The Dark Horse

Back when my friends and I were budding bar hoppers, barely old enough to purchase and consume alcohol legally (damn the commonwealth's laws) and still thinking that drinking beer from a can was cool, the Dickens Inn was one of the few places that I visited and immediately was overwhelmed. I almost had the feeling that the Dicken's was just too damn nice; as if I was not worthy to drink from the nectar of their taps Of course back then, the extent of our debauchery consisted of going to a few Delaware Avenue Clubs and a few speakeasy's around South Street. We weren't used to a cool place like the Dickens that from the ground up was designed to be a pub in the olde English style.

Well, times have changed and the ol' Dicken's was bought by the same people who own The Black Sheep, the token Irish wannabe pub up in Rittenhouse Square. The sale went through in 2001, but the name change occurred around St Pat's Day 2002. Sadly another Philly Institution bit the proverbial dust.

When you enter this place, you definitely have the feeling that the place is Old School - we're talking: brass rails around the bars, real wood paneling, the bars themselves that scream "belly on up to me and order a pint of Newcastle," dart boards and bric-a-brac out the ass! Sadly, most of the cool pictures that used to decorate the The Dicken's walls are gone and all that is left on The Dark Horse walls is unfaded wallpapper.

The lay of the land at The Dark Horse is 4 separate rooms with a bar in each and a dining room, all contained in an Olde City Townhouse. The first bar is on the left as you enter the building from 2nd Street. To be honest I don't think that I have ever spent more than 2 minutes in this room primarily because it's small, usually crowded and not as hip to hang out in as the remaining 3 bars areas. Heading straight past this first bar is a staircase leading upwards. At the top of the landing, to the left is The Dark Horse dining room: SNOOZERS!! I can't see going to a pub and hanging out in the dining room.

Down the hall from the dining room is the second bar where the Dark Horse shows taped Soccer and Rugby matches from primarily the British, European and Australian leagues. You can check their web page for the most current game schedules (they're still using the Dicken's Inn website).

Right next door to this bar is the third room with a bar, but it is only opened when the crowds get to be too much and they need the extra room. There is not much to report on this room since the bar area is rather small and dark.

The final room containing the fourth bar seems to be the most popular room to congregate in. The bar in this room is in the shape of an oval and there is a dart board hanging for those who wish to throw 'em. This room is interesting because it is surrounded on 3 walls by windows that overlook 2nd Street and an alleyway that used to be New Market. This room has a large amount of bric-a-brac on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. They have a row boat that used to belong to famous Philadelphian Jack Kelly.

The beers on tap are not your normal run-of-the-mill brews: Newcastle, Bishops Finger, McSorely's, Tetley's, just to name a few. Rest assured though, you can still order a Guinness, Harp or Bass if you so desire. The food on the menu isn't bad either. The French Dip and Bangers & Mash (sausages and mashed potatoes) get a big thumbs up.

Read Up on the Eurosports offered at the Dark Horse Here.

PROS:

Inherited from The Dicken's the look and feel of a great English pub.

You'll find some great brews on tap.

Soccer and Rugby games on the tele - check their website for details.

CONS:

Poor service - dirty beer glasses.