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Best Haunted Bars In Detroit

(Photo: Amelia Kanan)

Gather around and be prepared to get spooked. It is the time of year for ghost stories and hauntings. Numerous apparitions can be seen or heard roaming around Detroit and surrounding communities. These local establishments embrace their haunted history, with many willing to share tales of their own experiences with the other side. Stop in and enjoy a cocktail. Perhaps you will witness something unusual, creating your own scary tale to tell.

Photo Credit: The Whitney via Facebook

The Ghost Bar at The Whitney
4421 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-5700
www.whitneyghostbar.comHoused in the revival mansion on Woodward Avenue is The Whitney. Also residing there are ghosts from a past era. Legend has it that David Whitney, Jr. and his wife, Sarah, passed away inside the home Whitney had built. Reports of supernatural activity began in the '80s and mysterious activity has been reported on all three floors ever since. It is said that the elevator moves, although nobody is in it. Apparitions have been reported throughout the building. Witnesses have seen a shadowy figure on the second floor and the third-floor spirit is a man wearing a tuxedo. The sound of dishes clanging can be heard while no one is around and table settings move by themselves. Paranormal activity has been recorded and verified by a research team. This paranormal hot spot is now home to an exclusive lounge. Since becoming legendary for its ghost stories, the bar was deemed The Ghost Bar. Located on the third floor of The Whitney, The Ghost Bar was recently transformed into one of the city's premier establishments.

Related: Best Haunted Places in Detroit

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(credit: cwtvlink.com)

The Majestic
4140 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 833-9700
www.majesticdetroit.comHarry Houdini, the greatest magician to ever live, died on Halloween eve in room 401 in Grace Hospital in Detroit. Houdini is infamous for making contact with the dead through séances. Since The Majestic is the place where Harry Houdini gave his final performance in the adjacent theatre, no wonder it is haunted. The strange occurrences began in the basement below the theatre. Although it has been sealed by a solid brick wall, people have seen someone coming up the stairs on more than one occasion. Some have heard faint applause emanating from the balcony. Others have heard a man yelling, accompanied by footsteps from the Magic Stick concert venue and bar area. This has happened for close to a decade with no trace of a live person ever found. The Majestic entertainment complex serves drinks and entrees as well as standard bar food. Live musical entertainment is featured regularly and there are also pool tables and bowling.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Brighton Bar & Grill
400 W. Main St.
Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 229-4115
www.brightonbarandgrill.comA place where rumors abound about spooks and specters is Brighton Bar & Grill. Have a seat and enjoy a cocktail, but don't be surprised if you feel like someone is watching you closely. Some patrons have felt a strange presence. There is a story floating around town that a young lady died within the building near the turn of the century. The Portal Paranormal Society is hoping to investigate this popular American bistro to confirm the suspicions.

(credit: Cadieux Cafe/Facebook)

Cadieux Cafe
4300 Cadieux Road
Detroit, MI 48224
(313) 882-8560
www.cadieuxcafe.comThe current owner of this popular Belgian bar and former speakeasy believes it is haunted. The owner's mother, Yvonne Devos, has been seen in the bar area and sitting at a table. She used to be the matron of the cafe and is always seen wearing the same dress. Robert, her husband, has also been spotted in the basement. Sometimes a man makes a spooky appearance as he enters through the front door and occasionally, things will appear to move on their own. The Cadieux Cafe is known for its mussels and as being the only place in the United States to participate in a game of feather bowling. Stop in for a truly unique night out.

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Fenton Hotel Tavern & Grill
302 N. Leroy St.
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 750-9463
www.fentonhotel.comFenton Hotel Tavern & Grill is rich in history and spooky occurrences. Shutters open and close by themselves and lights flicker on and off casting creepy shadows along the walls. Countless reports have been made that the custodian of the establishment, Emery, can be heard roaming throughout the hotel. The current staff shares ghost stories when no one is around. A man at table 32 orders a drink, a Jack Daniel's on the rocks. As the waiter returns with drink in hand, the man is nowhere to be found. Also, there is sometimes a lone black cat seen by waitresses, sveltely walking the floor. Stop in for a drink to witness the presence yourself. Wines of the finest vintage can be ordered by the bottle or glass and the restaurant features classic entrees and homemade desserts.

Related: Best Bars With Drinking Games In Detroit

Head to CBS Detroit's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food,culture and more!

Nicole Wrona has been on the music scene since she was fourteen- standing in line to score tickets to the latest show. After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, she began working with a diverse range of musicians. She currently resides in Detroit. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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