest Pilsner, BF Amber (Märzen/Oktoberfest), and Hefe-weizen. These beers a on tap all the time. While the Pilsner is extremely tasty, I admit a personal preference for the Hefe while I'm waiting for my food. Then I might switch to the Pilsner to pair with my brats and sauerkraut.
The brewing system at the Black Forest doesn't allow Joe to keep many seasonals on at one time, but you'll usually find two more beers on tap (in addition to the signature three). I've seen a Maibock, a Chocolate Bock, and a Smoked Cherry Dunkelweisse. Joe brews more than just German-style lagers. He's quite good at the British-style ales, such as ESB, Imperial Stout, and Scotch Ale.
Joe Hayes is an accomplished brewer. He's a California native from the San Joaquin Valley. He got his start in the beer world by helping out in the brewery and tasting room at the Red Rock Brewery and Winery in Merced. Evidently that experience was good enough to inspire him to pursue a career in brewing so he applied to the brewing school at the University of California Davis. For those of you who aren't familiar with that school, it's the top-tier brewing school in the US. While at UC-Davis, Joe brewed at Hubsch Sudwerk, a German-themed brewpub. After he graduated in 2003 he relocated here to make wonderful beer for all of us thirsty Long Islanders.
The food at the Black Forest is, in general, quite good. In five years of visiting and eating there I've only had one entree that wasn't up to the usual high standard and when I mentioned this, it was fixed. The German-style items are the obvious choice, but they have plenty of other items on the menu to satisfy other palates. A vegetarian will find several dishes to choose from.
Directions
If you are coming from the east on the LIE, then I've found it's easiest (less traffic) to take the 49N exit (that's right, 49N, not a typo). The first left turn you'll come too is Pinelawn Road, take it south. There's a split in the road, bare right onto Wellwood Ave (3). Turn right on Smith St. (Kedco is right there on your left.) Keep going until you get to New Hwy.
Or you can just take 110 south from the LIE. Turn left onto Smith Ave. It's right across from the State University of NY-Farmingdale. (If you pass Adventure Land, you've gone too far.)
Second Place
If you are a home brewer, a daytime trip to the Black Forest should be paired with a stop at Kedco. Inside Kedco is Brews Brothers where you restock your cottage brewery with those essential beer ingredients.
