The Haunted Hamburger in Jerome, Arizona, began as a regular restaurant until the owners experienced strange paranormal activities.
Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock
Haunted restaurants offer a unique dining experience.
Yelp identified some of the most haunted restaurants in the US based on customer reviews.
Its list includes historic mansions turned restaurants, burger joints, and deserted taverns.
If you're looking for a distinct dining experience this Halloween, these haunted restaurants, with their spooky histories, serve some delectable dishes with a side of terror.
From supernatural sightings to encounters with spirits, each place on this list curated by Yelp has a long-standing reputation for being haunted. Several lean into their haunted histories to attract thrill-seeking audiences.
Haunted attractions contribute roughly $300 million annually to the US economy, according to industry group America Haunts. While commercial haunted houses and ghost tours drive much of this, restaurants are finding ways to tap into paranormal tourism by turning their old tales into marketing material. People's interest in supernatural experiences appears to be growing, according to Yelp's data, which shows a 91% surge in searches for "haunted restaurants" this September compared to last year.
To help diners find the most haunted restaurants in the US, Yelp identified businesses with high ratings and comments featuring ghost sightings.
Here are 10 of the most haunted restaurants in the US, according to Yelp.
1. The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn in St. Louis
The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn in Missouri was the sight of multiple deaths.
Marty P./Yelp
Backstory: Considered among the most haunted places in America, this Victorian mansion turned inn and restaurant has a tragic, eerie past.
The story goes that three members of the wealthy Lemp family — whose patriarch, Johann Adam Lemp, founded the Lemp Brewery in 1840 — died by suicide, with two of the deaths taking place in the mansion. The first was the suicide of Lemp's son, William Lemp Sr., who took his life while mourning his own son, who'd died of heart failure.
In the 1970s, the home was converted to an inn and restaurant but soon became more popular for its supernatural sightings and troubling past. These days, visitors can take one of the many haunted history tours of the inn, grab a bite at the eatery next door, or spend a night in one of the four suites on-site.
What customers say: "After a hellish day at work, I knew exactly where I needed to be: the Lemp Mansion for a much-needed cocktail. My go-to? The Lavender Lady, of course…The drinks at Lemp Mansion are always on point, and the atmosphere? Given the mansion's haunted past, it's like sipping on history with a dash of mystery. The charm and cocktails never fail to lift my spirits… " wrote Yelp user Sierra T.
Poogan's Porch in Charleston is said to be haunted by a dog and other spirits.
Poogan's Porch/Yelp
Backstory: On the outside, this butter-yellow home exudes Victorian-era charm. However, step inside, and you may just feel a furry body brushing past your legs while you wait for your order.
The story goes that the ghost of a dog named Poogan, who showed up at this home while the owners were renovating, has haunted the property since his death in 1979. Some people have also had eerie experiences with a former schoolteacher's ghost named Zoe, who used to live here until her death in 1954.
These days, the building is a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a taste of classic Southern cuisine.
What customers say: "Poogans Porch was one of our brunch stops on our trip to Charleston, and I highly recommend eating here and see if you can get a reservation on the second floor porch. Fun fact, this location is haunted, and I learned about the haunts on a ghost tour I took later that evening. Be careful about the haunted womens bathroom! The food was great…"wrote Yelp user Alex H.
But look further, and you'll quickly learn it has a bloody past. Per local legends, a former boxer and miner named Paul Coski was shot dead here by a fellow miner who caught Coski cheating at poker. Today, people visiting the saloon can see the bullet holes.
Since his death, Coski is said to have haunted this Western tavern by tossing around glasses and making a disconnected phone ring.
In addition to its fascinating history though, the bar is also famous for its whimsical menu, which features dishes such as the world-famous ghost burger and haunt dog.
What customers say: "Pioneer Saloon is a landmark in the area. The Saloon is a biker hotspot and is well known for live musical entertainment. The Saloon is also known to be haunted and features a haunted lockdown tour for those not of the faint of heart. Make sure you check the calendar on the Saloons website for special events," wrote Yelp user Jack X.
Muriel's Jackson Square has been part of several paranormal investigations. Many people have reported witnessing supernatural sightings at the Seance lounges on the second floor.
Muriel's Jackson Square/Yelp
Backstory: Originally built by a French-Canadian explorer, Claude Trepagnier, this home-turned-restaurant has since had many owners. However, the troubling tales associated with it only began in 1788, when a fire burned a portion of the mansion, per the restaurant.
While many scary stories are associated with this French Quarter haunt, one that's widely quoted is about the building's former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who, in a gambling contest, reportedly lost his property and then killed himself.
These days, diners can reserve a spot at Jourdan's personal table or, if that's too eerie, opt for courtyard seating.
What customers say: "Incredible experience - the food was delicious - one of the top meals I had in NOLA. Service was friendly, fun and attentive. After dinner, we went upstairs to sit in one of the 'haunted' and super comfy lounges. There is also a fantastic balcony where you can sit after dinner and have a drink. Overall a fantastic night. I would highly recommend," wrote Yelp user Steve P.
In 1962, The Pirates House was undergoing a transformation when workers stumbled upon a mysterious brick chamber, pictured here, underneath it.
Jenelle S./Yelp.
Backstory: Located a block from the Savannah River, this restaurant was built in 1753 as an inn and tavern for sailors passing through the town.
According to local legends, pirates would smuggle gold, rum, and even human beings through tunnels built under buildings. Many visitors have reported hearing disturbing voices and the creepy creak of pirates' boots on the wooden floors.
Despite its spooky reputation, though, it's much loved by customers for its Southern dishes, including the crab soup and honey pecan fried chicken.
What customers say: "This was part of a Haunted Trolley tour and dinner stop. We didn't get to look at the whole menu but rather a limited one. Having said that it was still a very nice meal. As part of our tour we got to go down to the Old Rum cellar. Didn't see any spirits floating by but it was still interesting to listen to the tales," wrote Yelp user CM S.
The Oxford Saloon in Snohomish has been the site of many paranormal investigations.
The Oxford Saloon/Yelp.
Backstory: These days, the Oxford Saloon is known for its live music performances and a selection of burgers. But beyond the food and entertainment, it also has a spooky past.
Guests say three distinct ghosts roam the saloon: a madam who died in a bathtub in the saloon, a young prostitute with a broken neck in the closets, and a cop who doubled up as a bouncer but was eventually stabbed to death while breaking up a fight.
What customers say: "Live music, fun bartenders, tasty food, and it's haunted. What more could you want from a small town bar? One of the only places that there's regular dancing at, so it's a go-to for us,"wrote Yelp user Whitney C.
At Turner's Seafood in Salem, guests are served various delicacies with a spooky history.
Marcus L./Yelp.
Backstory: Once an apple orchard, this seafood joint was likely the property of tavern keeper Bridget Bishop. Bishop was among the first people to get the death penalty for witchcraft during the Salem witch trials in 1692.
In the past, diners have described experiencing paranormal exchanges from cold spots and flickering lights to seeing a woman dressed in white or red.
In addition to its haunted past, though, the joint, which was once known as The Lyceum Hall, is also prominent historically since Alexander Graham Bell made his first public telephone call here in 1877, per Destination Salem.
Despite the troubling tales, the restaurant now serves a menu stacked with classic New England dishes like lobster bisque and clam chowder.
What customers say: "Turner's Seafood in Salem, MA is a must-visit for seafood lovers! The East Coast oysters were incredibly fresh, briny, and just the right amount of sweet--some of the best I've ever had...I later found out the restaurant is haunted by a lady in a blue dress, which added a unique and fun twist for a paranormal enthusiast like myself," wrote Yelp user Rachel W.
The restaurant reportedly began as a regular burger joint but switched its name after some haunted encounters.
Dan E./Yelp.
Backstory: When owners of this burger joint began renovating it in 1990, they experienced a series of strange occurrences, including the disappearance and reappearance of hammers used on-site.
Later, a former owner warned them to watch out for their hammers, confirming some of their suspicions. In addition, visitors have reported doors getting slammed, cans flying off shelves, and the outline of a woman mysteriously appearing in some photographs.
These stories and their own personal experiences prompted the owners to revise the joint's name to Haunted Hamburgers. But a good dose of spook isn't the only thing being served at this joint; it also features 14 varieties of burgers and offers views of Verde Valley.
What customers say: "My nephew had been raving about the peanut butter and jelly burger at the Haunted Hamburger, so I finally made the trip up to Jerome, the 'wickedest city in the West,' to see what the fuss was about. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The burger was a surprisingly delicious combo of sweet and savory... The year-round Halloween decor is perfect for the haunted vibe of this ghost town -definitely adds to the charm! If you're into spooky atmospheres and killer burgers, this place is a must-visit," wrote Yelp user Heather C.
Diners at One If by Land, Two If by Sea in New York have reported mysterious happenings.
One If by Land, Two If by Sea/Yelp
Backstory: At first glance, this West Village outpost evokes a romantic yesteryear feel. And yet, as with many Manhattan buildings, it has a storied past.
Before receiving its restaurant status in 1973, this building had been home to everything from a brothel and silent movie theater to a bar and apartment.
The story goes that guests have encountered as many as 20 spirits, including one of Theodosia, a former Ziegfeld Follies dancer and former Vice President Aaron Burr's daughter, who reportedly died in a shipwreck. Other supernatural sightings include invisible hands moving photo frames and, on occasion, snatching guests' earrings.
Still, its romantic setup and great food draw customers in.
What customers say: "I actually found out about this place from the travel channel on 'haunted new york.' looked intriguing, and then read reviews on how AMAZING the food is. So, since I love ghosts and brunch, I came here. It is indeed romantic. A little old lady-like design at times, but the front section and bar are really pretty...the old carriage house is really pretty...awesome vibe and awesome food make for an awesome dining experience." wrote Yelp user Hannah L.
10. The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro in Little River, South Carolina
The dining room at the Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro has walls made of wine cork.
Rodney G./Yelp.
Backstory: Like the restaurant in New York, this Victorian home turned restaurant has undergone many changes across many owners.
However, its food and ghost sightings consistently get rave reviews online. Some guests share that they've heard mysterious sounds coming from the walls and wooden floors, while others have noticed weird figures appear in digital photographs.
These days, the restaurant offers diners two tasting menus and a variety of a la carte options.
What customers say: "Best restaurant my husband and I have ever been to. We travel a lot. Every bite of our meal was delicious. Eric, the chef/owner came out periodically to check and make sure everything was good. Jeff, our waiter, was wonderful. It is haunted, but the ghost is not mean, just a prankster," wrote Yelp user Patricia L.
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