Updated: Dallas Restaurants and Bars with Haunting Halloween Vibes and Cocktails

Bubbling cauldrons of booze, cherry-red blood bags and over-the-top Halloween decor wasted no time joining Dallas’ famously haunted buildings this fall. Many bars and restaurants are set up to facilitate a true dose of fright, while other spots are creepy any day of the year with ghostly spirits and wicked vibes. Throw in some seasonal pop-up bars, and Dallas is already deep in the Halloween season.

Here are some local haunts that promise a haunting time.

Ruins

2653 Commerce St. (Deep Ellum)

You won’t find kitschy Halloween decor or ghost stories in the back pocket of the bartenders at Ruins. This Deep Ellum watering hole has an atmosphere that’s creepy all on its own every day of the year. The concept here originates from "ruin pubs" around Budapest, which are abandoned buildings turned into bars. Look around the space, beyond the wall of agaves and rum behind the bar, and you’ll notice colorful demons and Our Lady of Guadalupe artwork along with dystopian relics, adding mystery and eeriness to those old brick walls. Soak it in with Mexican fare and tequila shots.

Ayahuasca

Inside Xaman Cafe, 334 Jefferson Blvd. (Oak Cliff)

Candle-lit with aromatic incense, Ayahuasca is a low-key spot shrouded in an eerie Halloween spirit. The speakeasy is prepping for Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 2, but drop by any time this month and you’ll experience a ghostly presence. Tequila, mezcal and sotol dominate the drink menu, but you'll find other spirits and classic cocktails to wash down the ancient-rooted contemporary Mexican menu. Don't be scared to try the tlayuda de campo with grasshoppers, maguey worms and scorpions. 

The Adolphus Hotel

1321 Commerce St. (Downtown)

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Dallas’ oldest hotel is rumored to run rampant with ghosts. Mysterious deaths involving the hotel’s elevator shaft began just weeks after its opening in 1912, and a 1930s bride left at the altar haunts guests and hotel staff to this day with apparitions and auditory hallucinations. If you’re interested in taking home your own ghost story, stop by the social bar in the lobby for a bit of liquid courage first and check out the homemade history book with timelines and several poems about the supposed ghosts inside. Afterwards, explore at your own discretion. Just think twice before using the elevator.

Third Rail Bar

815 S. Main St., Grapevine

Grapevine’s spookiest pop-up bar, Nightmare on Main Street, has overtaken Third Rail Bar inside Harvest Hall in downtown Grapevine. Sip a Poisoned Apple, Black Dahlia, Carrie’s Revenge, Zombie’s Dream Margarita and Green Goblin cocktails while listening to live music. Movie nights and a variety of entertainment are also on tap throughout the month, including “scary-oke”. Stop by through Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. until late. Patrons 21 and up only.

Stirr

2803 Main St.

A sinister haunted mansion pop-up is stirr-ing inside the Pearl Room at Stirr. This immersive dining experience comes supernaturally with over-the-top potions, ominous photo ops and cobweb-covered corners. Reserve a seat on Tuesdays for a free movie screening of Hocus Pocus (1993) on Oct. 17 and Halloween Ends (2022) on Oct. 24. The pop-up concludes on Oct. 31 with a Halloween party.

The Alexander Mansion

4607 Ross Ave.

Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party is an immersive retelling of the Legend of the Vaughn Clan inside the historically haunted Alexander Mansion. Quirks of an old-school variety show are mixed with theatrical touches telling the story of the famous haunting of Vaughn Hall in Ireland. It's been singled out as one of the best-haunted attractions in the country by Forbes. Tickets fall in three tiers for this free-roam macabre cocktail party in one of Ross Avenue’s original houses.

Sons of Hermann Hall

3414 Elm St. (Deep Ellum)

This historic venue doesn’t wait until October to turn up the spook factor; supernatural occurrences are common at Sons of Hermann Hall year-round. Not only is it the oldest bar in Dallas, it's the oldest freestanding wood structure in the DFW area. Factor in its 1911 construction, and a ghost or two is practically guaranteed. The Sons hosts a variety of weekly events, where spirits have been rumored to bring unexplained noises and eerie feelings to attendees. It's also one of the Observer's top 100 bars in Dallas.

Bourbon & Banter I Love the '80s to Death Murder Mystery Dinner

Statler Hotel, 1914 Commerce St.

Get out your hair spray and neon jelly bracelets for an '80s murder mystery dinner on Halloween at Bourbon & Banter, a speakeasy inside the Statler Hotel. Everyone is sus'(pect). Dinner will be a smoked salmon mousse canape, roasted chicken in a garlic cream sauce with spaghetti squash, char siu pork and red wine-poached pears for dessert. Tickets are $135, which includes tax and tip. Be sure to bring your Miami Vice game face. And remember, you can never wear too much eyeliner.

Swizzle

1802 Greenville Ave., No. 110

Aquatic skeletons and spider webs have taken over the Swizzle Tiki Bar on Lower Greenville. Apart from the regular cocktail menu, look for a Krampus Eve Menu with a handful of themed drinks: Eye of the Spider, Stranger’s Blood, Ghost of Xmas Past, All Tunnel No Light and Harlequin. If you want all the frills of Halloween but in a relaxed atmosphere, this is a great place to land. Also here: weekly interactive events and old-school Halloween movies on replay above the bar.

Devil's Back Porch

3011 Gulden Lane (Trinity Groves)

A bunch of hocus pocus has bewitched the Devil’s Back Porch, the speakeasy inside Saint Rocco's New York Italian restaurant. The “Witches Brew” pop-up serves spooky cocktails in the ominous bar with floating candles, wicked decor and a wheel of fate. Sip on a Black Flame Candle made with tequila, pomegranate, Chambord and lemon, or a Pumpkin To Talk About with rum, almond milk, honey and pumpkin spice among other sinister drinks. Don’t miss the Hideaway Cabaret (Oct. 28), Costume Contest (Oct. 31) and Casino Nights (every Thursday), where you can run amok.

Roy G’s

4001 Cedar Springs Road (Uptown)

Dragonberry blood bags and devilishly creative cocktails have returned to Roy G’s for All Hallows Eve. Boo-itches should try the Bubble, Bubble Toil and Trouble, a cauldron filled with Pama pomegranate, peach Schnapps, vodka, fresh lemon and Champagne served over dry ice. The Creepy Crawly 3some throws gummy worms and Midori melon together and is chased with a shot of blood-red Kool-Aid. Or try The Perfect Husband, a balance of strong and sweet, with just a little bit of spice.

Wonder Bar

2107 N. Henderson Ave. (Knox/Henderson)

Drink up, witches. The whimsical and eccentric Wonder Bar is decked out in Halloween with drinks including the Scary AF, which must be ordered by at least two people. There's a green slime drink called a Skull Crusher that’s served in a cranium-shaped glass. After completing the Wonder Bar right of passage, a spin of the signature “Price is Right” wheel, explore to find the pair of Demogorgons, snap a pic in the sinister photo room and bust a move under the disco (eye) balls.

Snuffer's

3526 Greenville Ave.

Ask any of the staff at Snuffer's on Greenville Avenue about their experiences with the paranormal and you’ll be met with hair-raising accounts of dark silhouettes, lights turning on, footsteps down the hall and a bathroom door that opens but never closes. There are many theories swirling as to who lingers, but the story that carries is the spirit of a man who was murdered when the building was a pool hall. Even after Snuffer's was demolished and rebuilt in 2013, it seems the ghost remains: paranormal investigations have been conducted since and even the manager won’t enter if he's alone. Our verdict? A side of mild fright could never keep us away from those cheese fries.

American Horror Story Party at Federales (Oct. 28)

2820 Commerce St. (Deep Ellum)

What’s scarier than Halloween? Missing the American Horror Story party at Federales on Saturday, Oct. 28. Grab your tickets in advance and come dressed in character. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a DJ will keep the base going as you indulge in Federales favorites like the pork and pineapple tacos, or go big with the new 100-ounce Pinche Paloma served in an upside-down cowboy hat. Tickets start at $30 and include a drink package, craft beers and a small buffet.

Punch Bowl Social Halloween Party

2600 Main St. (Deep Ellum)

On Saturday, Oct. 28, a wicked night of ghoulish games, electrifying beats and themed cocktails is on tap at Punch Bowl Social. What Up Witches and Halloween in Jalisco are two highlights from the haunted “boos” menu. You can also indulge in a full from-scratch kitchen of seasonal plates and late-night bites. Confident that you have the spookiest, funniest or most original costume? Enter the costume contest to take home some prizes. The best part? There is no cover charge to get in, but an RSVP is highly encouraged.

The Coven Halloween at Lounge 31

87 Highland Park Village

Under the full moon on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 p.m. to close, Lounge 31 is hosting a witchy, coven-themed party with a DJ, bubbling cocktails and a costume contest. If you’re brave enough to unravel the mysteries within The Coven, reserve a VIP table to ensure you get a seat.

Monster Mash Disco at The Virgin Hotel

1445 Turtle Creek Blvd.

Grab your ghouls and your most sinister attire because the Virgin Hotel is hosting a Halloween bash inside the Manor. Hauntingly good performances by Shangela and DJ Manrelic will keep your night of frightful dance moves alive under the haunt of a disco ball. The party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; all guests, 21+ only, must be checked in by 10:30 p.m. A ticket or table reservation is required.

La Noches De Brujas at La Mina

5630 Village Glen Drive

The Village’s newest nightclub, La Mina, is hosting the underground Halloween party of your Latin dreams … or nightmares. The fiesta will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Complimentary bubbly and light bites are included with your ticket ($75). Admission is 21+. Costumes are encouraged, but if you’re not keen on dressing up, you can always fall back on the smart casual dress code. DJ Mac Markham will be mixing tunes all night long, and you definitely don’t want to miss the gold body painter and giveaways throughout the night.

The Haunted Hotel at Theory

2912 McKinney Ave.

Over-the-top decorations, spooky haunted elements and sinister performing artists are taking over Theory on Saturday, Oct. 28. Costumes are highly encouraged, and sounds by DJ Brax will fill the dance floor with EDM, hip-hop mixes and Top 40 tunes till 2 a.m.. Get your hands on tickets in advance because the line is always out the door at this nightclub. Prices start at $20 for regular entry and $35 for VIP skip-the-line. The event is 21+.