Taverns have a long history in the United States, dating back to colonial times. For centuries, they’ve provided places for people to enjoy a meal, socialize and discuss business over a few drinks, and often find a place to rest for the night. Some of those early taverns are still around, and according to many modern-day patrons, so are some of the characters who used to grace their halls. In fact, several of those taverns are now considered some of the most haunted restaurants in the U.S.
Across the country, there are numerous historic taverns where people often report ghostly sightings. These include colonial inns where revolutionary soldiers hashed out battle plans, Wild West saloons once popular with gunslinging outlaws, and bars where pirates were known to gather. If you don’t mind the possibility of an otherworldly presence lingering nearby, these old-school taverns are known for more than just their food and drinks.
1. White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island
There are plenty of historic restaurants in Rhode Island, but none is more storied than the White Horse Tavern. It was originally built in 1652 as a private residence and converted into a tavern in 1673, making it the oldest restaurant in the United States. Today, it serves up contemporary American fare, fine wines, and the occasional apparition.
One of the most common ghostly sightings at the White Horse Tavern is a man dressed in colonial garb. Many believe he’s a former lodger who died in the tavern. Others have reported seeing the late poet Dylan Thomas, who spent the last night before he died there. In addition, some say they’ve caught glimpses of a ghostly woman in the dining room and heard disembodied footsteps and a young girl crying…