America’s Oldest and Most Haunted Bars: Where History Meets the Supernatural
The White Horse Tavern (1673)
Established in 1673 in Newport, Rhode Island, the White Horse Tavern is widely regarded as the oldest operating bar in the United States. This colonial-era gem once served as a gathering spot for merchants, sailors, and even pirates, and its rich history has led to numerous ghost stories. The most persistent legend involves a spectral elderly gentleman believed to be a former boarder who died unexpectedly in an upstairs room during the late 17th or early 18th century. Patrons and staff report sightings of a shadowy figure in colonial attire near the fireplace or on the upper floors, along with sudden chills, unexplained footsteps, and a melancholic presence that lingers in the historic building’s dimly lit corners. Location: 26 Marlborough St, Newport, RI Website: www.whitehorsetavern.us
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (circa 1772)
Nestled on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest structures used as a bar in America, dating back to the 1770s. Originally a front for pirate Jean Lafitte’s smuggling operations, this candlelit piano bar preserves its eerie, old-world charm. Many believe Lafitte’s spirit remains, with sightings of a tall, commanding figure in period attire near the fireplace—often vanishing when approached. Visitors report glowing red eyes in the grate, whispers, flickering candles, and a heavy presence, attributed to the pirate guarding his former domain. Additional spirits, possibly from the building’s secretive past, add to the paranormal allure. Location: 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA Website: www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com
Shaker’s Cigar Bar (1894 building, speakeasy era 1920s)
Shaker’s Cigar Bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, embraces its reputation as one of America’s most haunted bars, with a dark history as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, brothel, and cooperage tied to Schlitz Brewing. Prominent spirits include Elizabeth, a young girl whose tragic death haunts the bathroom with faucets turning on independently and mirror apparitions, and Molly, a brothel worker brutally murdered in the penthouse—her presence marked by footsteps, cries, and shadowy figures. The building, reportedly over an old cemetery, buzzes with activity like moving objects and cold spots. Owner-led ghost tours delve into these tales, inviting visitors to experience the lingering energy. Location: 422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI Website: www.shakerscigarbar.com
Captain Tony’s Saloon (1851 building, saloon since 1930s)
Built on the site of Key West’s former morgue, Captain Tony’s Saloon in Florida features a notorious “hanging tree” growing through the bar—once used for executions—and graves beneath the floor, including that of “Lady in Blue” Elvira, hanged for murder. Patrons report eerie sensations, locked bathroom doors, and sightings of her ghostly figure. The bar’s macabre decor, including human remains discovered during renovations, amplifies its haunted vibe in this pirate-filled paradise. Location: 428 Greene St, Key West, FL Website: www.capttonyssaloon.com
Pioneer Saloon (1913)
In the near-ghost town of Goodsprings, Nevada, the Pioneer Saloon is a Wild West classic with bullet holes in the walls from a 1915 cheating-at-cards shooting that killed miner Paul Coski—his spirit is said to linger near the poker tables. Additional hauntings include an old miner in crumpled attire and cries in the restroom, drawing paranormal enthusiasts to this historic spot featured in films and games. Location: 310 W Spring St, Goodsprings, NV Website: www.pioneersaloon.info
Ear Inn(early 1800’s) – The Ear Inn has been serving drinks since the early nineteenth century and is considered on of New York City’s oldest bars. Because of its location next to the Hudson River, the inn was frequented by sailors, merchants, pirates, and many of the city’s undesirables. The building was also reportedly used as a brothel during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when it was also a speakeasy. 326 Spring St. New York, NY Website: www.earinn.com
The Menger Bar(1859) – This bar is located in the Menger Hotel. This hotel is often called the “most haunted hotel in Texas.” There are said to be thirty-two different entities roaming the bar, hotel, and restaurant. Some of them, like the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt, are said to be good-natured and friendly. 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas Website: www.mengerhotel.com
Whitehorse Tavern(1673) – The oldest bar in the United States, of course, has some ghost stories to tell. The Whitehorse Tavern was opened in the Rhode Island Colony in 1673, making it the oldest bar in the country. Walking alone in the building feels a bit creepy, especially when one knows at any time they might see one of the spirits wandering around. One of the ghosts is an elderly gentleman who died while renting a room upstairs in the early years of the Whitehorse. 26 Marlborough St., Newport, RI. This tavern is the oldest on our most haunted bars list. Website: www.whitehorsetavern.us
Simon’s Tavern(Legally opened in 1934) – Located in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood this cafe, turned speakeasy, turned legitimate bar, has quite a few ghost stories to share. This bar has it all, including a love triangle complete with shunned lovers, a horrible car accident, and an expensive and extensive family cover-up. Stop by the bar, ask for Scott and request the nickel tour, then watch and listen as he tells you about the bar’s haunted happenings—guaranteed to be a chilling experience. Finish it off with a few drinks at the bar and if you’re lucky, a ghost or two may join you. 520 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL
Bridge Café(1794) – This cafe originally opened as a grocery and porterhouse, the Bridge Café is one of New York City’s oldest bars. Throughout its colorful past it has been a pirate haven, brothel, and speakeasy, and today’s paranormal activity reflects its notorious history. From random footsteps on the second floor, unexplained scents of lavender (the perfume of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prostitutes), malfunctioning electronics, and unexplained late-night parties, the Bridge Café is sure to please those in search of paranormal activity. Hopefully will reopen soon after Hurricane Sandy put the bar underwater. 279 Water St. New York, NY. Website: www.bridgecafenyc.com
The Tavern(1916) – During Prohibition, this Austin favorite was a grocery store by day and upscale bar, casino, and brothel by night—and some of the patrons refuse to leave. Numerous staff members and visitors at The Tavern report having seen a young lady dressed in early-twentieth-century garb, accompanied by her daughter while wandering the halls or looking out windows. The ghosts are thought to be Emily, a former prostitute, and her young daughter, who were supposedly killed accidentally during a fight between patrons. 922 West 12th Street, Austin, TX Website: http://www.tavernaustin.com
Tiger’s Tap Room(1919) – The Hotel Congress and Tiger’s Tap Room have played host to some of history’s most nefarious characters: John Dillinger’s gang stayed here, and Wyatt Earp shot and killed Frank Stilwell right across the street. But to really experience the hotel’s late-night spiritual activities, spend the night in room 242, where a hotel guest took her own life; if you examine the closet you can still see the bullet hole. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona Website: hotelcongress.com
Arnaud’s(1918) – This New Orleans bar and restaurant is located right next to the world-famous Bourbon Street, right in the middle of some of America’s most active spirit haunts. New Orleans has the most haunted bars in Lousianna. Today, Arnaud’s is haunted by a wide variety of ghosts, including those believed to be spirits of opium fiends, apparitions of gentlemen enjoying a late night at the bar, and even Arnaud himself appearing at random to look in on his legacy. 813 Bienville Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Website: www.arnaudsrestaurant.com
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