The Bay Horse Cafe: We DO Go To Places Like That

Written By: The Gnarly Gnome
Photography By: The Gnarly Gnome

I’ve been meaning to write about The Bay Horse for a long time. It’s one of those bars that has some kind of special magic about it, a rarity, it seems, in a world full of places that, for some unknown reason, seem to hope to be the next Applebees. I haven’t always been in love with The Bay Horse, though – in fact… my Bay Horse experience starts all the way back to when I was afraid of it.

We Don’t Go To Places Like That

My parents weren’t really “drinkers” when I was growing up. My Dad would have the occasional beer, always sipping it and taking his time out of his special beer glass that he kept in the back of the cabinet. Because of that, I was a little sheltered from what the world of bars was all about.

I can remember one time, driving in the car as a little kid, passing a new place that had just opened up, something or other ‘Bar and Grille, ‘ it said on the brightly painted sign. I asked my Mom what that meant and was met with the simple response, “We don’t go to places like that.” We would pass little dive bars, with their doors open in the summer – and my Mom would keep her eyes as far away from the dark, cozy, smoke-filled confines. We just don’t go to places like that.

This strange culture mostly faded from my mind as I got older. I say mostly because there were always those places that, when I walked past them, I echoed in my mind that they weren’t places that I was supposed to go. I tell you all of this because even as I grew into a very young adult – The Bay Horse Café was one of those places for me. I’d pass by it, walking on my way to an early class in college, the bar full of people drinking early in the morning. It was one of those places that “I didn’t go” – the only difference, now – was that I was really, really curious to understand what it was all about.

And Then I Wouldn’t Have A Chance

As I started getting older, becoming a “legal” drinker – I fell in love with craft beer. While I was certainly curious about the Bay Horse, it was so far removed from my radar, that when it closed in 2005, I barely blinked an eye. The building was scheduled to be demolished… and I had moved on to other things. A new group of breweries was starting to appear. I wasn’t even drinking in bars unless they were loaded with craft beer.

I was so consumed by the excitement of craft beer that when new ownership came in and not only saved the bar but restored it to a glory that I had never known in my experience, I kept putting a curious visit far down on my list of priorities.

I was aware of The Bay Horse and the legendary Hudy Schooners they were serving. I just didn’t make it—and then it closed again.

Saving A Bar, Making It Your Own

It’s at this point in The Bay Horse’s history that my story meets the bar’s story. I heard rumblings that it might be reopening. Over the last few years, I’ve been getting more obsessed with local bars and how they fit into the city’s drinking culture—and a place like the Bay Horse deserves a lot more attention than I had ever given it.

News about the new ownership started to come out—it was some strange guy named “Smith.” There was a lot of talk about time travel, Hudy, and some horse was standing in the middle of the bar to help open it back up. The whole thing was strange and confusing, and I had to find out what the heck was going on.

I don’t remember exactly my first visit… but I do know that I was greeted with “welcome home” when I walked into the bar, and it didn’t feel strange. I was home.

What You Can Expect When You Visit

Outside, in front of the Bay Horse, is a small patio with a few seats for smokers to gather, people watch, and welcome in new drinkers. I say that… because it’s part of the critical difference between today’s Bay Horse and what I remember from the first time I walked past it. You want to stop in. The people seem like they are having fun and enjoying being in the company of each other.

There’s a couch and some small tables along one side of the room and a big, beautiful old bar along the other. Small, colorful tiles decorate the floor, and an old cash register behind the bar helps make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It feels like nothing has ever changed about the Bay Horse, and that’s part of what makes it work. It removes the pressure, makes drinking “easier,” and you don’t immediately feel like you’re supposed to be sipping on a cocktail or something fancier than you actually want.

The back room of the bar houses dart boards, and a couple more tables. It’s space that helps keep the bar from ever feeling too crowded but also helps it always feel full and warm.

What Are You Drinking

This is really, really simple. You should get yourself a Hudy Schooner. This is the place to hang out and drink a Hudy Delight, and if it doesn’t make you feel like you’re traveling back in time, I’m not sure what will. Crisp, light, crushable (as the kids say): There aren’t many times or places where a cold Hudy doesn’t hit the spot. That being said, you’ve got other options.

The bar keeps several other beers on tap (I think… I’ve never ordered a beer that wasn’t Hudy), which means if you’re in the mood for something else, you can float in whatever direction is calling your name. They even have a cocktail menu that is really great if that’s what you’re looking for. The vital part of ordering at the Bay Horse is getting what you want. Regardless of what that looks like, as long as you’re staying true to yourself, you’ll fit right in.

The Bay Horse is an amazing bar, and if you want to check it out (you should check it out), you can find it at 625 Main Street, Downtown