Lost Spirits: The 5 Most Haunted Bars in Nashville

Hey, boo! 👻 Are you ready to dive into the spook-tacular side of Nashville? Whether you're a die-hard ghost hunter or just looking for a little thrill with your cocktails, these haunted bars will have you feeling all the vibes—both spooky and spirited! Grab your crew, and let’s toast to the ghostly residents of Music City! Here’s my countdown of the Top 5 Haunted Bars you need to check out.

5. The Basement East 🎸

Okay, so this bar is a Nashville staple, and not just because of its killer live music scene. It’s also home to some serious paranormal activity! After a tragic tornado in 2020, staff and patrons have reported hearing unexplained whispers and feeling cold spots throughout the venue. Rumor has it that the ghost of a musician who once played there is still hanging around, jamming out with the band. Who doesn’t want to party with a ghostly rockstar?

4. Tootsies Orchid Lounge 🎤

You can't talk about haunted bars in Nashville without mentioning Tootsies! This iconic joint is haunted by none other than the legendary Hank Williams Sr. and Tootsie herself! Guests have reported hearing Hank’s eerie voice singing softly from the back, especially if a song he didn’t approve of is playing. And if you catch Tootsie’s spirit? She’s known to thump her hand on the bar when she’s not vibing with the music. Talk about a demanding diva! 🎶

3. Alley Taps 🍻

This bar isn’t just a cool hangout; it’s steeped in history and some seriously spooky tales! Alley Taps was once the meeting spot for Betsy Porter and her bootlegging lover during the Prohibition era. Legend has it that after a dramatic confrontation, Betsy’s ghost now roams the bar, sometimes causing glasses to shatter mysteriously! If you hear the sound of footsteps when no one is around, that’s Betsy keeping an eye on her territory. 😱

2. Sinatra's at the Southern Turf 🎩

This bar carries a heavy history, haunted by the ghost of Ike Johnson, who tragically took his own life in his second-floor apartment after losing his beloved Southern Turf to Prohibition. His restless spirit is said to linger in the building, with patrons reporting cold spots and strange shadows moving through the bar. If you feel an eerie chill while sipping your drink, it might just be Ike checking in on his old haunt. Prepare yourself for an encounter with the somber side of Nashville’s past! 👀

1. Skulls 💀

You guessed it—Skulls takes the top spot for a reason! This bar is infamous for its ghostly happenings, stemming from the murder of David “Skull” Schulman, who met a tragic end here. Not only is it a hot spot for some killer cocktails, but guests have reported eerie experiences, like feeling an unsettling presence and strange noises when the bar gets quiet. Some even claim they’ve seen a ghostly figure of Skull himself lurking near the bar, keeping an eye on the drinkers. If you want a truly bone-chilling experience while sipping on your drink, this is the place to be!

There you have it, my spooky sippers! From chilling encounters to whispers from the past, these haunted bars are perfect for anyone looking to mix a little thrill with their nightlife. Next time you're in Nashville, join us on our Lost Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl. Who knows, you might just have a ghostly encounter of your own! 🥂👻✨