October’s Haunted Establishments with “Spirits” Series

Habits Café – Cincinnati, Ohio

It’s October and all this month we've been exploring haunted drinking establishments - restaurants, taverns, wineries, any place that serves spirits … and has “spirits.”  

Let’s hit the road one more time and discover who or what it is that makes these places so dark and brooding…

Habits Café has been a part of the Oakley community for 35 years. Founded in 1980, this neighborhood bar and grill, located on the eastern side of Cincinnati, offers a quaint atmosphere in which to enjoy outstanding food and after-work drinks. But not all is what it seems at this eclectic eatery.

Long before it was Habits Café, this building was home to a neighborhood bar. In one version of the story, the tavern owner was a notorious person who had spent time in jail. Back out on the street, he quickly returned to his criminal ways of dealing in hot merchandise. A bent cop discovered his secret and the two went into operation together. The cop would keep attention diverted from the bar and the owner would cut him in for a part of the take.

The ruse seemed to be working well until someone became too greedy. One night, the owner lured the cop into the basement of the building and shot him to death. 

It was rumored that the bar owner was gunned down not long afterwards in the alley by the café. No one knew the exact details of the shooting and without some tips; the police had nothing to go on ...

In another version of the story - one night, a patron had too much to drink and became belligerent when the management stopped service. The police were called, but the man refused to leave. When the officer arrived, the intoxicated patron was in the basement where he grabbed a shotgun and struck the policeman in the head. The officer died at the scene. The customer was later arrested.

 

While it is known that a policeman was killed in the basement of the building, the exact details have become sketchy over time. Whisperings, cold spots and the feeling of being watched are prevalent downstairs, though.

Today, customers report that phone and camera batteries drain quickly. Staff members have witnessed the lights being unexplainedly turned on and off, and have seen items thrown through the air by no visible presence.

If you’re in the Queen City for Halloween this year, dinner at Habits Café may be just the thing for a spooktacular evening out.

~ Joy

Details:

Habits Café

3036 Madison Road

Cincinnati, OH

(513) 631-8367

Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Things That Go Bump ... at the Irish Lion Pub & Restaurant

Haunted Establishments with “Spirits” Series

The Irish Lion - Bloomington, Indiana

The wind is rising, the leaves are changing, and it’s time for our annual trek to some haunted restaurants and libation locations around the country. To kick things off, here’s an Irish pub with a bit more than the usual spirits you’d expect to find at the bar …

The Irish Lion

This cool little restaurant and pub is located in Bloomington, Indiana. The Irish Lion has been in operation since 1982 serving authentic Irish pub grub like stews, steaks and mutton pies for over 30 years. The bar features over 100 whiskeys, over 130 Single Malt Scotches and a stunning array of Irish and European imports on draft.

Woorley Tavern

The building began as the Woorley Tavern and Hotel Bundy European in 1882. The vintage bar was crafted during the Civil War era. Upstairs was  a brothel and the hotel advertised that “companions” were available to spend the night with customers.  The building has been restored with cast iron columns, stained glass and an original mahogany Brunswick back bar - the same one featured in the opening of the TV show "Cheers." 

Inside the Tavern

The tavern and hotel began operation in 1882 and continued until well into the 20^th century, but in 1920 Prohibition began and the tavern closed. The Great Depression brought an end to the hotel and during the 1930's some dark and tragic events happened on this site.

Empty and Forlorn

From 1935 to 1957, the building was used for a multitude of purposes. After Prohibition the building was once again used as a tavern and also as a billiard hall. Several people died here during this time but records are sketchy as to who they were and the causes of death.

 In 1979, the McConnaugh family purchased the building and set about restoring it to its 19^th century glory before opening it as the Irish Lion Restaurant and Pub in 1982.

Bar  Area

Employees and customers have witnessed strange occurrences in the building, both in the downstairs pub area and upstairs in the banquet room. Former employees tell of liquor bottle flying through the air at the bar, sometime aimed at a specific person. Other times wine and beer glasses shatter on the shelves for no apparent reason. Employees clean up the restaurant and bar after closing only to open in the morning and find that the bar area had been ransacked and was in total shambles. There had not been a break-in; nothing was missing, just destruction of liquor bottles and glassware.

Banquet Room

Customers have reported feeling a presence upstairs in the banquet room, which was once a bordello. It appears that some of the girls have decided to linger … Customers have inquired about the large party going on upstairs when the banquet room has been cleaned and closed for the evening. When someone checks, there is no one to be found and the second floor is dark. 

 To appease the pub spirits, bartenders usually leave a shot of whiskey at the end of the bar.  Apparently this keeps the spirits happy as there have been few incidents reported in recent years.

 

If you’d like to experience some excellent Irish food, a host of Irish beers on draft, and the ambience of spirits of the past, check out the Irish Lion, located at 212 West Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington, Indiana. The pub is open daily from 11 a.m. to “late night.”

For more information visit The Irish Lion.

Indiana University

And while you’re in Bloomington, check out a few of the other haunted venues for a spook-tacular visit to the Hoosier state:

That old college “spirit” is thriving at Indiana University where several students and at least four faculty members are said to roam the buildings and grounds.

Stepp Cemetery

The Stepp Cemetery, in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest, is also rumored to be haunted, some say it is one of the most haunted places in south-central Indiana.

 Maybe some spirited guides have contributed to Bloomington's slogan: "Come. Stay. Replay."

~ Joy