Josh G.
Yelp
Those glorious mid-twenties days (or nights) were often filled with trips to the town of Rockville Centre, mostly just for drinks. We really did some exploring of bars and spots to hang, but really had our favorites. Dark Horse Tavern wasn't one of them.
Well, let me elaborate a bit (and help you to understand the four stars of this review). When you're a little younger, slimmer, other youthful words that end in "er", you might gravitate towards the places that hold the most of these kinds of humans.
That had my peoples and I hitting up RJ Daniels for 2-for-1 specials on Friday's while Saturday nights at Kaseys were for shots and doing the semi-club thing. Occasionally Black Thorns, The Beach House (RIP) and Churchill's fell in there, and once we reached the age requirement, we tried out Cabo (that didn't last long). But Dark Horse wasn't in the mix...until one day, when the years had accumulated a bit, and we wanted a more casual scene. Enter one of the best spots for this kind of feeling.
Dark Horse really has that grungy tavern vibe while still being of reasonable size to house a decent amount of people (careful of the dart board). Tables, booths, high tops, bar seats. You name it, they've got it (for you to sit in/on). But who's really looking at that? The beer is really what's important. Is it the best menu of brews around town? Nah (Croxleys FTW on that), but their selection is of quality and crafty variety.
The other upside is the little outdoor area they have in the back. A few tables and a bar makes up the setting and depending on how many others are with you, it can almost feel like your own private party. Though it's not the kind of fiesta you'll find at all those other alcohol-serving establishments. Nay, Dark Horse is about the casual bar scene, and that's what you get (plus they do serve food here, but this isn't the review to read for that). This review was sparked out of our most recent late night trip where Dark Horse was the focal point of the libation evening (well, after a beer fest in Freeport).
Overall, Dark Horse Tavern might not be a spot that you'll want to frequent when you're still young and on the prowl. For me, being in my third decade and not searching for a significant other makes this place one of the better (almost best) option in RVC. If you don't think so, you'll get there, eventually.