This place is exactly what you hope to find in a bar but rarely do. The owner/bartender truly makes it special--welcoming, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do. You can tell they care about every person who walks in. The crowd is just as great. Friendly, relaxed, and easy to talk to, which makes it a perfect spot whether you come alone or with friends. The atmosphere strikes that ideal balance--comfortable, laid-back, and just the right amount of energy. Drinks are well-made and fairly priced, which is honestly hard to find these days. Nothing feels rushed or overpriced--just good quality and good vibes all around. If you're looking for a place to unwind, have a solid drink, and enjoy good company, this is it. read more

Dark Horse Lounge - The inside - Dive Bars Near Me - Hayward, California

Good vibes good prices nice local bar good service nice pool table, good environment and nice people.

Ive lived in the east bay my whole life. Jennys darkhorse lounge is without a doubt the best local bar in the east bay! All of the bartenders are welcoming and generous! They have pool tables, darts, game nights and karaoke! It always has good vibes and an amazing atmosphere! I would highly recommend popping in and supporting an awesome local establishment! read more

Best time ever. Met the love of my life here! The atmosphere and people are welcoming and fun. They have pool, darts, and poker league! Swing by and have some fun!!!! read more

We came here to celebrate a birthday and ended up having a really disappointing experience. A man made a disrespectful comment toward someone in our group, and instead of stepping in, the staff took his side. When we tried to address it calmly, the situation was handled poorly and became unnecessarily tense. Overall, it felt like there was a lack of respect and professionalism. Definitely not the kind of environment we expected. read more

The Dark Horse was one of the most uncomfortable and unprofessional bar experiences I've had. A regular.. who clearly has a personal relationship with the bartender told a woman in our group to "show your tits" in front of everyone. It was completely inappropriate, and everyone in the bar could see it crossed the line. The birthday girl's boyfriend (who was sober) calmly approached him to address it, and instead of apologizing, the guy became aggressive calling people out of their names and acting like a complete jerk. The bartender didn't just ignore it she backed him up the entire time instead of trying to de-escalate the situation. It was obvious she was more concerned about protecting him than maintaining a safe, respectful environment. What's even worse is that this was the first time I've been here before with my daughter, and the same individual got in her face as well. We were there celebrating a birthday with a large group and spending money, and this is how situations are handled? No accountability, no professionalism, just enabling disrespectful behavior. If you're okay with inappropriate comments, hostility, and staff that won't step in, this is your place. Otherwise, I'd strongly recommend going somewhere else. read more

Thank you for the great service and clean friendly atmosphere. always a great time at the Dark Horse for poker, pool and darts

Mary was very nice and welcoming. The IPA she let me try was great. Very fruity. The vibe was chill. If it was the weekend, I would've stayed longer read more

Dark Horse Lounge - Juice Force - Dive Bars Near Me - Hayward, California

One of the best bars you can find in the east bay. The atmosphere is laid back with good music and a pool table. The locals are your typical friendly blue collar workers and most are very welcoming. Not an upscale bar, but not exactly a dive bar either... this place is somewhere comfortably in between. The owner, Jenny is a gem of a human. 5/5 easy. See you soon. read more

Love this place.. They host great events, good people and vibes. The bartenders are the best always making sure you feel like family. Shots out to the owner for running a great place. read more

Great ambiance, traditional dive bar, bartender was ever attentive, will be coming back! Pool tables and dart boards read more

Dark Horse Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Hayward, California

I hate to share this. I've heard nothing but good things about the owner and I want nothing more than to see Hayward business's thrive. It's unfortunate she has staff who poorly represent a business she's worked hard to build. I was sexually harassed at this bar when I came in to celebrate my birthday last night. After being given a fun shout out on the mic, another patron took it upon himself to scream "show us your tits!!." This clearly didn't sit well with me or my partner who do not drink, so liquor had nothing to do with his reaction.To boot, the bartender was incredibly unprofessional by siding with the abuser who, turns out, is her boyfriend. Truth is, your night shift bartender is INCREDIBLY tacky (for lack of a better word) for claiming she gets told to "show her tits" all the time. That doesn't mean your patrons want to be treated in the same way. I will be filing a police report and I hope this reaches the owner and triggers action. If you run a brothel, and women can expect to be treated this way, then change the name of the business. I'd never step foot in this establishment again. read more

Boss Lady at the bar makes everyone that walks into it feel so welcome! Exactly what we are all expecting to when we walk into a Dive Bar in the Bay . Place cool! Going back anytime around Hayward, CA for sure. read more

Dark Horse Lounge - #4LongLife#IOn1t! - Dive Bars Near Me - Hayward, California

The prices are reasonable compared to other establishments and the ambience is well thought out. Bathrooms were clean and the staff were very friendly. I ordered the papaya salad and shrimp, an avocado smooth, and the pho dac biet with the big spare rib. Extremely delicious! read more

Been coming to the Dark Horse regularly and it's become my go-to spot in Hayward. Mary behind the bar is great. Friendly, keeps the drinks flowing, and knows how to take care of her regulars. Good beer selection on tap, pool table, darts, and they do karaoke nights which are always entertaining. They're always putting on events too, potlucks, leagues, cooking contests, you name it. It gives the place a real community feel that keeps me coming back. Pours are generous, which never hurts. It's exactly what a neighborhood bar should be: unpretentious, well-run, and a good time. read more

Best experience. Mary is an amazing bartender who made me feel so welcome. At a dive bar like this where service really matters she took care of my friends and I. Thank you Mary we will be back soon! read more

great bar prices are good and the envirenment is good. good bar to relax and unwind after work. I would highly recommend this bar.

Good place for karaoke, best music, frist time i went, it was Friday/December 2024, best DJ, the music was so good and people were friendly, it's a wonderful place read more

I had a good time here for the short while visiting this part of town. The locals have a blast doing karaoke and aren't even a bit bashful of belting out their tunes or quirky comedic moves! They all were a hoot". There is a cool Dart machine game you can play fr awhile with just one dollar. It's a Very "local" spot. I felt a little uneasy at first being a touristy chick from out of town, but Mary the "drink virtuoso"of the place was cool and made me feel comfortable. I recommend fr an engaging solo stop in the area, if passing by... especially on a Saturday, and of course not driving. read more

A friendly and clean dive bar for old, middle and younger drinkers. Good spirits and beer choices. Excellent service. Easy parking in large lot. Only complaint was that the music was too loud. read more

Best local dive to have a drink and be around a drama free environment. Bartender make you feel like family. Pool tables, darts, poker and karaoke nights make it a plus. Chill vibe and chill people. read more

I enjoy spending my spare time at the Dark Horse Lounge, first there is Jennifer the owner, who is just as sweet and accommodating , this trickles down to the other employees, which puts the service at a higher standard. The ambiance is right up my alley, I enjoy the other patrons, The music, and all the pretty ladies, again this trickles down from Jennifer . The food that I have eaten while there several times, and find the food to be very good ( comparing it to my cooking, it is very good). in closing dont just take my word, come in bring your friends family and even your enemies and Isay that you will all be satisfied and we will see you back again real soon. Respectfully Submitted Dennis Foley I am trying to figure out how to post this begote i loose it. read more

Decent pace for a quick drink. A guy came in with a friendly service dog and was asked further questions about his dog which is illegal. A business can ask , but can not question beyond. Place is lucky they don't get sued even if the dog was not a service anima read more

Dark Horse Lounge is a clean, well lit bar. amenities are a pool table and flatscreens tuned to sports. 6 drafts, many bottled beers available. a step above a dive bar. priced accordingly. pricing: bud drafts (2.50) gin tonic tall (4.75) bottles (3.50) -on the pricier side pour: gin tonic tall (4.75) -even pour, nice balance of gin & tonic. on draught: -happy hour 4-7, $1 off listed drinks. -draft beers, bottled beers, same as any lucky's, safeway. -cheaper drinking at home -lots of parking in lot. read more

Nice little dude bar. The locals really made my night. I was on a business trip and wanted to have a drink after work.

The nicest staff and people come to this bar. I came here for Saint Patrick's day and the owners made corn beef and potatoes. They also had jello shots. Overall, good vibes in the bar. They also have a pool table, big screen TV, and darts. Nice place to chill and just grab a drink! read more

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Besides the owner being one of the most awesome people I now know. The bar is great Karaoke was great as people have great voices and the alcohol is flowing from Rio like your on vacation and she just wants you to have a great time. A hidden gem in Hayward. read more

Rachel , you're the best. I came with my drunk sister.... Rachel is patient, professional and beautiful. Thank you for everything. I'll definitely be back and leave my sister at home. You're the best. read more

At least no one broke into my car. Hayward Ca you need to be better at how you express your severe outlook on everything everyone. Just because it's good to feel welcome. read more

I first like to say thank you for the fabulous reviews. My name is Selina I have work here at Dark Horse for over 6 years now. We have a very good team of bartenders. This bar is definitely more like a family but always nice and welcoming to new faces. We constantly have events going on. Find us on Instagram or visit out Facebook page to keep up with what's new and exciting. read more

Dark Horse Lounge - We have the NFL ticket - Dive Bars Near Me - Hayward, California

I love this bar... But coming to the dark horse means somthing. I gained alot of friends. I played on the softball league and the pool league... Mary is a great bartender and we are always confused as twins.. this bar is open to all. Everyone is always invited. They have great drinks and a pool table. Out of covid they have darts too. This bar is a home everyone comes here ro make friends. read more

This place was called The Whiskey River for years before the owner got into financial trouble and had to give up the bar. Was closed down for about a year and reopened as the Dark Horse Lounge. Inside was modernized a bit. Fresh paint, new lighting and a huge part of the bar was taken down which gave it a much more open feeling that I really liked. Also the bathrooms were a hundred times better than they used to be. As for negatives it looks like they still have the same rug (which seemed pretty dirty), TV's are in serious need of an upgrade and they could really use a nicer jukebox but that's about it for the negatives. All in all it was a decent and very much needed upgrade. There is a huge lack of bars in that part of Hayward so if the new owner plays this right they should be able to do some decent business. Bonus points for the new sized beer mugs and for the beer being ice cold which wasn't necessarily the case previously. read more

First time here. Bartenders are attentive and personable. Older crowd, very mellow, several TV screens, Kasper's Hot Dogs next door. So you got it all substance and fluids at one spot. read more

Dark Horse Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Hayward, California

Jenny's Dark Horse Lounge is a great place, super friendly with fantastic bartenders. They always get your libation right ! They've hosted some awesome events & have great music. The Rockin' Rob show has been a favorite for alot of us. He is a very talented & charismatic guitarist with the chops to prove it. read more

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7.5 for a shot of jack. Security too busy on phone to card me. "Bartender" took my order, served someone else first, then told other bartender to check my id. Poured me a double in the end. That's what kind of bar this is. read more

Racist Owners and bartender. I got jumped outside this bar by the bartender and her friends. Not pretty.

We've been going to this place for many years ! Everyone is welcoming! Great Bartenders and Lots of people there are like family! Good Times! read more

I came in and mary was behind the bar.. I asked her to "make me something" and yaaaas she nailed it. Her vibe will definitely bring me back!

Friendly atmosphere. Great staff. Good selection of draft beers. I enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor seating. Never felt like there was a COVID risk. All and all we'll be back, for sure. read more

A friend and I stopped in here on a whim a few nights ago because we wanted to try a couple bars that we had never been to. The bartender was friendly and very talkative, she made us feel like we were very welcome there. It was a thursday night when we showed up, so of course, there weren't very many people in the bar. This gave us a chance to have a nice converstation with the bartender as well as a couple of the other patrons. Pricing was fair from what we could tell, $6 for a HUGE draft beer (we had Blue Moon and Sierra). They had a pool table and a juke box as well as several flatscreens to watch sports or what-have-you. The restrooms were clean and accessible, and the bar itself was very clean and bright. I think we will be back sometime soon :) read more