The Dark Horse Social Club

Name: The Dark Horse Social Club
Address: 651 Clinton St, Defiance, OH, United States, 43512-2654
Telephone: (419) 782-9307
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (109)

$31 to $50

Gastro Pub

651 Clinton St, Defiance, OH 43512-2654

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 30, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

The "warmest" vibe in NW Ohio meets Farm-to-Table at The Dark Horse Social Club. We are consistently in the top 5 of Open Table's Overall Best Restaurants in NW Ohio and Toledo. Our 1868, National Register structure has been completely transformed; warm and romantic, perfect for quiet dinners and heartfelt conversation while savoring fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes in a setting that feels both intimate and special.

We offer fresh food focused on local sourcing and home-made recipees. Much of our beef is raised in Holgate, OH and processed locally. The cheese on our boards is made from local, whole milk in Hicksville, OH. We use 100% California olive oil in our oil based dressings - it is NOT cut with canola/soy/vegetable oils. Our flatbreads come in at less than 30 carbs each. We are known for our cocktails, particularly our Old Fashioneds and our Seasonal Speicialty Drinks.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Gastro Pub, Cocktail Bar, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–8:30 pm Bar Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(419) 782-9307
Website
http://www.thedarkhorsesocialclub.net/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
We do have a catering menu for small events under 35 people.
Private party facilities
We are happy to host private events in our front dining room year round Monday - Wednesday. We also offer our bar and Cocktail Lawn for events Monday - Wednesday during warm weather months.

Location
651 Clinton St, Defiance, OH 43512-2654
Neighborhood
Defiance
Cross street
We are on the Clinton Extension just north of Arabella St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 109 people are saying

The Dark Horse Social Club reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
5.0Service
5.0Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Best Overall
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Best Food
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Best Service
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Best Ambiance
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Best Value
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Innovative
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Good for groups
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Healthy
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Neighborhood gem
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Great for fine wines
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Romantic
Toledo / Northwest Ohio
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Dark Horse Social Club in Defiance, Ohio, offers a "cool vibe" with "delicious food" and a "friendly, attentive staff." Diners praise the "wonderful atmosphere" and "great cocktails." The menu changes frequently, ensuring "something new to try." The owners actively engage with guests, enhancing the welcoming experience.

109 Reviews

D
Dennis AND Marcia VIP
Toledo / Northwest Ohio58 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
OUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT. THE MENU CHANGES OFTEN, SO THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW ON THE MENU. THE STAFF ARE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!
Is this helpful?
R
Robyn
Toledo / Northwest Ohio1 review
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Dark Horse! Simple as that. Very cool vibe with delicious food.
Is this helpful?
D
Dennis AND Marcia VIP
Toledo / Northwest Ohio58 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
LOVE THE DARK HORSE SOCIAL CLUB. THE STAFF ARE WONDERFUL AND THE OWNERS HELP OUT AND COME TO THE TABLES TO WELCOME EVERYONE.
Is this helpful?
H
Heather
Toledo / Northwest Ohio2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our dining experience was wonderful. The waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. My old fashioned was perfect and the food was great. I will recommend The Dark Horse to everyone I know.
Is this helpful?
A
Ashley
Toledo / Northwest Ohio1 review
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best restaurant in Defiance! Delicious food, friendly service, great cocktails.
Is this helpful?
D
David
Toledo / Northwest Ohio3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The prime rib was excellent and both desserts were delicious!
Is this helpful?
D
Dennis AND Marcia VIP
Toledo / Northwest Ohio58 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
LOVE DARK HORSE SOCIAL CLUB IN DEFIANCE, OHIO. WE VISIT AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH. THE MENU CHANGES OFTEN, SO THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO TRY AS WELL AS THE DRINKS. THE STAFF AND COOKS ARE TERRIFIC! THE OWNERS HELP OUT AND VISIT THE TABLES DURING YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE. IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED, YOU SHOULD.
Is this helpful?
K
Kristen
Detroit / Eastern Michigan1 review
5.0
Dined on May 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dark Horse is one of our favorite places! We love to sit at the bar and visit with the staff. The drinks are excellent, and their conversation is so enjoyable!
Is this helpful?
S
Sylvia
Columbus1 review
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We came in to celebrate my birthday. My friends were from Indianapolis and Cincinnati and had never been to the Dark Horse. they love the food and the ambience. Our server was very attentive and even placed a candle in my drink to celebrate my birthday.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeanette
Toledo / Northwest Ohio5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The first thing we experienced when entering the Dark Horse is a genuine sense of welcome. The staff seem truly happy for their customers to be there. The food and variety of drinks is really good. The owners were there to check on customer’s satisfaction, take orders and clear tables. It was a really nice night out for us.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Dark Horse Social Club offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (419) 782-9307.

The Dark Horse Social Club is rated 4.8 stars by 109 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 30, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

651 Clinton St, Defiance, OH 43512-2654

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
We are on the Clinton Extension just north of Arabella St.
Neighborhood
Defiance
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–8:30 pm Bar Thu–Sat 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Gastro Pub, Cocktail Bar, Farm-to-table
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thedarkhorsesocialclub.net/
Phone number
(419) 782-9307
Catering
We do have a catering menu for small events under 35 people.
Private party facilities
We are happy to host private events in our front dining room year round Monday - Wednesday. We also offer our bar and Cocktail Lawn for events Monday - Wednesday during warm weather months.

The Dark Horse Social Club

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 109 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Dark Horse Social Club offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Dark Horse Social Club restaurant rated?

Is The Dark Horse Social Club currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information