Unearth The Voyage
Ohio hides some seriously spooky surprises behind ordinary restaurant doors. From century-old inns where ghosts roam the dining rooms to themed eateries dripping with horror-movie décor, the Buckeye State serves up unforgettable meals alongside its legends. Whether you’re hunting for authentic paranormal tales or just want a fun, creepy atmosphere this Halloween, these haunted hotspots deliver both delicious food and spine-tingling stories locals swear by.
1. The Golden Lamb (Lebanon)
Opened in 1803, The Golden Lamb holds the title of Ohio’s oldest continuously operating inn and restaurant. Locals know it as the state’s most haunted dining spot, where spirits like Sarah Stubbs and Civil War congressman Clement Vallandigham are said to linger. No jump scares here—just serious history served alongside roast chicken and classic American comfort food.
The dining rooms and tavern radiate old-world charm, with antique furnishings and creaky wooden floors that transport you back two centuries. Fall weekends fill up fast, so book ahead if you want that atmospheric October meal. The establishment itself embraces its ghostly reputation, even publishing the legends on its website for curious visitors to read before they arrive.
2. The Buxton Inn (Granville)
Built as a stagecoach tavern in 1812, The Buxton Inn invites you to dine across multiple rooms steeped in centuries of stories. Staff and guests alike share tales of apparitions wandering the hallways—and even a mysterious ghost cat that makes occasional appearances. Colonial-era décor and creaky floorboards set the perfect mood for a chilly October evening.
Candlelit tables flicker against dark wood paneling, creating shadows that dance as you enjoy hearty, home-style meals. The inn’s lingering legends have been passed down through generations, making every visit feel like stepping into a living history book. Seasonal perfection awaits those who crave authentic atmosphere mixed with a dash of the supernatural this Halloween season.
3. Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn (Hanoverton)
Nestled in one of Ohio’s most photogenic historic villages, Spread Eagle Tavern & Inn showcases beautifully preserved Federal-style architecture. The owners openly acknowledge their resident ghost, adding an extra layer of intrigue to refined tavern fare served in elegant dining rooms. Imagine pairing a delicious meal with a lantern-lit stroll through streets that look frozen in time.
History and haunt tours have been hosted here in the past, blending education with eerie entertainment. Call ahead during October to see if any seasonal happenings are planned—these events book quickly among locals who treasure this gem. The combination of exceptional food, stunning preservation, and genuine ghost stories makes Spread Eagle a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts.
4. Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus (Columbus)
Housed inside the 1897 Larrimer Building—once home to Bott Bros. Billiards—Elevator Brewery stands as a downtown Columbus classic. Recurring tales speak of a murdered colonel’s restless spirit and other strange oddities that have spooked patrons for decades. Pair these legends with a full kitchen menu and an impressive craft beer lineup for a truly memorable night out.
Experience Columbus itself highlights Elevator as occupying one of the city’s most famously haunted buildings, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters and beer lovers alike. The brewery’s industrial-chic atmosphere blends old-world charm with modern brewing culture. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories add extra flavor to every pint and plate served here this Halloween season.
5. Amber Rose (Dayton)
Beloved for pierogi, schnitzel, and cabbage rolls, Amber Rose serves Eastern European comfort food in a century-old building with serious character. Locals affectionately call the resident ghost “Chickee,” whose mischievous antics include clattering glasses and flickering lights. Staff accounts of these playful hauntings stretch back decades, and the restaurant has even hosted special ghost dinners each October.
Classic stick-to-your-ribs fall dishes warm you from the inside while the verified local lore sends chills down your spine. The combination makes Amber Rose a perfect Halloween destination for food lovers who appreciate authentic cultural cuisine. Generations of Dayton families have shared meals here, swapping ghost stories between bites of homemade goodness that tastes like grandma’s kitchen.
6. Ye Olde Trail Tavern (Yellow Springs)
Since 1827, Ye Olde Trail Tavern has served German-American fare and local beer to travelers and townsfolk in Yellow Springs. Billed as Ohio’s oldest tavern, this landmark comes with stories of “the Woman in Blue” and other spectral residents who never quite checked out. Low beams and creaking floors transport you straight back to pioneer days.
Local media and historians have recorded countless tales from staff and patrons who’ve encountered unexplained phenomena here. The authentic pioneer-era atmosphere makes every meal feel like a journey through time, especially during fall when the air turns crisp. True believers and skeptics alike find themselves captivated by the tavern’s undeniable charm and the spine-tingling legends whispered over steins of cold beer.
7. Maumee Bay Brewing Co. at the Oliver House (Toledo)
Toledo’s Oliver House dates back to 1859 and now houses a multi-restaurant complex featuring a brewpub, steakhouse, and several bars. The landmark hotel is famous for sightings of a “woman in white” and other ghostly encounters that have spooked guests for over a century. Toledo ghost tours even gather outside the building to share spine-chilling stories with curious visitors.
One stop gets you dinner, a fresh-brewed pint, and a solid chance to hear firsthand accounts from staff who’ve witnessed the unexplainable. The Victorian-era architecture and period details create an atmospheric backdrop for your Halloween meal. Whether you join an official ghost tour or simply soak up the eerie ambiance, Maumee Bay Brewing delivers history, hops, and hauntings in equal measure.
8. The Haunted House Restaurant (Cleveland Heights)
Not actually haunted, but The Haunted House Restaurant wins Ohio’s award for most over-the-top horror-movie theming. Costumed slasher icons circulate the dining room while you enjoy pun-heavy menu items like “Twilight Chicken & Black Waffle.” If your Halloween goal includes spirited selfies and theatrical fun, you’ve found your destination.
Peak spooky décor transforms every corner into a photo opportunity, from cobwebs to creepy props that would make any horror fan grin. Character brunches and seasonal pop-ups add extra entertainment throughout October. Weekends fill fast, so check hours and book ahead to secure your table. This Cleveland Heights hotspot proves you don’t need real ghosts to create an unforgettable, frighteningly fun Halloween dining experience.
