Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts In One Of Delaware's Oldest, Most Haunted Bars
By Megan Shute|Published May 12, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
As one of America’s thirteen original colonies, Delaware’s history goes back centuries. And while we love a good history lesson and a visit to any of our state’s famous historic sites as much as the next person, sometimes we would rather experience that history for ourselves, perhaps with a cold beer in our hand? Not only is Newark’s Deer Park Tavern one of the oldest bars in Delaware, but it’s also one of the most haunted.
Built in 1851 on the land where the remains of the burned down St. Patrick’s Inn had resided since 1747, it’s safe to say that the Deer Park Tavern is as historic as it gets. In the mid to late 1800s, this was considered one of the finest hotels on the east coast. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Deer Park Tavern is also reported to be haunted.
Though the Deer Park Tavern has been remodeled several times over the years, the basement was allegedly used as a stop along the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. Rumor also has it that Edgar Allen Poe wrote "The Raven" here, and according to local legend, he cursed the place after slipping in the mud outside.
Reports of paranormal activity by the waitstaff include mysterious sounds on the stairs (which were closed off at the time) when opening or closing the bar, though, of course, no one was there. It is also said that the front doors would swing open as someone entered, but again, no one was there. Patrons have also reported a creepy sensation experienced by the bar.
With live entertainment and drink specials, its patrons include University of Delaware students and staff as well as businesspeople and locals. From house wines and local beers to vodka mixed drinks and seasonal cocktails, there's something for everyone at Deer Park Tavern.
And the food, well, it’s exactly what you would expect from such an establishment. You’ll find a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads on the menu as well as tasty appetizers like the Philly cheesesteak queso dip and a cheese platter.
Those in the know order the nachos. Topped with housemade chili, sour cream, spicy jalapenos, shredded lettuce, and of course, tomato, the "Los Grande Nachos" have been recognized as some of the best in Delaware.
From wine, beer, and scrumptious cocktails to tasty bar food, plenty of history and a few tales of the paranormal, Deer Park Tavern has it all. What more could you ask for?
Deer Park Tavern is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Have you ever been to this historic and haunted bar? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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