When it comes to choosing dining establishments I love to wander through the streets and eat wherever catches my eye. This isn't necessarily an unusual travel style; however, there is one aspect that makes it unique. The biggest eye-catcher for me is an old building―preferably a pub―with a "Resident Ghost" sign hanging outside.
That's right, the best way for a restaurant to get me to throw my hard-earned cash its way is to set up shop in a haunted building.
Recently, while on assignment in Sydney, my editor and I were meandering around The Rocks looking for somewhere to eat before seeing a symphony at the Opera House. Suddenly we rounded a corner and there it was, a sign boasting burgers, beer, oh, and a ghost taking up residence. Of course we had to go in.
What followed was...anti-climatic. No ghosts knocked the glasses hanging above the bar, and, other than the draft from the front doors being thrown open, I felt no breath on the back of my neck.
However, in my opinion, the atmosphere is always better when there's a little history hanging in the air.
Little did we know as we devoured our Aussie Burgers piled high with thick-cut bacon, beets, barbecue sauce, lettuce, grilled pineapple and tomatoes, the area is actually well-known for its paranormal happenings; and they're a bit more intense than blood-red juice from the beets dripping down your arm.
However, in my opinion, the atmosphere is always better when there's a little history hanging in the air.
The two times I've visited Australia have been under drastically different circumstances―once for a few weeks in seventh grade with People to People, and once for two days with Alpine Living Magazine―sadly, a ghost tour wasn't on the agenda either of those times. Now it's been added to my endless bucket list for when I return.
Those of you who are headed that way might want to check out one of these Nightly Ghost Tours. For $45 Australian dollars, you can "hear true stories of murder, suicide, hangings, hauntings and ghosts as you journey along the cobblestone lanes..."
If you'd rather not spend your money on a tour and just want to seek out a "spirit" and a bite to eat, check out the Haunted Bar Guide. Currently, Australia isn't on the location list, but the site asks those, (like me) who stumble upon haunted bars to reach out and report, so maybe some will be listed soon!
Please feel free to comment suggestions for haunted establishments below, especially if you have a hometown hangout known for its Spooks. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on my spine-tingling dining experiences.
📍 Sydney, Australia
📍 United States
