Tucked inside Toledo, Ohio’s oldest downtown building, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. isn’t just pouring award-winning craft beer—it’s serving up history, hauntings, and hearty meals in the legendary Oliver House. Since opening its doors in 1995, this brewpub has become a local icon, famous for reviving Buckeye Beer and brewing small-batch ales, lagers, porters, and stouts. But there’s more bubbling beneath the surface: ghosts who love a good pint as much as the living. Ready for a spooky sip? Let’s dive in.
A Building Built on Bones (and Bold Dreams)
The Oliver House was born in the 1850s as a high-class hotel, the passion project of a sea captain who spared no expense to impress Toledo’s elite. Fast-forward to 1965: a construction crew accidentally dug up the grave of a Native American warrior chief. They simply reburied the remains and kept building. Decades later, during the 1990s renovation, the bones surfaced again. This time, local Native leaders performed a sage and tobacco ceremony to honor and calm the spirit. The building? It’s also situated on a Native American burial ground—setting the stage for some seriously restless energy.
From Battlefield to Brewpub: A Dark Past
During the Spanish-American War (1898), wounded soldiers arrived by train. The second floor became a makeshift hospital, while the basement likely served as a morgue. Then came the Great Depression, when the once-grand hotel hit rock bottom, operating as a flop house filled with desperation, fights, and—rumor has it—murder. With trauma layered like sediment in a fermenter, it’s no wonder the Oliver House is one of Toledo’s most haunted spots.
Meet the Ghosts: They’re Friendly (Mostly)
The spirits here aren’t angry—they’re active, especially since the 1990s restoration brought new life (and noise) to their home.
The Captain: The building’s original owner, a jovial, beer-loving ghost in full uniform. He’s thrilled with the brewpub makeover and often hangs out in the Private Dining Room (the former lobby). Guests report creaking floorboards, doors opening/closing on their own, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. Down in the basement Pool Room, he’s been seen cheering on games like a spectral sports fan.
The Lady in Green: A stylish specter in a long emerald gown from the late 1800s or early 1900s. She loves gliding down the second-floor staircase, giving delivery workers the scare of their lives.
The Soldier: Heavy bootsteps echo behind late-night workers climbing the stairs—pausing when you pause, resuming when you move. A 1990s bricklayer once sprinted to his room after being “followed.” Just a ghostly prank? Probably.
Basement Energy: Psychic Chris Woodward sensed intense, unhappy vibes from past traumas—Native spirits, fallen soldiers, and flop-house despair. Even the owner’s daughter heard a cheerful disembodied voice call her name from the unfinished pool room below.
Craft Beer with a Side of Courage
Maumee Bay Brewing Co. brews its magic across the street in the Warehouse District, blending rich history with modern innovation. Best known for Toledo’s own Buckeye Beer, the team constantly experiments with balanced, drinkable recipes. Inside the Oliver House, you’ll find:
Maumee Bay Brew Pub – casual pub fare and ghost stories
Rockwell’s Steakhouse – voted Toledo’s best steak
Rockwell’s Lounge, The Café, and Mutz Sports Bar – options for every mood
Pair a hoppy IPA with a steak, or sip a smooth porter while waiting for a door to slam shut. Pro tip: Ask your server about “the Captain’s table”—and don’t leave your pint unattended.
Visit the Haunted Heart of Toledo
Whether you’re a craft beer lover, paranormal enthusiast, or just hungry for the best steak in town, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. delivers. Bring your appetite, your courage, and maybe an EMF reader. The ghosts are friendly—and they love a full house.
Maumee Bay Brewing Company
27 Broadway St
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Phone: (419) 243-1302
Website: www.mbaybrew.com
