A Wrigleyville mainstay since 2003, this warm-and-woody bar and grill is a welcome respite from the typical sports bar offering above-average pub fare from a scratch kitchen paired with seasonally-minded handcrafted cocktails and a 24-strong draft lineup with a craft focus.
The cozy-and-comfortable main room is fitted with rich woods throughout from the high-top tables to the custom-made back bar to the wood-paneled walls. Deep red wall accents and brass-clad beer towers add warmth, the room is tastefully decorated with an eclectic mix of black-and-white classic sports photos. The façade is fitted with floor-to-ceiling doors, which open in the warmer months for views of the sunny Sheffield Avenue sidewalk café. Added amenities include a year-round enclosed back patio, which features a more rustic lodge-inspired vibe, striking handmade beer bottle chandeliers and views of the “L” train passing overhead.
Signature dishes, which draw raves from Lakeview locals and Cubs fans alike, include options such as Goose Island Blue Line-battered green beans with chipotle mayo; pulled pork nachos with braised pork shoulder, signature whiskey-spiked barbecue sauce, Cheddar cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, onions and sour cream; a grilled Paulina Meat Market bratwurst with onion confit and hot mustard; and a Moo and Oink burger, which features a Certified Black Angus beef patty topped with Cheddar cheese, pulled pork, crispy onions and signature barbecue sauce.
The Dark Horse is the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and draws throngs of Pennsylvania ex-pats to support the Black and Gold during football season. The bar also is an official Maryland Terrapins bar (in conjunction with the Chicago Network of the University of Maryland Alumni Association) and is an official Chicago Bulls venue.