8 US bars where ghosts became part of the interior

In New Orleans, even cemeteries look like sets from a horror movie. But creepy bars in the US aren't limited to Louisiana.

For example, at Earnestine & Hazel's tavern in Memphis, the jukebox turns on by itself. Guests tell stories about a piano playing with no pianist.

We've rounded up eight such spots from New Orleans to Colorado: what exactly makes them scary, when to go, and what you'll pay for.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

Eight US bars: a quick overview

💡 In short:

• The richest legends are concentrated in New Orleans, which has two bars on the list.
• The concept is the same at all eight: a themed cocktail plus a local ghost story.

Below is a table for quick selection, followed by a detailed breakdown of each bar.

1. The dungeon, New Orleans

The bar is set up like a real dungeon: first a gate with bars, then a dimly lit room with skulls, shackles, taxidermy, and a mannequin in a cage. The atmosphere here is closer to a horror movie set than to your typical pub.

You order a cocktail at the bar and take in the displays: boxes, taxidermy, and small interior details that are hard to count.

• Who it's for: anyone who wants the most theatrical interior possible.
• The catch: skulls and shackles aren't for everyone, and this is not the place for a quiet evening.

2. Earnestine and Hazel's, Memphis

This historic tavern with live music started out as a pharmacy. After concerts at the neighboring Club Paradise, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, and Chuck Berry would stop by.

Inside, the jukebox starts up on its own, and visitors say they've heard a piano playing with no pianist. Local stories attribute more than a dozen ghosts to the bar, and bones were found in the walls during renovations.

• Address: 531 S Main Street in downtown Memphis (as of 09/2026, Earnestine & Hazel's official website).
• Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM (as of 09/2026, hours page).
• Where to stay: hotels in downtown Memphis on Trip.com.
• The catch: it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so you'll need to plan your evening in advance.

3. Patrick Henry Pub & Grille, Richmond

This pub in the Church Hill neighborhood sits across from the cemetery around St. John's Church. That's where Patrick Henry delivered the speech that ended with the words "Give me liberty, or give me death."

The former brothel and speakeasy is considered one of the most haunted spots in the city. Settle in at the bar and keep the local joke in mind: you might not see the neighbor to your right.

• Who it's for: history lovers who aren't bothered by a cemetery outside the window.
• Important: hours at small pubs change, so check the venue's page before visiting.

4. Raven's Manor, Portland

Portland is known for quirky establishments, and Raven's Manor keeps up the reputation: the bar is designed as a haunted manor. The legend tells of a mad doctor who threw wild parties and conducted dubious experiments in search of an immortality elixir.

Inside, a laboratory has been recreated. The menu features an "eyeball" martini, a green smoking mixture in an Erlenmeyer flask, and Dr. Raven's elixir.

• What to order: a cocktail in a flask or Dr. Raven's elixir.
• Who it's for: groups who appreciate theatrical presentation and a role-playing atmosphere.

5. House of Wax, Brooklyn, New York

The bar is located inside the Alamo Drafthouse cinema in Brooklyn. It's a mix of Madame Tussauds and the Mütter Museum, but with alcohol: the rooms are filled with specimens, death masks, and anatomical models. The collection comes from a Berlin museum.

If you're looking for cinematic horror and dark mixology, House of Wax delivers exactly that.

• Who it's for: horror fans and lovers of museum displays.
• Getting there: Brooklyn, enter through the Alamo Drafthouse cinema.

6. The Seance Room at Muriel's, New Orleans

The seance room at Muriel's restaurant is draped in red curtains and decorated with sarcophagi, art deco lamps, and unsettling paintings. It's old-school spiritualism aesthetics.

According to legend, the former owner of the house still appears in the room, and every evening a table is set at the foot of the stairs for a resident ghost.

© Tom Hilton · CC BYPhoto: Tom Hilton, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

• Who it's for: those who want an evening with dinner, not just a cocktail.
• Official website: muriels.com, where you'll also find the schedule.
• Tours: ghost tours of New Orleans on GetYourGuide.

7. The Cauldron, California

In Orange County, home to Disneyland and nearly constant sunshine, there's a witch-themed bar. The interior is assembled from antique furniture, skulls, and a bubbling cauldron.

The cocktail menu features signature drinks Wizard's Cup and Chthulu's Revenge. For special occasions, they open a haunted library, accessible through a secret passage.

• What to order: Wizard's Cup or Chthulu's Revenge.
• Who it's for: large groups and fans of themed parties.

8. Whiskey Bar at The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

At first glance, this is an ordinary whiskey bar at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. Two facts change everything: the hotel is considered haunted, and the bar itself inspired Stephen King to write "The Shining."

Today it's a lively tourist spot, crowded and cheerful. Get comfortable, order a whiskey, and listen to stories about guests who are in no hurry to check out.

• The catch: during high season it's noisy and crowded, so don't come here looking for quiet.
• Tours: ghost tours at The Stanley Hotel on Tiqets.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit these bars?

In the evening on weekdays. On Fridays and Saturdays the rooms fill up, and at The Dungeon and Raven's Manor the line at the door grows quickly. If you want a calm atmosphere, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Earnestine & Hazel's is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so go there on a Wednesday. We checked hours and addresses on the venues' official pages on 09/14/2026, but schedules change by season.

Do I need to reserve a table?

At Muriel's, the seance room is small, so it's best to reserve a table in advance. At The Dungeon, Raven's Manor, and Earnestine & Hazel's, you can usually just show up and grab a spot at the bar. For large groups, a reservation is useful at any of the eight bars, especially on weekends.

How much does it cost to get into haunted bars?

There's no cover charge at the bars themselves; you only pay for drinks and tips. Money is charged for separate activities: ghost tours, seances, and tastings. Check the prices for these programs on the sellers' websites so you don't overpay on site.

Can I bring children?

No. American bars sell alcohol only to guests of legal drinking age, and IDs are checked at the door. This kind of evening is for adults only. Guided tours work differently, so check the organizer's policy on children in advance.

What should I order at themed bars?

Start with the signature drinks, which are listed in each bar's section. At Whiskey Bar at The Stanley Hotel, the choice is obvious: whiskey. In all other cases, ask the bartender for recommendations.

In short: what's worth booking

If you want the darkest interior, start with The Dungeon in New Orleans. If you're after music and legends, take a cab to Earnestine & Hazel's in Memphis. For theatrical cocktails, head to Raven's Manor; for haunted history, Patrick Henry Pub & Grille.

Three spots are worth planning ahead: a table at Muriel's, a ghost tour at The Stanley Hotel, and an evening at House of Wax. The rest of the bars can be left to spontaneity.

If you only have one evening, pick a bar in the city where you're already staying and book nearby accommodation in advance.

find excursions and tours on GetYourGuide