all the junk hanging from the ceiling
1 / 10

Dark Horse

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
all the junk hanging from the ceiling

Dark Horse

Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"It's like a day care for adults with a vibe way cooler than the pictures show."

TIP

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!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 11AM

Cuisine

American Bar & Grill

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(303) 442-8162

Address

2922 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80303, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eclectic and Bizarre Decor

Eclectic and Bizarre Decor

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

The 5 Most Unique Bars In BoulderGoogle Review
The 'Jiffy Burger'

The 'Jiffy Burger'

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

The Best Bars In Boulder, ColoradoGoogle Review
Award-Winning Burgers & Wings

Award-Winning Burgers & Wings

Consistently praised for their delicious burgers and well-loved chicken wings, a true Boulder staple.

Best Burger Restaurants in Boulder, COFind Great Barbecue In BoulderGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#darkhorse #bouldercolorado #prankvideo#humor #cuboulder #wings
@lasingy
813 likes • 20.6K views

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!

#boulder #modeltexas #modelcolorado #fashion #calendario2025 @darkhorse
@bimodel21
113 likes • 1.4K views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Uniquely eclectic and bizarre decor
Signature burgers like the 'Jiffy Burger'
Delicious chicken wings

What People Dislike

Self-service ordering system
Inconsistent food quality
Confusing restroom signs

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 5 Most Unique Bars In BoulderGoogle Review

The 'Jiffy Burger' is a signature item featuring peanut butter, provolone cheese, onion, and bacon, a unique combination praised by many diners.

The Best Bars In Boulder, ColoradoGoogle Review

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.

Google Review+1

Yes, Dark Horse offers a Garden Burger and a spicy Mexi Bean Burger for vegetarian patrons.

Best Burger Restaurants in Boulder, CO

Chicken wings are a highly recommended item, often praised for their flavor and preparation.

Find Great Barbecue In BoulderGoogle Review

Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid crowds and reduce wait times for food.

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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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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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