08/25/08

Fantastic!

by 34maude

While I love British pubs typically I don't usually have too many high expectations, but at the Dark Horse I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food, the fish and chips a standard british staples at most pubs can endup greasy, heavy and cafeteria like but here they were not. Our appetizer of calamari had a delicate cornmeal crust on it-and not greasy or heavy-actually very delicate, and the accompanying sauce was delicious. Our fish and chips had a lovely crispy batter and and the fish was moist and flaky and the tartar sauce was unique and savory. We had started our meal with a few pints, a Strongbow Cider-nicely chilled and fresh as a dewy meadow, and my hubby says his tap pint of Guiness-was served perfectly not too warm, too cold, or from a can, was one of the better ones hes had. When finished I told my husband I wanted to go get a shot at Bump some red drink I couldn't remember the name of, so I asked the waitress and she tried to think of what it could be, she said she could make it or I could look it up in her Bartender Black Book-she handed me the book...How cool is that? so needless to say we stayed there, I had a Swedish Fish and he had an Irish Carbomb and we just sat there stunned at how often the smallest but most taken for granted details are overlooked in the most typically mundane of all restaurants -the classic british pub- but The Black Horse seemingly sets a higher standard than those of its neighbors and is our new favorite wind-down restaurant, it is really a gem.

04/10/07

The "Cheer's of Philly

by citycycler

I truly see this place as Philly's "Cheers". Paul, the Irish-owner never dissapoints. I have held parties here, brought friends from out of town and different "mixes" of people and we always leave having a great time. Try the Dark Horse Burger too, goes down well and is reasonably priced. Filled with young professionals and no South Street riff-raff. One of our favorite spots in the Socirty Hill area. Even better with the smoking ban!

• Pros: Great all around
• Cons: Parkin in that area is at a premium

This upstairs-downstairs series of mini-pubs attracts single malt-sipping couples and Guinness-guzzling dart teams.

by Contributor

In Short
Little has changed since this bar was called Dickens Inn. The kitchen's quirky British fare has been intertwined with sophisticated American pub grub like grilled Portobello sandwiches, pulled pork barbeque and gourmet burgers. Entrees like bangers and mash definitely do justice to English cuisine, as does the large plate of fish and chips. Not hungry? Then just pop into one of the four bars upstairs and have a few pints of English or Irish suds.

10/16/06

Good Food, Great Bartenders and no hipsters!

by ilovefriedchicken

Great Fish n chips and shepards pie. The chicken quesadillas were good but not now. Great Beer selection and bartenders that know how to treat you right. What happened to the chicken cheesesteak? Also, no more english and scottish blokes spewing ciggarette smoke in your face! 4 thumbs up!

• Pros: no more smoke! great bartenders. why goto kildaires?

06/24/06

Great Location, Great Food, Great Service

by andiekins

Located right in the funky South Street District, this bar has all the attraction of an English pub, with many small rooms, great imported beers, a cozy atmosphere, and excellent Fish and Chips. This is a great spot to start the night with dinner and a dark beer, or end the evening with the crazy late night crew and wonderful bar staff. The service is wonderful and friendly, and the music will get you up out of your seat to socialize.

• Pros: Good beer selection, Great Staff, Good atmosphere
• Cons: None

12/07/05

Great Party Spot

by coldsteel5

I have hosted my annual Xmas party there for the past four years and we have always had great service at the Dark Horse. Even one year a snow storm interfered and we had to reschedule. The manager was extremely gracious and we had a party in the spring, no extra charge from our original deposit. Service was excellent and the food was equally pleasant. If you do not like smoke, you may avoid the bars, otherwise a great place to catch up and hand out.

• Pros: Ambience, Service, Quality Food
• Cons: Smoke

02/15/05

The place in philly for Footy

by BigDirty

There's not too many places in the area where you can take in live English Premier League action. However, the Dark Horse is one of those wonderful places where people get together in the morning to watch the beautiful game. The bustling environment, the cheering fans, the excellent A/V system makes it a great experience, especially if Arsenal (or whomever your team may be) wins. If you're coming for football, sport your team's gear and gather with the fellow supporters, grab a breakfast pint (or an early lunch pint), and if you're wanting food, order early to get it at the half.

• Pros: English Football, Great Crowds

11/27/02

bright spot

by genelefr

great party place, great drink, food, 5 bars, beautiful dining room.

08/21/02

What Jimmy's does for you...

by monkee

He must put a mickey in the drinks I have never seen a bartender ( Jimmy) with such a loyal crowd of regulars.. Always a great crowd in the cafe bar at Dark Horse for Happy Hour, but when was happy hour extended til 2am??