12 Haunted Bars Where You Can Sip Your Spirits Among Spirits

These watering holes have some unusual regulars.

by Sam O'Brien, Gastro Obscura Senior Editor

12 Places

Some barflies linger long after closing time. Whether it’s a Guinness-sipping ghost in a pub beside a cemetery or the spirit of a madam in a former brothel, taverns and saloons can be hotbeds of paranormal activity. Head to these 10 haunts, grab a cocktail, and listen for the whispers of patrons past.

Goodsprings, Nevada

Pioneer Saloon

Clark Gable drowned his sorrows here while awaiting news of his wife's fate after a plane crash. Carole Lombard died that day, but some say her spirit still makes appearances to console her beloved.

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Dublin, Ireland

John Kavanagh ('The Gravediggers')

It's only fitting that this cemetery-adjacent pub has been known to attract the ghosts of those buried next door.

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Tombstone, Arizona

The Bird Cage Theater

According to the owners, 26 ghosts still love to party at this historic saloon.

Memphis, Tennessee

Earnestine & Hazel's

Once a hangout for legendary musicians, this bar is now known for a potentially possessed jukebox and the murmurs of spirits upstairs.

Skagway, Alaska

Red Onion Saloon

The smell of perfume and a sudden chill are the telltale signs of Lydia the madam haunting this former brothel.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

Séance Room at Muriel's Jackson Square

This restaurant and bar always reserves a table, complete with bread and wine, for its resident ghost.

Laura Zazueta

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New York, New York

Ear Inn

A ghost named Mickey is the last remnant of this historic tavern's days as a den of vice for sailors.

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Newport, Rhode Island

The White Horse Tavern

The oldest, still-operating tavern in the United States is said to have a ghostly regular who lurks just to the right of its fireplace.

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Lowell, Massachusetts

Worthen House Cafe

This bar already earns macabre street cred for serving Edgar Allan Poe, but now also boasts a friendly ghost named Matthew.

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Avebury, England

The Red Lion

Encircled by a strange collection of ancient stones, this 17th-century pub has been visited by more than a few apparitions.

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Savannah, Georgia

The Pirates' House

This kitschy tavern is also home to rare early editions of "Treasure Island."

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Shaker's Cigar Bar

Once a speakeasy operated by Al Capone, this Milwaukee cigar bar is now a haven for ghost hunters.

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