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Y! MyWebBar Review
Dark Horse Tavern
Hop in the saddle and head to Miamisburg's late night gem
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
While riding a horse to a tavern or a saloon might have been the preferred mode of transportation 125 years ago, the Lounge Lizards opted for a horse of the four-door Toyota saddle-less variety for their recent visit to the Dark Horse Tavern in Miamisburg.
Walking into the bar is like stepping into a wild west fantasy land. The first room to greet customers is appointed with a large bar area with detailed woodwork, elaborate tin ceilings, reproduction lanterns and balcony seating that helps conjure up the feeling of a modern day saloon. On the other side of this room is a large area filled with leather sofas, tables, chairs and four flat screen televisions all with a view of a stage to enjoy the live music showcased on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
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Bartender Drew Trick draws a draft beer at the Dark Horse Tavern in Miamisburg.Dark Horse Tavern
- WHERE: 209 Byers Rd., Miamisburg [Map]
- HOURS: 11 a.m.to 2:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays. Happy hour is 2 to7 p.m. Monday through Friday
- DRESS CODE: For those who can appreciate the spirit of the southwest but prefer not to advertise it with fashion, a relaxed, laid back ensemble will fit the bill
- BEST BET: Take a load off and relax with the Fried Corn Nuggets ($4.49) and a Raspberry Margarita ($5.75)
- MORE INFO: (937) 866-6960 or http://darkhorse-tavern.com
- MORE: Reader ratings, complete profile
After paying the cover on a recent late night stop, we located a seat at one of the saloon inspired divided booths. Despite the live band playing, our seating choice provided a sound level where we could enjoy the music and engage in a delightful conversation without having to shout.
On our first visit, we each ordered a beverage from the list of many choices — a Texas Rose for Alexis made with rum, banana schnapps and orange and pineapple juice ($3.75) and a Knob Creek on the rocks for Craig ($4.25) and while enjoyable, it was late and we were famished and ready to rustle up a snack. Luckily for the Lounge Lizards, the kitchen stays open late — really late with a full menu served until midnight and appetizers served until 1:30 a.m. — so we ordered Big Texan Nachos with chicken ($6.99) and a BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($6.49).
On a second visit, we arrived early enough to miss the cover charge and set out to round us up a couple of beverages and some vittles to go with.
On the drink menu we were tempted by the generously portioned Raspberry Margarita ($5.75) and the Royal Apple Martini ($5.50) and wasting no time put in an order. One of the more interesting choices on a new menu that we didn't see on our first visit included a dish called the Feel Good Sampler ($12.99). The title appealed to us and a sampler of steamed veggies, shrimp and chicken arrived with dipping sauce.
This is certainly an unusual and healthy standout among the many fried choices one finds at the bar. With a little extra kick added to the sauce and the addition of more protein to make the price tag more in line with what you get, this dish would make a tempting choice on another visit.
Not wanting to be too healthy we looked for some fried dishes to balance our meal out opting for the fried corn nuggets ($4.49), the sweet potato straws ($4.75) and the "Little Boots" ($6.49) otherwise knows as three mini burgers with cheese and onion.
The bite-sized corn fritters were the standouts of the three. Little balls of creamed corn lightly battered and fried to crisp perfection and paired with a spicy chipotle sauce that seemed to be more ranch than spice. Nevertheless, we can't wait to go back and order these little balls of delicious goodness.
The Dark Horse Tavern proved itself to be a Miamisburg wild west destination that we'd be ready to ride on down to again especially with the late night kitchen hours it offers.
Whether you're looking for a place to gather with the cowpokes around a western themed bar, an outdoor patio area, or enjoy music from one of the overstuffed sofas with a drink and an appetizer from the southwestern inspired menu, there's plenty to like at the Dark Horse. Did we mention those late night kitchen hours?
