10 Haunted Texas Restaurants Locals Swear Serve the Best Halloween Dinners

Food & Drink Travel
By Alba Nolan

Texas is famous for its bold flavors, friendly hospitality, and rich history – but some restaurants serve up more than just delicious food. Across the Lone Star State, certain dining spots come with spine-tingling ghost stories, mysterious happenings, and eerie atmospheres that make them perfect for Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these haunted eateries offer unforgettable meals alongside their paranormal reputations.

1. La Carafe – Houston, TX

© Houston Chronicle

Houston’s oldest commercial building, constructed in 1847, houses this legendary bar that has earned a spot on Yelp’s most haunted restaurants list. Locals whisper about unexplained shadows, flickering lights, and the feeling of being watched while sipping cocktails in the dimly lit interior.

The building survived wars, floods, and fires, and some say the spirits of past patrons never left. Staff members report hearing footsteps on empty upper floors and glasses moving without explanation.

Despite—or perhaps because of—its spooky reputation, La Carafe remains a beloved Houston landmark where history and mystery blend perfectly with craft drinks and an unforgettable atmosphere.

2. Wunsche Bros Café & Saloon – Spring, TX

© Only In Your State

Step back to 1902 at this charming saloon-turned-café in Old Town Spring, where ghost sightings happen so frequently that regulars barely bat an eye anymore. The building’s long history as a gathering place means plenty of characters from the past might still be hanging around.

Diners often report cold spots, mysterious voices, and the sensation of someone brushing past them in empty hallways. One particularly active spirit is believed to be a former owner who loved the place too much to ever leave.

The restaurant serves hearty comfort food alongside its paranormal activity, making it a favorite spot for both history buffs and thrill-seekers looking for an authentic Texas experience.

3. Blackbeard’s on the Beach – Corpus Christi, TX

© Wheree

Right on the Corpus Christi coastline sits this pirate-themed restaurant where the ocean breeze isn’t the only thing moving objects around. Salt shakers slide across tables without anyone touching them, and doors slam shut even when there’s no wind to blame.

Named after the infamous pirate, the restaurant embraces its supernatural side while serving fresh seafood and coastal favorites. Staff have grown accustomed to the strange occurrences, though new employees often get startled during their first shifts.

Guests love the beachfront views and the possibility of witnessing something unexplainable. It’s become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking both great food and ghostly encounters along the Texas coast.

4. Monteleone’s Ristorante – El Paso, TX

© Texas Highways

Italian cuisine meets paranormal activity at this El Paso establishment that has made headlines for its moving statues and unexplained sounds echoing through the dining rooms. Even Texas Highways magazine has featured its ghost stories, cementing its reputation across the state.

Patrons enjoying their pasta might notice religious statues shifting positions between visits, or hear footsteps coming from closed-off sections of the restaurant. The occurrences are frequent enough that staff keep a mental log of unusual events.

Still operating strong in 2025, Monteleone’s proves that good food and friendly spirits (both kinds) can coexist beautifully. Locals recommend the lasagna and advise keeping your eyes open for anything unusual.

5. Specht’s Store Restaurant & Saloon – Near San Antonio, TX

© San Antonio Express-News

Dating back to 1890, this historic saloon near San Antonio comes with a well-documented ghost story about a former bartender who apparently takes his job very seriously—even in the afterlife. Owners and staff report that someone still locks up the building at night when everyone else has gone home.

The phantom bartender isn’t threatening, just dedicated to his duties. Keys jingle, doors bolt themselves, and everything gets secured properly without any living person doing the work.

Still welcoming guests in 2025, Specht’s offers authentic Texas atmosphere, cold drinks, and the comforting knowledge that even after closing time, someone’s watching over the place. It’s history you can taste and experience.

6. The Menger Bar – San Antonio, TX

© Menger Hotel

Inside the legendary Menger Hotel stands this famous bar where Teddy Roosevelt once recruited Rough Riders—and where some say those riders never completely left. The San Antonio Express-News has covered numerous ghost sightings here, including apparitions of former patrons still enjoying their drinks.

The bar’s ornate Victorian décor creates the perfect backdrop for supernatural encounters. Guests report seeing figures in period clothing who vanish when approached, and bartenders sometimes feel invisible hands on their shoulders.

Roosevelt’s ghost is rumored to appear occasionally, still rallying troops for adventures unknown. Whether you encounter spirits or not, the historical ambiance and expertly mixed cocktails make this bar worth visiting.

7. Dean’s Downtown – Houston, TX

© Eventective

Another Houston hotspot earning recognition on Yelp’s haunted restaurant list, Dean’s Downtown has become part of the city’s supernatural dining scene. The Houston Chronicle has featured its eerie reputation, attracting both food lovers and ghost hunters.

Located in a building with decades of history, the restaurant experiences typical paranormal activity—unexplained noises, items disappearing and reappearing, and an overall feeling that you’re never quite alone. Staff members have their own collection of strange stories accumulated over years of service.

The menu features upscale American cuisine that keeps customers coming back regardless of ghostly guests. Many diners actually hope for a paranormal experience, making reservations specifically around Halloween for the full spooky atmosphere.

8. The Driskill Bar – Austin, TX

© Visit Austin

Nestled within the iconic Driskill Hotel, established in 1886, this bar carries Austin’s most famous ghost stories. KPRC and numerous paranormal investigators have documented strange happenings here, from phantom piano music to the scent of cigar smoke with no visible source.

The hotel’s founder, Colonel Jesse Driskill, is believed to still roam the premises, possibly checking on his beloved establishment. Guests sitting at the bar sometimes feel cold breezes or notice their drinks moving slightly on their own.

Still serving customers in 2025, The Driskill Bar combines historic elegance with supernatural intrigue. The craft cocktails are exceptional, and the atmosphere—living or otherwise—creates an unforgettable Austin experience that perfectly blends past and present.

9. Bowen House – Dallas, TX

© D Magazine

Dallas hides this historic eatery with documented paranormal activity dating back years, noted by the Houston Chronicle in 2022 as one of Texas’s actively haunted dining establishments. The beautiful old house turned restaurant maintains its ghostly reputation while serving contemporary cuisine.

Diners occasionally report seeing figures in vintage clothing passing through walls or standing in corners before disappearing. The upstairs dining rooms seem particularly active, with temperature drops and unexplained sounds being common occurrences.

Staff treat their invisible residents with respect, and some even claim the ghosts are protective of the building. The combination of delicious food, elegant surroundings, and possible supernatural encounters makes Bowen House a unique Dallas destination.

10. Hubcap Grill (Galveston) – Galveston, TX

© Tripadvisor

A beloved burger joint operates inside one of Galveston’s oldest buildings, where staff deal with poltergeist-type activity that goes beyond typical restaurant chaos. Palm trees decorating the property have mysteriously fallen over during calm nights with no wind or logical explanation.

Inside, workers report kitchen equipment turning on by itself, ingredients moving from where they were placed, and the general sense that someone unseen is helping—or hindering—the daily operations. The activity seems playful rather than threatening, more mischievous than malicious.

Despite the supernatural shenanigans, Hubcap Grill serves some of the island’s best burgers. Locals and tourists alike flock here for the food and stay for the stories, making it a Galveston institution.