Entry No. 12 — the Austin file — filed under: haunted-bar

The Tavern

Built in 1916 as the Enfield Grocery Store, this corner bar reportedly ran an upstairs casino and brothel during Prohibition, and now bills itself as Austin's most famously haunted bar — home to a resident spirit named Emily who guests say taps, pinches, and moves pool balls untouched. During a 2003 renovation, a pair of old shoes turned up hidden in an upstairs wall crawlspace, which staff believe were hers.

The move: Claim a booth downstairs for burgers and a beer, then head up to the second floor after dark to see if anything moves on the pool table — through August 23, 2026 that same upstairs room is also staging "Speak No More: Lovecraft," a silent, immersive cosmic-horror theater piece booked specifically because of the building's reputation.

• 📍 Clarksville / West 12th
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 922 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site · culturemap.com

last checked: 2026-07-20