
Dark Horse
A legendary Boulder bar since 1975, famous for its insane decor, unique burgers like the 'Jiffy Burger', and a lively, eclectic atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Dark Horse

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Boulder bar since 1975, famous for its insane decor, unique burgers like the 'Jiffy Burger', and a lively, eclectic atmosphere.
"It's like a day care for adults with a vibe way cooler than the pictures show."
Explore the decor
Take your time to discover hidden gems and quirky details on walls and ceilings.
Restroom riddle
Confused by the painted restroom doors? Don't hesitate to ask staff for guidance!

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Bar & Grill
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eclectic and Bizarre Decor
A visual feast with movie props, antiques, and quirky items from floor to ceiling. It's an interactive experience!

The 'Jiffy Burger'
A unique and must-try burger with peanut butter, provolone, onion, and bacon. Be adventurous and give it a go!

Award-Winning Burgers & Wings
Consistently praised for their delicious burgers and well-loved chicken wings, a true Boulder staple.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the decor
Take your time to discover hidden gems and quirky details on walls and ceilings.
Restroom riddle
Confused by the painted restroom doors? Don't hesitate to ask staff for guidance!
Self-service ordering
Order your food at the kitchen window. Table service is limited to weekdays.
Off-peak visits
Consider visiting during less busy times to avoid crowds and potentially long waits.
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the decor
Take your time to discover hidden gems and quirky details on walls and ceilings.
Restroom riddle
Confused by the painted restroom doors? Don't hesitate to ask staff for guidance!
Self-service ordering
Order your food at the kitchen window. Table service is limited to weekdays.
Off-peak visits
Consider visiting during less busy times to avoid crowds and potentially long waits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dark Horse is celebrated for its wildly eclectic atmosphere and unique decor, offering a visually engaging experience akin to an interactive art installation. While many rave about signature burgers like the 'Jiffy Burger' and the well-executed chicken wings, some find the food to be average and the self-service model less than ideal. The self-service aspect and occasional service issues are noted drawbacks, but the sheer uniqueness of the environment often wins over visitors.
"Wow! First time here. Loved the atmosphere. You place your food order and you are called once the food is prepared. Table service is available Monday through Friday 11am to 3pm. Kitchen and bar self-service. The food was prepared very quickly and was great portions. Definitely will be back."
Johnny Devillier
"Felt like the vibe was way cooler than the pictures show. It’s basically a day care for adults, whether that is a good thing or a bad thing depends on you. Staff definitely do their best managing a situation like they have here.
I thought the food was acceptable and pretty cheap for Boulder, but it wasn’t something I’d go back for. It tastes similar to a Good Times burger with more deluxe toppings.
Back patio has a nice view of the mountains and you can smoke out there if that’s your thing."
JC M
"World famous and I can see why! This place was filled with interesting, bizarre, strange, and very interesting things to look at. It reminded me of a slight version of Meow Wolf as being a visual interactive experience. My husband and I were looking for a place to get a burger, play some pool, and have a beer and genuine good time; and boy did we find the right place!"
Analilian S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The bar is famously decorated from floor to ceiling with an eclectic mix of movie props, vintage antiques, and bizarre items like bicycle wheels, wagon wheels, and taxidermied animals.
The 'Jiffy Burger' is a signature item featuring peanut butter, provolone cheese, onion, and bacon, a unique combination praised by many diners.
Self-service ordering is the norm, with orders placed at the kitchen window. Table service is available only on weekdays from 11 am to 3 pm.
Yes, Dark Horse offers a Garden Burger and a spicy Mexi Bean Burger for vegetarian patrons.
Chicken wings are a highly recommended item, often praised for their flavor and preparation.
Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid crowds and reduce wait times for food.
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The decor alone is unusual, the ceilings are cluttered with bicycle wheels, sleds, gears and other odd trinkets, the walls are covered in caricature murals, and the bathrooms are even a bit strange, suffice it to say it’s likely you’ll walk into the wrong one!. A full bar with rotating beer, wine, and cocktails is available and bar games from pool to air hockey are in the back. The menu is traditional American fare with some unusual twists, like the ‘Jiffy Burger’ with melted cheese, peanut butter, and bacon.
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Since 1975, the Dark Horse has been saving students' bank accounts with weekly specials that include $2 drafts and a 25oz pour of your favorite micro draft for the price of an Abraham Lincoln. It’s also one of the only places where you could ever order rocky mountain oysters and a burger with peanut butter and bacon and not feel bad about yourself.
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The finest furniture is fixed to the ceiling in one of Boulder's oddest bars. Atmosphere is everything at the Dark Horse, where the decor approaches kitsch, then veers smoothly into oddball creativity. Wagon wheels, skis, bicycles and bison heads populate the ceiling; its floor is occupied by two bars, pool tables and a live music stage.
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World Famous Dark Horse Saloon has been touted as one of the best “places to eat a burger worthy of paradise,” and it’s easy to see why: their array of specialty burgers is something truly special, making them this year’s Bronze winner in the Best of Boulder Awards for Best Burger. And they’ve got so many choices, you’ll have to keep going back to try the next one. Vegetarian – Not only does Dark Horse have a stellar Garden Burger for all you vegetarian burger lovers out there, but they also have a Mexi Bean Burger, a spicy option made from a black bean patty and served with salsa.
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The Dark Horse is a long-time Boulder bar and grill (dating back to the ‘70s) that is decorated from floor to ceiling in unique movie props, antiques and all kinds of quirky doodads. Here you can you see a fire hydrant, tons of rainbow-painted wagon wheels, a lantern, jukebox, taxidermied buffalo head, old mirrors and license plates, all for decoration, all in the same place. Add to that a menu that includes Rocky Mountain oysters (er, if you don’t know, these are not oysters) and you’ve got an only-in-Boulder night on the town.
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Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of Boulder, The Dark Horse is a hidden gem where the wild west charm meets your culinary cravings. Step into this quirky joint and find yourself surrounded by eclectic decor, with walls adorned with everything from antlers to superhero memorabilia. Sink your teeth into their legendary buffalo burgers that are as big as the dreams of a cowboy, and wash it all down with a fine selection of craft brews that will leave your taste buds doing the happy dance.
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Pulsating with style and energy, the world-famous Dark Horse Bar and Grill has always been a unique local landmark since it first opened its doors to the public in 1975. It has then grown to be among the biggest sports bars to ever grace Boulder, Colorado. Located just a hairsbreadth from Williams Village Campus, this adorable food and beverage emporium offers an inclusive menu that serves award-winning gourmet burgers, jumbo wings, and authentic vegan dishes.
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This student-friendly dive has a long history in Boulder, serving pub fare and barbecue on Baseline Road since 1975. Dark Horse is known for counter service by an exceptionally witty staff, an excellent selection of craft beers on draft and an array of specialty burgers. However, the barbecue options are top-notch as well, including wings served with all three joints, rather than the more common two, St. Louis-style ribs and pulled pork sandwiches.
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A movie lover's dream, The Dark Horse Bar and Grill is uniquely decorated with the theme of pop culture. Movie memorabilia and a large screen TV are just some of the things you will notice when you walk in, among pool tables, air hockey, foosball, and a selection of video games. The Dark Horse Bar and Grill is a sports bar in Boulder that has it all, microbrews, local brews, and almost anything else a sports fan could want.
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A Boulder institution, our readers keep coming back to the World Famous Dark Horse Bar and Grill as their choice for game days. Fill up with burgers and wings to cheer on your team, washing it all down with a pitcher or two while you scream at the bad calls from the ref. And if you’re tired of watching a losing team, take out your frustration on the pool table or take a close look at the memorabilia on the walls.
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The Dark Horse: The Dark Horse is another historic Boulder pub to catch any CU football game on the big screen. With projector screens in the bar, you're guaranteed an excellent view every time a memorable play happens. Established in 1975, The Dark Horse is not only an excellent viewing spot but also serves some delicious burgers and wings, making it an ideal spot to grab a bite before the game.
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The Dark Horse in Boulder is a Landmark 1975 bar doling out beer and burgers & such in a space decorated with movie props & antiques. This cosy & charming dive bar is located in the heart of downtown Boulder & is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or a pint after a long day. The Dark Horse has a wide selection of beers on tap & their burgers are some of the best in town.
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A favorite amongst CU Boulder students, this tucked away bar is always buzzing with energy during football games. Interesting decor adorns the walls while juicy burgers and spicy wings provide fuel for hungry football lovers. Gather the gang, don your team’s colors, and spend the evening at Dark Horse mingling with other pigskin fanatics.
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As soon as I walked through the doors, I was enveloped by a cozy atmosphere that made me feel right at home. The dim lighting and old-school decor created a vibe that was both nostalgic and inviting. I was immediately greeted by a friendly bartender who was more than happy to guide me through their impressive menu.
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There’s a bar-restaurant that nobody actually goes to except me called Dark Horse. It’s a divey dive bar that’s been there for a long time, but that’s where I like to get burgers. Another classic burger spot is Mountain Sun; they brew all their own beer and it’s a good place to sit out front and people-watch.
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At Dark Horse, the onion rings are known for their perfect crispiness. These rings are a favorite complement to the well-seasoned fries and are highly recommended with the house sauces. The crunchy texture and the flavorful batter make them a standout option for late-night cravings.
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Open since 1975, Dark Horse is one of Boulder’s long-standing bars. Its uniquely designed interior is decorated with brightly colored, turn-of-the-century antiques and movie props, a perfect medley of visuals for an exciting night out. Open from Sundays to Wednesdays from 11 a.m.
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Introducing Boulder’s landmark burger and beer bar – Dark Horse. Founded in 1975, it’s probably less famous for its food and more for its out-of-the-box interior decorations. The place is like a cross between an antique store and a the backstage, prop area of a run-down theatre.
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The Dark Horse Bar and Grill is a local favorite, and their cheap weekend student deals make it a popular place to watch football games on the weekend. Harpo’s Bar and Grill also carries a ton of games, as well as UFC fights for a $5 cover if you are into mixed martial arts.
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Escape for a late-night drink and snack at Dark Horse, a casual neighborhood bar that's been serving beer, wings and burgers since 1975. This Boulder restaurant excels in offering straightforward American food that is fresh and tasty.
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: Located in the Boulder Canyon, The Dark Horse is a popular bouldering area for those seeking a challenge. : Known for its steep and technical routes, this spot offers a thrilling bouldering experience for advanced climbers.
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Popular culture is the theme of the decor at this popular landmark. Movie memorabilia, big screen TV's, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, and video games dominate the space. A wide assortment of microbrews is available.
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Dark Horse: Famous for its mouthwatering burgers, The Dark Horse is a beloved sports bar in Boulder. With an abundance of televisions, it captures the essence of Boulder’s passion for sports and community gatherings.
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The World Famous Dark Horse has been a Boulder landmark since 1975. The food includes Boulder’s Best Burgers and Boulder’s Best Wings!. The Jiffy Burger, and 3-joint wings.
Dining Guide and Restaurants in Boulder
Dark Horse Bar & Grill 2922 Baseline Road, 303-442-8162; darkhorsebar.com. Gourmet burgers, jumbo wings, chicken and vegetarian dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit