James T. Bartlett

While we dream of cooler nights, we can at least take some spooky-season comfort in looking at pumpkins and skeletons as we sweat through October in the days leading up to Halloween. Dating back about 2,000 years, All Hallows’ Eve originated in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan celebration beginning on the evening of October 31 that marked the end of the harvest season and the start of the “darker half” of the year. During that time, people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off spirits, as it was believed the barrier between the living and spirit worlds was weakened. L.A.’s heritage might not stretch that far back, but we still have over a century of Old Hollywood history to draw from—and some of the city’s most popular drinking destinations have a dark past hidden behind the glamour. Read on for a list of haunted L.A. bars, hotels and restaurants where you can sip spirits alongside actual spirits. The spots have been frequented by both stars and specters. Which will you encounter when you visit? RECOMMENDED: Halloween in L.A. 2026