Haunted Bars in the U.S.: Where History, Spirits, and Spirits Collide

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Ghosts don’t just lurk around homes or old hotels. Throughout the United States there are bars that house more than just patrons. The next time you are at one of these bars below, don’t be surprised if a supernatural being parks themselves on a bar stool right next to you and throws back a few drinks.

The Tavern, Austin
This bar was many things during prohibition; a grocery store during the day and a brother/casino/bar at night. A few ghosts frequent here including a former prostitute named Emily and her young daughter. Emily was killed accidentally during a fight onsite and is often seen looking out of the windows or wandering down a hall. She also likes to change the channels on the TVs and slam dishes.

Whitehorse Tavern, Newport
It’s no wonder that ghosts inhabit here being that it’s the oldest bar in America. It opened back in 1673 and you can feel an unworldly presence right when you walk through the doors. One of the more common ghosts is an elderly man that died at the bar. He’s relatively harmless and is just seen walking around. Another common ghost is that of a little girl who is heard crying on the second level.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, New Orleans
Built around 1761, this piano bar used to be a blacksmith shop where a lot of illegal activities took place by pirate Jean Lafitte. He was known for being a womanizer and also liked to hide gold in various places throughout the shop. Many claim that there is still some gold hidden in there somewhere. The atmosphere of the bar is rather creepy with just candles lighting the place. Jean is often seen hanging around the fireplace, the women’s restroom or sitting at a table in the back. A woman, dressed in clothing from another era, has also been seen pacing about looking as if she is in some kind of distress.

Ear Inn, New York
Even New York has a haunted bar. In fact, it’s one of the oldest bars in the area as it’s been around since the 19th century. It’s located next to the Hudson River and has been frequented by some shady characters in the past, including pirates. The most often seen ghost is that of Mickey, who was a sailor that was killed in front of the bar. By far the creepiest place in the bar is the upstairs. Guests who go up there tend to get freaked out fairly quickly with an eerie feeling and come right back down.

Other popular Halloween Blogs:

Halloween Traditions Around the World

Scariest Haunted Houses in America

Haunted Hotels: A Room with a Boo

Historic Haunted Hotels You Must See in the U.S.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026) and a Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center. With more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue plans ocean and river cruises, European tours, group travel, luxury vacations, honeymoons, and family trips. Sue works at a family-owned agency that has served travelers since 1987. Atlas is a member of CLIA and ASTA, is IATA and ARC accredited, and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1987, with an A+ rating.