Black Forest Brooklyn - Fort Greene

- 733 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Welcome to Black Forest Brooklyn in Fort Greene, a highly-rated, unique dining and social spot that seamlessly blends the authentic charm of a traditional German biergarten and kaffeehaus with the vibrant energy of a Brooklyn neighborhood. More than just a local coffee shop, this establishment is a full-service German restaurant and bar, offering everything from hearty mains and a renowned beer selection to the essential elements of a cozy daytime cafe experience. It’s an ideal destination whether you’re seeking a morning espresso and pastry, a satisfying German-inspired brunch, or a lively evening out with friends.

The venue is a genuine labor of love, founded by Ayana and Tobias, a German couple who grew up in Germany's Black Forest region and met in Brooklyn. Their heritage shines through in the homemade regional specialties and the warm, casual atmosphere they have cultivated. This focus on authenticity and community has made Black Forest Brooklyn a cherished spot for Fort Greene locals, a fact underlined by its status as a Black-owned and women-owned business that actively fosters an inclusive and friendly environment for a diverse crowd, including families, college students, LGBTQ+ patrons, and tourists alike.

When New Yorkers talk about a great neighborhood spot that offers more than just a quick bite, Black Forest Brooklyn often comes up. Its multifaceted offering—from robust German comfort food to fine coffee and an extensive bar selection—ensures it can cater to any mood or time of day. This fusion of a lively German pub and a relaxed kaffeehaus creates a destination that is truly unique within the Brooklyn food scene.

The Fort Greene location has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Germany without leaving New York City, complete with antique cuckoo clocks, large skylights, and a cozy yet trendy feel. The service is often highlighted as fast and friendly, contributing to the overall positive and welcoming community vibe.

Location and Accessibility

Black Forest Brooklyn - Fort Greene is conveniently situated at 733 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217. This location places it right in the heart of the bustling Fort Greene neighborhood, easily accessible to local residents and those commuting from other parts of New York City. The proximity to major transportation hubs, including various subway lines like the B, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center, the C to Lafayette Ave, and the G to Fulton St, makes it an excellent meeting point for groups.

For patrons with accessibility needs, the restaurant is well-equipped, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all guests. Dining options are flexible, with indoor seating, takeout, and delivery services available. The establishment also offers charming outdoor seating, often featuring a lively sidewalk area or chalet, perfect for enjoying the Fort Greene street life, especially on warmer days. Parking is available, with options for both free and paid street parking in the vicinity.

Services Offered

Black Forest Brooklyn provides an extensive range of services and dining options that span the entire day and night, transforming from a casual daytime kaffeehaus to a spirited German biergarten and restaurant in the evenings.

• Full-Service Dining: Offering breakfast, brunch, dinner, and late-night food with table service and the convenience of accepting reservations.
• Coffee & Tea Service: Featuring a classic 'kaffeehaus' experience with a menu that includes Drip coffee, Espresso, Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, and Hot Tea, utilizing high-quality, locally roasted fair-trade beans from Brooklyn Roasting Company.
• Authentic German Cuisine: Serving homemade regional specialties like Build Your Own Schnitzel ($31.80), Rindergulasch Mit Spätzle ($23.10), Wurstplatte ($50.50), and the German Waffles ($13.20) for brunch.
• Signature German Desserts: Including the renowned Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (The Real Black Forest Cherry Gateau) ($13.20) and Flourless Chocolate Cake ($11.00).
• Extensive Bar Offerings: A full bar with Alcohol, Beer, Hard Liquor, and Wine, highlighted by an impressive selection of German draft beers, wines, and craft cocktails.
• Takeout and Delivery: Providing the convenience of enjoying their full menu at home via takeout and various delivery options.
• Catering and Events: Hosting a variety of events with catering options, utilizing various spaces like private skylight rooms or outdoor areas for gatherings ranging from intimate dinners to cocktail receptions.
• Brunch Specials: An appetizing brunch menu that includes favorites like Black Forest Benedikt ($21.60), Huevos Rancheros ($17.60), and the indulgent Chicken And Waffles ($19.80).

Features / Highlights

The establishment’s appeal is built on a number of key features that set it apart in the competitive Brooklyn dining scene. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a beloved local haunt and a must-visit for New Yorkers and visitors looking for a memorable experience.

• Authentic German Experience: The venue is a genuine 'Kaffeehaus' and 'Biergarten', honoring the owners' Black Forest heritage with authentic regional dishes, German beers, and a distinctive, cozy German aesthetic.
• German Coffee and Cake Tradition: Patrons can enjoy the daytime 'kaffee and kuchen' tradition with high-quality coffee and authentic German cakes, including their famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte.
• Impressive Beer Selection: Known for a great beer selection, the bar features iconic German draft beers like Hofbräu, Rothaus Pils (the first non-pasteurized German beer in the U.S. since 2014), and other unique European selections.
• Diverse and Inclusive Crowd: The atmosphere is welcoming and highly social, drawing a diverse crowd including college students, families, locals, and is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.
• Ownership and Ethos: The business proudly identifies as Black-owned and women-owned, contributing to the rich, diverse tapestry of Brooklyn small businesses.
• German-Brooklyn Menu Fusion: The menu creatively blends authentic German comfort food—such as various Wurst, Spätzle, and Flammkuchen (Alsatian thin-crust flatbread)—with international influences like the Jamaican Jerk Jumbo Chicken Wings.
• Event Hosting Capacity: The location is a popular choice for private events, offering various dedicated spaces from front and back skylight rooms for dinners and receptions, to partial backyard bookings.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to visit or contact Black Forest Brooklyn - Fort Greene, the details are as follows:

Address: 733 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

Phone: (718) 935-0300

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Black Forest Brooklyn is selecting an experience that far exceeds the typical coffee shop or restaurant outing. It’s an immersion into a unique German-Brooklyn cultural space. What makes this venue particularly noteworthy is its exceptional versatility—you can comfortably stop in for a quick, quality coffee and a traditional German pretzel (Brezel, $6.00) in the afternoon, transition to a heartier, full German meal for dinner, and stay for the lively Biergarten atmosphere and great cocktails in the evening.

For food enthusiasts, the authenticity of the German fare is a major draw. Signature dishes like the Schnitzel, the various Wurst options, and the rich Rindergulasch mit Spätzle are highly praised. The Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a must-try dessert, offering a genuine taste of the Black Forest region it is named after. Even the brunch menu offers exciting, distinct options like the Black Forest Benedikt or the unique, slightly crunchy German Waffles, appealing to those who appreciate a twist on classic breakfast fare.

Beyond the menu, the atmosphere is a significant factor. The vibe is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an excellent spot for solo dining, a date night, or a celebratory gathering with a group. The commitment to being a welcoming space for all, including families and the LGBTQ+ community, solidifies its status as a true community pillar in Fort Greene. Whether you're a German transplant feeling nostalgic, a Brooklyn local looking for a new favorite haunt, or a tourist seeking a culturally rich and delicious dining experience, Black Forest Brooklyn provides a reliably memorable and high-quality visit every time. It stands as a vibrant hub of culture, community, and culinary excellence in the heart of Brooklyn.

Black Forest Brooklyn - Fort Greene

733 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA