The World's 17 Scariest Haunted Restaurants Slideshow
If you like a little intrigue with your dinner, make a reservation to dine in one of the world's haunted restaurants to get your spooky fix. While the United States is full of restaurants where owners and patrons routinely report some paranormal activity, dining establishments, pubs, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts around the globe have also been known for many ghost sightings.
Along the coast in the English town of South Shields is a cave bar, restaurant, and pub that is reportedly haunted by smugglers who inhabited the cave many years ago; diners have reported spotting flying ashtrays while sipping on a pint. Similarly, at Casey Moore's Oyster House in Tempe, Arizona, seeing is believing. Patrons, employees, and guests have said that at the 4 a.m. witching hour they've witnessed a couple dancing in the top part of the restaurant with a glow emanating from the stairs.
At one of New York's most romantic restaurants, One If by Land, Two If by Sea, employees and managers have gone on record with their haunting experiences. Many have reported seeing machinery turn on and off inexplicably and picture frames and furniture out of place, and some employees have even attempted to serve food to the apparitions. And another New York favorite, The Bridge Café, is not to be outdone with ghostly visitors.
Asia is no stranger to paranormal experiences, either. A haunting tale from the Buma Inn in Beijing tells the story of a man who was poisoned by the hotel's chef, who later stabbed himself. If you're not a believer in those tortured spirits coming back to haunt us, perhaps a trip to one of these culinary landmarks may change your mind. Click through our slideshow to learn more about the 14 scariest restaurants around the world — if you dare!
The Savoy Grill, Kansas City, Mo.
The Savoy Grill is located inside the Savoy Hotel, which is said to be the oldest continuously operating hotel in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River. It is rumored to be haunted, as Betsy Ward died in room 505 of the hotel in the late 1880s. The legend has it that she committed suicide in the bathtub, but that was never confirmed. Today, guests and staff have reported hearing voices as well as seeing and hearing doors slam right near room 505.
Casey Moore's Oyster House, Tempe, Ariz.
This Tempe, Arizona, pub is known for its late-night ghostly drive-bys. Patrons have reported seeing couples dancing in the upstairs room, hearing suspicious noises, and seeing a glow coming from upstairs. Diners have also said they've seen forks flying mysteriously through the air at the local pub.
Stone's Public House, Ashland, Mass.
Stone's Public House, in the heart of New England, may be known for its shepherd's pie and fish and chips — but it's also known for its nighttime visitors. The pub, which was constructed in 1834 by John Stone (it was called the Railroad House at the time), has been sniffed out as a hotbed of spirits by psychics over the years. Current assistant manager Butch Adams said he won't stay alone in the inn at night. He explained that once, "for no apparent reason," a handful of birdseed fell through holes in the ceiling, rattling to the floor where he was working.
The Captain's Anchorage, Big Bear Lake, Calif.
This fine dining establishment was known as an illegal gambling locale in the '50s and '60s. A bookkeeper for the illegal activity named George, who was apparently embezzling money from unwitting clients, either committed suicide or was murdered in the restaurant. According to the restaurant's website, many employees have reported seeing ghosts on several different occasions, only furthering the legend that it remains haunted.
One If by Land, Two If by Sea, New York City
Known as one of the most romantic restaurants in all of New York, One If by Land, Two If by Sea is also loved by those who are no longer with us. General manager Rosanne Martino reported: "I've had experiences. Inexplicable experiences. I've been here for eight years and I have seen a lot." The staff has also gone on record saying picture frames have been tilted, machinery has been turned on and off on its own, and a plethora of other spooky happenings have occurred around the restaurant.
The Bridge Cafe, New York City
Also known for being one of the more historic, charming restaurants in New York, The Bridge Café also has a bit of paranormal activity. The restaurant is known for its racy past filled with prostitution, as it was once a brothel. Today, people have reported strange smells along with footsteps. The restaurant has been investigated by Staten Island's Eastern Paranormal Investigation Center, to boot.
Baker Peters Jazz Club, Knoxville, Tenn
Ann Bowen, general manager for Baker Peters Jazz Club, has seen glassware fall off tables and lights switch on and off frequently in the restaurant, but has never seen a ghost herself. As legend has it, a Civil War-era doctor, James Harvey Baker, was shot and killed inside his home, which today is the location of the jazz club. Others have reported hearing whispers in the halls as well as experiencing chills while dining.
Buma Inn, Beijing
The Buma Inn in Beijing is believed to be haunted by a man who was thought to be poisoned by the head chef in the restaurant. The chef later stabbed himself, and now guests who have had paranormal experiences believe the diner is coming back to haunt the inn and look for the chef who killed him.
Legal Tender Saloon & Restaurant, Lamy, N.M.
Located inside the Lamy Railroad and History Museum, this restaurant/bar has been known to be haunted for years. The building was built in 1881 and was home to a general store before becoming a bar and eventually a restaurant. Legend has it that the establishment is haunted by a lady in a white gown and a little girl who have been spotted in various rooms in the saloon.
Arnaud's, New Orleans
New Orleans as a city is no stranger to inexplicable sightings and hauntings alike. Arnaud's is a New Orleans institution that was founded by a French wine salesman named Arnaud Cazenave. The original owner is said to be haunting the establishment, watching over its staff to make sure they continue to provide top-notch service to its customers.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Concord, N.H.
The staff at this local Mexican joint in Concord, New Hampshire, wholeheartedly believes the restaurant is haunted. The décor is quite shocking, as tables are placed inside old jail cells where guests can enjoy their meal. This one-time jail is known for sightings of magically floating silverware and place settings and employees have said they've heard voices.
Marsden Grotto Restaurant, South Shields, England
This English pub, located on the South Shields coast, is one of the few "cave bars" in England. The rumored haunting involves a smuggler known as "John the Jibber," who is said to haunt the Grotto after he was murdered by other smugglers. Restaurant guests have claimed to have seen ashtrays inexplicably flying into and smashing against walls.
Poogan's Porch, Charleston, S.C.
This true culinary destination that serves up authentic Low Country cuisine has been making waves not only for its food, but also its history. The ghost of Zoe St. Armand is rumored to be haunting the space and can often be seen dressed in black. "Occasionally you can see her looking for her sister in the front dining room," general manager Terell Ham has said.
Muriel’s, New Orleans
The New Orleans Jackson Square haunt Muriel's leaves one table open every night for their resident ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, a long-ago owner of the property. In 1814, Jourdan lost his house in a poker game. Devastated, Jourdan committed suicide on the second floor. His ghost can be heard knocking on walls in the restaurant's upstairs Séance Lounge. Staff has also claimed that glasses have mysteriously flown off shelves and shattered against walls.
Brennan’s, New Orleans
Brennan's in New Orleans is famous for two things: 1) Their bananas foster and 2) The ghost of Chef Paul Blangé. The chef was so attached to the restaurant that even though he was buried with the restaurant's menu and knife and fork across his chest, he never actually left. His ghost bangs pots and pans to signal the end of the night's shift. Funnily enough, the ghost of Brennan's sommelier Herman Funk signals his selections to servers by clinking the bottles.
Catfish Plantation, Waxahachie, Texas
This Cajun restaurant is said to be "the most haunted restaurant in Texas." Located inside of a Victorian house, the kitchen is haunted by the ghost of a former resident named Caroline. Catfish Plantation's owners reported odd occurrences like coffee brewing and teacups stacked in the middle of the floor even though no one had keys to the restaurant but them. Other patrons have witnessed seeing what looks like a bride standing by the window.
Nottingham Road Hotel, Restaurant & Pub, Nottingham Road, South Africa
This rugby pub hangout has a warm and inviting spirit during the day, but a more elusive air in the evenings. As legend has it, a woman named Charlotte was involved with a soldier and met her ultimate demise at the hotel. Today, hotel guests and dining patrons have reported seeing her as a translucent apparition.
Haunted by your desire to travel? Take a road trip and check out the most haunted place in every state.