My husband and I were trying to decide where to go for dinner tonight. There were a couple options that we had decided to choose between. The only thing that we knew is that we wanted a steak of some kind and didn't want to go to a chain restaurant. The first place we tried was closed and I am so glad that it was! We both ordered the ribeye and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. I did order the mushroom glaze on the side and I'm glad that I did (the glaze wasn't bad...the ribeye was just so good it didn't need it). The mashed potatoes were actually real. The string beans were so fresh. Now for the service...the waiter was very nice. The service was quick and he was very personable. The woman who greeted us took time to give us a tour and some history on the place. I know this is a long review but I didn't want to forget to mention that the actual place was so pleasant and unique. We will be back for sure!
(5)
Mary B.
Wonderful surprise! Burgers delish. Gigunda tender raw oysters. Companion enjoyed delectable beet and cheese salad. Very reasonable $$. Pleasant efficient servers.
(4)
Janelle J.
Wow, this is quite a place! The decor was so unique and full of charm. My boyfriend and had the Valentine's Day sirloin for two and of course some delicious beers. While expensive, we really enjoyed it. I would definitely come back when in town, if not just to hang out at the bar. We brought home a six-pack of Stoudts....loved it!
(4)
Michael T.
For a place that specializes in steaks, I was disappointed with its offerings and preparation. Despite what looks like a sizable menu, your steak choices come down to just two cuts; fillet Mignon or 'New York Sirloin' (in various sizes). While my girlfriend's fillet was tender and well-cooked, it lacked seasoning of any kind. Despite my better judgment I tried the sirloin (11 oz.), which was a slightly thicker version of those steaks you get at Applebee's and the like...tough, with a lot of gristle and, again, flavorless. The sides we ordered weren't bad, but weren't great, and we spent several minutes trying to decide if the mashed potatoes were instant or real (we settled on a mix of both). I will say the prices were reasonable, the service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere, albeit the kind of place my parents would love, was authentic.
(2)
Joe H.
First off Stoudt's beer is delicious. The service is not the best but it's acceptable and the staff are friendly. The food is delicious and served in large quantities, I have never left this place feeling hungry. The burgers are delicious, served with good quality meat, fresh baked bread, and fresh cheese. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food. The atmosphere is...unique, its difficult to describe in words but has a friendly air to it. Overall, good beer and good pub food.
(4)
Ken H.
This place is stuck in 80s. By that, I mean the 1880s. The atmosphere is dark and stuffy. Lots of old furniture you'd expect to find in your great, great grandmother's house. Most of the items on the menu cost more than I had to spend, so I opted for some lighter fare. Still, $14 for two pieces of sausage with some sauerkraut and red cabbage. The food was good, but not good enough to justify the menu prices. I should add that, despite the high prices on the menu, management has forbidden the wait staff from leaving bread on the table. You can eat all the bread you want, but you have to ask your server to bring it each time you want another slice. I realize this cuts down on waste, but it seems a bit short-sighted to me. My girlfriend may disagree. She said her beef stroganoff was "made of magic." Possibly the best she ever had. I'm tempted to give the place an extra star for that, but hey, let her write her own review. :)
(2)
Randy W.
Well to start with it took 15 minutes to get the attention of a server once seated. I ordered a beer sampler and the steak tip sandwich. For a $13 sandwich I expected more. Eight bites and it was gone. I also though they might have been less stingy with the fries. I was given 14 and the person I was with even less. I will say the sandwich was tasty however Small. As for the beer I wasn't impressed. The chocolate cherry was undrinkable. In the future j will be going elsewhere.
(2)
raider s.
Second visit to Black Angus. Service was good. Food not so much... I ordered the kielbasa platter with kraut and cabbage. The solo kielbasa sausage link was TINY... the kraut tasted like it was from a can and the red cabbage tasted like it was cooked in the same pot as the kraut. For $10, I expected bigger portions of better food. My wife had the fried fish. It had very thick batter, almost like a second skin...but she said the fish itself was Tasty and her French fries were okay. Cole slaw was finely chopped and dry. Overall, we were disappointed in the food and will not be coming back for a third visit.
(2)
Bob S.
This one was recommended by our innkeeper, and without his word we might have sailed right by. The place is filled with character, from the classic car in the lobby, to the tavern, and private booths. We enjoyed the house specialty bratwurst with sauerkraut and red cabbage, which was about as good as it gets, well seasoned, sweet & pungent. The waitress suggested pairing it with their Stoudts 1860 IPA, an unfiltered copper beer in the style of the time, with a trace of citrus. Sure wish I could get some back home!!! My dining companion ordered the Rachel Sandwich and she enjoyed every last bite. We shared a slice of their beer enhanced chocolate layer cake, which was sweet and moist. My only regrets, not having time to sample their steaks, a tour of the brewery or picking up a case of beer to bring home. A great expeience!!!
(4)
Nikki G.
We went to Stoudt's on Easter Sunday - not FOR Easter but as part of a romantic weekend away. We really enjoyed the eclectic decor of the place. Had some good laughs (watch out ladies - in the one stall, the pic of Jim Morrison makes you feel like he's watching you)! The steaks were perfectly done, I had a filet and my hubby had a NY strip. The sauce and mushrooms were light and added an excellent touch. Some negatives - no choice of veggie or starch - you get the asparagus and baked potato - we didn't ask to substitute so maybe we could have... we were ok having baked potato but hubby hates asparagus (more for me)! The baked potato was only slightly hot and the outer portion was dry (microwaved or overdone)? The beer - we love tasting and so opted for 2 samplers (8 total beers). We enjoyed most of them - each had one with dinner and took a mixed six pack home. We also had a 3 cheese sampler platter - was wonderful to try the different beers with the different cheeses - YUMMY!!!! Finally, we were too full for dessert there but opted to take 2 of them home. The espresso mousse was ok... not very espresso-ish, but the mint chocolate pie was AWESOME!!!!! Would have loved another piece of this instead of the espresso!!! We will return - might be our new go-to for steaks... and cheese and beer, oh, and peppermint chocolate pie!!!
(4)
Ashley Z.
i had the best pork sandwich of my life here. it had caramelized onions, delicious cheese and was served on homemade bread...would come back for that alone. DH had a burger and fries, which he liked. but what he loved was the beer! the inside of this place is like a german cuckoo clock! lots of interesting stuff to look at, old beer bottles, antiques, etc. i loved it and we can't wait to come back!
(5)
Allison L.
We got here before 5 so we ate in the pub section as opposed to the restaurant section. With the exception of a few things being forgotten and some burgers and steaks being slightly overdone, all 7 of us really liked what we got. In addition to all the beer (samples cost $7.50 for four five ounce glasses) there's plenty of good mixed drinks and wine as well. I got the crab cake and while it was fried (broiled is so much better) it was really good. Prices were reasonable. Service was a bit slow and so was the food (apparently there's a new cook). Can't imagine I'll be back in the area anytime soon but if I ever am, I could see myself coming back here.
(3)
Peg R.
Went to Renningers and based on yelp reviews, we tried the BlackAngus Resturant. We were not sorry. Service was excellent. Angie, our waitress, was wonderful. Had a great choice of beers. But I got a holiday gingerbread martini. EXCELLENT!! Hubby got the New York stip steak. It was tender and perfectly cooked. Sides very good as well I had the good sense to order the Country Brat and sour kraut. Note to self- when on a German Resturant, order German. It was excellent. We come to this area about four times a year. We will always make it a point to stop here. Nothing bad to say. Great experience.
(5)
J M.
Returning late from Hersheypark, we stopped in here because I like steak and beer. Good deal. Beautiful old building, comfortable seats, nice old-timey ambiance that made me think of special dinners out at a restaurant when I was a kid. Server was pleasant and efficient, our food was very good, their home-brewed Stoudt's beer (I believe I had their American IPA) was super, and prices are reasonable for the good quality you get. If my very nice salad (with my delicious New York Steak) had come with tomatoes I'd have been tempted to give 5 stars. But I love tomatoes and didn't get any.
(4)
Bren C.
Sadly disappointed. I was hankering for steak and we were antiquing. With a huge cow, Black Angus for a name and an established place, how can we go wrong, right? So, we just forged on ahead! We started with the cheese plate, which was great, even if the server gave us an apparently old menu, where one of the cheeses we ordered was no longer available. But they subbed with a similar flavor, which turned out ok. Salad was so-so. Herbed vinaigrette was so-so. Ok, the steak... We both ordered a sirloin steak, hubbykins, was over done and mine was underdone. It was supposed to have the Hunter Mushroom sauce, and I got one (1) mushroom stem, hubbykins got 2 thinly sliced caps. Please don't print it if you are not going to put it in. They were out of baked potato at 5pm on a Sunday! He opted for fries, which were soggy and I chose rice pilaf, which is technically rice cooked in a seasoned broth. Theirs tasted more like steamed rice and I wouldn't have minded except that it was over nuked and was hard on the surface. We were seated at the dining area by the bar, which wouldn't have been so bad, except that one of the bar ladies had such a loud voice that we felt that she was also talking to us. Sorry, the cheese was great but we can get great cheese somewhere else.
(1)
Gia M.
I went to Black Angus for a pint and snack after the brewery tour I took at Stoudt's (next door/attached) and I don't think there was an unappetizing beer on the tap list. I stuck with the pilsner, which was delicious and expertly crafted, while my friend got a flight of assorted brews. We also split the shrimp special, which was marinated in a lovely red sauce and topped with generous hunks of the bread baked on premises. Tasty and just filling enough for us to get on our way to the next event. There's also a large oyster bar (interesting for a German-type restaurant), where the owner Ed can sometimes be seen shucking oysters. Great vibe inside-- all dark and classic, with lots of wood and plenty of space for large groups.
(3)
Robert B.
Arrived here for good food and drink on a weekend getaway with some friends. I was starved arriving for dinner, having skipped lunch. The first thing to hit you is a musty smell, like my Grandparents house. Not a bad scent, but not appetizing either. The interior is a little dated as well, kind of a mash up of kitsch and paneling. They had a good selection of a number of Stoudt beers on tap. And I found one I liked. They came out quickly. I ordered a black angus burger. It was cooked to perfection at medium rare. It was smokey and flavorful. Nothing that will hit a top 10 list, but it is good. The other stuff on the menu looked decent, but I just wanted something inexpensive and the rest was pricey. The best part of the whole experience was dessert. I had a deep dish apple pie and was totally amazed by it. It was huge. And there must have been 30 layers of apple slices packed into it. You could clearly see all the layers. It was delicious and packed full of cinnamon flavor. It did not come ala mode or with cream. And I don't know I could have finished it if it did. One thing to note for parents of young boys. Take them to the handicap bathroom and not the men's room. I'm not sure how it is they think it is appropriate to have pictures of naked women from the 20's all over the walls, but they do.
(3)
Adam C.
Maybe I've been spending too much time in hipsterville and perhaps there are still places like this out there but it's been a while since I've set foot in one. I was out in Adamsville with a business colleague, searching for vintage watches and all of a sudden it was dinner time and we were both ravenous. We randomly selected Black Angus because it was within sight and walking distance from the final antique mall we'd visited but we were probably enticed by the fact that they were a brewery and named after a type of cow, implying steaks. We walked in, apparently to the wrong door but managed to find our way to the hostess station. The hostess was busy seating people but plowed through the line and efficiently got to us reasonably quickly. Each group was offered the choice between the dining room or the pub. Not really knowing, when it was our turn, we asked the hostess her opinion and she diplomatically informed us that the pub seats had armrests. We were sold. This was a Tuesday night and I don't think they were expecting such a busy night because our hostess also ended up being our server. Somehow, this poor girl managed to seat people, make the same canned speeches about the beer selections and the specials repeatedly all while keeping a smile on her face and managing to continue to host and wait and nobody had an unreasonable delay. Although there were visible speakers on the walls there was no music. We were able to hear our server's communications with every other table. This was how we learned in advance that the kitchen was out of a few of the items that I had hoped to order. They brew beer, make cheese and bake bread right there on the premises. Although my first choice for beer was tapped I certainly enjoyed the one I settled on. One of the two cheeses I had considered trying was also sold out so I decided not to order a cheese plate. The bread that they served while we were waiting for our entrees was clearly fresh and extremely yummy. Once again, I learned with dismay by overhearing our server's announcement that my first choice on the menu, the schnitzel, was sold out. I briefly vacillated between a steak and what I ultimately ordered, the Stroganoff. I was pleased with my choice because instead of a bed of egg noodles, they used herbed spaetzle. (I'm a sucker for spaetzle). My colleague was a little boring and ordered the burger and iced tea. He stated that both were far better than he expected. Bottom line, we both enjoyed and will probably return on our next buying trip
(4)
Celeste A.
My brother took the whole family here. We tried "Heifer in Wheat" beer and it was good. So good I got a Stoudt's Brewery T shirt. As my brother said, "This place has good pub food, but you have to look at it as pub food, not a five star restaurant." The fish and chips was quite good. Other family members got burgers. We had little kids with us and little kids are just fine. It may be a pub but it is also a family centered restaurant. This is not a rowdy place for frat boys. It is a place for regular people who just happen to like beer with their food.
(3)
Rhett M.
Many years ago (like 10) my wife and I stayed in a wonderful B & B in the Reading area. One of the things we did over the weekend was take a tour of Stoudts Brewery and eat at the Black Angus for dinner. It was wonderful...so good in fact we came back the next day to try the pub. It was great too. Fast forward 10 years to yesterday. We found ourselves in the area with the extended family and wanted to treat them to the wonderful meal we remembered. To say it came up short just does not described it. Service was top notch but the food was just average. Appetizers we very good. We had the clams and the clams casino. But the meals...and most important the steaks were just average. ( the kind you get at any chain steakhouse) But you did PAY high end prices. My wife's cole slaw was was bad. Waitress thanked us for letter her know and reported to us that a refrigerator had broken down. This made us wonder if the blue cheese dressing we had on the wedge salads really did have a "unique" flavor, or had it turned as well. Only high note was the beer. I know my in - laws are thinking "This is the place they have been raving about for 10 years?" Very disappointed.
(2)
Nanette G.
Go for the beer and have a burger. Leave the rest behind. The rib eye was full of fat and gristle (this is a steak place!). The duck was chewy. High points were the wedge salad and the fried green tomato appetizer. We won't be back.
(2)
Nicky O.
My family and I went to the Oktoberfest like I've done in past years. This year the food was terrible. They charge to get in plus charge a lot for the crap food. I ordered the Pork Schnitzle, which had absolutely no flavor. They put a gross think brown sauce on top, which also didn't have any flavor. The potato salad was hard and also tasteless. Also the German pretzels tasted like Auntie Ann's, I remember them being bigger and tasting much better. After getting bent over with all the costs we aren't going back.
(1)
J D.
Great place, went here with a couple friends to have a beer and a light meal. French onion soup and steaks were perfect. Stoudt beers are made on premises
(4)
Donna G.
Eh, had special blackened chicken sandwich way too much spice. Hamburger delicious for husband. Waitress nice but never asked how we liked our meal. Probably afraid to ask after seeing my plate. Beer delicious!!!
(3)
James V.
Definitely an interesting location. Had late lunch/dinner here with my family after having toured the antique mall and the brewery. The service is decent, the decor is _fascinating_, and the food is...okay. No one was displeased with their meals (which varied from the steak to the pulled beef sandwich to a portabello sandwich to chicken to the burger), but also no one was impressed. I overheard the tables next to us having issues with their waitstaff, but we must have lucked out. Can't really comment on the prices, but again, nothing super special as far as food. The beer, though...*really* good. It's the best place to sample Stoudt's brews, which are extremely well renowned. I'm adding a star simply for the easy access to fresh Fat Dog. While here, definitely see about getting a tour of the brewery from Ed Stoudt himself. Absolutely the most interesting and entertaining brewery tour I've ever been on.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
We sat at the bar and tried a good number of their beers, all rather good. We then had burgers which were very good. The bartender was very friendly and informative. We also had a cheese plate which was very nice as well.
(3)
Samantha L.
I didn't dislike this place, but my dining companion did. The food was decent and decent prices. The service was a little pushy for us to finish, but it was decent. The atmosphere was kitchy, but clean and decent. All and all, decent... I'm not going back, but i didn't call the manager over to the table!
(2)
Joseph E.
I have visited the Black Angus twice. The first time I ordered a burger, fries, and beer. The burger and fries were at least adequate; however, I really enjoyed the beer. The beer is brewed in the adjacent Stoudt's Brewery. The beer was the reason for my second visit. On the second visit, I ordered the pork with sauerkraut and BEER. A friend ordered the schnitzel with spatzle. My meal was bad. The whole meal had a weird taste, and there was a huge piece of boiled fat as part of my pork meat. Pork and sauerkraut is a simple meal to prepare, but this was awful. Later that evening I was sick, spending a good part of the evening in the bathroom. My friend's meal was worse. He believes the schnitzel was fried twice - the second frying just to warm it up. It oozed grease. There was no sauce on the schnitzel. The spatzle looked like droplets of Elmer's glue. He pushed the plate to the side after eating a couple of bites. The waitress removed the plate, apologized, and did NOT charge him for the meal. Even if the food had been good, the prices for this simple German food were expensive. The restaurant is small. Both times I was seated at a table for two against a wall. I am not a large person, but the adjacent tables and chairs were so close, I had difficulty getting into my seat. The beer is great, but the food is another story.
(1)
Thor T.
After visiting the beautiful Ephrata cloister - site of an eighteenth-century German anabaptist community led by the charismatic Konrad Beissel, I thought it would be perfect to have lunch at the restaurant connected to Stoudt Brewery in nearby Adamstown. I have been a fan of Carol Stoudt's beers for a long time and there are few breweries than can match her German-style beers (Pilsner, Golden Lager, even Kölsch). Passing a splendid Packard car in the foyer, I entered the kitsch-laden restaurant with my friends and was "greeted" by a matron of such teutonic sternness that even Basil Fawlty would have blanched. Asked ungraciously to wait, we were seated a short while later and started ordering beer - spicy Kölsch, wonderfully rich Hefeweizen, well-balanced Helles, and a variety of heavier beers, like the Fat Dog stout and a rich Belgian triple - all as good as expected. Unfortunately, the food accompanying the stellar beers is not half as good. We aimed for simple dishes - the bratwurst and kielbasa plates with sauerkraut and red cabbage. The bratwurst was flaccid, uninteresting, and the kielbasa tough. The sides were ok (sauerkraut and other cabbage dishes can stand a lot of lying around), still, I was hoping for better food. The service was routine, absent for good stretches of time because a large group needed attention, but acceptable.
(2)
Derek A.
First off, let's get this straight - the beer gets five stars. And I'm not sure if I should be reviewing the Black Angus restaurant or Stoudt's Brewery, since we ate in the pub section, not Black Angus. It is a little confusing, but I'll give it my best shot. The food is hearty and informal, with much of it using Stoudt's beer. We began with a warm crab dip, that while messy to eat, was quite good. For dinner, three people had burgers and I had fish and chips. My fish was a little greasy, but had good flavor - it is rare to have beer-battered fish and chips where you can actually TASTE the beer, but this was the case at Stoudt's. Everyone at the table seemed very satisfied with their burgers, while dessert was OK. The atmosphere is eclectic, with dark wood walls covered with old beer paraphernalia. Service is friendly and homey, kind of like the food. Overall, I'd say it is a great place for an informal meal - nothing that will blow your socks off, but they do brew some great beer!
(3)
andrew h.
First off, this is confusing as the building abutts the Stoudt Brewery, and serves only their beers on tap but there are two signs out front. One states Stoudt's Brewery and the other Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant. Anyway, they had HUGE virginia oysters at $3 each a couple paried with their oatmeal stout was a great start to the meal. Oktoberfest beer in February is a bit weird, but it tasted fresh enough. Paired with a grilled Brat and Weisswurst worked well. The German kraut with bacon should have been kick-a$$ but seemed a but funky (pastic-y or something) and the beer glasses smelled a bit of too much sanitizer. They do fill your own growlers for the same price as 6-packs of their beer which seems like a good deal $9-12.
(3)
Andrew K.
Not my cup of tea but decent food (I enjoyed my burger) and tasty beer. Decor is a little off-putting. The rest of their menu looked great to me but also seemed to be a real gap between the place's vibe and decor, and some of the foods they prepared.
(3)
Susan W.
The food was excellent , service excellent, Reasonably priced. The pork chop was so tender you could cut it with a fork. I had the salmon with asparagus and a balsamic reduction- it was delicious.
(5)
Jeannie B.
This is a review of Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant, not the adjacent pub, which we have not visited - and given our experience at the restaurant, I'm sure we never will. The restaurant's menu takes an entire (wrinkled, ripped, and soiled) page to explain the business's history, pride in quality, and remodeling in 2001, I think it said. All I can say is that no one seems to care anymore, and, after 10 years, it's time for another renovation - or at least a good scrubbing. If I could give it no stars, I would. Stoudt's seems like a perfect candidate for one of those TV shows where a celebrity chef visits a restaurant and advises them on how to improve. As soon as we entered the vestibule, we were confronted with the antique car (who DOES that?), and, as other reviewers have mentioned, the unbelievable smell of dirty carpet. We walked past a filthy glass case where oysters were laid out. I thought "you'd have to be crazy to order those". The decor is, again as many other reviewers stated, Victorian-grandma. That didn't bother us. What was a problem was the food. We visited at approximately 7pm on a Thursday night. There were three other tables seated in the restaurant although the parking lot was packed. Everyone else must have been on the pub side. We ordered the she-crab and French onion soups, beef Wellington, and jagerschnitzel (which was written "schnitzle" on the menu - hubby, who speaks German, says that should have been a warning: German place can't spell German dish). The onion soup was overpowering. The flavor was decidedly teriyaki. Thankfully, the she-crab was good. The schnitzel was too thin, which, in combination with the breading, made the pork very, very dry. The schnitzel was presented on top of dry, unseasoned, mangled noodles which were supposed to be spaetzle. The only tasty part was the mushroom sauce, the volume of which was woefully inadequate, about two tablespoons for two large pork loins. The buttermilk ranch salad dressing was very good, but the balsamic vinaigrette was, once again, overpowering. It tasted like it was based on white vinegar with a drop of balsamic for color. The beef Wellington, which was supposed to be medium, was so rare it was raw. Wellington is a filet mignon topped with foie gras baked in pastry. The meat inside our Wellington was not like any filet mignon I've ever had. It was about 2" of meat and 1" of fat. There did not appear to be any foie gras, melted or otherwise. It was presented with a potato sliced at an angle and four skinny asparagus spears. Although we sent the meat back to be cooked, and wound up not touching the returned dish, unlike the other reviewers, we weren't credited the cost of the Wellington. And for all this, we were charged $80. Stoudt's needs to take a serious look at what it's serving for the price. Until they do, do yourself a favor and drive right past it.
(1)
Fran J.
This restaurant has the perfect bite- not to mention awesome beer! We ate in the Pub and the decour, great beer and sausage dinners were the perfect end to a day of antiquing.
(5)
George F.
I've eaten there many times when I'm in the area. 15+ years ago it was really a great place to go. Regrettably, now the service and food are inconsistent. The oysters and shrimp are overpriced. Just order a burger and a beer.
(2)
Matt K.
I have to admit, I'm conflicted about my review of Black Angus. I've eaten here once, after having a somewhat surreal experience at the Oktoberfest festival and then a walk through the antiques mall. I really wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but regardless, we ended up at the restaurant for dinner. My first impression of the decor was... kind of creepy. I felt like I was walking into my grandmother's house. The walls are adorned with old-fashioned photos of random people I haven't met. The menu was pretty substantial, and I opted for a burger and, of course, a beer. The Stoudt's microbrews are decent, but nothing to write home about. But the burger... Good Lord, the burger. Quite possibly the best cheeseburger I've ever had, and I've had a bunch. I'm not sure if it was the ample patty or the toasted bun that did it, but it blew me away. The rest of the people in my party enjoyed their food also, but none raved about their meals as I did. If you took that burger and put it in a contemporary brewpub, this place would be an easy four stars, maybe 4.5. But I just couldn't get over the decor....
(3)
Bud J.
I had dinner there one evening and lunch the next day: Dinner - Excellent raw bar. A few complained about the RAW bar being behind the glass...where do you want it, in FRONT of the glass? Granted some complained that it was dirty but the glass and entire area was very clean. Everything looked very fresh. I ordered 8 Raw Clams which were real Cherry Stones not those small steamers they give you in other places. Very fresh. The bread is made on the premises and was very fresh. Fresh cream butter also. I ordered the salad with blue cheese dressing and the dressing they make their also. But it had a nasty tasted to it. I couldn't touch it after the first fork full. For being a steak house, I too was disappointed in the meat selection. Either filet or sirloin. I ordered the 11 0z sirloin, medium. It came out ALMOST raw! You can tell that when they flipped the steak, they just let it get grill marks and took it off. There is NO excuse for a steak house that can't get the "doneness" correct. I did appreciate how they give you mushrooms and onions at no charge. The flavor was good, not great. Beer was very good...should be. Next day had lunch there. They were very crowded. I ordered raw clams again and they were great again. Cold shrimp were gigantic in size. I ordered their Angus Burger at medium and AGAIN it came out between raw and medium rare! That is why I only gave 3 stars. How a steak house cannot get meat temperature correct is beyond me. The burger was good BUT here they charged for mushrooms/onions. One reviewer complained that, when you walk in, you are greeted by an antique car, which he seemed to complain about. Why? Adamstown is the antique "capital" of the country. They had all sorts of political antiques all over the walls. If you are in that area, I would eat there. I do not know if there is another restaurant (not diner or sandwhich place) in the area, but I would eat there again. Just don;t know if I would get any red meat since they can't get that right.
(3)
Ricki H.
I've tried both the brewpub and the restaurant and both are excellent! The bartenders are friendly and very knowledgeable about the beer, and of course the beers are excellent!!! We went to the restaurant for dinner and the meals were a bit expensive, and the atmosphere was fancier than what we expected, but it was delicious nonetheless. We go to this area often and always try to stop in for a bit.
(5)
Erica C.
Let me begin by saying the service removed one star from my review. Our waitress was cold and unfriendly, and I don't even think she looked up from her pen and paper the whole time. My husband and I ate in the pub section of the restaurant this time, and we had eaten in the "restaurant" section at a prior visit. Upon arrival, the hostess asked if we were going to order from the pub menu or the dinner menu. We both wanted burgers, but I think they have 2 different kitchens for each menu. So if one person wants a burger and the other wants something from the dinner menu, I don't know if they are able to accommodate you. A strange setup, and the first time I had ever been asked that question. We both ordered burgers. They were served on delicious homemade rolls and while mine was perfectly cooked, my husband's was overdone and dry. He did not finish it (VERY unusual for him). They also charge you extra for tomatoes, and the miniscule slice of tomato that was on the burger was a huge disappointment. The beer is always great, though.
(3)
tim b.
What dump I should of known by the out dated decor. We were seated by some angry lady who I later found was the "manager". The server came by gave us menus I asked are you our waiter "Yes" I then introduced myself since he did not. We asked for water and a a drink we asked for water 3 more times before it came out. I asked are there any specials he said "Not really but here they are" Well are apps. and salad came out (wilted lettuce) we had no silverware we asked for it Twice then asked another server. My steak came out was supposed to be medium it was charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle. Then the worst of all my sister had a crab cake sand which which included a 5"hair well we were all modified. I had had it asked the angry lady who the manger was she said "Could I help you in a nasty tone." I explained the situation to her and she said would you like to fill out a comment card? No thanks I will pay my bill for the awful food and never go back. If you want over priced food with horrible service this is the place for you.
(1)
Steph G.
As a previous reviewer mentioned, the beer definitely gets 5 stars, but since I am reviewing the restaurant, I have to be honest. We didn't have the greatest experience. While the service was okay, the food really was sub par, for what they were charging. The steak I had was a great cut - very tender, but had nooo flavor. My partner's salmon was very disappointing. And the cooked spinach under it was just terrible. The cheese sampler appetizer and the beer where the saving graces of the experience. But, we basically felt like we wasted the $95 we had to shell out on not very good food. I think I will stick with picking up some of their beer at the local distributor. (oh, and the decor feels like you are in a somber museum - combination of someone's house from the 19th century and a portrait gallery. the most thrilling part for my partner the whole evening was seeing the vintage porn in the washroom. . ).
(2)
Gia M.
I went to Black Angus for a pint and snack after the brewery tour I took at Stoudt's (next door/attached) and I don't think there was an unappetizing beer on the tap list. I stuck with the pilsner, which was delicious and expertly crafted, while my friend got a flight of assorted brews. We also split the shrimp special, which was marinated in a lovely red sauce and topped with generous hunks of the bread baked on premises. Tasty and just filling enough for us to get on our way to the next event. There's also a large oyster bar (interesting for a German-type restaurant), where the owner Ed can sometimes be seen shucking oysters. Great vibe inside-- all dark and classic, with lots of wood and plenty of space for large groups.
(3)
Peg R.
Went to Renningers and based on yelp reviews, we tried the BlackAngus Resturant. We were not sorry. Service was excellent. Angie, our waitress, was wonderful. Had a great choice of beers. But I got a holiday gingerbread martini. EXCELLENT!! Hubby got the New York stip steak. It was tender and perfectly cooked. Sides very good as well I had the good sense to order the Country Brat and sour kraut. Note to self- when on a German Resturant, order German. It was excellent. We come to this area about four times a year. We will always make it a point to stop here. Nothing bad to say. Great experience.
(5)
J M.
Returning late from Hersheypark, we stopped in here because I like steak and beer. Good deal. Beautiful old building, comfortable seats, nice old-timey ambiance that made me think of special dinners out at a restaurant when I was a kid. Server was pleasant and efficient, our food was very good, their home-brewed Stoudt's beer (I believe I had their American IPA) was super, and prices are reasonable for the good quality you get. If my very nice salad (with my delicious New York Steak) had come with tomatoes I'd have been tempted to give 5 stars. But I love tomatoes and didn't get any.
(4)
Bren C.
Sadly disappointed. I was hankering for steak and we were antiquing. With a huge cow, Black Angus for a name and an established place, how can we go wrong, right? So, we just forged on ahead! We started with the cheese plate, which was great, even if the server gave us an apparently old menu, where one of the cheeses we ordered was no longer available. But they subbed with a similar flavor, which turned out ok. Salad was so-so. Herbed vinaigrette was so-so. Ok, the steak... We both ordered a sirloin steak, hubbykins, was over done and mine was underdone. It was supposed to have the Hunter Mushroom sauce, and I got one (1) mushroom stem, hubbykins got 2 thinly sliced caps. Please don't print it if you are not going to put it in. They were out of baked potato at 5pm on a Sunday! He opted for fries, which were soggy and I chose rice pilaf, which is technically rice cooked in a seasoned broth. Theirs tasted more like steamed rice and I wouldn't have minded except that it was over nuked and was hard on the surface. We were seated at the dining area by the bar, which wouldn't have been so bad, except that one of the bar ladies had such a loud voice that we felt that she was also talking to us. Sorry, the cheese was great but we can get great cheese somewhere else.
(1)
Adam C.
Maybe I've been spending too much time in hipsterville and perhaps there are still places like this out there but it's been a while since I've set foot in one. I was out in Adamsville with a business colleague, searching for vintage watches and all of a sudden it was dinner time and we were both ravenous. We randomly selected Black Angus because it was within sight and walking distance from the final antique mall we'd visited but we were probably enticed by the fact that they were a brewery and named after a type of cow, implying steaks. We walked in, apparently to the wrong door but managed to find our way to the hostess station. The hostess was busy seating people but plowed through the line and efficiently got to us reasonably quickly. Each group was offered the choice between the dining room or the pub. Not really knowing, when it was our turn, we asked the hostess her opinion and she diplomatically informed us that the pub seats had armrests. We were sold. This was a Tuesday night and I don't think they were expecting such a busy night because our hostess also ended up being our server. Somehow, this poor girl managed to seat people, make the same canned speeches about the beer selections and the specials repeatedly all while keeping a smile on her face and managing to continue to host and wait and nobody had an unreasonable delay. Although there were visible speakers on the walls there was no music. We were able to hear our server's communications with every other table. This was how we learned in advance that the kitchen was out of a few of the items that I had hoped to order. They brew beer, make cheese and bake bread right there on the premises. Although my first choice for beer was tapped I certainly enjoyed the one I settled on. One of the two cheeses I had considered trying was also sold out so I decided not to order a cheese plate. The bread that they served while we were waiting for our entrees was clearly fresh and extremely yummy. Once again, I learned with dismay by overhearing our server's announcement that my first choice on the menu, the schnitzel, was sold out. I briefly vacillated between a steak and what I ultimately ordered, the Stroganoff. I was pleased with my choice because instead of a bed of egg noodles, they used herbed spaetzle. (I'm a sucker for spaetzle). My colleague was a little boring and ordered the burger and iced tea. He stated that both were far better than he expected. Bottom line, we both enjoyed and will probably return on our next buying trip
(4)
Celeste A.
My brother took the whole family here. We tried "Heifer in Wheat" beer and it was good. So good I got a Stoudt's Brewery T shirt. As my brother said, "This place has good pub food, but you have to look at it as pub food, not a five star restaurant." The fish and chips was quite good. Other family members got burgers. We had little kids with us and little kids are just fine. It may be a pub but it is also a family centered restaurant. This is not a rowdy place for frat boys. It is a place for regular people who just happen to like beer with their food.
(3)
J D.
Great place, went here with a couple friends to have a beer and a light meal. French onion soup and steaks were perfect. Stoudt beers are made on premises
(4)
tim b.
What dump I should of known by the out dated decor. We were seated by some angry lady who I later found was the "manager". The server came by gave us menus I asked are you our waiter "Yes" I then introduced myself since he did not. We asked for water and a a drink we asked for water 3 more times before it came out. I asked are there any specials he said "Not really but here they are" Well are apps. and salad came out (wilted lettuce) we had no silverware we asked for it Twice then asked another server. My steak came out was supposed to be medium it was charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle. Then the worst of all my sister had a crab cake sand which which included a 5"hair well we were all modified. I had had it asked the angry lady who the manger was she said "Could I help you in a nasty tone." I explained the situation to her and she said would you like to fill out a comment card? No thanks I will pay my bill for the awful food and never go back. If you want over priced food with horrible service this is the place for you.
(1)
Steph G.
As a previous reviewer mentioned, the beer definitely gets 5 stars, but since I am reviewing the restaurant, I have to be honest. We didn't have the greatest experience. While the service was okay, the food really was sub par, for what they were charging. The steak I had was a great cut - very tender, but had nooo flavor. My partner's salmon was very disappointing. And the cooked spinach under it was just terrible. The cheese sampler appetizer and the beer where the saving graces of the experience. But, we basically felt like we wasted the $95 we had to shell out on not very good food. I think I will stick with picking up some of their beer at the local distributor. (oh, and the decor feels like you are in a somber museum - combination of someone's house from the 19th century and a portrait gallery. the most thrilling part for my partner the whole evening was seeing the vintage porn in the washroom. . ).
(2)
Robert B.
Arrived here for good food and drink on a weekend getaway with some friends. I was starved arriving for dinner, having skipped lunch. The first thing to hit you is a musty smell, like my Grandparents house. Not a bad scent, but not appetizing either. The interior is a little dated as well, kind of a mash up of kitsch and paneling. They had a good selection of a number of Stoudt beers on tap. And I found one I liked. They came out quickly. I ordered a black angus burger. It was cooked to perfection at medium rare. It was smokey and flavorful. Nothing that will hit a top 10 list, but it is good. The other stuff on the menu looked decent, but I just wanted something inexpensive and the rest was pricey. The best part of the whole experience was dessert. I had a deep dish apple pie and was totally amazed by it. It was huge. And there must have been 30 layers of apple slices packed into it. You could clearly see all the layers. It was delicious and packed full of cinnamon flavor. It did not come ala mode or with cream. And I don't know I could have finished it if it did. One thing to note for parents of young boys. Take them to the handicap bathroom and not the men's room. I'm not sure how it is they think it is appropriate to have pictures of naked women from the 20's all over the walls, but they do.
(3)
Rhett M.
Many years ago (like 10) my wife and I stayed in a wonderful B & B in the Reading area. One of the things we did over the weekend was take a tour of Stoudts Brewery and eat at the Black Angus for dinner. It was wonderful...so good in fact we came back the next day to try the pub. It was great too. Fast forward 10 years to yesterday. We found ourselves in the area with the extended family and wanted to treat them to the wonderful meal we remembered. To say it came up short just does not described it. Service was top notch but the food was just average. Appetizers we very good. We had the clams and the clams casino. But the meals...and most important the steaks were just average. ( the kind you get at any chain steakhouse) But you did PAY high end prices. My wife's cole slaw was was bad. Waitress thanked us for letter her know and reported to us that a refrigerator had broken down. This made us wonder if the blue cheese dressing we had on the wedge salads really did have a "unique" flavor, or had it turned as well. Only high note was the beer. I know my in - laws are thinking "This is the place they have been raving about for 10 years?" Very disappointed.
(2)
Nanette G.
Go for the beer and have a burger. Leave the rest behind. The rib eye was full of fat and gristle (this is a steak place!). The duck was chewy. High points were the wedge salad and the fried green tomato appetizer. We won't be back.
(2)
Nicky O.
My family and I went to the Oktoberfest like I've done in past years. This year the food was terrible. They charge to get in plus charge a lot for the crap food. I ordered the Pork Schnitzle, which had absolutely no flavor. They put a gross think brown sauce on top, which also didn't have any flavor. The potato salad was hard and also tasteless. Also the German pretzels tasted like Auntie Ann's, I remember them being bigger and tasting much better. After getting bent over with all the costs we aren't going back.
(1)
Ken H.
This place is stuck in 80s. By that, I mean the 1880s. The atmosphere is dark and stuffy. Lots of old furniture you'd expect to find in your great, great grandmother's house. Most of the items on the menu cost more than I had to spend, so I opted for some lighter fare. Still, $14 for two pieces of sausage with some sauerkraut and red cabbage. The food was good, but not good enough to justify the menu prices. I should add that, despite the high prices on the menu, management has forbidden the wait staff from leaving bread on the table. You can eat all the bread you want, but you have to ask your server to bring it each time you want another slice. I realize this cuts down on waste, but it seems a bit short-sighted to me. My girlfriend may disagree. She said her beef stroganoff was "made of magic." Possibly the best she ever had. I'm tempted to give the place an extra star for that, but hey, let her write her own review. :)
(2)
Randy W.
Well to start with it took 15 minutes to get the attention of a server once seated. I ordered a beer sampler and the steak tip sandwich. For a $13 sandwich I expected more. Eight bites and it was gone. I also though they might have been less stingy with the fries. I was given 14 and the person I was with even less. I will say the sandwich was tasty however Small. As for the beer I wasn't impressed. The chocolate cherry was undrinkable. In the future j will be going elsewhere.
(2)
raider s.
Second visit to Black Angus. Service was good. Food not so much... I ordered the kielbasa platter with kraut and cabbage. The solo kielbasa sausage link was TINY... the kraut tasted like it was from a can and the red cabbage tasted like it was cooked in the same pot as the kraut. For $10, I expected bigger portions of better food. My wife had the fried fish. It had very thick batter, almost like a second skin...but she said the fish itself was Tasty and her French fries were okay. Cole slaw was finely chopped and dry. Overall, we were disappointed in the food and will not be coming back for a third visit.
(2)
Bob S.
This one was recommended by our innkeeper, and without his word we might have sailed right by. The place is filled with character, from the classic car in the lobby, to the tavern, and private booths. We enjoyed the house specialty bratwurst with sauerkraut and red cabbage, which was about as good as it gets, well seasoned, sweet & pungent. The waitress suggested pairing it with their Stoudts 1860 IPA, an unfiltered copper beer in the style of the time, with a trace of citrus. Sure wish I could get some back home!!! My dining companion ordered the Rachel Sandwich and she enjoyed every last bite. We shared a slice of their beer enhanced chocolate layer cake, which was sweet and moist. My only regrets, not having time to sample their steaks, a tour of the brewery or picking up a case of beer to bring home. A great expeience!!!
(4)
Nikki G.
We went to Stoudt's on Easter Sunday - not FOR Easter but as part of a romantic weekend away. We really enjoyed the eclectic decor of the place. Had some good laughs (watch out ladies - in the one stall, the pic of Jim Morrison makes you feel like he's watching you)! The steaks were perfectly done, I had a filet and my hubby had a NY strip. The sauce and mushrooms were light and added an excellent touch. Some negatives - no choice of veggie or starch - you get the asparagus and baked potato - we didn't ask to substitute so maybe we could have... we were ok having baked potato but hubby hates asparagus (more for me)! The baked potato was only slightly hot and the outer portion was dry (microwaved or overdone)? The beer - we love tasting and so opted for 2 samplers (8 total beers). We enjoyed most of them - each had one with dinner and took a mixed six pack home. We also had a 3 cheese sampler platter - was wonderful to try the different beers with the different cheeses - YUMMY!!!! Finally, we were too full for dessert there but opted to take 2 of them home. The espresso mousse was ok... not very espresso-ish, but the mint chocolate pie was AWESOME!!!!! Would have loved another piece of this instead of the espresso!!! We will return - might be our new go-to for steaks... and cheese and beer, oh, and peppermint chocolate pie!!!
(4)
James V.
Definitely an interesting location. Had late lunch/dinner here with my family after having toured the antique mall and the brewery. The service is decent, the decor is _fascinating_, and the food is...okay. No one was displeased with their meals (which varied from the steak to the pulled beef sandwich to a portabello sandwich to chicken to the burger), but also no one was impressed. I overheard the tables next to us having issues with their waitstaff, but we must have lucked out. Can't really comment on the prices, but again, nothing super special as far as food. The beer, though...*really* good. It's the best place to sample Stoudt's brews, which are extremely well renowned. I'm adding a star simply for the easy access to fresh Fat Dog. While here, definitely see about getting a tour of the brewery from Ed Stoudt himself. Absolutely the most interesting and entertaining brewery tour I've ever been on.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
We sat at the bar and tried a good number of their beers, all rather good. We then had burgers which were very good. The bartender was very friendly and informative. We also had a cheese plate which was very nice as well.
(3)
Samantha L.
I didn't dislike this place, but my dining companion did. The food was decent and decent prices. The service was a little pushy for us to finish, but it was decent. The atmosphere was kitchy, but clean and decent. All and all, decent... I'm not going back, but i didn't call the manager over to the table!
(2)
Ashley Z.
i had the best pork sandwich of my life here. it had caramelized onions, delicious cheese and was served on homemade bread...would come back for that alone. DH had a burger and fries, which he liked. but what he loved was the beer! the inside of this place is like a german cuckoo clock! lots of interesting stuff to look at, old beer bottles, antiques, etc. i loved it and we can't wait to come back!
(5)
Allison L.
We got here before 5 so we ate in the pub section as opposed to the restaurant section. With the exception of a few things being forgotten and some burgers and steaks being slightly overdone, all 7 of us really liked what we got. In addition to all the beer (samples cost $7.50 for four five ounce glasses) there's plenty of good mixed drinks and wine as well. I got the crab cake and while it was fried (broiled is so much better) it was really good. Prices were reasonable. Service was a bit slow and so was the food (apparently there's a new cook). Can't imagine I'll be back in the area anytime soon but if I ever am, I could see myself coming back here.
(3)
Donna G.
Eh, had special blackened chicken sandwich way too much spice. Hamburger delicious for husband. Waitress nice but never asked how we liked our meal. Probably afraid to ask after seeing my plate. Beer delicious!!!
(3)
Bridget C.
My husband and I were trying to decide where to go for dinner tonight. There were a couple options that we had decided to choose between. The only thing that we knew is that we wanted a steak of some kind and didn't want to go to a chain restaurant. The first place we tried was closed and I am so glad that it was! We both ordered the ribeye and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. I did order the mushroom glaze on the side and I'm glad that I did (the glaze wasn't bad...the ribeye was just so good it didn't need it). The mashed potatoes were actually real. The string beans were so fresh. Now for the service...the waiter was very nice. The service was quick and he was very personable. The woman who greeted us took time to give us a tour and some history on the place. I know this is a long review but I didn't want to forget to mention that the actual place was so pleasant and unique. We will be back for sure!
(5)
Mary B.
Wonderful surprise! Burgers delish. Gigunda tender raw oysters. Companion enjoyed delectable beet and cheese salad. Very reasonable $$. Pleasant efficient servers.
(4)
Janelle J.
Wow, this is quite a place! The decor was so unique and full of charm. My boyfriend and had the Valentine's Day sirloin for two and of course some delicious beers. While expensive, we really enjoyed it. I would definitely come back when in town, if not just to hang out at the bar. We brought home a six-pack of Stoudts....loved it!
(4)
Michael T.
For a place that specializes in steaks, I was disappointed with its offerings and preparation. Despite what looks like a sizable menu, your steak choices come down to just two cuts; fillet Mignon or 'New York Sirloin' (in various sizes). While my girlfriend's fillet was tender and well-cooked, it lacked seasoning of any kind. Despite my better judgment I tried the sirloin (11 oz.), which was a slightly thicker version of those steaks you get at Applebee's and the like...tough, with a lot of gristle and, again, flavorless. The sides we ordered weren't bad, but weren't great, and we spent several minutes trying to decide if the mashed potatoes were instant or real (we settled on a mix of both). I will say the prices were reasonable, the service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere, albeit the kind of place my parents would love, was authentic.
(2)
Joseph E.
I have visited the Black Angus twice. The first time I ordered a burger, fries, and beer. The burger and fries were at least adequate; however, I really enjoyed the beer. The beer is brewed in the adjacent Stoudt's Brewery. The beer was the reason for my second visit. On the second visit, I ordered the pork with sauerkraut and BEER. A friend ordered the schnitzel with spatzle. My meal was bad. The whole meal had a weird taste, and there was a huge piece of boiled fat as part of my pork meat. Pork and sauerkraut is a simple meal to prepare, but this was awful. Later that evening I was sick, spending a good part of the evening in the bathroom. My friend's meal was worse. He believes the schnitzel was fried twice - the second frying just to warm it up. It oozed grease. There was no sauce on the schnitzel. The spatzle looked like droplets of Elmer's glue. He pushed the plate to the side after eating a couple of bites. The waitress removed the plate, apologized, and did NOT charge him for the meal. Even if the food had been good, the prices for this simple German food were expensive. The restaurant is small. Both times I was seated at a table for two against a wall. I am not a large person, but the adjacent tables and chairs were so close, I had difficulty getting into my seat. The beer is great, but the food is another story.
(1)
Thor T.
After visiting the beautiful Ephrata cloister - site of an eighteenth-century German anabaptist community led by the charismatic Konrad Beissel, I thought it would be perfect to have lunch at the restaurant connected to Stoudt Brewery in nearby Adamstown. I have been a fan of Carol Stoudt's beers for a long time and there are few breweries than can match her German-style beers (Pilsner, Golden Lager, even Kölsch). Passing a splendid Packard car in the foyer, I entered the kitsch-laden restaurant with my friends and was "greeted" by a matron of such teutonic sternness that even Basil Fawlty would have blanched. Asked ungraciously to wait, we were seated a short while later and started ordering beer - spicy Kölsch, wonderfully rich Hefeweizen, well-balanced Helles, and a variety of heavier beers, like the Fat Dog stout and a rich Belgian triple - all as good as expected. Unfortunately, the food accompanying the stellar beers is not half as good. We aimed for simple dishes - the bratwurst and kielbasa plates with sauerkraut and red cabbage. The bratwurst was flaccid, uninteresting, and the kielbasa tough. The sides were ok (sauerkraut and other cabbage dishes can stand a lot of lying around), still, I was hoping for better food. The service was routine, absent for good stretches of time because a large group needed attention, but acceptable.
(2)
Derek A.
First off, let's get this straight - the beer gets five stars. And I'm not sure if I should be reviewing the Black Angus restaurant or Stoudt's Brewery, since we ate in the pub section, not Black Angus. It is a little confusing, but I'll give it my best shot. The food is hearty and informal, with much of it using Stoudt's beer. We began with a warm crab dip, that while messy to eat, was quite good. For dinner, three people had burgers and I had fish and chips. My fish was a little greasy, but had good flavor - it is rare to have beer-battered fish and chips where you can actually TASTE the beer, but this was the case at Stoudt's. Everyone at the table seemed very satisfied with their burgers, while dessert was OK. The atmosphere is eclectic, with dark wood walls covered with old beer paraphernalia. Service is friendly and homey, kind of like the food. Overall, I'd say it is a great place for an informal meal - nothing that will blow your socks off, but they do brew some great beer!
(3)
andrew h.
First off, this is confusing as the building abutts the Stoudt Brewery, and serves only their beers on tap but there are two signs out front. One states Stoudt's Brewery and the other Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant. Anyway, they had HUGE virginia oysters at $3 each a couple paried with their oatmeal stout was a great start to the meal. Oktoberfest beer in February is a bit weird, but it tasted fresh enough. Paired with a grilled Brat and Weisswurst worked well. The German kraut with bacon should have been kick-a$$ but seemed a but funky (pastic-y or something) and the beer glasses smelled a bit of too much sanitizer. They do fill your own growlers for the same price as 6-packs of their beer which seems like a good deal $9-12.
(3)
Andrew K.
Not my cup of tea but decent food (I enjoyed my burger) and tasty beer. Decor is a little off-putting. The rest of their menu looked great to me but also seemed to be a real gap between the place's vibe and decor, and some of the foods they prepared.
(3)
Susan W.
The food was excellent , service excellent, Reasonably priced. The pork chop was so tender you could cut it with a fork. I had the salmon with asparagus and a balsamic reduction- it was delicious.
(5)
Joe H.
First off Stoudt's beer is delicious. The service is not the best but it's acceptable and the staff are friendly. The food is delicious and served in large quantities, I have never left this place feeling hungry. The burgers are delicious, served with good quality meat, fresh baked bread, and fresh cheese. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food. The atmosphere is...unique, its difficult to describe in words but has a friendly air to it. Overall, good beer and good pub food.
(4)
Jeannie B.
This is a review of Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant, not the adjacent pub, which we have not visited - and given our experience at the restaurant, I'm sure we never will. The restaurant's menu takes an entire (wrinkled, ripped, and soiled) page to explain the business's history, pride in quality, and remodeling in 2001, I think it said. All I can say is that no one seems to care anymore, and, after 10 years, it's time for another renovation - or at least a good scrubbing. If I could give it no stars, I would. Stoudt's seems like a perfect candidate for one of those TV shows where a celebrity chef visits a restaurant and advises them on how to improve. As soon as we entered the vestibule, we were confronted with the antique car (who DOES that?), and, as other reviewers have mentioned, the unbelievable smell of dirty carpet. We walked past a filthy glass case where oysters were laid out. I thought "you'd have to be crazy to order those". The decor is, again as many other reviewers stated, Victorian-grandma. That didn't bother us. What was a problem was the food. We visited at approximately 7pm on a Thursday night. There were three other tables seated in the restaurant although the parking lot was packed. Everyone else must have been on the pub side. We ordered the she-crab and French onion soups, beef Wellington, and jagerschnitzel (which was written "schnitzle" on the menu - hubby, who speaks German, says that should have been a warning: German place can't spell German dish). The onion soup was overpowering. The flavor was decidedly teriyaki. Thankfully, the she-crab was good. The schnitzel was too thin, which, in combination with the breading, made the pork very, very dry. The schnitzel was presented on top of dry, unseasoned, mangled noodles which were supposed to be spaetzle. The only tasty part was the mushroom sauce, the volume of which was woefully inadequate, about two tablespoons for two large pork loins. The buttermilk ranch salad dressing was very good, but the balsamic vinaigrette was, once again, overpowering. It tasted like it was based on white vinegar with a drop of balsamic for color. The beef Wellington, which was supposed to be medium, was so rare it was raw. Wellington is a filet mignon topped with foie gras baked in pastry. The meat inside our Wellington was not like any filet mignon I've ever had. It was about 2" of meat and 1" of fat. There did not appear to be any foie gras, melted or otherwise. It was presented with a potato sliced at an angle and four skinny asparagus spears. Although we sent the meat back to be cooked, and wound up not touching the returned dish, unlike the other reviewers, we weren't credited the cost of the Wellington. And for all this, we were charged $80. Stoudt's needs to take a serious look at what it's serving for the price. Until they do, do yourself a favor and drive right past it.
(1)
Fran J.
This restaurant has the perfect bite- not to mention awesome beer! We ate in the Pub and the decour, great beer and sausage dinners were the perfect end to a day of antiquing.
(5)
George F.
I've eaten there many times when I'm in the area. 15+ years ago it was really a great place to go. Regrettably, now the service and food are inconsistent. The oysters and shrimp are overpriced. Just order a burger and a beer.
(2)
Erica C.
Let me begin by saying the service removed one star from my review. Our waitress was cold and unfriendly, and I don't even think she looked up from her pen and paper the whole time. My husband and I ate in the pub section of the restaurant this time, and we had eaten in the "restaurant" section at a prior visit. Upon arrival, the hostess asked if we were going to order from the pub menu or the dinner menu. We both wanted burgers, but I think they have 2 different kitchens for each menu. So if one person wants a burger and the other wants something from the dinner menu, I don't know if they are able to accommodate you. A strange setup, and the first time I had ever been asked that question. We both ordered burgers. They were served on delicious homemade rolls and while mine was perfectly cooked, my husband's was overdone and dry. He did not finish it (VERY unusual for him). They also charge you extra for tomatoes, and the miniscule slice of tomato that was on the burger was a huge disappointment. The beer is always great, though.
(3)
Matt K.
I have to admit, I'm conflicted about my review of Black Angus. I've eaten here once, after having a somewhat surreal experience at the Oktoberfest festival and then a walk through the antiques mall. I really wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but regardless, we ended up at the restaurant for dinner. My first impression of the decor was... kind of creepy. I felt like I was walking into my grandmother's house. The walls are adorned with old-fashioned photos of random people I haven't met. The menu was pretty substantial, and I opted for a burger and, of course, a beer. The Stoudt's microbrews are decent, but nothing to write home about. But the burger... Good Lord, the burger. Quite possibly the best cheeseburger I've ever had, and I've had a bunch. I'm not sure if it was the ample patty or the toasted bun that did it, but it blew me away. The rest of the people in my party enjoyed their food also, but none raved about their meals as I did. If you took that burger and put it in a contemporary brewpub, this place would be an easy four stars, maybe 4.5. But I just couldn't get over the decor....
(3)
Bud J.
I had dinner there one evening and lunch the next day: Dinner - Excellent raw bar. A few complained about the RAW bar being behind the glass...where do you want it, in FRONT of the glass? Granted some complained that it was dirty but the glass and entire area was very clean. Everything looked very fresh. I ordered 8 Raw Clams which were real Cherry Stones not those small steamers they give you in other places. Very fresh. The bread is made on the premises and was very fresh. Fresh cream butter also. I ordered the salad with blue cheese dressing and the dressing they make their also. But it had a nasty tasted to it. I couldn't touch it after the first fork full. For being a steak house, I too was disappointed in the meat selection. Either filet or sirloin. I ordered the 11 0z sirloin, medium. It came out ALMOST raw! You can tell that when they flipped the steak, they just let it get grill marks and took it off. There is NO excuse for a steak house that can't get the "doneness" correct. I did appreciate how they give you mushrooms and onions at no charge. The flavor was good, not great. Beer was very good...should be. Next day had lunch there. They were very crowded. I ordered raw clams again and they were great again. Cold shrimp were gigantic in size. I ordered their Angus Burger at medium and AGAIN it came out between raw and medium rare! That is why I only gave 3 stars. How a steak house cannot get meat temperature correct is beyond me. The burger was good BUT here they charged for mushrooms/onions. One reviewer complained that, when you walk in, you are greeted by an antique car, which he seemed to complain about. Why? Adamstown is the antique "capital" of the country. They had all sorts of political antiques all over the walls. If you are in that area, I would eat there. I do not know if there is another restaurant (not diner or sandwhich place) in the area, but I would eat there again. Just don;t know if I would get any red meat since they can't get that right.
(3)
Ricki H.
I've tried both the brewpub and the restaurant and both are excellent! The bartenders are friendly and very knowledgeable about the beer, and of course the beers are excellent!!! We went to the restaurant for dinner and the meals were a bit expensive, and the atmosphere was fancier than what we expected, but it was delicious nonetheless. We go to this area often and always try to stop in for a bit.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Bridget C.
My husband and I were trying to decide where to go for dinner tonight. There were a couple options that we had decided to choose between. The only thing that we knew is that we wanted a steak of some kind and didn't want to go to a chain restaurant. The first place we tried was closed and I am so glad that it was! We both ordered the ribeye and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. I did order the mushroom glaze on the side and I'm glad that I did (the glaze wasn't bad...the ribeye was just so good it didn't need it). The mashed potatoes were actually real. The string beans were so fresh. Now for the service...the waiter was very nice. The service was quick and he was very personable. The woman who greeted us took time to give us a tour and some history on the place. I know this is a long review but I didn't want to forget to mention that the actual place was so pleasant and unique. We will be back for sure!
(5)Mary B.
Wonderful surprise! Burgers delish. Gigunda tender raw oysters. Companion enjoyed delectable beet and cheese salad. Very reasonable $$. Pleasant efficient servers.
(4)Janelle J.
Wow, this is quite a place! The decor was so unique and full of charm. My boyfriend and had the Valentine's Day sirloin for two and of course some delicious beers. While expensive, we really enjoyed it. I would definitely come back when in town, if not just to hang out at the bar. We brought home a six-pack of Stoudts....loved it!
(4)Michael T.
For a place that specializes in steaks, I was disappointed with its offerings and preparation. Despite what looks like a sizable menu, your steak choices come down to just two cuts; fillet Mignon or 'New York Sirloin' (in various sizes). While my girlfriend's fillet was tender and well-cooked, it lacked seasoning of any kind. Despite my better judgment I tried the sirloin (11 oz.), which was a slightly thicker version of those steaks you get at Applebee's and the like...tough, with a lot of gristle and, again, flavorless. The sides we ordered weren't bad, but weren't great, and we spent several minutes trying to decide if the mashed potatoes were instant or real (we settled on a mix of both). I will say the prices were reasonable, the service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere, albeit the kind of place my parents would love, was authentic.
(2)Joe H.
First off Stoudt's beer is delicious. The service is not the best but it's acceptable and the staff are friendly. The food is delicious and served in large quantities, I have never left this place feeling hungry. The burgers are delicious, served with good quality meat, fresh baked bread, and fresh cheese. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food. The atmosphere is...unique, its difficult to describe in words but has a friendly air to it. Overall, good beer and good pub food.
(4)Ken H.
This place is stuck in 80s. By that, I mean the 1880s. The atmosphere is dark and stuffy. Lots of old furniture you'd expect to find in your great, great grandmother's house. Most of the items on the menu cost more than I had to spend, so I opted for some lighter fare. Still, $14 for two pieces of sausage with some sauerkraut and red cabbage. The food was good, but not good enough to justify the menu prices. I should add that, despite the high prices on the menu, management has forbidden the wait staff from leaving bread on the table. You can eat all the bread you want, but you have to ask your server to bring it each time you want another slice. I realize this cuts down on waste, but it seems a bit short-sighted to me. My girlfriend may disagree. She said her beef stroganoff was "made of magic." Possibly the best she ever had. I'm tempted to give the place an extra star for that, but hey, let her write her own review. :)
(2)Randy W.
Well to start with it took 15 minutes to get the attention of a server once seated. I ordered a beer sampler and the steak tip sandwich. For a $13 sandwich I expected more. Eight bites and it was gone. I also though they might have been less stingy with the fries. I was given 14 and the person I was with even less. I will say the sandwich was tasty however Small. As for the beer I wasn't impressed. The chocolate cherry was undrinkable. In the future j will be going elsewhere.
(2)raider s.
Second visit to Black Angus. Service was good. Food not so much... I ordered the kielbasa platter with kraut and cabbage. The solo kielbasa sausage link was TINY... the kraut tasted like it was from a can and the red cabbage tasted like it was cooked in the same pot as the kraut. For $10, I expected bigger portions of better food. My wife had the fried fish. It had very thick batter, almost like a second skin...but she said the fish itself was Tasty and her French fries were okay. Cole slaw was finely chopped and dry. Overall, we were disappointed in the food and will not be coming back for a third visit.
(2)Bob S.
This one was recommended by our innkeeper, and without his word we might have sailed right by. The place is filled with character, from the classic car in the lobby, to the tavern, and private booths. We enjoyed the house specialty bratwurst with sauerkraut and red cabbage, which was about as good as it gets, well seasoned, sweet & pungent. The waitress suggested pairing it with their Stoudts 1860 IPA, an unfiltered copper beer in the style of the time, with a trace of citrus. Sure wish I could get some back home!!! My dining companion ordered the Rachel Sandwich and she enjoyed every last bite. We shared a slice of their beer enhanced chocolate layer cake, which was sweet and moist. My only regrets, not having time to sample their steaks, a tour of the brewery or picking up a case of beer to bring home. A great expeience!!!
(4)Nikki G.
We went to Stoudt's on Easter Sunday - not FOR Easter but as part of a romantic weekend away. We really enjoyed the eclectic decor of the place. Had some good laughs (watch out ladies - in the one stall, the pic of Jim Morrison makes you feel like he's watching you)! The steaks were perfectly done, I had a filet and my hubby had a NY strip. The sauce and mushrooms were light and added an excellent touch. Some negatives - no choice of veggie or starch - you get the asparagus and baked potato - we didn't ask to substitute so maybe we could have... we were ok having baked potato but hubby hates asparagus (more for me)! The baked potato was only slightly hot and the outer portion was dry (microwaved or overdone)? The beer - we love tasting and so opted for 2 samplers (8 total beers). We enjoyed most of them - each had one with dinner and took a mixed six pack home. We also had a 3 cheese sampler platter - was wonderful to try the different beers with the different cheeses - YUMMY!!!! Finally, we were too full for dessert there but opted to take 2 of them home. The espresso mousse was ok... not very espresso-ish, but the mint chocolate pie was AWESOME!!!!! Would have loved another piece of this instead of the espresso!!! We will return - might be our new go-to for steaks... and cheese and beer, oh, and peppermint chocolate pie!!!
(4)Ashley Z.
i had the best pork sandwich of my life here. it had caramelized onions, delicious cheese and was served on homemade bread...would come back for that alone. DH had a burger and fries, which he liked. but what he loved was the beer! the inside of this place is like a german cuckoo clock! lots of interesting stuff to look at, old beer bottles, antiques, etc. i loved it and we can't wait to come back!
(5)Allison L.
We got here before 5 so we ate in the pub section as opposed to the restaurant section. With the exception of a few things being forgotten and some burgers and steaks being slightly overdone, all 7 of us really liked what we got. In addition to all the beer (samples cost $7.50 for four five ounce glasses) there's plenty of good mixed drinks and wine as well. I got the crab cake and while it was fried (broiled is so much better) it was really good. Prices were reasonable. Service was a bit slow and so was the food (apparently there's a new cook). Can't imagine I'll be back in the area anytime soon but if I ever am, I could see myself coming back here.
(3)Peg R.
Went to Renningers and based on yelp reviews, we tried the BlackAngus Resturant. We were not sorry. Service was excellent. Angie, our waitress, was wonderful. Had a great choice of beers. But I got a holiday gingerbread martini. EXCELLENT!! Hubby got the New York stip steak. It was tender and perfectly cooked. Sides very good as well I had the good sense to order the Country Brat and sour kraut. Note to self- when on a German Resturant, order German. It was excellent. We come to this area about four times a year. We will always make it a point to stop here. Nothing bad to say. Great experience.
(5)J M.
Returning late from Hersheypark, we stopped in here because I like steak and beer. Good deal. Beautiful old building, comfortable seats, nice old-timey ambiance that made me think of special dinners out at a restaurant when I was a kid. Server was pleasant and efficient, our food was very good, their home-brewed Stoudt's beer (I believe I had their American IPA) was super, and prices are reasonable for the good quality you get. If my very nice salad (with my delicious New York Steak) had come with tomatoes I'd have been tempted to give 5 stars. But I love tomatoes and didn't get any.
(4)Bren C.
Sadly disappointed. I was hankering for steak and we were antiquing. With a huge cow, Black Angus for a name and an established place, how can we go wrong, right? So, we just forged on ahead! We started with the cheese plate, which was great, even if the server gave us an apparently old menu, where one of the cheeses we ordered was no longer available. But they subbed with a similar flavor, which turned out ok. Salad was so-so. Herbed vinaigrette was so-so. Ok, the steak... We both ordered a sirloin steak, hubbykins, was over done and mine was underdone. It was supposed to have the Hunter Mushroom sauce, and I got one (1) mushroom stem, hubbykins got 2 thinly sliced caps. Please don't print it if you are not going to put it in. They were out of baked potato at 5pm on a Sunday! He opted for fries, which were soggy and I chose rice pilaf, which is technically rice cooked in a seasoned broth. Theirs tasted more like steamed rice and I wouldn't have minded except that it was over nuked and was hard on the surface. We were seated at the dining area by the bar, which wouldn't have been so bad, except that one of the bar ladies had such a loud voice that we felt that she was also talking to us. Sorry, the cheese was great but we can get great cheese somewhere else.
(1)Gia M.
I went to Black Angus for a pint and snack after the brewery tour I took at Stoudt's (next door/attached) and I don't think there was an unappetizing beer on the tap list. I stuck with the pilsner, which was delicious and expertly crafted, while my friend got a flight of assorted brews. We also split the shrimp special, which was marinated in a lovely red sauce and topped with generous hunks of the bread baked on premises. Tasty and just filling enough for us to get on our way to the next event. There's also a large oyster bar (interesting for a German-type restaurant), where the owner Ed can sometimes be seen shucking oysters. Great vibe inside-- all dark and classic, with lots of wood and plenty of space for large groups.
(3)Robert B.
Arrived here for good food and drink on a weekend getaway with some friends. I was starved arriving for dinner, having skipped lunch. The first thing to hit you is a musty smell, like my Grandparents house. Not a bad scent, but not appetizing either. The interior is a little dated as well, kind of a mash up of kitsch and paneling. They had a good selection of a number of Stoudt beers on tap. And I found one I liked. They came out quickly. I ordered a black angus burger. It was cooked to perfection at medium rare. It was smokey and flavorful. Nothing that will hit a top 10 list, but it is good. The other stuff on the menu looked decent, but I just wanted something inexpensive and the rest was pricey. The best part of the whole experience was dessert. I had a deep dish apple pie and was totally amazed by it. It was huge. And there must have been 30 layers of apple slices packed into it. You could clearly see all the layers. It was delicious and packed full of cinnamon flavor. It did not come ala mode or with cream. And I don't know I could have finished it if it did. One thing to note for parents of young boys. Take them to the handicap bathroom and not the men's room. I'm not sure how it is they think it is appropriate to have pictures of naked women from the 20's all over the walls, but they do.
(3)Adam C.
Maybe I've been spending too much time in hipsterville and perhaps there are still places like this out there but it's been a while since I've set foot in one. I was out in Adamsville with a business colleague, searching for vintage watches and all of a sudden it was dinner time and we were both ravenous. We randomly selected Black Angus because it was within sight and walking distance from the final antique mall we'd visited but we were probably enticed by the fact that they were a brewery and named after a type of cow, implying steaks. We walked in, apparently to the wrong door but managed to find our way to the hostess station. The hostess was busy seating people but plowed through the line and efficiently got to us reasonably quickly. Each group was offered the choice between the dining room or the pub. Not really knowing, when it was our turn, we asked the hostess her opinion and she diplomatically informed us that the pub seats had armrests. We were sold. This was a Tuesday night and I don't think they were expecting such a busy night because our hostess also ended up being our server. Somehow, this poor girl managed to seat people, make the same canned speeches about the beer selections and the specials repeatedly all while keeping a smile on her face and managing to continue to host and wait and nobody had an unreasonable delay. Although there were visible speakers on the walls there was no music. We were able to hear our server's communications with every other table. This was how we learned in advance that the kitchen was out of a few of the items that I had hoped to order. They brew beer, make cheese and bake bread right there on the premises. Although my first choice for beer was tapped I certainly enjoyed the one I settled on. One of the two cheeses I had considered trying was also sold out so I decided not to order a cheese plate. The bread that they served while we were waiting for our entrees was clearly fresh and extremely yummy. Once again, I learned with dismay by overhearing our server's announcement that my first choice on the menu, the schnitzel, was sold out. I briefly vacillated between a steak and what I ultimately ordered, the Stroganoff. I was pleased with my choice because instead of a bed of egg noodles, they used herbed spaetzle. (I'm a sucker for spaetzle). My colleague was a little boring and ordered the burger and iced tea. He stated that both were far better than he expected. Bottom line, we both enjoyed and will probably return on our next buying trip
(4)Celeste A.
My brother took the whole family here. We tried "Heifer in Wheat" beer and it was good. So good I got a Stoudt's Brewery T shirt. As my brother said, "This place has good pub food, but you have to look at it as pub food, not a five star restaurant." The fish and chips was quite good. Other family members got burgers. We had little kids with us and little kids are just fine. It may be a pub but it is also a family centered restaurant. This is not a rowdy place for frat boys. It is a place for regular people who just happen to like beer with their food.
(3)Rhett M.
Many years ago (like 10) my wife and I stayed in a wonderful B & B in the Reading area. One of the things we did over the weekend was take a tour of Stoudts Brewery and eat at the Black Angus for dinner. It was wonderful...so good in fact we came back the next day to try the pub. It was great too. Fast forward 10 years to yesterday. We found ourselves in the area with the extended family and wanted to treat them to the wonderful meal we remembered. To say it came up short just does not described it. Service was top notch but the food was just average. Appetizers we very good. We had the clams and the clams casino. But the meals...and most important the steaks were just average. ( the kind you get at any chain steakhouse) But you did PAY high end prices. My wife's cole slaw was was bad. Waitress thanked us for letter her know and reported to us that a refrigerator had broken down. This made us wonder if the blue cheese dressing we had on the wedge salads really did have a "unique" flavor, or had it turned as well. Only high note was the beer. I know my in - laws are thinking "This is the place they have been raving about for 10 years?" Very disappointed.
(2)Nanette G.
Go for the beer and have a burger. Leave the rest behind. The rib eye was full of fat and gristle (this is a steak place!). The duck was chewy. High points were the wedge salad and the fried green tomato appetizer. We won't be back.
(2)Nicky O.
My family and I went to the Oktoberfest like I've done in past years. This year the food was terrible. They charge to get in plus charge a lot for the crap food. I ordered the Pork Schnitzle, which had absolutely no flavor. They put a gross think brown sauce on top, which also didn't have any flavor. The potato salad was hard and also tasteless. Also the German pretzels tasted like Auntie Ann's, I remember them being bigger and tasting much better. After getting bent over with all the costs we aren't going back.
(1)J D.
Great place, went here with a couple friends to have a beer and a light meal. French onion soup and steaks were perfect. Stoudt beers are made on premises
(4)Donna G.
Eh, had special blackened chicken sandwich way too much spice. Hamburger delicious for husband. Waitress nice but never asked how we liked our meal. Probably afraid to ask after seeing my plate. Beer delicious!!!
(3)James V.
Definitely an interesting location. Had late lunch/dinner here with my family after having toured the antique mall and the brewery. The service is decent, the decor is _fascinating_, and the food is...okay. No one was displeased with their meals (which varied from the steak to the pulled beef sandwich to a portabello sandwich to chicken to the burger), but also no one was impressed. I overheard the tables next to us having issues with their waitstaff, but we must have lucked out. Can't really comment on the prices, but again, nothing super special as far as food. The beer, though...*really* good. It's the best place to sample Stoudt's brews, which are extremely well renowned. I'm adding a star simply for the easy access to fresh Fat Dog. While here, definitely see about getting a tour of the brewery from Ed Stoudt himself. Absolutely the most interesting and entertaining brewery tour I've ever been on.
(4)Jeffrey S.
We sat at the bar and tried a good number of their beers, all rather good. We then had burgers which were very good. The bartender was very friendly and informative. We also had a cheese plate which was very nice as well.
(3)Samantha L.
I didn't dislike this place, but my dining companion did. The food was decent and decent prices. The service was a little pushy for us to finish, but it was decent. The atmosphere was kitchy, but clean and decent. All and all, decent... I'm not going back, but i didn't call the manager over to the table!
(2)Joseph E.
I have visited the Black Angus twice. The first time I ordered a burger, fries, and beer. The burger and fries were at least adequate; however, I really enjoyed the beer. The beer is brewed in the adjacent Stoudt's Brewery. The beer was the reason for my second visit. On the second visit, I ordered the pork with sauerkraut and BEER. A friend ordered the schnitzel with spatzle. My meal was bad. The whole meal had a weird taste, and there was a huge piece of boiled fat as part of my pork meat. Pork and sauerkraut is a simple meal to prepare, but this was awful. Later that evening I was sick, spending a good part of the evening in the bathroom. My friend's meal was worse. He believes the schnitzel was fried twice - the second frying just to warm it up. It oozed grease. There was no sauce on the schnitzel. The spatzle looked like droplets of Elmer's glue. He pushed the plate to the side after eating a couple of bites. The waitress removed the plate, apologized, and did NOT charge him for the meal. Even if the food had been good, the prices for this simple German food were expensive. The restaurant is small. Both times I was seated at a table for two against a wall. I am not a large person, but the adjacent tables and chairs were so close, I had difficulty getting into my seat. The beer is great, but the food is another story.
(1)Thor T.
After visiting the beautiful Ephrata cloister - site of an eighteenth-century German anabaptist community led by the charismatic Konrad Beissel, I thought it would be perfect to have lunch at the restaurant connected to Stoudt Brewery in nearby Adamstown. I have been a fan of Carol Stoudt's beers for a long time and there are few breweries than can match her German-style beers (Pilsner, Golden Lager, even Kölsch). Passing a splendid Packard car in the foyer, I entered the kitsch-laden restaurant with my friends and was "greeted" by a matron of such teutonic sternness that even Basil Fawlty would have blanched. Asked ungraciously to wait, we were seated a short while later and started ordering beer - spicy Kölsch, wonderfully rich Hefeweizen, well-balanced Helles, and a variety of heavier beers, like the Fat Dog stout and a rich Belgian triple - all as good as expected. Unfortunately, the food accompanying the stellar beers is not half as good. We aimed for simple dishes - the bratwurst and kielbasa plates with sauerkraut and red cabbage. The bratwurst was flaccid, uninteresting, and the kielbasa tough. The sides were ok (sauerkraut and other cabbage dishes can stand a lot of lying around), still, I was hoping for better food. The service was routine, absent for good stretches of time because a large group needed attention, but acceptable.
(2)Derek A.
First off, let's get this straight - the beer gets five stars. And I'm not sure if I should be reviewing the Black Angus restaurant or Stoudt's Brewery, since we ate in the pub section, not Black Angus. It is a little confusing, but I'll give it my best shot. The food is hearty and informal, with much of it using Stoudt's beer. We began with a warm crab dip, that while messy to eat, was quite good. For dinner, three people had burgers and I had fish and chips. My fish was a little greasy, but had good flavor - it is rare to have beer-battered fish and chips where you can actually TASTE the beer, but this was the case at Stoudt's. Everyone at the table seemed very satisfied with their burgers, while dessert was OK. The atmosphere is eclectic, with dark wood walls covered with old beer paraphernalia. Service is friendly and homey, kind of like the food. Overall, I'd say it is a great place for an informal meal - nothing that will blow your socks off, but they do brew some great beer!
(3)andrew h.
First off, this is confusing as the building abutts the Stoudt Brewery, and serves only their beers on tap but there are two signs out front. One states Stoudt's Brewery and the other Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant. Anyway, they had HUGE virginia oysters at $3 each a couple paried with their oatmeal stout was a great start to the meal. Oktoberfest beer in February is a bit weird, but it tasted fresh enough. Paired with a grilled Brat and Weisswurst worked well. The German kraut with bacon should have been kick-a$$ but seemed a but funky (pastic-y or something) and the beer glasses smelled a bit of too much sanitizer. They do fill your own growlers for the same price as 6-packs of their beer which seems like a good deal $9-12.
(3)Andrew K.
Not my cup of tea but decent food (I enjoyed my burger) and tasty beer. Decor is a little off-putting. The rest of their menu looked great to me but also seemed to be a real gap between the place's vibe and decor, and some of the foods they prepared.
(3)Susan W.
The food was excellent , service excellent, Reasonably priced. The pork chop was so tender you could cut it with a fork. I had the salmon with asparagus and a balsamic reduction- it was delicious.
(5)Jeannie B.
This is a review of Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant, not the adjacent pub, which we have not visited - and given our experience at the restaurant, I'm sure we never will. The restaurant's menu takes an entire (wrinkled, ripped, and soiled) page to explain the business's history, pride in quality, and remodeling in 2001, I think it said. All I can say is that no one seems to care anymore, and, after 10 years, it's time for another renovation - or at least a good scrubbing. If I could give it no stars, I would. Stoudt's seems like a perfect candidate for one of those TV shows where a celebrity chef visits a restaurant and advises them on how to improve. As soon as we entered the vestibule, we were confronted with the antique car (who DOES that?), and, as other reviewers have mentioned, the unbelievable smell of dirty carpet. We walked past a filthy glass case where oysters were laid out. I thought "you'd have to be crazy to order those". The decor is, again as many other reviewers stated, Victorian-grandma. That didn't bother us. What was a problem was the food. We visited at approximately 7pm on a Thursday night. There were three other tables seated in the restaurant although the parking lot was packed. Everyone else must have been on the pub side. We ordered the she-crab and French onion soups, beef Wellington, and jagerschnitzel (which was written "schnitzle" on the menu - hubby, who speaks German, says that should have been a warning: German place can't spell German dish). The onion soup was overpowering. The flavor was decidedly teriyaki. Thankfully, the she-crab was good. The schnitzel was too thin, which, in combination with the breading, made the pork very, very dry. The schnitzel was presented on top of dry, unseasoned, mangled noodles which were supposed to be spaetzle. The only tasty part was the mushroom sauce, the volume of which was woefully inadequate, about two tablespoons for two large pork loins. The buttermilk ranch salad dressing was very good, but the balsamic vinaigrette was, once again, overpowering. It tasted like it was based on white vinegar with a drop of balsamic for color. The beef Wellington, which was supposed to be medium, was so rare it was raw. Wellington is a filet mignon topped with foie gras baked in pastry. The meat inside our Wellington was not like any filet mignon I've ever had. It was about 2" of meat and 1" of fat. There did not appear to be any foie gras, melted or otherwise. It was presented with a potato sliced at an angle and four skinny asparagus spears. Although we sent the meat back to be cooked, and wound up not touching the returned dish, unlike the other reviewers, we weren't credited the cost of the Wellington. And for all this, we were charged $80. Stoudt's needs to take a serious look at what it's serving for the price. Until they do, do yourself a favor and drive right past it.
(1)Fran J.
This restaurant has the perfect bite- not to mention awesome beer! We ate in the Pub and the decour, great beer and sausage dinners were the perfect end to a day of antiquing.
(5)George F.
I've eaten there many times when I'm in the area. 15+ years ago it was really a great place to go. Regrettably, now the service and food are inconsistent. The oysters and shrimp are overpriced. Just order a burger and a beer.
(2)Matt K.
I have to admit, I'm conflicted about my review of Black Angus. I've eaten here once, after having a somewhat surreal experience at the Oktoberfest festival and then a walk through the antiques mall. I really wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but regardless, we ended up at the restaurant for dinner. My first impression of the decor was... kind of creepy. I felt like I was walking into my grandmother's house. The walls are adorned with old-fashioned photos of random people I haven't met. The menu was pretty substantial, and I opted for a burger and, of course, a beer. The Stoudt's microbrews are decent, but nothing to write home about. But the burger... Good Lord, the burger. Quite possibly the best cheeseburger I've ever had, and I've had a bunch. I'm not sure if it was the ample patty or the toasted bun that did it, but it blew me away. The rest of the people in my party enjoyed their food also, but none raved about their meals as I did. If you took that burger and put it in a contemporary brewpub, this place would be an easy four stars, maybe 4.5. But I just couldn't get over the decor....
(3)Bud J.
I had dinner there one evening and lunch the next day: Dinner - Excellent raw bar. A few complained about the RAW bar being behind the glass...where do you want it, in FRONT of the glass? Granted some complained that it was dirty but the glass and entire area was very clean. Everything looked very fresh. I ordered 8 Raw Clams which were real Cherry Stones not those small steamers they give you in other places. Very fresh. The bread is made on the premises and was very fresh. Fresh cream butter also. I ordered the salad with blue cheese dressing and the dressing they make their also. But it had a nasty tasted to it. I couldn't touch it after the first fork full. For being a steak house, I too was disappointed in the meat selection. Either filet or sirloin. I ordered the 11 0z sirloin, medium. It came out ALMOST raw! You can tell that when they flipped the steak, they just let it get grill marks and took it off. There is NO excuse for a steak house that can't get the "doneness" correct. I did appreciate how they give you mushrooms and onions at no charge. The flavor was good, not great. Beer was very good...should be. Next day had lunch there. They were very crowded. I ordered raw clams again and they were great again. Cold shrimp were gigantic in size. I ordered their Angus Burger at medium and AGAIN it came out between raw and medium rare! That is why I only gave 3 stars. How a steak house cannot get meat temperature correct is beyond me. The burger was good BUT here they charged for mushrooms/onions. One reviewer complained that, when you walk in, you are greeted by an antique car, which he seemed to complain about. Why? Adamstown is the antique "capital" of the country. They had all sorts of political antiques all over the walls. If you are in that area, I would eat there. I do not know if there is another restaurant (not diner or sandwhich place) in the area, but I would eat there again. Just don;t know if I would get any red meat since they can't get that right.
(3)Ricki H.
I've tried both the brewpub and the restaurant and both are excellent! The bartenders are friendly and very knowledgeable about the beer, and of course the beers are excellent!!! We went to the restaurant for dinner and the meals were a bit expensive, and the atmosphere was fancier than what we expected, but it was delicious nonetheless. We go to this area often and always try to stop in for a bit.
(5)Erica C.
Let me begin by saying the service removed one star from my review. Our waitress was cold and unfriendly, and I don't even think she looked up from her pen and paper the whole time. My husband and I ate in the pub section of the restaurant this time, and we had eaten in the "restaurant" section at a prior visit. Upon arrival, the hostess asked if we were going to order from the pub menu or the dinner menu. We both wanted burgers, but I think they have 2 different kitchens for each menu. So if one person wants a burger and the other wants something from the dinner menu, I don't know if they are able to accommodate you. A strange setup, and the first time I had ever been asked that question. We both ordered burgers. They were served on delicious homemade rolls and while mine was perfectly cooked, my husband's was overdone and dry. He did not finish it (VERY unusual for him). They also charge you extra for tomatoes, and the miniscule slice of tomato that was on the burger was a huge disappointment. The beer is always great, though.
(3)tim b.
What dump I should of known by the out dated decor. We were seated by some angry lady who I later found was the "manager". The server came by gave us menus I asked are you our waiter "Yes" I then introduced myself since he did not. We asked for water and a a drink we asked for water 3 more times before it came out. I asked are there any specials he said "Not really but here they are" Well are apps. and salad came out (wilted lettuce) we had no silverware we asked for it Twice then asked another server. My steak came out was supposed to be medium it was charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle. Then the worst of all my sister had a crab cake sand which which included a 5"hair well we were all modified. I had had it asked the angry lady who the manger was she said "Could I help you in a nasty tone." I explained the situation to her and she said would you like to fill out a comment card? No thanks I will pay my bill for the awful food and never go back. If you want over priced food with horrible service this is the place for you.
(1)Steph G.
As a previous reviewer mentioned, the beer definitely gets 5 stars, but since I am reviewing the restaurant, I have to be honest. We didn't have the greatest experience. While the service was okay, the food really was sub par, for what they were charging. The steak I had was a great cut - very tender, but had nooo flavor. My partner's salmon was very disappointing. And the cooked spinach under it was just terrible. The cheese sampler appetizer and the beer where the saving graces of the experience. But, we basically felt like we wasted the $95 we had to shell out on not very good food. I think I will stick with picking up some of their beer at the local distributor. (oh, and the decor feels like you are in a somber museum - combination of someone's house from the 19th century and a portrait gallery. the most thrilling part for my partner the whole evening was seeing the vintage porn in the washroom. . ).
(2)Gia M.
I went to Black Angus for a pint and snack after the brewery tour I took at Stoudt's (next door/attached) and I don't think there was an unappetizing beer on the tap list. I stuck with the pilsner, which was delicious and expertly crafted, while my friend got a flight of assorted brews. We also split the shrimp special, which was marinated in a lovely red sauce and topped with generous hunks of the bread baked on premises. Tasty and just filling enough for us to get on our way to the next event. There's also a large oyster bar (interesting for a German-type restaurant), where the owner Ed can sometimes be seen shucking oysters. Great vibe inside-- all dark and classic, with lots of wood and plenty of space for large groups.
(3)Peg R.
Went to Renningers and based on yelp reviews, we tried the BlackAngus Resturant. We were not sorry. Service was excellent. Angie, our waitress, was wonderful. Had a great choice of beers. But I got a holiday gingerbread martini. EXCELLENT!! Hubby got the New York stip steak. It was tender and perfectly cooked. Sides very good as well I had the good sense to order the Country Brat and sour kraut. Note to self- when on a German Resturant, order German. It was excellent. We come to this area about four times a year. We will always make it a point to stop here. Nothing bad to say. Great experience.
(5)J M.
Returning late from Hersheypark, we stopped in here because I like steak and beer. Good deal. Beautiful old building, comfortable seats, nice old-timey ambiance that made me think of special dinners out at a restaurant when I was a kid. Server was pleasant and efficient, our food was very good, their home-brewed Stoudt's beer (I believe I had their American IPA) was super, and prices are reasonable for the good quality you get. If my very nice salad (with my delicious New York Steak) had come with tomatoes I'd have been tempted to give 5 stars. But I love tomatoes and didn't get any.
(4)Bren C.
Sadly disappointed. I was hankering for steak and we were antiquing. With a huge cow, Black Angus for a name and an established place, how can we go wrong, right? So, we just forged on ahead! We started with the cheese plate, which was great, even if the server gave us an apparently old menu, where one of the cheeses we ordered was no longer available. But they subbed with a similar flavor, which turned out ok. Salad was so-so. Herbed vinaigrette was so-so. Ok, the steak... We both ordered a sirloin steak, hubbykins, was over done and mine was underdone. It was supposed to have the Hunter Mushroom sauce, and I got one (1) mushroom stem, hubbykins got 2 thinly sliced caps. Please don't print it if you are not going to put it in. They were out of baked potato at 5pm on a Sunday! He opted for fries, which were soggy and I chose rice pilaf, which is technically rice cooked in a seasoned broth. Theirs tasted more like steamed rice and I wouldn't have minded except that it was over nuked and was hard on the surface. We were seated at the dining area by the bar, which wouldn't have been so bad, except that one of the bar ladies had such a loud voice that we felt that she was also talking to us. Sorry, the cheese was great but we can get great cheese somewhere else.
(1)Adam C.
Maybe I've been spending too much time in hipsterville and perhaps there are still places like this out there but it's been a while since I've set foot in one. I was out in Adamsville with a business colleague, searching for vintage watches and all of a sudden it was dinner time and we were both ravenous. We randomly selected Black Angus because it was within sight and walking distance from the final antique mall we'd visited but we were probably enticed by the fact that they were a brewery and named after a type of cow, implying steaks. We walked in, apparently to the wrong door but managed to find our way to the hostess station. The hostess was busy seating people but plowed through the line and efficiently got to us reasonably quickly. Each group was offered the choice between the dining room or the pub. Not really knowing, when it was our turn, we asked the hostess her opinion and she diplomatically informed us that the pub seats had armrests. We were sold. This was a Tuesday night and I don't think they were expecting such a busy night because our hostess also ended up being our server. Somehow, this poor girl managed to seat people, make the same canned speeches about the beer selections and the specials repeatedly all while keeping a smile on her face and managing to continue to host and wait and nobody had an unreasonable delay. Although there were visible speakers on the walls there was no music. We were able to hear our server's communications with every other table. This was how we learned in advance that the kitchen was out of a few of the items that I had hoped to order. They brew beer, make cheese and bake bread right there on the premises. Although my first choice for beer was tapped I certainly enjoyed the one I settled on. One of the two cheeses I had considered trying was also sold out so I decided not to order a cheese plate. The bread that they served while we were waiting for our entrees was clearly fresh and extremely yummy. Once again, I learned with dismay by overhearing our server's announcement that my first choice on the menu, the schnitzel, was sold out. I briefly vacillated between a steak and what I ultimately ordered, the Stroganoff. I was pleased with my choice because instead of a bed of egg noodles, they used herbed spaetzle. (I'm a sucker for spaetzle). My colleague was a little boring and ordered the burger and iced tea. He stated that both were far better than he expected. Bottom line, we both enjoyed and will probably return on our next buying trip
(4)Celeste A.
My brother took the whole family here. We tried "Heifer in Wheat" beer and it was good. So good I got a Stoudt's Brewery T shirt. As my brother said, "This place has good pub food, but you have to look at it as pub food, not a five star restaurant." The fish and chips was quite good. Other family members got burgers. We had little kids with us and little kids are just fine. It may be a pub but it is also a family centered restaurant. This is not a rowdy place for frat boys. It is a place for regular people who just happen to like beer with their food.
(3)J D.
Great place, went here with a couple friends to have a beer and a light meal. French onion soup and steaks were perfect. Stoudt beers are made on premises
(4)tim b.
What dump I should of known by the out dated decor. We were seated by some angry lady who I later found was the "manager". The server came by gave us menus I asked are you our waiter "Yes" I then introduced myself since he did not. We asked for water and a a drink we asked for water 3 more times before it came out. I asked are there any specials he said "Not really but here they are" Well are apps. and salad came out (wilted lettuce) we had no silverware we asked for it Twice then asked another server. My steak came out was supposed to be medium it was charcoal on the outside and raw in the middle. Then the worst of all my sister had a crab cake sand which which included a 5"hair well we were all modified. I had had it asked the angry lady who the manger was she said "Could I help you in a nasty tone." I explained the situation to her and she said would you like to fill out a comment card? No thanks I will pay my bill for the awful food and never go back. If you want over priced food with horrible service this is the place for you.
(1)Steph G.
As a previous reviewer mentioned, the beer definitely gets 5 stars, but since I am reviewing the restaurant, I have to be honest. We didn't have the greatest experience. While the service was okay, the food really was sub par, for what they were charging. The steak I had was a great cut - very tender, but had nooo flavor. My partner's salmon was very disappointing. And the cooked spinach under it was just terrible. The cheese sampler appetizer and the beer where the saving graces of the experience. But, we basically felt like we wasted the $95 we had to shell out on not very good food. I think I will stick with picking up some of their beer at the local distributor. (oh, and the decor feels like you are in a somber museum - combination of someone's house from the 19th century and a portrait gallery. the most thrilling part for my partner the whole evening was seeing the vintage porn in the washroom. . ).
(2)Robert B.
Arrived here for good food and drink on a weekend getaway with some friends. I was starved arriving for dinner, having skipped lunch. The first thing to hit you is a musty smell, like my Grandparents house. Not a bad scent, but not appetizing either. The interior is a little dated as well, kind of a mash up of kitsch and paneling. They had a good selection of a number of Stoudt beers on tap. And I found one I liked. They came out quickly. I ordered a black angus burger. It was cooked to perfection at medium rare. It was smokey and flavorful. Nothing that will hit a top 10 list, but it is good. The other stuff on the menu looked decent, but I just wanted something inexpensive and the rest was pricey. The best part of the whole experience was dessert. I had a deep dish apple pie and was totally amazed by it. It was huge. And there must have been 30 layers of apple slices packed into it. You could clearly see all the layers. It was delicious and packed full of cinnamon flavor. It did not come ala mode or with cream. And I don't know I could have finished it if it did. One thing to note for parents of young boys. Take them to the handicap bathroom and not the men's room. I'm not sure how it is they think it is appropriate to have pictures of naked women from the 20's all over the walls, but they do.
(3)Rhett M.
Many years ago (like 10) my wife and I stayed in a wonderful B & B in the Reading area. One of the things we did over the weekend was take a tour of Stoudts Brewery and eat at the Black Angus for dinner. It was wonderful...so good in fact we came back the next day to try the pub. It was great too. Fast forward 10 years to yesterday. We found ourselves in the area with the extended family and wanted to treat them to the wonderful meal we remembered. To say it came up short just does not described it. Service was top notch but the food was just average. Appetizers we very good. We had the clams and the clams casino. But the meals...and most important the steaks were just average. ( the kind you get at any chain steakhouse) But you did PAY high end prices. My wife's cole slaw was was bad. Waitress thanked us for letter her know and reported to us that a refrigerator had broken down. This made us wonder if the blue cheese dressing we had on the wedge salads really did have a "unique" flavor, or had it turned as well. Only high note was the beer. I know my in - laws are thinking "This is the place they have been raving about for 10 years?" Very disappointed.
(2)Nanette G.
Go for the beer and have a burger. Leave the rest behind. The rib eye was full of fat and gristle (this is a steak place!). The duck was chewy. High points were the wedge salad and the fried green tomato appetizer. We won't be back.
(2)Nicky O.
My family and I went to the Oktoberfest like I've done in past years. This year the food was terrible. They charge to get in plus charge a lot for the crap food. I ordered the Pork Schnitzle, which had absolutely no flavor. They put a gross think brown sauce on top, which also didn't have any flavor. The potato salad was hard and also tasteless. Also the German pretzels tasted like Auntie Ann's, I remember them being bigger and tasting much better. After getting bent over with all the costs we aren't going back.
(1)Ken H.
This place is stuck in 80s. By that, I mean the 1880s. The atmosphere is dark and stuffy. Lots of old furniture you'd expect to find in your great, great grandmother's house. Most of the items on the menu cost more than I had to spend, so I opted for some lighter fare. Still, $14 for two pieces of sausage with some sauerkraut and red cabbage. The food was good, but not good enough to justify the menu prices. I should add that, despite the high prices on the menu, management has forbidden the wait staff from leaving bread on the table. You can eat all the bread you want, but you have to ask your server to bring it each time you want another slice. I realize this cuts down on waste, but it seems a bit short-sighted to me. My girlfriend may disagree. She said her beef stroganoff was "made of magic." Possibly the best she ever had. I'm tempted to give the place an extra star for that, but hey, let her write her own review. :)
(2)Randy W.
Well to start with it took 15 minutes to get the attention of a server once seated. I ordered a beer sampler and the steak tip sandwich. For a $13 sandwich I expected more. Eight bites and it was gone. I also though they might have been less stingy with the fries. I was given 14 and the person I was with even less. I will say the sandwich was tasty however Small. As for the beer I wasn't impressed. The chocolate cherry was undrinkable. In the future j will be going elsewhere.
(2)raider s.
Second visit to Black Angus. Service was good. Food not so much... I ordered the kielbasa platter with kraut and cabbage. The solo kielbasa sausage link was TINY... the kraut tasted like it was from a can and the red cabbage tasted like it was cooked in the same pot as the kraut. For $10, I expected bigger portions of better food. My wife had the fried fish. It had very thick batter, almost like a second skin...but she said the fish itself was Tasty and her French fries were okay. Cole slaw was finely chopped and dry. Overall, we were disappointed in the food and will not be coming back for a third visit.
(2)Bob S.
This one was recommended by our innkeeper, and without his word we might have sailed right by. The place is filled with character, from the classic car in the lobby, to the tavern, and private booths. We enjoyed the house specialty bratwurst with sauerkraut and red cabbage, which was about as good as it gets, well seasoned, sweet & pungent. The waitress suggested pairing it with their Stoudts 1860 IPA, an unfiltered copper beer in the style of the time, with a trace of citrus. Sure wish I could get some back home!!! My dining companion ordered the Rachel Sandwich and she enjoyed every last bite. We shared a slice of their beer enhanced chocolate layer cake, which was sweet and moist. My only regrets, not having time to sample their steaks, a tour of the brewery or picking up a case of beer to bring home. A great expeience!!!
(4)Nikki G.
We went to Stoudt's on Easter Sunday - not FOR Easter but as part of a romantic weekend away. We really enjoyed the eclectic decor of the place. Had some good laughs (watch out ladies - in the one stall, the pic of Jim Morrison makes you feel like he's watching you)! The steaks were perfectly done, I had a filet and my hubby had a NY strip. The sauce and mushrooms were light and added an excellent touch. Some negatives - no choice of veggie or starch - you get the asparagus and baked potato - we didn't ask to substitute so maybe we could have... we were ok having baked potato but hubby hates asparagus (more for me)! The baked potato was only slightly hot and the outer portion was dry (microwaved or overdone)? The beer - we love tasting and so opted for 2 samplers (8 total beers). We enjoyed most of them - each had one with dinner and took a mixed six pack home. We also had a 3 cheese sampler platter - was wonderful to try the different beers with the different cheeses - YUMMY!!!! Finally, we were too full for dessert there but opted to take 2 of them home. The espresso mousse was ok... not very espresso-ish, but the mint chocolate pie was AWESOME!!!!! Would have loved another piece of this instead of the espresso!!! We will return - might be our new go-to for steaks... and cheese and beer, oh, and peppermint chocolate pie!!!
(4)James V.
Definitely an interesting location. Had late lunch/dinner here with my family after having toured the antique mall and the brewery. The service is decent, the decor is _fascinating_, and the food is...okay. No one was displeased with their meals (which varied from the steak to the pulled beef sandwich to a portabello sandwich to chicken to the burger), but also no one was impressed. I overheard the tables next to us having issues with their waitstaff, but we must have lucked out. Can't really comment on the prices, but again, nothing super special as far as food. The beer, though...*really* good. It's the best place to sample Stoudt's brews, which are extremely well renowned. I'm adding a star simply for the easy access to fresh Fat Dog. While here, definitely see about getting a tour of the brewery from Ed Stoudt himself. Absolutely the most interesting and entertaining brewery tour I've ever been on.
(4)Jeffrey S.
We sat at the bar and tried a good number of their beers, all rather good. We then had burgers which were very good. The bartender was very friendly and informative. We also had a cheese plate which was very nice as well.
(3)Samantha L.
I didn't dislike this place, but my dining companion did. The food was decent and decent prices. The service was a little pushy for us to finish, but it was decent. The atmosphere was kitchy, but clean and decent. All and all, decent... I'm not going back, but i didn't call the manager over to the table!
(2)Ashley Z.
i had the best pork sandwich of my life here. it had caramelized onions, delicious cheese and was served on homemade bread...would come back for that alone. DH had a burger and fries, which he liked. but what he loved was the beer! the inside of this place is like a german cuckoo clock! lots of interesting stuff to look at, old beer bottles, antiques, etc. i loved it and we can't wait to come back!
(5)Allison L.
We got here before 5 so we ate in the pub section as opposed to the restaurant section. With the exception of a few things being forgotten and some burgers and steaks being slightly overdone, all 7 of us really liked what we got. In addition to all the beer (samples cost $7.50 for four five ounce glasses) there's plenty of good mixed drinks and wine as well. I got the crab cake and while it was fried (broiled is so much better) it was really good. Prices were reasonable. Service was a bit slow and so was the food (apparently there's a new cook). Can't imagine I'll be back in the area anytime soon but if I ever am, I could see myself coming back here.
(3)Donna G.
Eh, had special blackened chicken sandwich way too much spice. Hamburger delicious for husband. Waitress nice but never asked how we liked our meal. Probably afraid to ask after seeing my plate. Beer delicious!!!
(3)Bridget C.
My husband and I were trying to decide where to go for dinner tonight. There were a couple options that we had decided to choose between. The only thing that we knew is that we wanted a steak of some kind and didn't want to go to a chain restaurant. The first place we tried was closed and I am so glad that it was! We both ordered the ribeye and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. I did order the mushroom glaze on the side and I'm glad that I did (the glaze wasn't bad...the ribeye was just so good it didn't need it). The mashed potatoes were actually real. The string beans were so fresh. Now for the service...the waiter was very nice. The service was quick and he was very personable. The woman who greeted us took time to give us a tour and some history on the place. I know this is a long review but I didn't want to forget to mention that the actual place was so pleasant and unique. We will be back for sure!
(5)Mary B.
Wonderful surprise! Burgers delish. Gigunda tender raw oysters. Companion enjoyed delectable beet and cheese salad. Very reasonable $$. Pleasant efficient servers.
(4)Janelle J.
Wow, this is quite a place! The decor was so unique and full of charm. My boyfriend and had the Valentine's Day sirloin for two and of course some delicious beers. While expensive, we really enjoyed it. I would definitely come back when in town, if not just to hang out at the bar. We brought home a six-pack of Stoudts....loved it!
(4)Michael T.
For a place that specializes in steaks, I was disappointed with its offerings and preparation. Despite what looks like a sizable menu, your steak choices come down to just two cuts; fillet Mignon or 'New York Sirloin' (in various sizes). While my girlfriend's fillet was tender and well-cooked, it lacked seasoning of any kind. Despite my better judgment I tried the sirloin (11 oz.), which was a slightly thicker version of those steaks you get at Applebee's and the like...tough, with a lot of gristle and, again, flavorless. The sides we ordered weren't bad, but weren't great, and we spent several minutes trying to decide if the mashed potatoes were instant or real (we settled on a mix of both). I will say the prices were reasonable, the service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere, albeit the kind of place my parents would love, was authentic.
(2)Joseph E.
I have visited the Black Angus twice. The first time I ordered a burger, fries, and beer. The burger and fries were at least adequate; however, I really enjoyed the beer. The beer is brewed in the adjacent Stoudt's Brewery. The beer was the reason for my second visit. On the second visit, I ordered the pork with sauerkraut and BEER. A friend ordered the schnitzel with spatzle. My meal was bad. The whole meal had a weird taste, and there was a huge piece of boiled fat as part of my pork meat. Pork and sauerkraut is a simple meal to prepare, but this was awful. Later that evening I was sick, spending a good part of the evening in the bathroom. My friend's meal was worse. He believes the schnitzel was fried twice - the second frying just to warm it up. It oozed grease. There was no sauce on the schnitzel. The spatzle looked like droplets of Elmer's glue. He pushed the plate to the side after eating a couple of bites. The waitress removed the plate, apologized, and did NOT charge him for the meal. Even if the food had been good, the prices for this simple German food were expensive. The restaurant is small. Both times I was seated at a table for two against a wall. I am not a large person, but the adjacent tables and chairs were so close, I had difficulty getting into my seat. The beer is great, but the food is another story.
(1)Thor T.
After visiting the beautiful Ephrata cloister - site of an eighteenth-century German anabaptist community led by the charismatic Konrad Beissel, I thought it would be perfect to have lunch at the restaurant connected to Stoudt Brewery in nearby Adamstown. I have been a fan of Carol Stoudt's beers for a long time and there are few breweries than can match her German-style beers (Pilsner, Golden Lager, even Kölsch). Passing a splendid Packard car in the foyer, I entered the kitsch-laden restaurant with my friends and was "greeted" by a matron of such teutonic sternness that even Basil Fawlty would have blanched. Asked ungraciously to wait, we were seated a short while later and started ordering beer - spicy Kölsch, wonderfully rich Hefeweizen, well-balanced Helles, and a variety of heavier beers, like the Fat Dog stout and a rich Belgian triple - all as good as expected. Unfortunately, the food accompanying the stellar beers is not half as good. We aimed for simple dishes - the bratwurst and kielbasa plates with sauerkraut and red cabbage. The bratwurst was flaccid, uninteresting, and the kielbasa tough. The sides were ok (sauerkraut and other cabbage dishes can stand a lot of lying around), still, I was hoping for better food. The service was routine, absent for good stretches of time because a large group needed attention, but acceptable.
(2)Derek A.
First off, let's get this straight - the beer gets five stars. And I'm not sure if I should be reviewing the Black Angus restaurant or Stoudt's Brewery, since we ate in the pub section, not Black Angus. It is a little confusing, but I'll give it my best shot. The food is hearty and informal, with much of it using Stoudt's beer. We began with a warm crab dip, that while messy to eat, was quite good. For dinner, three people had burgers and I had fish and chips. My fish was a little greasy, but had good flavor - it is rare to have beer-battered fish and chips where you can actually TASTE the beer, but this was the case at Stoudt's. Everyone at the table seemed very satisfied with their burgers, while dessert was OK. The atmosphere is eclectic, with dark wood walls covered with old beer paraphernalia. Service is friendly and homey, kind of like the food. Overall, I'd say it is a great place for an informal meal - nothing that will blow your socks off, but they do brew some great beer!
(3)andrew h.
First off, this is confusing as the building abutts the Stoudt Brewery, and serves only their beers on tap but there are two signs out front. One states Stoudt's Brewery and the other Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant. Anyway, they had HUGE virginia oysters at $3 each a couple paried with their oatmeal stout was a great start to the meal. Oktoberfest beer in February is a bit weird, but it tasted fresh enough. Paired with a grilled Brat and Weisswurst worked well. The German kraut with bacon should have been kick-a$$ but seemed a but funky (pastic-y or something) and the beer glasses smelled a bit of too much sanitizer. They do fill your own growlers for the same price as 6-packs of their beer which seems like a good deal $9-12.
(3)Andrew K.
Not my cup of tea but decent food (I enjoyed my burger) and tasty beer. Decor is a little off-putting. The rest of their menu looked great to me but also seemed to be a real gap between the place's vibe and decor, and some of the foods they prepared.
(3)Susan W.
The food was excellent , service excellent, Reasonably priced. The pork chop was so tender you could cut it with a fork. I had the salmon with asparagus and a balsamic reduction- it was delicious.
(5)Joe H.
First off Stoudt's beer is delicious. The service is not the best but it's acceptable and the staff are friendly. The food is delicious and served in large quantities, I have never left this place feeling hungry. The burgers are delicious, served with good quality meat, fresh baked bread, and fresh cheese. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food. The atmosphere is...unique, its difficult to describe in words but has a friendly air to it. Overall, good beer and good pub food.
(4)Jeannie B.
This is a review of Stoudt's Black Angus Restaurant, not the adjacent pub, which we have not visited - and given our experience at the restaurant, I'm sure we never will. The restaurant's menu takes an entire (wrinkled, ripped, and soiled) page to explain the business's history, pride in quality, and remodeling in 2001, I think it said. All I can say is that no one seems to care anymore, and, after 10 years, it's time for another renovation - or at least a good scrubbing. If I could give it no stars, I would. Stoudt's seems like a perfect candidate for one of those TV shows where a celebrity chef visits a restaurant and advises them on how to improve. As soon as we entered the vestibule, we were confronted with the antique car (who DOES that?), and, as other reviewers have mentioned, the unbelievable smell of dirty carpet. We walked past a filthy glass case where oysters were laid out. I thought "you'd have to be crazy to order those". The decor is, again as many other reviewers stated, Victorian-grandma. That didn't bother us. What was a problem was the food. We visited at approximately 7pm on a Thursday night. There were three other tables seated in the restaurant although the parking lot was packed. Everyone else must have been on the pub side. We ordered the she-crab and French onion soups, beef Wellington, and jagerschnitzel (which was written "schnitzle" on the menu - hubby, who speaks German, says that should have been a warning: German place can't spell German dish). The onion soup was overpowering. The flavor was decidedly teriyaki. Thankfully, the she-crab was good. The schnitzel was too thin, which, in combination with the breading, made the pork very, very dry. The schnitzel was presented on top of dry, unseasoned, mangled noodles which were supposed to be spaetzle. The only tasty part was the mushroom sauce, the volume of which was woefully inadequate, about two tablespoons for two large pork loins. The buttermilk ranch salad dressing was very good, but the balsamic vinaigrette was, once again, overpowering. It tasted like it was based on white vinegar with a drop of balsamic for color. The beef Wellington, which was supposed to be medium, was so rare it was raw. Wellington is a filet mignon topped with foie gras baked in pastry. The meat inside our Wellington was not like any filet mignon I've ever had. It was about 2" of meat and 1" of fat. There did not appear to be any foie gras, melted or otherwise. It was presented with a potato sliced at an angle and four skinny asparagus spears. Although we sent the meat back to be cooked, and wound up not touching the returned dish, unlike the other reviewers, we weren't credited the cost of the Wellington. And for all this, we were charged $80. Stoudt's needs to take a serious look at what it's serving for the price. Until they do, do yourself a favor and drive right past it.
(1)Fran J.
This restaurant has the perfect bite- not to mention awesome beer! We ate in the Pub and the decour, great beer and sausage dinners were the perfect end to a day of antiquing.
(5)George F.
I've eaten there many times when I'm in the area. 15+ years ago it was really a great place to go. Regrettably, now the service and food are inconsistent. The oysters and shrimp are overpriced. Just order a burger and a beer.
(2)Erica C.
Let me begin by saying the service removed one star from my review. Our waitress was cold and unfriendly, and I don't even think she looked up from her pen and paper the whole time. My husband and I ate in the pub section of the restaurant this time, and we had eaten in the "restaurant" section at a prior visit. Upon arrival, the hostess asked if we were going to order from the pub menu or the dinner menu. We both wanted burgers, but I think they have 2 different kitchens for each menu. So if one person wants a burger and the other wants something from the dinner menu, I don't know if they are able to accommodate you. A strange setup, and the first time I had ever been asked that question. We both ordered burgers. They were served on delicious homemade rolls and while mine was perfectly cooked, my husband's was overdone and dry. He did not finish it (VERY unusual for him). They also charge you extra for tomatoes, and the miniscule slice of tomato that was on the burger was a huge disappointment. The beer is always great, though.
(3)Matt K.
I have to admit, I'm conflicted about my review of Black Angus. I've eaten here once, after having a somewhat surreal experience at the Oktoberfest festival and then a walk through the antiques mall. I really wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but regardless, we ended up at the restaurant for dinner. My first impression of the decor was... kind of creepy. I felt like I was walking into my grandmother's house. The walls are adorned with old-fashioned photos of random people I haven't met. The menu was pretty substantial, and I opted for a burger and, of course, a beer. The Stoudt's microbrews are decent, but nothing to write home about. But the burger... Good Lord, the burger. Quite possibly the best cheeseburger I've ever had, and I've had a bunch. I'm not sure if it was the ample patty or the toasted bun that did it, but it blew me away. The rest of the people in my party enjoyed their food also, but none raved about their meals as I did. If you took that burger and put it in a contemporary brewpub, this place would be an easy four stars, maybe 4.5. But I just couldn't get over the decor....
(3)Bud J.
I had dinner there one evening and lunch the next day: Dinner - Excellent raw bar. A few complained about the RAW bar being behind the glass...where do you want it, in FRONT of the glass? Granted some complained that it was dirty but the glass and entire area was very clean. Everything looked very fresh. I ordered 8 Raw Clams which were real Cherry Stones not those small steamers they give you in other places. Very fresh. The bread is made on the premises and was very fresh. Fresh cream butter also. I ordered the salad with blue cheese dressing and the dressing they make their also. But it had a nasty tasted to it. I couldn't touch it after the first fork full. For being a steak house, I too was disappointed in the meat selection. Either filet or sirloin. I ordered the 11 0z sirloin, medium. It came out ALMOST raw! You can tell that when they flipped the steak, they just let it get grill marks and took it off. There is NO excuse for a steak house that can't get the "doneness" correct. I did appreciate how they give you mushrooms and onions at no charge. The flavor was good, not great. Beer was very good...should be. Next day had lunch there. They were very crowded. I ordered raw clams again and they were great again. Cold shrimp were gigantic in size. I ordered their Angus Burger at medium and AGAIN it came out between raw and medium rare! That is why I only gave 3 stars. How a steak house cannot get meat temperature correct is beyond me. The burger was good BUT here they charged for mushrooms/onions. One reviewer complained that, when you walk in, you are greeted by an antique car, which he seemed to complain about. Why? Adamstown is the antique "capital" of the country. They had all sorts of political antiques all over the walls. If you are in that area, I would eat there. I do not know if there is another restaurant (not diner or sandwhich place) in the area, but I would eat there again. Just don;t know if I would get any red meat since they can't get that right.
(3)Ricki H.
I've tried both the brewpub and the restaurant and both are excellent! The bartenders are friendly and very knowledgeable about the beer, and of course the beers are excellent!!! We went to the restaurant for dinner and the meals were a bit expensive, and the atmosphere was fancier than what we expected, but it was delicious nonetheless. We go to this area often and always try to stop in for a bit.
(5)