Opening on Jan. 16 on Superior Street
TOLEDO — While there are already plenty of great watering holes in Toledo, one new bar aims to bring something fresh to the downtown area: The Pale Horse, Toledo’s first-ever horror-themed bar.
Owner Jessica Delgado has loved the horror genre for as long as she can remember.
“I love everything horror. I have been watching horror since I was a child, you know…Creepshow, Chucky…all those kinds of things,” she said. “I just grew up on it. I go to conventions every year – oddities conventions, horror conventions. I just love the genre, and I know there are a lot of people like me that like that too.”
Before setting her sights on opening a bar, Delgado worked as a quality technician for 10 years. During that time, she conducted her own research to determine whether there was enough interest among horror fans to pursue the project. She was also influenced by the emergence of other horror-inspired businesses, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and cafes.
Any new business owner faces a series of challenges, and Delgado is no exception. Since she began planning for the January 2026 opening, she has had to navigate the many licenses and permits required to open. The most difficult license for her to obtain was the liquor license; without it, her dream would have been dead in the water. She also noted some staffing issues, as two of her chefs recently quit.
Fortunately, the process has not been all doom and gloom. Delgado said she has not had to look far to find people eager to work. When she received the keys to the building, she posted on Facebook and was met with a flood of messages from individuals seeking employment. She also offered advice to anyone looking to start their own business.
“Definitely have a plan going forward. Do all the research. Know everything that you want to know before you start, because if you’re in it and you’re learning those lessons, it’s going to be so hard. And I’d say network as much as possible because people are incredibly helpful.”
With her liquor license in hand, Delgado is free to serve drinks that are as unique as they are spooky. The Pale Horse’s menu features eight specialty cocktails, as well as slushies (alcohol optional) and six mocktails for people who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy the experience. The food menu keeps things simple, with items such as burgers, chicken chunks, and sliders. Delgado also includes empanadas as an homage to her roots in Cleveland, which has a large Latin American community.
Along with food and drinks, The Pale Horse seeks to entertain its guests. In the main room, movies will play on screens throughout the space. Downstairs, guests can enjoy games such as pool, darts, and karaoke free of charge. Delgado also shared her ambition to eventually host live shows at the bar.
Delgado said her priority is for everyone to have a good time, even those who are not horror fans, and she encourages everyone to come out and try something new.
The grand opening for The Pale Horse will be held Friday, Jan. 16, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 319 N. Superior St. Learn more at The Pale Horse website.
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