Address: 3624 Seaman Rd, Oregon, OH 43616

Phone: +1 419 593 0092

Price Range: $$$$

Website: http://blackforestcafe.net/

Black Forest Cafe

Imagine stepping into a slice of Germany 🇩🇪 right in Oregon, Ohio. The Black Forest Café is a rustic gem located in a picturesque setting at Oak Shade Grove. The German architecture, complete with a giant cuckoo clock and beer steins dangling from the mantle, transports you right to the German countryside. This place is steeped in the area's proud German heritage and culture. Inside, the cozy atmosphere is perfect for intimate dinners or larger gatherings. The dining space extends to a beautiful patio for those warmer days, offering a refreshing change of scenery.

The menu is a tribute to authentic German cuisine and also has something to please every palate, blending in some American dishes too. Start with the Giant Bavarian Pretzel 🥨, a crowd favorite, served warm and paired with dips. It's perfect for sharing, but you might find it hard not to keep it all to yourself. Another standout appetizer is the Pickle Fries. They come with what seems to be a spicy ranch, which adds a nice zing to every bite.

For the mains, the schnitzels are the stars of the show. Whether you go for the Jägerschnitzel or the Wiener Schnitzel, expect a generously large portion that could easily feed two. While some diners find the schnitzel a bit too heavily breaded or over-fried at times, the flavor is typically on point, although the gravy sometimes misses the mark by being too runny or overly salty.

If schnitzels aren't your thing, try the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Though the bun-to-chicken ratio might be a bit off, the flavors hold up well. The Hühnerschnitzel, another chicken option, offers a well-seasoned, crispy bite, albeit with a few dry and chewy edges. A minor disappointment was the spaetzle, which lacked the expected savory punch and had some inconsistencies in texture.

One can't forget about the sides. The German Potato Salad can be a bit polarizing. Some find it overly vinegary, while others enjoy its robust tanginess. The red cabbage and cucumber salad typically receive mixed reviews, with occasional complaints about the vinegar portions. If you're looking for a safer bet, the potatoes are usually a win—they're well done and complement most mains.

Desserts are a must-try here. Finish off your meal with the Black Forest Cake 🍰. It's an iconic classic that delivers rich, chocolatey goodness layered with cherries and cream—definitely worth the indulgence.

For a complete experience, timing your visit matters. The restaurant is open from Wednesday through Saturday, with dinner service starting at 4 PM on Saturdays. It gets pretty busy during peak hours, so a reservation is a smart move, especially for larger parties. The staff is friendly and attentive, usually going out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant experience.