Note: This list started with 12 states that had horror-themed restaurants and bars. We regularly update it as we come across new eerie eateries. Last updated: August 14, 2023.
Horror isn’t just for books and movies anymore. Kind of like true crime, it’s having a moment. Lovers of the genre are finding new ways to incorporate it into their everyday lives, and a trend that’s hot right now is horror-themed restaurants and bars. As those brave enough to open them are finding out, 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 recently, I only knew of a few horror-themed restaurants, including the Jekyll & Hyde Club in NYC, Voodoo Doughnuts (the ones in Oregon and Texas), and Aretha Frankensteins in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
But then last year the opening of places 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, caught my eye.
“How cool would it be to have something like that here?” I lamented.
Like I said, I knew of Aretha Frankensteins down in Chattanooga, but until recently I didn’t realize Tennessee actually has a few horror restaurants, including one within reasonable driving distance from Nashville: Spooky’s Pizza. (Click here to watch a Shorts I shared of it on YouTube. Because as soon as I learned about it, I had to go check it out!)
But then I got obsessed with finding others. Since I figured that might be helpful info others might like to know too, I created a Google Maps of horror-themed restaurants and pubs. Here are 11 states plus D.C. where you’ll find others.
The Map
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.)
The States with Horror-Themed Restaurants and Bars
1. 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
2. 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
3. Colorado
Linger – Denver
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
Slashers Denver – Denver
This former Horror Bar location is a “dive craft bar” for the “punk, hardcore horror, metal, goth head” crowd. As they sum it up, they’re “always slinging great cocktails, great horror movies and great tunes.”
Website: n/a
Voodoo Doughnut (multiple locations) – Denver
Denver actually has a couple of locations (Broadway and Colfax) of this chain of confections conjured up to hex your hunger and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/locations
4. 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
5. Illinois
Zombie Taco – Chicago
Brain food? While none of the menu items have scary names, Zombie Taco’s motto is “Tacos to LIVE for, Service TO DIE for.” Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Website: https://www.zombietacochicago.com
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
Nightmare Cafe Horror Bar – Las Vegas
Located in the Las Vegas Arts District, Nightmare Cafe offers horror movie-themed food and drink, but also events, like horror trivia nights. Dine on an appetizer of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes while sipping a Tarot card-inspired cocktail and waiting for your entrée to arrive.
Website: https://nightmarecafelv.com
9. New York
Beetle House NYC – New York
Just like it’s 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
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
10. 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
11. 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/locations
12. 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
13. 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
15. Texas
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 the Austin or Houston (Cypress, Montrose, Washington & Waugh) locations.
Website: https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/locations
16. 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
Horror-Themed Restaurants and Bars in Canada
1. 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
For More Info
For handy reference, I’ve also embedded the horror-themed restaurants and bars map under the “Guide Maps” section on the Guides page.
Check-In
Does your state have a horror-themed restaurant or bar? If so —and especially if it’s not on the map— 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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