Note: We regularly update this list of horror-themed restaurants and bars when we come across new eerie eateries or learn of closures. Last updated: August 14, 2023.
Horror isn’t just for books and movies anymore. Like true crime, it’s having a moment. Lovers of the genre are finding new ways to incorporate it into their daily lives. Those brave enough to open horror-themed restaurants and bars are finding out that if you build them, they will come. And by “they,” I mean other horror-loving fans—and foodies looking for the novel and unusual, of course.
Until a few years ago, I only knew of a few horror-themed restaurants, including the Jekyll & Hyde Club in NYC (R.I.P), Voodoo Doughnuts (the ones in Oregon and Texas), and Aretha Frankensteins in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
But then something exciting happened. More started opening, like Raven’s Manor, a gothic cocktail lounge in Portland, Oregon (right near the Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town), and the Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio.
I became obsessed with finding others and ended up creating a Google Maps of horror-themed restaurants and pubs. Below is a list of them, arranged in alphabetical order, first by state, then by city.
States with Horror-Themed Restaurants and Bars
Arizona
Bigfoot BBQ Restaurant and Catering – Flagstaff
You’ll find BBQ and hearty Southern dishes in this laid-back—and Sasquatch-friendly—counter-service restaurant in Flagstaff.
Website: https://bigfootbbq.com/home-1
Voodoo Doughnut – Tempe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
California
Beetle House LA – Los Angeles
As they put it, “every day is Halloween” in this Tim Burton-inspired dinner theater whose 3-course meal is appropriately titled The Poltergeist Feast.
Website: https://www.beetlehousela.com
The Cauldron Spirits and Brew – Buena Park
You’ll feel like you’re somewhere enchanted in this gothic gastro pub. Pair an item from their food menu, which includes appetizers, soup & salad, mains and desserts, with one of their specialty drinks. A taste of their many libations includes the Cordial Curse, Black Cauldron, Chupacabra, and Cthulhu’s Revenge.
Website: https://www.thecauldronbar.com
Last Rites – San Francisco
For those with adventurous spirits, this bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a setting to match. No joke. They have a “Video Tour” page on their site that shows off their drinks and interior, both of which definitely evoke Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom vibes. (See one for yourself below.) The drink names don’t disappoint, with offerings like Death and Ruin, Monkey Puzzle, and Dread Ringer. Their Blood Moon cauigfht my eye. Wonder if it helps chase away some blood moon stigmas?
Website: https://www.lastritesbar.com
Voodoo Doughnut – Hollywood (Universal CityWalk)
Before or after your adventures chasing stars, satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Colorado
Linger – Denver
This one isn’t exactly horror-themed, per se, but it is a bit macabre. The Linger “eatuary” resides in the former Olinger mortuary. Per their website: “…the decor layers macabre remnants with posh details in a window-flanked space overlooking the charming Lower Highland neighborhood.”
Website: https://www.ediblebeats.com/linger
Voodoo Doughnut – Boulder
Indulge in “magic in the hole” confections conjured up to hex your hunger and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Voodoo Doughnut (multiple locations) – Denver
Denver locations of this chain with confections conjured up to hex your hunger and satisfy your sweet tooth include Broadway, Colfax, and the airport.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
District of Columbia
The Tombs – Washington
You’ll find comfort food, brews, and pub fare in this Georgetown haunt housed in a converted 19th-century townhouse. Fans of the movie The Exorcist might also recognize it, as it was one of the filming locations.
Website: https://www.tombs.com
Florida
Poe’s Tavern – Atlantic Beach
Edgar Allan Poe is revered as one of (if not the) father of the horror genre. Gothic, mystery, supernatural, and macabre are all words used to describe his work. Rightly so. That’s what you’ll find in many of his stories, including his best-known ones that still haunt people to this day. We’re talking works like “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” You’ll find homages to them on the menu at this chain inspired by the dark artist and tortured soul. Other locations include Wrightsville Beach, NC; Savannah, GA; and Sullivan’s Island, SC.
Website: https://www.poestavern.com
Voodoo Doughnut – Universal Orlando Resort
Power up before visiting the parks, or after, with confections conjured up to hex your hunger and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Georgia
Poe’s Tavern – Savannah
Edgar Allan Poe is revered as one of (if not the) father of the horror genre. Gothic, mystery, supernatural, and macabre are all words used to describe his work. Rightly so. That’s what you’ll find in many of his stories, including his best-known ones that still haunt people to this day. We’re talking works like “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” You’ll find homages to them on the menu at this chain inspired by the dark artist and tortured soul. Other locations include Atlantic Beach, FL; Wrightsville Beach, NC; and Sullivan’s Island, SC.
Website: https://www.poestavern.com
Illinois
Voodoo Doughnut – Chicago
Satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Zombie Taco – Chicago
Brain food? While none of the menu items have scary names, Zombie Taco invites diners to “live a little” when dining with them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This quick counter service chain also has locations in Louisville, KY, and Austin, TX. As they put it, “Bone appetite!”
Website: https://www.zombietacochicago.com
Iowa
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – Des Moines
You’ll find fun references to popular horror movies on their menu. Pair one of their “Goremet Bashed Burgers,” like a Juan of the Dead, Planet Terror, or Helldorado with one of their specialty shakes, such as a Zombie Wedding Cake , Human Centipeach, or a Zombie Unicorn.
Website: https://www.zombieburgerdm.com
Zombie Burger and Shake Lab – West Des Moines
You’ll find their signature “GOREMET Bashed Burgers in” this quick service dining experience version of the downtown Des Moines Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.
Website: https://www.zombieburgerdm.com
Kentucky
Zombie Taco – Louisville
Brain food? While none of the menu items have scary names, Zombie Taco invites diners to “live a little” when dining with them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This quick counter service chain also has locations in Chicago, IL, and Austin, TX. As they put it, “Bone appetite!”
Website: https://www.zombietacolouisville.com
Missouri
Terror Tacos – St. Louis
This “vegan and metal AF” taco joint serves more than tacos. They also serve burritos, nachos, cocktails, and more! In addition to their Carnage-Asada, Tofu Terror, and Texas BBQ Massacre tacos, you’ll also find a Deathwish. Taco, that is. (One of their spiciest.)
Website: https://www.terrortacos.com
Nevada
Halloween Emporium and Haunted Tea Room – Las Vegas
It’s not exactly an eerie eaterie, but the Haunted Tea Room and Halloween Emporium does offer beverages, to go or tea and coffees to brew in your own crypt. And if you’re in the mood for shopping, you’ll find plenty of spooky merch there too.
Website: https://halloween-emporium.com
New York
The Merry Shelly – Buffalo
Carpe Noctum (embrace the night) in Buffalo’s only literary-themed romantic horror bar inspired by the woman who wrote one of the earliest gothic horror novels.
Website: https://themerryshelley.com
Witches Brew Coffee House – Hempstead
Not all witches are bad but that doesn’t stop them from being associated with horror. You’ll only find good witches—and good for you food and beverage offerings—in this establishment that one Yelp reviewer described as evoking “Hocus Pocus feels.”
Website: n/a (But you can check them out on socials like Instagram.)
Beetle House NYC – New York
Just like its West Coast cousin, “everyday is Halloween” at this Tim Burton-inspired whimsical goth hangout serving spirited American fare and cocktails.
Website: https://beetlehousenyc.com
The Cauldron NYC Magical Pub – New York
It’s not horror-themed as much as fantasy as it draws its inspiration from Harry Potter. But it’s a fun one we couldn’t resist adding to this list. Especially because you’re given a cloak and a wand to conjure up your own concoctions.
Website: https://thecauldron.io/ny
North Carolina
Poe’s Tavern – Wrightsville Beach
Edgar Allan Poe is revered as one of (if not the) father of the horror genre. Gothic, mystery, supernatural, and macabre are all words used to describe his work. Rightly so. That’s what you’ll find in many of his stories, including his best-known ones that still haunt people to this day. We’re talking works like “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” You’ll find homages to them on the menu at this chain inspired by the dark artist and tortured soul. Other locations include Atlantic Beach, FL; Savanah, GA; and Sullivan’s Island, SC.
Website: https://www.poestavern.com
Ohio
The Haunted House Restaurant – Cleveland Heights
You’ll find comfort food and popcorn in the lobby in this “zany, horror-movie-themed” Cleveland restaurant.
Website: https://thehauntedhouserestaurant.com
Oregon
Raven’s Manor – Portland
Voodoo Doughnut (multiple locations)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger in the Eugene, Milwaukie (Oak Grove), and Portland (Davis and Old Town) locations.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Pennsylvania
Jekyl & Hyde – Pittsburgh’s Halloween Bar
It describes itself as “Pittsburgh’s only Halloween bar” and it’s open 7 days a week…or, rather, 7 nights a week. In addition to crafting “cocktails for the recently deceased,” they also offer entertainment, including karaoke (or would that be scaraoke?), live music acts, and more.
Website: https://www.jekylandhydepgh.com
South Carolina
Poe’s Tavern – Sullivan’s Island
Edgar Allan Poe is revered as one of (if not the) father of the horror genre. Gothic, mystery, supernatural, and macabre are all words used to describe his work. Rightly so. That’s what you’ll find in many of his stories, including his best-known ones that still haunt people to this day. We’re talking works like “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” You’ll find homages to them on the menu at this chain inspired by the dark artist and tortured soul. Other locations include Atlantic Beach, FL; Savannah, GA; and Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Website: https://www.poestavern.com
Tennessee
Aretha Frankensteins – Chattanooga
Find downhome diner fare in this small, funky former house that also serves espressos and beers.
Website: http://www.arethas.com
Spooky’s Pizza & Grill – Murfreesboro
Fresh toppings are buried in their hauntingly delicious sauce, but pizza isn’t the only thing n their menu. Other options include a Wrong Turn burger, Phantom Philly, or Demon Wings. And for dessert, don’t forget the Dark Shadows cookies. (Chocolate chip of course.)
Website: https://www.spookyspizzatn.com
Voodoo Doughnut – Nashville (airport)
Before takeoff or after you land at BNA, satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Texas
Zombie Taco – Austin
Brain food? While none of the menu items have scary names, Zombie Taco invites diners to “live a little” when dining with them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This quick counter service chain also has locations in Chicago, IL, and Louisville, KY. As they put it, “Bone appetite!”
Website: https://www.zombietacoaustin.com
Monster Burger Grill – Cuero
You’ll be served up some spooky Southwest fare in this sports bar & grill that serves serves seafood, burgers and pizzas. Basically, pub grub to satisfy any beast’s most ravenous appetite.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/monsterburger.grill
Voodoo Doughnut (multiple locations)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger in Austin, Dallas, Houston (Cypress, Montrose, Washington & Waugh), Katy, or San Antonio.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Virginia
Legendary Eats – Lexington
Don’t let the quaint look of this Lexington breakfast and lunch cafe fool you. You can eat Bigfoot for breakfast, then follow it up with a Medusa salad at lunch. Or if you have the appetite for it, try one of their “monster” lunches, like the Jersey Devil sub (Italian of course!), a Nessie sandwich (for the vegetarians), or a Moth Man (bacon and pimento cheese, grilled).
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LegendaryEatsLex
The Wood Booger Grill – Norton
Only in Your State declares you should “expect the unexpected at this Bigfoot-themed restaurant” where the portions are as monstrous as the legendary beast.
Website: https://woodboogergrill.com
Washington
Voodoo Doughnut (multiple locations)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with confections conjured up to hex your hunger. Locations in Vancouver and Seattle.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/findus
Horror-Themed Restaurants and Bars in Canada
Ontario
Deadly Grounds Café and Curiosities – Courtice
Sip coffee to die for, or a terror tea if that’s more your thing, in this year-round horror eaterie.
Website: https://www.deadlygroundscoffee.ca/cafe
The Map of Horror-Themed Restaurants and Bars
Note: Be sure to zoom in on the city as some cauldrons get lost behind others. (I’m looking at you, L.A., NYC, and Portland.)
Check-In
Does your state have a horror-themed restaurant or bar? If so—and especially if it’s listed above— leave a comment and let me know!
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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