Dark Horse to reopen under new ownership

Dark Horse to reopen under new ownership
By Tim Spitzack | Editor | July 2025

“Shane and I were entrepreneurs in the restaurant world and had a pretty constant desire to open something up and work with each other,” said McDonough. “Lowertown kind of has this reputation currently, and if you’re around it [the neighborhood] you see the beauty and we want to emphasize it and bring it back into the light. There’s so much history and culture. Yeah, it’s got some pain points, there’s no doubt about it, but if we continue to be positive and shed light on it and be part of the community, we can make a difference to make it better. That really was the draw for us.”

Oporto and McDonough are part of the Eclective hospitality group (formerly Hole In One Management), which also owns three other St. Paul businesses that operate in renovated historic spaces: Can Can Wonderland, Saint Paul Brewing and Martha’s Garden. The group is headed by owner Rob Clapp and chief operating officer Liza Sterletske. McDonough, the former general manager at Can Can Wonderland, will head front-of-house operations at Dark Horse, and Oporto will let his culinary talents shine in the kitchen, drawing on his vast experience at other St. Paul restaurants. Most recently he was with Digidio’s on West Seventh Street for five years, and previously was chef and co-owner of the former Octo Fishbar in Lowertown. He also worked at La Belle Vie in Minneapolis.

Paddy Whelan and Sarah Schrantz opened Dark Horse in 2015 and established a solid reputation as a neighborhood gathering place, serving residents and eventgoers alike. The 1880s brick building has Old World charm with its high ceilings and exposed beams, and the patio was a favorite among dog owners, who were welcome to bring their furry friends along for a drink.

Whelan and Schrantz experienced many challenges during their tenure. When they opened, there was much competition for the dining dollar among other restaurants in Lowertown. Then along came the pandemic, which proved too much for many in that industry. In a social media post announcing the closure, they admitted the venture was always viewed as a long shot. That’s why they chose the name Dark Horse, which means to be an unexpected winner. The name resonates with Oporto and was inspiration for taking on this new venture.

“I really like the meaning of Dark Horse, especially now with a lot of other restaurants closing in Lowertown,” he said. “We want to be that energy that brings Lowertown back to life and really push forward with the community.”

The menu is “bar-inspired,” with pizzas, burgers and appetizers, and features a full drink list, including brews from St. Paul Brewing.

“We don’t want this elaborate menu,” said McDonough. “We want it to be approachable to all walks of life. We want to create an atmosphere where people are comfortable coming. We’re all about hospitality. We want [the restaurant] to be filled with warmth and want people to be able to feel that.”

Dark Horse can seat 100 inside and 100 on the patio. Live music is expected to return, but not in the near future. Hours will be 3-10 p.m., Tues.-Thurs.; 3 p.m.-midnight, Friday; noon-midnight, Saturday; and noon-9 p.m., Sunday.

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