Dark Horse Lounge

Specialties

We have friendly bartenders, nice customers, karoake, DJ’s, live music, 6 tvs with sports packages, bbq’s, lotto, and windows that add to the atmosphere

History

Established in 2011.

This bar, located on the corner of Winton and Hesperian, has been around for over 40 years. It has undergone many renovations, and changed hands about seven times. Before opening it as the Dark Horse Lounge in March, 2011, it was known as the Whiskey River Saloon. I have customers who have been going to this bar for 5, 10, even 20 years! Which says a lot about its strength and rapport. As the granddaughter of Holiday Bowl entrepreneur Ralph Sommer, I feel honored to own a business in Hayward. I pride myself on having a growing business of friendly and versatile clientele. We now have live music of many sorts, along with karaōke, bbq’s, contests, and many other fun events

Meet the Business Owner

Jennifer S.

Business Owner

I am a Hayward native who attended school at Highland Elementary, All Saints, and Moreau Catholic High School. My family is known in this city for being to founders of Holiday Bowl, a local landmark and fond memory for many. After graduation, I spent several years living in various locations around Northern California. In 2010, when my daughter was one year old, I returned back to my hometown, when an old friend and co-​worker from Black Angus, got me a job bartending at what was known then, as the Whiskey River Saloon. Only 6 months into it, I came up on an opportunity to buy the place, and went for it. My plan was to have a place that was comfortable for all, friendly and inviting. I wanted people to celebrate here, enjoy good laughs with friends, and also try to gain a reputation as a local live music venue. I hope to build popularity in the years to come, and remain a successful and well-​ran Hayward establishment.