Spirits on the Menu: 9 Most Haunted Restaurants in California

California’s culinary landscape isn’t just about flavor, it’s also rich in stories that linger well after the plates are cleared. A handful of restaurants across the state have earned a reputation for more than just memorable meals. Here, history and hospitality walk alongside tales of the unexplained, creating a unique atmosphere for diners who like a side of intrigue with their entrée.

Some visit for the food, others for a chance to witness the spectral side of California. From cliffside speakeasies to vintage Hollywood haunts, these establishments blend historic ambiance with reports of eerie phenomena. Patrons and staff alike have shared uncanny experiences, from sudden chills and mysterious footsteps to tales of apparitions rooted in decades-old legends.

If you have a taste for adventure, these ten California restaurants serve up both great cuisine and a generous helping of the state’s most persistent ghost stories. Reserve a table, and keep an open mind.

1. Moss Beach Distillery, Moss Beach

Stories of the Moss Beach Distillery’s “Blue Lady” have colored local conversation for generations. The setting, a cliffside view of the Pacific and a history tracing back to the Prohibition era, sets the stage for the restaurant’s unique reputation. Some say the Blue Lady was a woman caught in a tragic love story, while others believe her life ended in an accident or by foul play on these very cliffs.

Patrons often share accounts of laughter echoing through empty rooms or the distinct sound of footsteps when no one is nearby. Staff members have reported objects moving on their own, and a few guests claim to have spotted a woman in blue drifting through the dining area. Each sighting adds another layer to the legend, making a meal here feel like a brush with history.

The ocean’s roar beneath and the fog rolling in from the sea only deepen the sense of mystery. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Distillery’s blend of coastal beauty and storied past offers an experience that’s difficult to forget. The Blue Lady’s lore remains as much a part of the menu as the seafood itself.

2. Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood

Hollywood’s Musso & Frank Grill doesn’t need paranormal tales to draw a crowd, but the stories certainly linger. Open since 1919, the restaurant has played host to generations of celebrities, authors, and film icons. Some regulars claim the spirit of Charlie Chaplin has never left his favorite booth, quietly observing the action from the shadows.

Staff mention unexplained cold spots and objects that seem to shift positions after closing time. Occasionally, a server will describe the sensation of someone brushing past when the aisle is empty. Even those inclined toward skepticism admit to an odd feeling when walking alone through the dark-paneled dining room late at night.

The restaurant’s rich history seems to have left a mark that goes beyond photographs on the wall. For many, dinner here feels like a direct connection to both Hollywood’s golden past and its more mysterious present. Musso & Frank’s is a place where the line between legend and reality feels especially thin, especially as the lights go low and the stories get told.

3. Clifton’s Republic, Los Angeles

Step inside Clifton’s Republic and you’ll find a restaurant that feels like an enchanted forest frozen in time. The space, originally a Depression-era cafeteria, now draws crowds with its whimsical design and layered history. Beyond the towering faux redwoods, tales of hauntings endure, including that of a woman whose ashes were scattered on the premises.

Restoration efforts over the years have uncovered more than just vintage flooring, employees have reported odd sensations and glimpses of figures where no one should be. Some say the ambiance grows eerily charged after hours, with unexplained noises and shifting shadows in the corners. There’s a sense that you’re never truly dining alone.

For guests, these stories become part of the experience, mingling with the aroma of comfort food and curiosity about the past. The creative interior may delight the eye, but the lingering spirits keep conversations lively. At Clifton’s, you get a taste of Los Angeles nostalgia, served with a dash of the unexplainable.

4. Union Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Benicia

Visitors to the Union Hotel Restaurant & Bar often come for the Bay Area history, but many leave talking about its spectral resident. The legend of “Crying Mary” has persisted for decades, describing a grieving woman who wanders the halls in search of a lost love. Locals say her presence is especially noticeable late at night, when the building settles and the air turns quiet.

Some have heard soft sobs echoing through empty corridors, while others claim to see a fleeting figure in white. Staff occasionally feel a sudden chill or witness lights flicker for no clear reason. Even the bravest guests admit to feeling uneasy on the upper floors after dark.

The hotel’s long legacy, dating back to 1852, adds weight to these accounts. Whether you’re drawn to old-world charm or tales of heartbreak, Union Hotel’s blend of heritage and hauntings gives every visit an emotional twist. Crying Mary’s story remains a part of the building’s fabric, weaving past and present in a way few restaurants can match.

5. Formosa Cafe, West Hollywood

Some restaurants seem built for stories, and the Formosa Cafe takes that to heart. Since the 1920s, this West Hollywood staple has been a magnet for movie stars, musicians, and, according to some, specters from another era. The dim lighting and walls filled with old Hollywood photos create a mood that feels ripe for mysteries.

Reports of ghostly voices and fleeting shapes in mirrored surfaces are as much a part of the Formosa experience as the cocktails. The legend of gangster Mickey Cohen’s lingering spirit adds a gritty edge, while others claim familiar faces from Hollywood’s past still make appearances. Each account brings a touch more intrigue to the restaurant’s already colorful reputation.

Dining here isn’t just a meal, it’s a brush with the city’s glamor and its secrets. Whether you’re a fan of old-school charm or fascinated by tales of the unexplained, the Formosa Cafe serves up both with style. Every visit offers a chance to spot the past glancing back.

6. The Captain’s Anchorage, Big Bear Lake

Tucked among the pines near Big Bear Lake, the Captain’s Anchorage offers a cozy retreat for locals and travelers. The restaurant’s log cabin charm comes with stories of a friendly ghost named George, believed to be connected to the building’s early days. Staff mention pots clanking in the empty kitchen and footsteps overhead when the dining room is still.

Unlike the more dramatic tales elsewhere, the hauntings here have a quieter, almost comforting rhythm. Items occasionally go missing or turn up in strange places, and some employees describe a reassuring presence during late-night cleanups. The rustic setting only enhances the gentle sense of mystery.

Customers come for steak and lake views, but it’s the hints of the supernatural that linger after the plates are cleared. Whether George truly watches over the place, or it’s just the creaks of a well-loved building, Captain’s Anchorage keeps its secrets close. The ambiance is one of warmth, with just a touch of the uncanny.

7. The Queen Mary, Long Beach

Floating in Long Beach harbor, The Queen Mary commands attention with its grand presence and storied past. Since retiring as an ocean liner, this ship has gained as much fame for its hauntings as its history. Guests who dine on board often talk about unexplained taps on the shoulder or glimpses of figures in period clothing moving through the ballroom.

Many believe the ship’s active history has left a spiritual imprint, with reports of voices in empty corridors and sudden drops in temperature. The most famous tales involve a lady in white who appears near the grand staircase, only to vanish before she’s approached. Staff on evening shifts sometimes hear laughter or music from deserted salons.

A meal on The Queen Mary isn’t just about the food, it’s a passage through time. Whether you’re exploring after dark or enjoying a daylight brunch, the ship’s atmosphere has a way of turning every story into a shared experience. Dining here leaves you with more than just a satisfied appetite.

8. The Old Spaghetti Factory, Duarte

A meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Duarte comes with an extra dash of intrigue thanks to the building’s unusual past. Once a schoolhouse dating back to 1909, the restaurant is now known for more than just its classic Italian fare. Patrons often trade stories about hearing a piano play on its own or feeling watched when walking past the old classrooms.

Staff note occasional cold drafts and objects that seem to move from their places overnight. Some claim to have seen a child-sized shadow darting between tables, always disappearing before anyone can get a closer look. The blend of nostalgia and mystery gives the restaurant a character all its own.

Every visit feels like an invitation to uncover a new layer of history. Whether you’re there for spaghetti or the stories, the Old Spaghetti Factory delivers both in generous portions. The echoes of its educational beginnings linger, shaping the atmosphere for curious diners today.

9. The Whaley House Café, San Diego

The Whaley House Café stands next to one of San Diego’s most famously haunted sites. The original Whaley House, built in 1857, has featured in countless books and television specials for its reputed supernatural activity. The café next door serves up comfort food alongside stories of lingering spirits from the house’s turbulent history.

Guests occasionally mention fleeting shadows near the entrance or odd sounds in the early hours. Employees recall chilly breezes and doors that swing closed without reason. The proximity to the original Whaley House seems to amplify every creak and whisper, giving the café its own haunted reputation.

While some diners are drawn by curiosity, others simply enjoy the historic setting and friendly service. Whether or not you glimpse a ghost, you’ll find the Whaley House Café offers a rich slice of San Diego’s past. For many, it’s the stories that keep them coming back.