Haunted Restaurants

They’re creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, and haunted? Since we’re in the throes of spooky season, we’ve compiled a list of haunted restaurants around the country.  Check them out or add them to your travel bucket list for October! 

La Carafe (Houston, TX) 

According to its website, this restaurant is considered to be the oldest bar and commercial building still in use in the city of Houston–it was built in 1847! The building’s storied history includes a brief stint as a bakery during the Civil War and a station on the pony express until the 1950s. The restaurant is also a wine bar, where visitors can enjoy a broad wine selection, meet interesting people, and a comfortable atmosphere.  Since this bar is so old that it is on the National Register for Historic Places, naturally, it’s rumored to be haunted. While nothing has been confirmed, coverage suggests that the cash register and jukebox seem to have a mind of their own. The most compelling evidence seems to be this video. 

Hilltop Tavern (Louisville, KY) 

Louisville has a lot of history throughout the city. Stories abound, from haunted hotels to hospitals. However, we decided to pick one of the many haunted restaurants to add to this list. The location of this restaurant was built in the late 1800s and became the Hilltop Tavern space in 2012. Mike Skelton, a co-owner, told The Courier Journal there are many “stories and witnesses” and spirits including a “tall guy in a hat who pranks men in the bathroom, Millie who haunts the women’s bathroom, shadow people on the sidewalk, an infamous ghost cat, and a man with his face bashed in.” Reportedly, patrons can also check out the toys and figurines on display behind the bar. The toys were put up to stop the ghostly and unexplained activity that occurred. They seemed to make the ghosts happy and they have remained on display. 

Scarlett O’Hara’s (St. Augustine, FL)

It’s been recognized as “Best Bar” for eight years in a row. Scarlett O’Hara’s has been a local staple for over four decades! Their website touts “casual Southern fare”, but patrons are encouraged to visit the upstairs Ghost Bar. The establishment is purported to be haunted by the original owner George Collee or “One-Eyed George, who lost one of his eyes during the Seminole War. According to legend, in the 1800s, George built the building for his fianceé. Before construction could be completed, she left him for a soldier. George reportedly died shortly after. Some employees have reported feeling watched while they close the bar and items moving on their own. Scarlett O’Hara’s was named the Most Haunted Restaurant in Florida in 2019 by Food Network and is listed in the National Directory of Haunted Places.

Old Town Pizza & Brewing (Portland, OR)  

This restaurant has been a pizzeria since 1974, and is in one of the most historic buildings in Portland . Then in 2003, Adam Milne, purchased the restaurant. In 2008, he opened a second location, Old Town Brewing. Now, beer (and pizza) is their business and they distribute across Oregon and Washington.  Don’t worry, they also provide spooky experiences. The pizzeria is built right above the Shanghai Tunnels, and visitors can schedule tours right on their website.  The restaurant and brewery is located in the former lobby of The Merchant Hotel. In its history, The Merchant Hotel served multiple purposes. The website identifies that the restaurant and tunnels below are inhabited by the spirit of Nina (“Nigh-na”). She’s identified by her black dress and employees have said that if she gets close to you, you may be able to smell her perfume. 

The White Horse Tavern (Newport, RI)

“America’s Oldest Tavern” was opened in 1673! It’s also recognized as the “10th oldest tavern in the world.” The restaurant’s history is lengthy and was owned by the Nichols family until 1954.  Currently, it’s known for its contemporary fare and original architecture.  As historic as this restaurant is, there are reports of hauntings including an older gentleman that was a former renter at the location and a little girl that can be heard crying on the second floor. 

Conclusion

Of course, this is not an inclusive list of haunted restaurants! If you want to add to your spooky and spectacular cross country trip, check out Food Network’s list of haunted restaurants in every state. Are there any restaurants that stick out in your memory as particularly scary? Let us know in the comments below. Your restaurant may not be haunted by ghosts, but it could be haunted by lack of data, unorganized kitchens, and inaccurate orders. We have a solution for your entire business! Schedule a demo!  em>Subscribe to the blog for more interesting restaurant content!

About the Author

Devyn Nance is the Marketing Coordinator at QSR Automations. She graduated from the University of Louisville with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and from Loyola University Chicago with a master’s degree in Global Strategic Communication. She considers herself an (amateur) profiler – trained solely from watching every episode of Criminal Minds. Outside of work, Devyn loves to shop, travel, hang out with friends and family, read, and watch shows on various streaming platforms.