Saying goodbye to the World Famous Dark Horse

By Lily Sharp & Jenny Ellis

For 51 years, the World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill has called 2922 Baseline Road home. This Saturday, March 14, the Dark Horse will officially close its doors. The closure comes after the approval for redevelopment of the area on Baseline Road, dubbed ‘Williams Village II”.

For decades, the Dark Horse has been more than just a bar. It’s been a gathering place for students, locals, and anyone looking for a good drink and a memorable night. In the final weeks before its closure, the bar has been busier than ever.

Lines wrap around the building most nights. Inside, karaoke continues late into the evening, drinks are poured nonstop, and longtime patrons are returning for one last visit.

For many people, the Dark Horse holds years of memories.

Regulars say the place has always had a character of its own — from the quirky decorations hanging from the ceiling to the packed tables on a Friday night. Jenny Ellis spoke with Zane Austin Matthews, a patron who found community at the Dark Horse when he first moved to Boulder.

Ellis also spoke with Ranger Bobby, a veteran who has been a regular for 11 years.

For some, saying goodbye feels like losing a small piece of Boulder history. Lily Sharp spoke with student Haley Strandberg, who turned 21 in January. Though she’s only had a month to experience the Dark Horse, she is mourning the loss of a Boulder staple alongside regulars.

The Dark Horse ended their closing statement by saying, “Thank you for 51 unforgettable years. We hope to see you again, in another time and another place. Stay tuned…”

This story aired on The Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring local news and community members. Click here to listen to other episodes of The Morning Magazine.