1. Le Pavillon (New Orleans)
New Orleans is known for its haunted locales, and Le Pavillon adds a lot to that reputation. The restaurant is housed in a historic hotel that was once a grand ballroom during the 1800s, with a history steeped in both opulence and tragedy. Guests rave about the Southern cuisine, but some also share chilling tales of ghostly apparitions that seem to appear from nowhere. A popular ghost story involves the sighting of a woman in period dress who vanishes before anyone can approach her.
Le Pavilion was also the site of several high-society gatherings that ended in tragic accidents, which may be why it still holds onto some sorrowful energy. Many patrons have felt the sudden temperature drops or the sensation of being watched. There’s a strange comfort in the combination of delicious food and spectral visitors, which only adds to the allure of the place. If you’re open to it, a meal here could very well include some ghostly company.
2. The Red Fox Inn (Virginia)
The Red Fox Inn in Virginia is one of the oldest restaurants in the U.S., dating back to 1728, according to Peter Milligan from Middleburg Life. Visitors love its charming, rustic atmosphere and classic American fare, but there’s an eerie history lurking beneath the surface. The inn was once the site of multiple tavern brawls and, reportedly, a couple of unsolved murders that still haunt the building today. Some guests have claimed to hear footsteps in empty rooms and soft whispers in the night.
The historical significance of this restaurant adds a layer of intrigue, but the creepy encounters have given it a reputation as a place where the past lingers. Local lore suggests that spirits of those long dead still wander the restaurant. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, it’s hard to ignore the strange happenings that seem to follow its patrons. The old building still carries its secrets, making every meal an experience that might just include a ghostly visit.
3. The Stanley Hotel (Colorado)
This iconic hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, might be more famous for its role in The Shining, but its restaurant hides its own chilling tale, according to Patrick McGuire from Uncover Colorado. The Stanley Hotel itself was built by the wealthy Stanley family and has a history steeped in grandeur and mystery. While many love its picturesque setting, some say the restaurant hides some unsettling secrets. Staff members have mentioned feeling as though they are being watched by something unseen, especially in the dining area.
The hotel has long been rumored to be haunted, with reports of strange noises, items moving on their own, and inexplicable cold spots. Some believe these disturbances are connected to the tragic history of its early years, including the death of a young girl in the early 1900s. Whether or not you’re a fan of paranormal activity, you might leave the Stanley Hotel wondering if it’s all just coincidence—or something more sinister. Either way, dining here adds a sense of suspense that you won’t find at your average restaurant.
4. The Catacombs (New York)
The Catacombs in New York offers a unique dining experience, located inside a former church with an unassuming exterior. The restaurant has a dark past, having been built over the site of old burial grounds. Rumor has it that the spirits of those buried beneath still roam the cellar, occasionally causing strange noises and chilly drafts. This unsettling vibe is part of the charm, and many guests claim to have felt a strange presence while dining.
The underground location adds to its macabre allure, with dim lighting and an atmosphere that’s perfect for those seeking something different. But it’s not all just spooky ambience; the building has a reputation for mysterious occurrences, including flickering lights and doors opening by themselves. Locals who have worked in the restaurant often tell stories of eerie experiences that make you wonder if the spirits are trying to send a message. It’s a place where history and hauntings intertwine, making it an unforgettable spot.
5. The Pirate’s House (Savannah)
Savannah, Georgia, is famous for its ghosts, and The Pirate’s House fits right into that spooky narrative, according to Shawn Watkins from WSAV. Originally built in 1753 as a tavern for sailors, the restaurant has a murky history, particularly around its involvement in the “press gang” trade. It’s rumored that captains would kidnap sailors and take them to sea, with some of these men never to be seen again. Guests dining in the restaurant often report hearing phantom footsteps and feeling unexplained cold spots.
The Pirate’s House is often called one of the most haunted spots in Savannah, which only adds to its charm. Patrons have claimed to see figures in old-fashioned clothing, even though no one else was around. The unsettling stories have been passed down for generations, and the old wooden floors seem to hold on to the secrets of the past. Dining here feels like taking a step back in time—and perhaps a step into the unknown.
6. The Alamo Cafe (Texas)
The Alamo Cafe in San Antonio has long been a local favorite, known for its Tex-Mex cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere, according to Jessica Elizarraras from My San Antonio. But beneath its vibrant façade lies a hidden secret that most patrons don’t know about. The cafe is located near the Alamo, the site of a historic battle where hundreds of soldiers lost their lives. Some guests claim to feel a strange heaviness in the air, particularly in the back rooms, where the energy is said to be especially intense.
There have been numerous reports of objects moving by themselves and unexplained cold spots throughout the restaurant. Though the Alamo’s history of war and sacrifice certainly provides an eerie backdrop, it’s the proximity to such a tragic event that has led to tales of hauntings. Whether it’s the spirits of those who perished or simply the emotional weight of the place, the cafe’s connection to the past adds a layer of suspense to every meal. It’s a dining experience that’s rich in both history and the unknown.
7. The Olde Pink House (Savannah, Georgia)
The Olde Pink House in Savannah is a beloved restaurant, known for its Southern cuisine and historic charm. However, it’s also infamous for its haunted past, with many visitors and staff members reporting strange occurrences over the years. The building, which dates back to 1771, was once a residence and later a tavern, and has seen its share of tragic events. It’s said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents, including the ghost of a young woman who met a tragic end in the home.
Guests dining at The Olde Pink House often experience paranormal activity such as flickering lights, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures walking through the dining rooms, while others hear unexplained footsteps or doors creaking open and closed on their own. Despite these eerie experiences, the restaurant remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a menu filled with classic Southern dishes. Whether you’re drawn to the food or the spirits, a visit to The Olde Pink House provides a dining experience that is both delicious and a bit unsettling.
8. The Menger Hotel (Texas)
Located in San Antonio, the Menger Hotel is known for its classic beauty and luxurious accommodations, but it’s also one of the most haunted spots in the country. The restaurant, housed within the hotel, has seen numerous paranormal events over the years, many involving the spirits of former guests and staff. Guests have reported hearing unexplained knocks and seeing shadowy figures in the dining room. Some even claim to have seen the ghost of a woman in Victorian clothing seated at one of the tables.
The Menger Hotel has been the site of many historic moments, but it’s also the site of numerous tragedies, including deaths that have never been fully explained. People have felt cold hands brush past them or witnessed lights flicker in response to their questions. The combination of luxurious dining and eerie experiences makes this a place where the past and present collide. If you’re brave enough, the hotel’s restaurant might just leave you with more than just a full stomach.
9. The Inn at Little Washington (Virginia)
Known for its upscale dining and beautiful setting, The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia hides a dark secret that’s not often shared with guests. The restaurant is located in a picturesque historic building that once served as a home for an infamous family involved in a string of mysterious disappearances. Locals believe that the spirits of those lost in the early 1900s still roam the area, particularly in the restaurant’s lower levels. Diners have reported hearing voices that seem to come from nowhere, accompanied by sudden drops in temperature.
Though the food is extraordinary and the service impeccable, many claim that something more unsettling is at play here. The inn’s dark history doesn’t just add to its allure—it seems to permeate the very walls of the restaurant. Some have claimed to see figures walking through the dining area, only to vanish when they’re approached. A visit here might leave you pondering whether the haunting is part of the experience or something more sinister.
10. The Greenbrier Restaurant (Gatlinburg)
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg is renowned for its upscale dining and historic charm. However, beneath its rustic exterior lies a tale of tragedy and lingering spirits. In the 1930s, a young woman named Lydia, heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, tragically took her own life at the lodge. Today, patrons and staff alike report eerie occurrences, particularly near the second-floor landing where Lydia’s life ended.
Guests have described sensing a cold presence, hearing unexplained footsteps, and even witnessing flickering lights in the dining area. The Greenbrier’s haunted reputation has attracted paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters, with investigations revealing photographic anomalies and unexplained electronic voice phenomena. Despite its spectral residents, the restaurant continues to offer a memorable dining experience, blending Southern cuisine with a touch of the supernatural.
11. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Kentucky)
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium, now home to a restaurant, is infamous for its dark and disturbing past. This former tuberculosis hospital, built in the early 20th century, was the site of many deaths, and it’s rumored that the spirits of those who perished there still haunt the building. The restaurant, located on the premises, is a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts, who seek out the eerie energy that lingers in the air. Guests often report hearing disembodied voices and seeing strange figures out of the corner of their eye.
Though the Waverly Hills restaurant offers a lovely meal, the surrounding history of suffering and death casts a long shadow over the experience. Many diners say that the atmosphere is thick with the energy of those who never left. Some have claimed to feel cold hands brushing against them or experience inexplicable movements of objects. Dining here means stepping into a location where the past is very much alive—or perhaps, still very much dead.
12. The Old Spaghetti Factory (California)
The Old Spaghetti Factory in San Diego is a favorite for families, but it’s not without its chilling past. Located in a former warehouse, this Italian restaurant sits on land that was once the site of a gruesome murder. The story goes that a wealthy businessman was killed in the building, and his ghost is said to haunt the space. Patrons dining in the restaurant have reported hearing footsteps and even seeing the figure of a man dressed in old-fashioned clothing.
Despite its cheerful ambiance and delicious dishes, the restaurant carries an unsettling atmosphere for those who are sensitive to the paranormal. The eerie sightings and strange occurrences have earned it a reputation as one of the more haunted dining spots in the city. Whether it’s the energy from the tragic event or the ghost of the businessman himself, diners can’t help but feel that there’s more lurking behind the charming décor. It’s a reminder that even the most family-friendly places can hide dark secrets.
13. The St. James Hotel (New Mexico)
The St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, is a historic spot with a history full of intrigue and death. During its early years, it was a haven for outlaws and gamblers, and many of them didn’t make it out alive. The hotel’s restaurant, known for its Old West atmosphere, is built on a site with many untold stories, including multiple murders. Guests have claimed to encounter ghostly figures and hear unexplained sounds, particularly near the bar area, which is rumored to be the site of several violent deaths.
The combination of rich history and a haunted atmosphere gives the St. James Hotel its unique character. Some say they’ve heard the ghostly voices of former patrons or seen shadows move across the room. While the food is praised for its authenticity, it’s the unsettling energy that makes this spot so memorable. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the St. James Hotel offers a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary.
14. The Stone House (Ohio)
Located in the heart of Ohio, The Stone House is an elegant spot with a history that dates back to the 1800s. Though the charming exterior invites guests to enjoy a hearty meal, there’s something much darker beneath the surface. The restaurant was built on land that was once home to a violent massacre, and locals believe the spirits of the victims still linger. Over the years, there have been countless reports of unexplained noises, strange shadows, and even objects moving on their own.
The restaurant’s quiet, historic setting adds an aura of mystery, especially when you learn about the violent past that shaped the land. Patrons often speak of feeling a cold breeze or hearing footsteps when there’s no one around. Some even claim to have witnessed figures standing in the dining room, only to vanish when approached. The Stone House is a place where history and haunting go hand in hand, making it an unforgettable experience.
15. The Black Swan Inn (Texas)
The Black Swan Inn in Texas has become known for its breathtaking views and exceptional service, but it’s also famous for its paranormal activity. Built in the late 1800s, the restaurant sits on land that was once the site of a violent civil war battle. The spirits of fallen soldiers are said to haunt the building, and many diners have reported hearing the sounds of clanking swords or distant cries. The eerie atmosphere is heightened by the inn’s quiet, secluded location, far from the bustle of the city.
Guests who have dined at The Black Swan Inn often speak of strange occurrences, including flickering lights and the sudden feeling of being watched. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures standing in the corners or felt cold gusts of wind in otherwise still areas. Despite its haunted reputation, the inn remains a popular spot for those seeking a meal with a touch of the supernatural. It’s a place where the spirits of the past seem to join you for dinner.
