7844 West Jefferson Avenue
Gabel’s Bar, Black Horse Cantina
There aren’t many businesses left in Delray. Outside of churches, you could count the storefronts that you can walk inside for service on one hand. One of those resides at 7844 W Jefferson.
Online records show that the structure was built in 1949, but I’m not sure that’s correct. There was an establishment there called Gabel’s Bar by 1945, which was in operation through the 1970s.
In June of 1945, an attempted armed robbery occurred at the bar. Five men burst in looking for cash, and after an altercation with police, four were in custody, and one was in the hospital with a gunshot wound.
As things in the area began closing due to population decline, some bars and restaurants remained open due to the few factories left. Residents called some of them ‘Zug Bars’ because they were a common place to find steelworkers after shifts on the island.
I’m not certain when Gabel’s ceased to exist, but in 2004, Black Horse Cantina incorporated and moved into the property. It has also been called Caballo Negro, which is Black Horse in Spanish. The establishment, run by the Carrillo family, specializes in Mexican cuisine. They have second and third establishments on Green and Central Streets.
They’re known for tacos, birria, and their pool table. There’s been an outdoor seating section out back since 2020.
With the completion of the new bridge to Canada fast approaching, I’m not sure whether business will be better or worse for the bar. It’s lasted this long, so I can’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
