The older the restaurant is, the more likely it is to be haunted by a restless spirit or two. All throughout Ohio there are charming historic restaurants that are often accompanied by ghosts (some friendly and some not so friendly.) And if you’re not afraid of a little paranormal activity or contact with the other side, they’re great places to check out—for both the delicious food and mysterious atmosphere.
1. The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated hotel and restaurant was established in 1803 and holds a unique dining experience, complete with antique furnishings, themed dining rooms and historic rooms upstairs where famous individuals such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and several U.S. Presidents have stayed.
Supposedly, the inn and restaurant are haunted by a little girl and the ghost of a former Ohio Supreme Court Justice who died at the inn. (Visitors say you can often smell his cigar smoke.) The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S Broadway St., Lebanon, OH 45036.
2. Lockkeepers (Cleveland)
Located at 8001 Rockside Road in Cleveland, this beautiful upscale eatery is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sophie Sarnacki, who was the owner of a former tavern across the street from Lockkeepers. She was murdered in Zimmerman's Tavern in the 1950s and supposedly stops by Lockkeepers frequently, today.
3. The Buxton Inn Restaurant (Granville)
Founded in 1812, this historic hotel and rustic stagecoach tavern is reportedly haunted by former innkeepers—and rooms 7 and 9 are popular with guests seeking paranormal happenings. The Buxton Inn is located at 313 E Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.
4. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant (Columbus)
The ghosts at this renowned German eatery are generally friendly. Visitors occasionally see an old man in the mirror or feel someone brush past them, which could simply be the original owner, J. Fred Schmidt. For the best German cuisine in Ohio (and a friendly ghost sighting or two), go to 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206.
5. Spitzer House Bed and Breakfast (Medina)
At 504 West Liberty Street in Medina, a former servant girl of this 19th-century Victorian home is rumored to haunt the halls of this beautiful bed and breakfast. Guests and employees have even reported hearing her play the piano.
6. Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn (Hanoverton)
This historic inn was originally built in 1837 in the Federalist style by masons of the canal boom. Throughout the years, it has been frequented by a handful of U.S. presidents. Today, its rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who hanged herself from a third-story bedroom window. The Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn is located at 10150 Historic Plymouth St., Hanoverton, OH 44423.
7. The Oliver House (Toledo)
With its five-star dining and award-winning brewery, this 150-year-old restaurant is renowned among locals and visitors. The Pool Room is said to be haunted by a ghost known as "The Captain," and spirits were particularly active during the building's renovation. The Oliver House is located at 27 Broadway St, Toledo, OH 43604.
8. The Amber Rose (Dayton)
At 1400 Valley Street, a playful spirit haunts this century-old building in Dayton by breaking dishes and mysteriously turning on music. Supposedly, the ghost is named "Chickee" and is thought to be the daughter of a former owner of the building.
9. Crosskeys Tavern (Chillicothe)
A ghost by the name of "Harold" is rumored to haunt this bar and restaurant in Chillicothe. He's known for throwing drinks and turning out the lights in the age-old building, which has been around since the mid-1800s. Crosskeys Tavern is located at 19 E. Main St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
10. The Red Brick Tavern (Lafayette)
With a rich history that first began in 1836, this landmark restaurant has seen its fair share of U.S. presidents and travellers along the National Road. Today, the historic restaurant is said to be haunted by a nameless ghost who roams the upper floors, plays with the lights and frequently appears in the upstairs windows. Visit The Red Brick Tavern at 1700 Cumberland St., London, OH 43140.
11. The Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus (Columbus)
Located at 161 N High St., Columbus, OH 43215, this famous restaurant and brewery is said to be haunted by a famous womanizer, known as Colonel Pritchard, who was murdered just outside the restaurant. His murderer, a scorned lover, is also said to haunt the building as well, frequently appearing as a mysterious ball of light.
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