Black Forest Inn, Best German Food in NJ!
What is German Food? not just Schnitzel & Sausages … see below to find out more!
Fresh Asparagus with Lump Crab Meat 17.50
Featured Appetizer Specials:
offering Seasonal Selections, Award Winning Ingredients and Alternative Interpretations of Black Forest Inn Favorites
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Charcuterie Board: House made Pheasant Mortadella, Cooked Venison Salami & Prosciutto with Assorted Valley Shepherd Farm Cheeses and Fruit — Perfect for a Light Meal for One or Two to Share 24.50
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Gemischte Salat Teller: Combination Plate of German Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad, Beet Salad and Fresh Greens . . . A Spring Favorite! 13.95
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Spring Salad: Beet, Feta and Candied Walnuts with Arugula and Creamy Honey Balsamic 13.95
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Venison Terrine: with Apricot Pistachio Foie Gras 17.95
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House made Wild Boar Prosciutto: with Assorted Fresh Fruit 20.50
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House Made Mushroom Raviol: Porcini Cream 10.95
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Seafood Maultaschen (Ravioli): Crab, Lobster & Shrimp, Lobster Sauce 14.50
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Fresh Spring Asparagus with House made Sauce Hollandaise 14.50
Fresh NJ Ramps Ravioli *A Limited Spring Specialty!* with Ricotta, Sun-dried Tomato & Pecan Pesto* 14.50
Featured Entree Specials:
presenting Traditional German Options and Choices not found anywhere else!
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Roasted Sliced Filet Mignon: Shitake Merlot Reduction 43.95
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Prime Sirloin Steak: Black Forest 48.95
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Wagyu Beef Burger: on Brioche, Lettuce, Tomato Onion, Apple wood Smoked Bacon & Swiss with Colossal Onion Rings 26.95
Our Dinner Menus:
Four Course Mini Tasting Menu
when you just want less . . .
1. Soup: Double Shot of:
Potato Leek or Lobster Bisque
2. Appetizer: Choice of:
Maultaschen, Caprese Bite, Mushroom Ravioli or Smoked Salmon Mousse on Crustini
3. Entree, Choice of:
Mini Schnitzel or Mini Jagerschnitzel, prepared as Chicken, Veal or Pork, served with small portions of Vegetable and Potato du Jour (GF, ask)
or
One Rouladen or One Sauerbraten, served with small portions of Red Cabbage and Spatzle
4. Dessert: Double Shot of:
Chocolate Mousse, Ice Cream or Rice Pudding
34.95 + Tax and Gratuity
Dinner Menu, Appetizers:
Cold Appetizers:
- Premium Oysters on the Half Shell, Continental Cocktail Sauce $21.50
- Smoked Salmon with Dill Cream, Black Forest $15.95
- Smoked Trout, Horseradish Cream $15.95
- Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Continental Sauce $16.95
- Scandinavian Matjes Herring, Apples & Crème Fraiche $15.95
- Fresh Mozzarella with Tomato, Roasted Pepper & Prosciutto, White Balsamic Vinaigrette $13.50
- Assorted Hors’ dOeuvres Black Forest $16.50
Hot Appetizers:
- Maultaschen (German Ravioli, Veal & Spinach) with Caraway Jus: $12.95
- Pretzel Sticks, House made Beer Cheese $ 8.95
- Potato Pancakes with Applesauce $ 9.95
- Black Forest BBQ Wings, 7 pieces $16.95
- Black Forest Escargot, Herb Butter $13.50
- Baked Camembert, with Lingonberry Compote $17.50
- Jumbo Pretzel, House made Beer Cheese $12.95
Exclusive Special:
- * * Flammkuchen, our Own German Pizza! * * *
Choice of:
(1) Three-cheese 7” $11.95
(2) Apple wood Smoked Bacon 7” $12.95
or (3) Shitake & Porcini Mushrooms 7” $12.75 or 10” choice of 1—3 $17.00
(4) Combination: Bacon, Red Onion & Mushrooms 7” $13.50 / 10” $18.95
Soups:
- Potato Leek Cream $8.50
- Lobster Bisque $9.25
- Soup du Jour market
Salads:
- Tossed Salad with Tomato & Cucumber, House Dressing $6.95
- Beet Salad, German Potato Salad or Cucumber Salad: $8.95
- Traditional Caesar Salad $14.95
- Exotic Greens with Sun-Dried Cherries, Caramelized Pecans, Goat Cheese, Drizzled Local Honey, White Balsamic Vinaigrette $14.50
- Mediterranean Salad: Exotic Greens, Kalamata Olives, Red Onion, Pepperocini, Artichoke, Feta, Roma Tomatoes, Red Onion Vinaigrette $14.95
* with Caesar/Mediterranean Salads: Add:
Grilled/Blackened Shrimp (+$14);
Grilled Chicken (+$12);
Grilled Salmon (+$16);
Smoked Salmon (+$13)
Dinner Menu, Entrees
Lighter Fare and Sausages:
- Fish –n– Chips Black Forest with French Fries $25.95
- Maultaschen with Caraway Jus: German Ravioli with Veal & Spinach $21.95
- Pork Sausage Combination: (Regensburger, Bratwurst & Bauernwurst) with Sauerkraut and Pretzel $25.50
- House made Bratwurst with Pretzel on Sauerkraut $23.75
- Kasekrainer (Smoked Pork & Cheese Sausages) with Pretzel $23.75
Seasonal Specials:
- Weisswursts Black Forest with Sauerkraut & Pretzel $23.75
- German Currywursts Black Forest with German Curry Sauce & French Fries $23.75
Entrees:
with choice of one side: Spatzle, Potato Dumpling, Potato du Jour, * Red Cabbage, * Sauerkraut, * Vegetable du Jour
- Sole in Potato Crust, Mustard Sauce $38.95
- Black Forest Salmon in Dill Cream $38.95
- Chilean Sea Bass in Potato Crust, Lobster Sauce $44.95
- Combination Fish & Seafood Medley:
- Shrimp, Sea Bass, Salmon, Lobster & Sole, Pommery Mustard Sauce $39.95
- Organic Free-Range Chicken Breast, prepared as your choice of: $31.95 Francaise: White Wine Lemon Butter Cream Sauce; Jager: Wine Mushroom Cream Sauce; Porcini: Porcini Cream Sauce; Plain: Breaded and Sauteed, no Sauce
- Traditional Wienerschnitzel, Black Forest, prepared as: Veal: $35.75 Pork: $29.95
- Jagerschnitzel Black Forest, Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce, prepared as: Veal: $35.95 Berkshire Pork: $29.95
- Gruyere with Prosciutto Cream Sauce, prepared as: Veal: $25.95 Pork: $24.95
- Traditional Beef Rouladen, Bacon, Pickle & Onion $32.50
- Marinated Beef Sauerbraten $32.50
- Prime Roastbraten, Black Forest, Fried Onions Caraway Jus $44.95
- 2.5# Roast Crisp Pork Shank, Caraway Jus $46.50
- Roast Crisp Duck Breast, Apples Cassis $42.95
- Beef Stroganoff, Sherry & Crème Fraiche Mushroom Demi Glace $41.50
Upcoming Holidays & Monthly Events!
‘So You Think You Can Drink’
Our Monthly Four Course Pairing/Tasting Event
Thursday, May 21st, 7 PM
Featuring: Rosaluz Tequila!
So You Think You Can Drink May 2026
- Sunrise . . . First Course: Chalupitas de Papa con Salsa Verde y Crema Masa Boats, Seasoned Mashed Potato, Salsa Verde, Crema, Queso Fresco, Pickled Onion with Tequila Rosaluz, Reposado Rosa
- Midday . . . Second Course: Sopes de Tinga de Pollo: Handmade Sopes, Chicken Tinga, Shredded Lettuce, Crema, Queso Fresco, Avocado with Tequila Rosaluz, Blanco
- Afternoon . . . Third Course: Carne Asada con Arroz Rojo y Calabacitas Salteadas: Citrus-marinated Grilled Beef, Mexican Red Rice, Sautéed Zucchini, Corn, Onion & Poblano with Tequila Rosalux, Cristalino
- Sunset . . . Fourth Course: Jericalla, Traditional Mexican Custard with Tequila Rosaluz, Añejo
The Details: Thursday, 21 May, 7 PM
Reserve by 19 May for this Limited Availability Event!
63.95 per Person + Tax & Gratuity (45.95/ no alcohol + Tax & Gratuity)
When making your reservation, be sure to Note: SYTYCD (Online) or Mention: (by Phone) ‘So You Think You Can Drink’
See you there!
What is German Food?
More than just
Schnitzel & Sausages!
Welcome! to the Black Forest Inn, voted ‘Best German Food in NJ’. Our Multi-generation, Family-owned
and Operated Restaurant has been serving Northern NJ for more than 40 Years! Established in 1978, the Black Forest Inn, in Stanhope, NJ, offers truly authentic German – Continental Cuisine. Encompassing both regional German foods and neighboring influences from France, Italy and Eastern Europe — German Food is truly the ‘Heart of Europe’.
But what IS German-Continental Cuisine?
Traditional German Selections, Fresh Fish & Seafood, Prime-aged Steaks and Lighter Fare! Fresh Salads, Soups & Bisque, Charcuterie Boards with Chef’s Own Smoked Meats and Local Long Valley, NJ Cheeses.
Additionally, our Special Selections change with the seasons, to include many Locally Sourced Ingredients, and offer variety and size options for any appetite.
Also introducing our new Four Course Mini Tasting Menu It’s available for when you simply want less. Altogether, we’re MORE than just Schnitzel & Sausages!
And Yes!, we have those, too!
Heritage. History.
Legacy.
About Us
The family patriarch, Chef Heinz Aichem was born in Germany. Experiencing Worldwide Cuisine and Cultures as a Cruise Ship Chef, Heinz also directed restaurant kitchens in Germany, England, New York and New Jersey prior to opening his own restaurant.
His son, Heinrich K. Aichem, mastered his culinary skills in Michelen starred Kitchens in Germany & France and now guides his son Heinrich and daughter Hailey in the Black Forest Inn kitchen.
Also, Heiner’s wife Holly manages internet sales, social media, creates custom cakes and is a liason between the front and back of house. Further, Barbara Aichem-Koster, Heinz’s daughter, manages the restaurant and specializes in planning on and off premises catering & special private and corporate events, including our new food truck!
Together it truly is a family institution!
Heinz and Heinrich J. Aichem with handmade Schupfnudeln for Oktoberfest! Schupfnudeln are traditional South German and Austrian potato noodles, similar to gnocchi, made from mashed potatoes, flour, and egg, shaped into finger-like dumplings with tapered ends. They are boiled and then typically pan-fried in butter until golden and crispy, served savory with just a bit of seasoning and with or without bacon. Available for a preorder by request. Special Orders? Give us a call!
Food brings people
together.
Whether you’re celebrating Birthdays, an Engagement,
a Bridal Shower, a Wedding, a Baby Shower, Anniversaries, Religious Occasions, having a Business Function or enjoying simple Family Dinners, food always plays an integral part.
We share in these moments with menus created from fresh ingredients served with professionalism and care. At our place or yours, the Black Forest Inn will make any day a Special Occasion!
With personal menu planning and attention to every detail, we will fulfill your expectations and more! In-house offers private rooms while off-premises catering ranges from dinner trays to chafing dishes to fully staffed service. Additionally, Gluten-Free/Vegetarian/Vegan options are available.
Good Times, Great Food!
Reviews
Exceptional!
Brought the family there from New York and they all loved it!! Can’t wait to come back. Lovely atmosphere as well.
— Brian I.
THE BEST! I’ll be back!!!
This might be the last great German restaurant in New Jersey, but even if there were a thousand others, this would be THE BEST! Great ambiance and service. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. The interior is straight from Germany.
The food! Oh, the food! Authentic German food! Beef rouladen with carrot, mashed potatoes and a rich brown sauce. Spätzle and red cabbage. Delicious! Gemischte salat teller: beet salad, cucumber salad, and greens salad with light dressing and tomato. We also had maultaschen (a Bavarian ravioli) that had a wonderful sauce. Venison and boar prosciutto appetizer and then venison medallions as an entree. We had Black Forest cake for dessert. The portions are generous!
This was my third visit and in the words of Schwarzenegger, I’ll be back!!!
— Harry R.
The food is amazing!
The flavor combinations are complex and delightful. The dry Riesling pairs well. Atmosphere is amazing. The server was charming. The most delicious food I’ve had in New Jersey. I will definitely be back.
— Alicia O.
Meet Us!
Heinrich K. Aichem, Executive Chef, has more than 40 years cooking experience in the commercial kitchen. Beginning his culinary career in the Black Forest Inn under the guide of his father, Heinrich went on to study in Berchtesgarden and work in Michelin-star kitchens and catering event houses in Germany and France. Having returned to the United States to take command of the Black Forest Inn, Heinrich continues his passion for cooking with innovative specials, traditional German-Continental Cuisine and making his own Award-winning smoked meats and Sausages, often sold on our charcuterie boards. Our monthly third Thursday tasting/pairing dinner, ‘So You Think You Can Drink’, allows him to truly experiment with world cultural cuisines in fun and creative ways. When he’s not in the kitchen, Heinrich is enjoying time with his wife and family, in his garden, on the farm with his flock or biking on the trail. You might also find him foraging for mushrooms!
Meet Our Kitchen
Sourdough with Hailey Aichem, Classes available! Please call to inquire!
Grateful for our customers, new faces and old friends
Custom Cake inquiries may be made online. See our Custom Cakes and Sweets page, complete our form and our baker will contact you directly. Lead time for Custom Cakes is three days minimum.
Takeout/Curbside Pickup: Hours as stated above. Order Takeout *here* or use the Categories below to place your order online for Takeout, Gift Certificates and Custom Cake Orders!
Gift Certificates are available for Online Ordering!
Catering and Party Services please click *here* for more information and to complete our inquiry form
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Catering Trays to Go (84)
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Gift Certificates (7)
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Hot Appetizers (12)
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Cold Appetizers (5)
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Soups & Salads (7)
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Lighter Fare (6)
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Entrees (17)
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Extra Sides & Sauces (19)
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Desserts by the Slice (7)
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Custom Cakes & Sweets (1)
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Mother's Day Appetizers (14)
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Mother's Day Soups & Salads (9)
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Mother's Day Entrees (14)
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Mother's Day Desserts (8)