Locals Say These Haunted Restaurants In Tennessee Make Halloween Meals So Good, They’re Scarily Unforgettable
I’ve heard plenty of ghost stories while eating my way through Tennessee, but some of them stick with you long after the meal is over.
Across the state, a few restaurants sit in creaky old buildings where lights flicker, footsteps echo, and staff trade stories they can’t explain.
Still, the food keeps people coming back, even the ones who claim they’ve seen something strange. It’s part of what makes Tennessee dining feel so alive, great flavors, friendly faces, and a little chill in the air after dark.
1. The Greenbrier Restaurant, Gatlinburg
Tucked away near the Smoky Mountains, this spot has been feeding hungry visitors since the 1930s. The building itself carries stories of unexplained footsteps and doors that open on their own. Staff members report feeling watched in empty dining rooms.
But the real draw is the Southern comfort food that keeps people coming back. Fried chicken, country ham, and homemade biscuits fill the menu. The atmosphere feels warm despite the ghostly tales.
Guests often mention hearing whispers when no one else is around. Still, the friendly service and hearty portions make any supernatural encounters feel worth it.
2. Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, Savannah
Built in 1840, this former stagecoach stop turned restaurant sits along the Tennessee River. Travelers used to rest here on long journeys, and some say a few never really left. Cold spots appear in certain corners without explanation.
The catfish here gets fried to golden perfection, served with hushpuppies and coleslaw. Locals have been making the drive for generations. The building’s creaky floors add character to every meal.
Visitors sometimes glimpse figures moving past windows when rooms are empty. The family running the place treats everyone like kin, ghost stories and all.
3. Earnestine & Hazel’s, Memphis
This Memphis landmark started as a drugstore before becoming something much livelier upstairs. The second floor holds a reputation for paranormal activity that draws curious visitors year-round. Bartenders tell stories of glasses sliding across counters by themselves.
The famous Soul Burgers keep the kitchen busy late into the night. Jukebox tunes fill the air while patrons swap ghost stories over their meals. The vibe feels gritty and real, not polished or pretend.
Some claim to see a woman in vintage clothing watching from the balcony. The place embraces its spooky history without making a big show of it.
4. Thomas House Hotel Dining Room, Red Boiling Springs
This Victorian hotel has welcomed guests since 1890, back when people visited for the healing mineral springs. The dining room serves meals in a space where countless travelers have gathered over the decades. Strange sounds echo through hallways when the building settles at night.
Home-cooked Southern dishes arrive on tables set with care and tradition. The menu changes but always features comfort food done right. Guests staying overnight report hearing footsteps in empty corridors.
The staff shares stories matter-of-factly, like they’re just part of the building’s charm. Good food and ghostly encounters go hand in hand here.
5. Bistro At The Bijou, Knoxville
Located in a building connected to Knoxville’s old theater district, this bistro occupies space with serious history. The basement once served different purposes, and some say remnants of the past still linger. Employees mention odd occurrences when closing up alone.
The menu leans upscale with fresh ingredients and creative preparations. Steaks, seafood, and seasonal specials draw downtown crowds looking for quality. The elegant atmosphere contrasts nicely with the building’s mysterious reputation.
Diners occasionally report feeling sudden temperature drops near certain tables. The kitchen staff keeps turning out excellent food regardless of any ghostly neighbors hanging around.
6. Bridgeman’s Chophouse At The Read House, Chattanooga
Inside one of Chattanooga’s most storied hotels, this chophouse serves premium cuts in a setting rich with history. The Read House has hosted presidents and celebrities since 1872. Room 311 upstairs gets all the attention for paranormal activity, but the restaurant has its own tales.
Perfectly aged steaks and fresh seafood anchor a menu built for special occasions. The service matches the upscale surroundings. Staff members whisper about unexplained events during quiet shifts.
Guests sometimes notice silverware rearranged when they look away. The food quality keeps people focused on their plates, though the ghost stories add extra flavor.
7. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Nashville
This legendary honky-tonk has been pouring drinks and serving bar food since 1960. The purple building sits right behind the Ryman Auditorium, where country music legends used to slip in through the back door. Some believe a few of those spirits still hang around.
The menu keeps things simple with burgers, wings, and finger foods. Live music plays constantly on multiple floors. Bartenders occasionally sense someone standing nearby when no one is there.
The energy stays high, but late-night staff report strange feelings in empty corners. Music and memories soak into every inch of this Nashville institution.
8. Skull’s Rainbow Room, Nashville
Perched atop a downtown Nashville building, this elegant spot has served the city since the 1940s. The space once hosted big band performances and glamorous dinner parties. Employees mention unexplained shadows moving across the dining room after hours.
The menu offers refined Southern cuisine with modern touches. Fresh ingredients and careful preparation show in every dish. The panoramic views of Nashville add to the sophisticated atmosphere.
Some diners report feeling a presence near the bar area when it’s quiet. The restaurant maintains its vintage charm while keeping the food quality consistently high despite any lingering spirits.
9. Chez Philippe At The Peabody, Memphis
Inside Memphis’s most famous hotel, this fine dining establishment occupies a building known for more than just its resident ducks. The Peabody has stood since 1869, and its long history includes plenty of unexplained moments. Staff working late sometimes hear music from empty ballrooms.
The restaurant serves sophisticated French-inspired cuisine with impeccable presentation. Every detail gets attention, from the drink list to the table settings. The formal atmosphere suits special celebrations.
Guests occasionally mention seeing figures in period clothing reflected in mirrors. The culinary experience remains the main attraction, even if a few ghosts might be watching.
10. Brumley’s Restaurant At The General Morgan Inn, Greeneville
This inn dates back to the early 1800s and has sheltered travelers through wars and changing times. The restaurant inside serves guests in rooms where history happened. Strange occurrences get reported often enough that the staff barely blinks anymore.
Traditional Southern cooking fills the menu with dishes made from scratch. Pot roast, fried chicken, and fresh vegetables arrive in generous portions. The cozy atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.
Guests staying overnight sometimes hear footsteps in hallways when everyone is accounted for. The restaurant keeps serving solid comfort food while the building’s mysteries add an extra layer of interest.