Revitalized Black Forest Inn: Owner invites visitors to experience new cozy atmosphere and more

RecordStaffJuly 26, 2023Last Updated: July 26, 2023

5 minutes read

By Emily Wright

BLACK FOREST VILLAGE, PA – Nestled along North Route 44 on top of the mountain sits the Black Forest Inn, a vintage restaurant, bar, and hotel fusion that recently got a facelift. Located adjacent to the newly installed ATV trails, The Black Forest Inn sits on a piece of property large enough to accommodate weddings, reunions, and even a community-sized game of cornhole.

Owner Justin Bryerton took over the restaurant and hotel in 2021, and he’s put a new spin on the business by making use of the sizable property, offering both indoor and outdoor events for customers. This Saturday July 29, they will host a Chili Cook Off that has proven in recent years to be a hit.

Bryerton recently spoke with The Record to tell us more about the establishment’s history, recent updates, and menu.

In part, Bryerton made the decision to purchase the Black Forest Inn because of his desire to create a new image and atmosphere for the restaurant while still preserving its history. He describes himself as a “fixer-upper repair guy,” so he saw opportunity when the property went up for sale.

When asked about his background, Bryerton mentioned that he has owned Bryertech Construction for over 20 years and also owned a renting and leasing company for roughly 25 years. These experiences provided him with the necessary skills and knowledge to take on the challenges of revamping the old restaurant, bar, and hotel combo.

One factor that sets the Black Forest Inn apart from other local establishments is its proximity to popular recreational activities. Bryerton mentioned that while he was making the decision to purchase the establishment, he noticed the influx of side-by-sides, ATV’s, and snowmobiles during the winter, which compelled him to give the restaurant-hotel a facelift. With the restaurant conveniently located next to ATV and snowmobile trails, it has become a go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to refuel and relax after a day of adventure.

He highlighted one particular feature that showcases the establishment’s rich history, “Thousands of dollars’ worth of dollar bills have been stapled to the ceiling from clear back into the late ’70s.”

This quirky tradition has become a well-known symbol of the Black Forest Inn; returning guests search for the dollar bill that they designed in years past while new guests are eager to add their own to the collection where they find an empty space.

Bryerton also provided some background on a historical aspect of the Black Forest Inn building itself, “At one point, the building burned to the ground. After the fire, it was rebuilt in 1979,” he said. Evidence of that fire can be seen on a few of the aforementioned dollar bills on the ceiling, but they remain for the continuation of the building’s legacy.

In terms of the cuisine offered at the Black Forest Inn, Bryerton highlighted his focus on All-American style food while also incorporating some unique twists. He mentioned future plans to expand the menu to include specialty steaks paired with top shelf bourbon, a portion of the menu he refers to as “Beef and Bourbon.”

Some customer favorites on the menu are the open-faced roast beef sandwich, NY strip steak, lasagna rolls, liver and onions, homemade desserts, and prime rib when it’s on special. When asked about his favorite dish on the menu, Bryerton recommends the lasagna rolls, describing them as “basically a ricotta cheese roll,” which has become a crowd favorite because of its rich flavor.

The culinary delights at the Black Forest Inn go beyond just the food. The expansive indoor bar boasts an impressive selection of beverages, including a variety of top-shelf bourbons, domestic beers, Imports, and Microbrews. In particular, beer lovers will be delighted to find that some of the Microbrews are brewed right here in Pennsylvania, some of which come from Bald Birds, Rusty Rail, and Troegs, to name a few. For wine enthusiasts, the restaurant offers a lineup of chardonnay, cabernet, and pinot grigio by the glass or by the bottle. There’s no doubt about it; every customer can find the perfect drink to complement their meal. The Black Forest Inn also features a new signature drink, the “Smokin’ Old Fashioned,” which is made with top shelf bourbon and brought to the table where it is then smoked to the customer’s liking, giving the drink a unique twist on an old favorite. For those wanting to enjoy their beverage of choice outdoors, there is a second bar located outside on the large patio.

The Black Forest Inn is well-prepared to accommodate large groups, and while reservations are not required, they are highly recommended to ensure the best experience. When asked about special events, Bryerton said that they host events year-round. “This Saturday we’re excited to be hosting our annual Chili Cook-Off,” an event that brings guests back year after year, many of whom book a room or suite an entire year in advance.

“We have the capability to host large events, rain or shine, year-round. We’ve hosted a Jeep rally, car shows, and cornhole tournaments just to name a few. We’re also a wedding venue; we can host everything from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony, and we make use of our outdoor bar for the events that we host.”

The Black Forest Inn gives several options for those interested in renting a room for the night or for the weekend. There are nine standard rooms available, each with two queen-size beds. The largest suite, known as “The Honeymoon Suite,” has a California King size bed and a jacuzzi tub. There are also two efficiency suites with separate bedrooms and baths, as well as a full kitchen. Last but not least is the cabin, a private three-bedroom fully furnished log cabin with a gas fireplace and solitude for the perfect relaxing getaway. High-speed internet, Direct TV, kitchen appliances, and toiletries are among the amenities. According to Bryerton, booking your stay at the Black Forest Inn in advance is a good idea considering that some weekends tend to sell out up to a year in advance. He gave examples such as during bear season and the chili cook-off weekend.

In closing, Bryerton added that his establishment is pet-friendly and that there are plenty of events planned for people to enjoy outside on the patio with its fully functioning bar. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the restaurant features a game room complete with a pool table and dart board, and local musicians frequently perform live music inside on weekends as well.

Looking to the future, the owner expressed excitement about the potential for growth and continued improvement. As Bryerton brings fresh ideas to the Black Forest Inn, the restaurant, bar, and hotel combo is poised to thrive. With its rich history, proximity to outdoor activities, and delectable menu offerings, the Black Forest Inn remains a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

To learn more about what the Black Forest Inn has to offer or to book your stay, give them a call or visit their website: