Lowertown eatery Dark Horse to close after nearly 10 years

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Another Lowertown restaurant is biting the dust.

Dark Horse Bar & Eatery on East Seventh Street announced via social media that its last day of operation would be Valentine’s Day. The bar and restaurant, known for its cute patio, scratch kitchen and large whiskey selection, made a slow comeback after the pandemic but seemed to be on stabler footing lately. The eatery opened in the spring of 2015.

January is a notoriously difficult month for restaurants, with those on the edge of closure often deciding to call it quits during the after-holidays lull. Among the most high-profile as of late: Revival on Cathedral Hill closed suddenly and Saint Dinette, also in Lowertown, will close in March.

The team’s social media post reads as follows:

“With the heaviest heart, we would like to inform you all that we are closing our doors the 14th of February. It was not an easy decision and we are all completely heartbroken.

“This business is not for the weak-hearted and we gave it our absolute best, like (owner) Paddy (Whelen) would say— ‘a good ole college try.’

“We want to thank you all so incredibly much for the love and support you have shown us since 2015.

“Dark Horse means to be an underdog, someone who is not likely to win— But not here.

“We are a small dysfunctional family that has grown to love and support each other on a level that will forever be unmatched over the years here in Lowertown. For anyone that has had the chance to come in and experience our staff — consider yourself lucky.

“We look forward to the precious time we have left— come raise your glass one last time with us and cheers to what’s next.

“Special shout out to Paddy and Sarah for taking care of our staff and allowing us to be part of their dream. They are hands down the best in the biz.

“It’s been a pleasure serving you all.

— Dark Horse Fam”

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