The most haunted bars and restaurants in America

What is it? This historic New England inn opened in 1771 and still serves travelers hearty meals and colonial charm. Its rustic wood beams, antique furnishings, and famous bakery make it a cozy stop for both history buffs and foodies.

How is it haunted? Guests have long reported paranormal activity, from the sounds of children giggling in empty hallways to the apparition of a woman in period clothing wandering the dining rooms. Others have described Revolutionary War soldiers appearing near the tavern’s hearth. Cold spots and flickering lights add to the uncanny atmosphere, especially for overnight guests.

Time Out tip: Stay the night if you dare—the inn’s rooms are as charming as they are spooky. If you’re just visiting for a meal, grab one of their legendary sticky buns before you leave.

Address: 277 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 4-8pm, Fri-Sat 4-9pm, Sun noon-7pm

What is it? A 200-year-old French Quarter bar known for its absinthe cocktails, antique woodwork, and walls covered in business cards left by patrons over the years.

How is it haunted? History says pirate Jean Lafitte and Andrew Jackson plotted their role in the Battle of New Orleans in the upstairs rooms. Many guests claim to see men in period clothing drifting near the bar. Staff have heard whispered voices when no one else is around, and glasses occasionally move on their own. Upstairs, especially, the air feels heavy, as though you’re never drinking alone.

Time Out tip: Order the house specialty, the Absinthe Frappe. And don’t be surprised if you feel eyes on you while sipping—it could just be Lafitte checking in.

Address: 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9am-2am, Thu 9am-3am, Fri-Sat 9am-4am, Sun 9am-3am

What is it? Dating back to 1673, this is the oldest operating tavern in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Its low ceilings, dim lighting and colonial-era fireplaces make dining here feel like stepping straight into a history book.

How is it haunted? Stories claim the tavern is haunted by a drifter who died while staying in the upstairs quarters. Some guests say they’ve felt icy hands on their shoulders or seen shadowy figures lurking in corners. Revolutionary War soldiers have also been spotted near the bar. The eerie atmosphere is enhanced by the creaking floorboards and candlelit rooms, which make every sound feel loaded with possibility.

Time Out tip: Sit by the fireplace and order the clam chowder—it’s considered one of the best in Rhode Island, though don’t be surprised if you feel an invisible dinner guest beside you.

Address: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sun 4-9pm

What is it? A French Quarter institution inside an 18th-century building, Muriel’s pairs Creole fine dining with ornate interiors—golden chandeliers, exposed brick and lush velvet accents. Its balcony overlooks Jackson Square, offering one of the most iconic views in the city.

How is it haunted? The restaurant embraces its paranormal resident: Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, a former owner who lost the property in a poker game. Heartbroken, he took his own life in the building, and staff say his ghost still roams the halls. In fact, Muriel’s sets a table with bread and wine nightly for Jourdan in the Seance Lounge. Patrons have reported flickering lights, sudden cold spots and even seeing Pierre’s shadow in mirrors.

Time Out tip: Book a balcony table at sunset and start with a Sazerac. If a chill runs down your spine, just raise a toast to Pierre.

Address: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3:30-9:30pm, Fri 3-10pm, Sat 10:30am-10pm, Sun 10:30am-9:30pm

What is it? A Victorian house turned restaurant, Poogan’s Porch serves Southern comfort food like shrimp and grits and fried chicken in cozy dining rooms and a wide front porch.

How is it haunted? The spirit of former resident Zoe St. Amand, a schoolteacher, reportedly lingers in the building. Guests and staff describe seeing her in black clothing near windows or mirrors. Some have heard silverware clatter when no one is near the table. Dogs passing the house often bark at unseen figures. There are also reports of the ghost of Poogan himself, the dog the restaurant is named for, scratching or padding across the porch.

Time Out tip: Order the fried chicken and sit on the porch—it’s the best spot to catch both tourists and, if you’re lucky, Zoe herself.

Address: 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401

Opening hours: Daily 9am-3pm, 4:30-9:30pm

What is it? A gritty Memphis dive with peeling paint, creaky stairs, and a jukebox that seems to have a mind of its own. Ernestine and Hazel’s is world-famous for the “Soul Burger,” a greasy, glorious stack of beef and onions that’s been called one of the best burgers in America.

How is it haunted? The building has a storied past, having been everything from a pharmacy to a brothel to a jazz club. Many believe the women who once worked there never left. Patrons often hear phantom footsteps on the upper floors or see shadowy figures darting in doorways. The jukebox has also been known to change tracks without anyone touching it.

Time Out tip: Grab a Soul Burger downstairs, then ask to see the upstairs—if you’re brave enough.

Address: 531 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

Opening hours: Sun 11am-12am, Mon-Tue 5pm-12am, Wed 11am-12am, Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-3am

What is it? A historic bar and restaurant in Wisconsin with a rowdy past that includes bootlegging and bordello business. Today, it hosts popups each weekend, including karaoke nights, throwback dinners, live music and ghost hunts.

How is it haunted? The Old Baraboo Inn claims multiple spirits, including former madams, soldiers and gangsters. Patrons say they’ve seen apparitions near the bar and heard phantom piano music. The basement, once used for less savory activities, is considered the most haunted, with shadows moving in the corners and cold hands brushing against visitors. Paranormal groups have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) on site.

Time Out tip: Come for karaoke night and a burger—locals say the ghosts are most active when the music’s loud.

Address: 135 Walnut St, Baraboo, WI 53913

Opening hours: Sat 3-11pm

What is it? A Wild West saloon named after Big Nose Kate, the girlfriend of outlaw Doc Holliday. With swinging doors, live country music and servers in period costumes, it’s a full dive into Tombstone history.

How is it haunted? The saloon sits above a network of tunnels once used for smuggling, gambling and other shady business. Guests often see a shadowy figure dubbed “The Swamper,” believed to be a miner who lived in the basement and guarded hidden treasure. Staff report glasses moving on their own and hearing boots stomping on empty staircases.

Time Out tip: Order the Reuben sandwich and enjoy it with a cold beer. If you feel like someone’s tugging at your shirt—well, that’s just The Swamper keeping you honest.

Address: 417 E Allen St, Tombstone, AZ 85638

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

What is it? One of California’s oldest saloons, the Silver Dollar is a classic Western watering hole with an Old Gold Rush vibe.

How is it haunted? This saloon is said to host several spirits, including the ghost of a woman in a red dress who appears near the upstairs balcony. Cold breezes sweep through rooms with closed windows, and glasses sometimes topple mysteriously. Patrons have reported hearing ragtime piano music even when no one is playing.

Time Out tip: Stop in for a whiskey neat and keep an eye on the staircase where locals say the lady in red shows herself most often.

Address: 330 1st St, Marysville, CA 95901

Opening hours: Sun and Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

What is it? A cozy British-style pub in famously haunted Savannah, complete with shepherd’s pie, draft beer and dark wood interiors.

How is it haunted? Paranormal activity here includes voices whispering in patrons’ ears and bar stools that move on their own. Some say a shadow figure has been seen near the back of the pub. Given Savannah’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted cities, it’s no surprise that spirits enjoy hanging out here.

Time Out tip: Order the shepherd’s pie and sit by the bar where you can soak up both Guinness and ghostly gossip.

Address: 245 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight

What is it? A beloved Minneapolis dive bar plastered in dollar bills, neon lights and graffiti. It’s gritty, cheap, and charmingly chaotic.

How is it haunted? Staff report objects flying off shelves, taps turning on by themselves and eerie laughter in empty rooms. Some say a former bartender who passed away still lingers, occasionally making his presence known by knocking over pint glasses.

Time Out tip: Go for the famous “Cuzzy’s Breakfast”—a burger topped with egg and bacon—and keep your eye on the taps.

Address: 507 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Opening hours: Wed-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 7am-2am, Sat 8am-2am

What is it? A historic inn with a cozy tavern and guest rooms, located in the heart of small-town New Hampshire.

How is it haunted? The Tilton Inn is known for being haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Laura, who died in a fire that once destroyed part of the building. Guests of the Onion Pub and Restaurant often report hearing footsteps and giggles, as well as the sound of running when no one is around. A paranormal team confirmed a haunting.

Time Out tip: Book a room if you’re brave, or just stop in for a hearty meal and see if Laura joins you.

Address: 255 Main St, Tilton, NH 03276

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat noon-9pm, Sun noon-7pm

What is it? A quirky, high-altitude restaurant in Jerome, a former mining town turned artist enclave. It’s known for big, juicy burgers and killer mountain views.

How is it haunted? The building’s mining-era history has left behind its share of restless spirits. Staff report tools going missing, lights flickering and doors slamming shut. Some diners have seen a woman’s apparition in the upstairs dining room, while others describe playful poltergeist activity like items shifting on tables or ketchup bottles tumbling mysteriously.

Time Out tip: Order the Haunted Burger stacked high with green chiles. Go at sunset for spectacular views and maybe a side of paranormal activity.

Address: 410 Clark St, Jerome, AZ 86331

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

What is it? A 1913 saloon with bullet holes in the walls, Pioneer Saloon is the definition of Wild West Nevada. Clark Gable famously spent days here mourning after the death of Carole Lombard.

How is it haunted? Ghosts at Pioneer include miners, gamblers and even Carole herself, who some say has been seen near the fireplace. Disembodied voices and full apparitions have been reported, making it one of Nevada’s most active haunts.

Time Out tip: Grab a whiskey and wander the saloon’s museum-like interior. The bullet holes are real, and so, many say, are the spirits.

Address: 310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sun 9am-10pm

What is it? A rustic New England restaurant known for hearty comfort food, especially seafood and steaks.

How is it haunted? Guests and staff claim to see ghostly figures near the bar and hear unexplained bangs in the kitchen. Some say the building’s long history as a gathering place for locals has left spiritual imprints behind, with past patrons still pulling up a chair.

Time Out tip: Order the baked haddock, a local classic. Sit near the bar if you don’t mind sharing the stool with someone invisible.

Address: 2221 West Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI 02871

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5-9pm

What is it? A rowdy Montana saloon with a long history of gunfights and mining-town revelry, still serving beer and whiskey today.

How is it haunted? The Bale of Hay has reports of ghostly cowboys, phantom piano music and women’s laughter echoing from the balcony. Patrons have described being shoved or tapped on the shoulder when no one is near. Paranormal investigators often capture strange orbs and EVP recordings here.

Time Out tip: Order a local Montana brew and keep your camera ready—you might capture something strange in the background.

Address: 344 Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755

Opening hours: Seasonally (spring/summer) 11am-midnight

What is it? A Salem favorite housed in a former church, Rockafellas serves modern American food and cocktails with Gothic flair.

How is it haunted? Salem’s dark history lingers here. Patrons report seeing a woman in colonial clothing wandering the dining room, believed to be linked to Salem’s witch trial past. Cold drafts sweep through the building even on warm nights. Staff tell stories of glasses flying off shelves in the bar.

Time Out tip: Try the calamari and enjoy a cocktail while scanning the balcony where the “Lady in Blue” is said to appear there most often.

Address: 231 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am-11pm