Take a trip to some of the spookiest eateries around the country. The food at some of these places might be scary-good, but you also better be prepared for just plain scary. From human sacrifices to Salem Witch Trials, these tales of lingering spirits are sure to bring even the biggest skeptic a chill down their spine.
Captain Tony’s Saloon (Key West, FL)
As a former city morgue, Capt. Tony’s was just tempting fate. The place is supposedly crawling with ghosts, the most famous of which is named the “Lady in Blue.” Her name comes from the dress she was wearing when she was hanged for murdering her husband and two songs. The “Hanging Tree” still stands on Captain Tony’s property.
Turner’s Seafood (Salem, MA)
The location should give you a clue about what went down here. Turner’s Seafood is said to be haunted by Bridget Bishop, the ghost of the first accused witch in the Salem Witch Trials. The restaurant was built on top of what was once Bishop’s apple orchard. Bishop’s ghost has been reported on the staircase or seen reflected in windows and mirrors.
Muriel’s (New Orleans, LA)
As the city of lost souls, of course New Orleans would have a haunted restaurant — but they take it a step further. Muriel’s actually embraces its resident ghost. Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan committed suicide after losing his beautiful home at a poker game. Despite his tragic end, Jourdan is said to playfully haunt the house he once loved so much — now home to Muriel’s restaurant. Muriel’s welcomes the old spirit to dine each night be always keeping a table reserved for Mr. Jourdan set with bread and wine.
One if by Land, Two if by Sea (New york, NY)
Restaurants and bars love to tout their ghostly, morally corrupt, guests like hookers and conmen, but only NYC can claim fame with the spirit of Aaron Burr. Think back to your high school history class — Burr murdered Alexander Hamilton in a duel after a long and bitter rivalry in 1804. The restaurant used to be Burr’s carriage house and he reportedly stuck around after his death in 1836 to be with his daughter, Theodosia. The duo are known to knock things over, pester patrons and creek the stairs.
Restaurant 1833 (Monterey, CA)
This historic spot was previously named Stokes Bar and Restaurant. While it was renamed to reflect the year it was built, it still holds witness to the horrible things James Stokes did during his life. Stokes immigrated to Monterey and set up an apothecary in the spot that is now Restaurant 1833. Two years later, when a well-known patient of his died, the town started to realize that a significant portion of Stoke’s clientele never got better. It turns out that Stokes wasn’t licensed at all and had no previously experience in the medical field. He was even found to be guilty of killing the former husband of the woman who became his wife in order to allow for the marriage. His ghost is still said to roam the restaurant at night doing mischievous things.
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Old Town Pizza (Portland, OR)
Old Town Pizza is home to the ghost of Nina, a young slave who was sold into prostitution in the 1880’s. A group of traveling missionaries convinced Nina to give them information in exchange for her freedom. Soon after, Nina was found dead at the bottom of the elevator shaft. Diners report seeing a woman in a black dress and frequently smell women’s perfume. She is believed to have carved her name, “Nina”, into the wall of the elevator shaft where she was murdered.
Jean Bonnet Tavern (Bedford, PA)
Used as a courthouse in the 18th century, Jean Bonnet Tavern was the site of countless criminal hangings. Employees and guests have reported spirits presenting themselves in various ways but mostly through mischievous tricks like unrolling paper towels, moving eyeglasses around and opening and closing doors.
Tonic Room (Chicago, IL)
Ghostly gangsters. Witches. Murders. Ever since the Roaring ’20s, the building that is now the Tonic Room has had a other-wordly history. A brothel was once located in the upstairs apartments. The tavern was the favored hangout of a North Side Irish gang. Egyptian iconography was painted on the basement ceiling and a pentagram on the floor leading to speculation that it was once a meeting place for the Golden Dawn — a secret society big on human sacrifice. Sometime during the mid-century, the building was turned into an occult store by a guy named Frederic De’Arechage who claimed to have been born a male witch. All that history makes it a beacon for the paranormal and strange sightings.
Poogan’s Porch (Charleston, SC)
From historic battlefields to pirates and plantations, it’s no wonder one of American’s oldest cities is a hot spot for ghost encounters. Poogan’s Porch is one such spot. Named for a cute little Wheaton Terrier who died in 1979, children have reported feeling a dog brush up against their legs under the table when they eat. If that were all that happened, it would be kind of cute, but unfortunately Poogan shares his space with an old spinster school teacher named Zoe St. Armand. After the death of her sister, she reportedly was so distraught that she fell down the stairs searching for her. Reports of a woman wearing a black dress are so easily visible and common that the local police have grown accustomed to getting called about the distressed woman.
Catfish Plantation (Waxahachie, Tx)
Most ghosts keep a low profile, content to scare guests from afar, but at Catfish Plantation, the resident ghost thinks she still runs the place. The restaurant occupies an old Victorial house. Caroline, a former resident died in 1970, but the owners of the era, Tom and Melissa Baker, reported finding a pot of coffee brewing one morning and tea cups stacked up another time, even when no one else had keys. Guests have reported seeing the apparition of a bride standing by the window.
