Boulder's Iconic Dark Horse Bar to Close After 51 Years

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After over 50 years as a cultural cornerstone in Boulder, Colorado, the iconic Dark Horse bar will be closing its doors for good on March 14. The bar's fate was sealed when the building it occupies was purchased as part of the first phase of the Williams Village II redevelopment project. While the Dark Horse plans to honor its legacy with a celebratory final day, the future of the bar remains uncertain as the new owners work to construct a replacement location as part of the second phase of the project.

Why it matters

The Dark Horse has been a beloved institution in the Boulder community for generations, serving as a gathering place for locals and students alike. Its closure marks the end of an era and the loss of a unique cultural landmark in a city that is rapidly evolving. The redevelopment project raises questions about the ability of long-standing small businesses to survive in the face of large-scale urban renewal efforts.

The details

The Dark Horse's final day of operation is set for March 14, which also happens to be the bar's 51st birthday. In a farewell post, the bar's owners thanked the thousands of employees and countless patrons who contributed to the Dark Horse's legacy over the decades. While the iconic building will be demolished as part of the first phase of the Williams Village II project, the plan is to eventually open a new Dark Horse location as part of the second phase of the redevelopment. However, the timeline for this is unclear, leaving the bar's future in limbo.

• The Dark Horse bar will close its doors on March 14, 2026.
• The Dark Horse bar first opened in 1975.

What’s next

The timeline for the construction of a new Dark Horse location as part of the Williams Village II project is unclear, leaving the bar's future uncertain.