Locals Say These Haunted North Carolina Restaurants Serve Food So Good, It’s Scary
I’ll never forget the first time I walked into a restaurant and felt a chill that had nothing to do with the air conditioning.
The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery near Warsaw and Kenansville has been giving diners that same eerie thrill since 1961.
But here’s the kicker: the food is so phenomenal, locals keep coming back despite the ghostly guests.
Built From Salvaged Dreams and Schoolhouse Beams
Former schoolteacher Joe West didn’t just open a restaurant in 1961. He built a legend using salvaged timber and actual farmhouse parts, piecing together what would become a North Carolina icon.
The rustic construction gives the place an authenticity you can’t fake. Every creaky floorboard and weathered beam tells a story, and some of those stories involve unexplained footsteps at midnight.
West’s vision transformed simple materials into a Scottish-themed landmark that still stands strong today.
The Woman in White Wants a Table for One
Staff members have spotted her countless times. A mysterious woman dressed entirely in white wanders the dining rooms and hallways, never speaking, never ordering, just gliding through like she owns the place.
Phantom footsteps echo through empty corridors late at night. Walls shake from invisible fists pounding against them, and darts launch themselves across the game room without human hands.
These aren’t just campfire tales but documented experiences from employees and guests alike.
Iris Lennon Keeps the Spirit (and Spirits) Alive
Since the mid-1980s, Iris Lennon has been the heart and soul behind the Country Squire’s success. She’s not just a proprietor but a guardian of traditions, recipes, and yes, even the resident ghosts.
Running a haunted establishment for nearly four decades takes guts and grace. Lennon has mastered both, turning supernatural encounters into part of the restaurant’s charm rather than a liability.
Her dedication ensures every meal meets the high standards Joe West established decades ago.
Pour Yourself Some History at the Tartan Tasting Room
Wine lovers get a double treat here. The on-site winery features a Tartan Tasting Room housed in an authentic 1780s farmhouse, making it older than the United States Constitution.
Sipping wine surrounded by centuries-old walls adds layers of flavor no vineyard can replicate.
The building itself has witnessed more history than most museums, from colonial times through the Revolutionary War era.
Scottish tartans adorn the space, connecting the theme throughout the entire property beautifully.
Perfectly Positioned Between Two Carolina Towns
Finding the Country Squire is easy once you know where to look. Situated at 748 NC Highway 24/50, it sits conveniently between Warsaw and Kenansville, making it accessible from multiple directions.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner throughout the week, so you can plan your haunted dining experience accordingly. No need to wait for special occasions or seasonal events to visit.
Its location in rural Duplin County adds to the atmospheric charm that makes every visit memorable.
Media Darling With Steaks That Steal the Spotlight
Our State magazine and WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler have both featured the Country Squire, drawn by its perfect combination of exceptional steaks, fascinating history, and legitimate paranormal activity.
When media outlets return repeatedly, it signals something special beyond typical restaurant fare.
The steaks here have earned legendary status among North Carolina foodies, perfectly cooked and generously portioned.
Television crews love filming here because the location delivers compelling stories alongside mouthwatering visuals that captivate audiences statewide.