The Haunted Tavern – Nashville’s Infamous Ghostly Watering Hole

Nestled in Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood stands an old tavern that is rumored to be haunted by several spirits. The Haunted Tavern has a storied past going back over 100 years, making it a draw for paranormal enthusiasts and the generally curious alike.

History of the Haunted Tavern

The three-story brick building was originally constructed in the early 1900s as a grocery and dry goods store run by European immigrants. During the Prohibition era, it secretly operated as a speakeasy called “The Blind Pig.”

After Prohibition ended, it reopened as a licensed tavern called Silky O’Sullivan’s. The bar changed ownership and names several times over the decades before becoming known as the Haunted Tavern in the 1970s.

With such an old pedigree in a neighborhood as historic as Germantown, ghost stories swirled around the old tavern for years. Patrons and staff have experienced unexplained paranormal activity for generations.

Ghosts of the Haunted Tavern

Several ghosts are said to haunt the Haunted Tavern, including:

• The spirit of a former bartender named Nathan. He plays harmless pranks like hiding objects around the bar.
• A mysterious woman dressed in 1920s attire who appears in mirrors before vanishing. Some believe she was a speakeasy dancer.
• An impish young boy who runs across rooms on the upper floor. He may be a former newsboy from the building’s grocery store days.
• A dark ghostly presence felt in the basement, believed to be a malevolent spirit left over from the Prohibition days.

The Haunted Tavern happily embraces its spooky history and ghosts. Their motto is “spirits of all kinds welcome!”

Visiting the Haunted Tavern

The Haunted Tavern is open daily and serves a full food and drink menu, with happy hour specials. TVs play sports and live music shows are common.

While not an official haunted house attraction, the Haunted Tavern does host ghost tours and paranormal investigation events. Follow their social media for special spirit-themed events around Halloween.

Even if you don’t spot a ghost, it’s a lively neighborhood bar with character and stories to tell!

Haunted Tavern FAQ

For a spirited good time in Nashville, grab a haunt-inspired drink at this storied old watering hole. Just don’t be surprised if you witness a ghost or two!