New York City, a vibrant tapestry woven from the fabric of history, culture, and culinary ecstasy, holds secrets in its shadows. Beneath the glistening storefronts and the aroma of gourmet delights lies an undercurrent of eeriness—an echo of spirits that refuse to fade away. For those who revel in the thrill of a haunted experience while savoring exquisite cuisine, the following 10 haunted restaurants offer a deliciously chilling dining adventure.
1. The Ear Inn
Address: 326 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 989-3921
Website: earinn.com
Hark! In the tender embrace of Greenwich Village stands The Ear Inn, a monument erected in 1817. Known for its historic allure, it shelters the apparition of an early 19th-century mariner, often dubbed “the spirit of the sailor.” Guests sometimes encounter the presence of this ghost, alongside the creamy, delectable beers on draft, crafting an ambiance where the past and present converge like whispers in an ancient tome.
2. The White Horse Tavern
Address: 567 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 243-3026
Website: whitehorsetavern.com
Residing in an unassuming corner of the West Village, The White Horse Tavern has a history steeped in both literary brilliance and restless spirits. Once frequented by the likes of Dylan Thomas, this establishment is reputed to house the ghost of the famed poet himself. Patrons can sip on classic ales while pondering the words of the departed, as whispers of brilliance blend seamlessly with the pub’s warm wooden decor.
3. McSorley’s Old Ale House
Address: 15 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 473-9148
Website: mcsorleysoldalehouse.com
As one of the oldest bars in New York City, McSorley’s Old Ale House is a veritable time capsule of distilled history. Its walls, adorned with the ephemera of yesteryears, are said to be haunted by former patrons who give patrons an otherworldly experience. The faint laughter and chatter of bygone nights mingles with the rich flavor of their house brews, making each visit feel like a foray into a hundred year-old narrative of camaraderie.
4. The Cannibal Lodge
Address: 119 East 27th Street, New York, NY 10016
Contact: (212) 686-6565
Website: thecanniballodge.com
Famed for its artisanal charcuterie and carnivorous delights, The Cannibal Lodge sits atop a labyrinth of history. Whispers of apparitions lurk around its rustic beams, perhaps remnants of the late 19th-century butcher shop that once stood in its place. This establishment invites thrill-seekers to delve into hearty fare while tracing the paths less trodden within its haunted walls.
5. The Olde Good Things
Address: 2 East 3rd Street, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 607-2900
Website: oldegoodthings.com
To dine at The Olde Good Things is to step into a living museum, where the furnishings are as storied as the spirits that share the air. Once a speakeasy, the space crackles with energy from decades past. Patrons are likely to see fleeting apparitions, just as they savor dishes steeped in nostalgia and revelation, a seamless merging of the physical and ethereal.
6. The Lotos Club
Address: 8 East 66th Street, New York, NY 10065
Contact: (212) 627-1975
Website: lotosclub.org
The Lotos Club, an exclusive haven for the literary elite, carries with it the weight of fame and the stirrings of the past. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the club has been home to many literary figures. Guests frequently report sensing the presence of long-gone wordsmiths, as they partake in sumptuous meals that echo with the poetry of the ages.
7. Fraunces Tavern
Address: 54 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10004
Contact: (212) 968-1776
Website: frauncestavern.com
A cornerstone of American history, Fraunces Tavern dates back to 1762 and has played host to George Washington himself. Its walls are saturated with tales of revolution, so it’s no wonder the specters of historic figures roam freely. Diners can enjoy hearty fare while enveloped in the ambiance of hauntings—where spirit and sustenance coalesce into an unforgettable experience.
8. The Spotted Pig
Address: 314 West 11th Street, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 620-0393
Website: spottedpig.com
This gastropub beckons with its alluring charm from the heart of the West Village. Renowned for its unpretentious comfort food, The Spotted Pig carries whispers of clandestine meetings and might have a few mischievous phantoms of its own. As guests munch on delectable burgers and sip on artisanal brews, the air thrums with stories waiting to be told.
9. Keens Steakhouse
Address: 72 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018
Contact: (212) 947-3636
Website: keenssteakhouse.com
With a legacy extending over a century, Keens Steakhouse is a hallowed ground for steak lovers, yet it is also a sanctuary for spirits of famous clientele. The ambiance is enriched with the presence of its famed patrons from the past, making every bite of succulent meat imbued with the essence of history. A chorus of whispers fills the air, as diners dive into the heartiness of an unforgettable meal.
10. Peter Luger Steak House
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 387-7400
Website: peterluger.com
In the heart of Brooklyn, Peter Luger Steak House is a veritable shrine to carnivorous delight. The allure of its perfectly aged steaks is matched only by the legends of specters that wander its halls. As diners bask in the flavors that rival culinary genius, sparks of the past create an ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era, infusing each meal with a touch of the ethereal.
These 10 haunted restaurants in New York offer more than just meals; they present an opportunity to dine with the past, inviting the curious souls into a rich tapestry of gastronomy and ghost stories. As forks clink and laughter echoes, one can’t help but feel an intermingling of warmth and spookiness, a delightful reminder that even in the most ordinary of meals, the extraordinary often lurks just within reach.
