Restaurant
Unclaimed profileDark Horse Bar & Eatery
Saint Paul, MN · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Dark Horse Bar & Eatery pours a cocktail list that leans experimental—espresso-infused Campari, yogurt-washed Fernet, and tepache all make appearances—alongside a 12-tap draft list stacked with Minnesota breweries. Classic cocktails are covered, and zero-proof options get real attention. Prices stay fair: specialty cocktails run $14–$16, drafts $6–$8. The wine list is compact but serviceable. This is a bar that takes drinks seriously without losing its neighborhood-bar ease.
- What should I order?
- Start with the King Crimson, a dark rum and espresso-infused Campari number, or the Fernet Me Not, which uses a yogurt-washed Fernet for a creamy twist. For something lighter, the St. Pauloma pairs tequila and sotol with house-made Squirt. If you want the bartender to decide, the happy hour Dealers Choice is the move.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate offbeat ingredients like tepache and yogurt-washed spirits will find plenty to explore. Beer drinkers will like the local draft list, and non-drinkers are covered with house-made sodas and non-alcoholic beers. The classic cocktail list also makes it approachable for traditionalists.
- When should I go?
- It’s a good window to try the Dealers Choice or a rail cocktail at $5. Evenings are likely busier, but the drink menu is solid all day.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails are $14–$16, with a few classics and house wines around $12. Draft beers are $6 for 12 oz and $8 for 16 oz, and non-alcoholic ginger beer is $9. Happy hour offers a $5 rail cocktail and a $8 mystery shot, making it a budget-friendly option.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail program stands out for its creative use of unusual ingredients: espresso-infused Campari, yogurt-washed Fernet, and house-made tepache and Squirt. The Dealers Choice happy hour option adds a personalized touch. The draft list’s emphasis on local Minnesota breweries reinforces a regional identity.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative specialty list with eight drinks using ingredients like espresso-infused Campari, yogurt-washed Fernet, and tepache. Classics available, plus a Dealers Choice option. Prices are fair for the creativity.
Menu strengths
- — Inventive ingredients and preparations, such as espresso-infused Campari and yogurt-washed Fernet.
- — Includes a Dealers Choice happy hour cocktail where the bartender selects the drink.
- — Zero-proof alternatives like house-made ginger beer and tepache broaden the appeal.
Standout selections
- — King Crimson: dark rum, espresso-infused Campari, sweet vermouth, orange bitters ($15).
- — Fernet Me Not: yogurt-washed Fernet, rye whiskey, demerara, lemon juice, methylcellulose, Underberg spray.
- — St. Pauloma: tequila, sotol, house-made Squirt.
- — Cosomonot: Rosso gin, strawberry, passionfruit, lime ($14).
Pricing: Specialty cocktails $14–$16; happy hour rail cocktail $5, mystery shot $8
Wine
Compact wine list with sparkling, white, and red options. House wines are available during happy hour. Pricing is reasonable, but the selection is limited.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a range of styles: sparkling, white, and red.
Standout selections
- — Piazza Granda Brut Rose, sparkling rosé ($35/bottle).
- — Eschol Chardonnay, house white ($12).; Pavette Pinot Noir, house red.
Pricing: Prosecco $10/glass; Brut Rose $35/bottle; house Chardonnay $12; bottles $46–$50
Beer
12-tap draft list highlighting local Minnesota breweries, with rotating seasonals. Priced uniformly at $6/$8. Includes non-alcoholic options.
Menu strengths
- — Strong local focus with Minnesota breweries like Wildstate, St Paul Brewing, and Castle Danger.
- — Includes non-alcoholic beer options (Athletic Freewave, Upside Dawn).
Standout selections
- — Wildstate Hazy Pink Pineapple Cider (12 oz $6 | 16 oz $8).
- — St Paul Brewing Fuck Cancer Fruited Wheat Ale (12 oz $6 | 16 oz $8).
- — Bahaus Guavatron Sour (12 oz $6 | 16 oz $8).
- — Badweather Pils (12 oz $6 | 16 oz $8).
Pricing: Draft 12 oz $6, 16 oz $8; Miller High Life $5.50; Hamm's $6.00; High Noon $7.00
Nonalcoholic
Thoughtful non-alcoholic program with house-made ginger beer, Squirt, and tepache, plus non-alcoholic beers. Prices are fair for house-made sodas.
Menu strengths
- — House-made zero-proof drinks: ginger beer, Squirt, and tepache.
Standout selections
- — Ginger Beer: house-made ginger syrup, cayenne, soda water ($9).
- — Squirt: house-made grapefruit cordial, soda water.
- — Tepache: pineapple, piloncillo, cinnamon, lightly fermented.
Pricing: House ginger beer $9; other zero-proof options not individually priced
Spirits
Diverse spirit selection underpins the cocktail menu, including whiskey, rum, gin, tequila, mezcal, and aquavit. No dedicated spirits list or premium offerings evident.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range of spirits used in creative cocktails.
- — Classic cocktails feature bourbon, rye, scotch, and cognac.
Standout selections
- — Smooth Operator: Japanese whiskey, mezcal, rye whiskey, coconut washed vermouth.
- — It's a Daquiri: tepache, Indonesian rum, pineapple rum, macadamia liqueur.
- — Killing Me Softly: dry gin, bitter bianco, blanc vermouth, green chartreuse, bitters, lemon oil.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list; spirits used in cocktails priced $14–$16
How it sits with the food
The food menu leans into elevated bar food with global influences, so drinks can be matched accordingly. The King Crimson’s bitter, coffee notes could stand up to rich dishes like wings or pizza, while the St. Pauloma’s citrusy Squirt would cut through fried items. The Water Under The Bridge’s dill and watermelon might pair with lighter fare like a fish sandwich.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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