Silver Coins

Dine with centuries-old historical ghosts at this haunted New York restaurant

By Michelle E. Wurth


Posted in New York
Scary Food Spooky August 01, 2022
by Jennifer


Few states are as rich in paranormal activity as New York. Countless legends of ghost-infested hotels, supernaturally charged cemeteries, and eerie abandoned places in every corner of the state – tales that last for generations, and with good reason. But for a particularly spooky night rooted in true American history (and where the ghosts rule the show), this haunted restaurant and memorial on the outskirts of New York is as real as it gets.

Step into this charming hamlet eatery and you will be immediately immersed in history. As the state’s oldest tavern – older than America itself – the Old ’76 House is a legend in its own right.

Originally known as Mabie’s Inn, the ’76 House was built in the mid-1500s. George Washington himself once sat at the bar just inside the door, and countless American patriots chatted business, war, and the weather within these walls. Old portraits hang on the wall as a reminder of the tavern’s long and slightly bloody past. Even the floorboards of the dining area are all original here and certainly have a lot of stories to tell!

’76 House is also known to many as Andre’s Prison. In this historic tavern, Major John Andre, a British officer in the American Revolution, was held before his trial for treason. He was eventually found guilty and hanged as a spy on the hill behind the tavern.

You may remember his name associated with the notorious Benedict Arnold, although Andre’s reputation and character are considered much more friendly.

With a few centuries of history under its belt, the iconic restaurant has undergone some personality changes over the years, but the building has always been a local gathering place for residents and visitors to drink, dine and enjoy good company with a side of gossip from around the world revolution time.
Unfortunately, some of these guests never left.
The Old '76 House restaurant in New York is rumored to be haunted. A revolutionary war outfit hangs in the corner
Despite the tavern’s nickname, it’s not just Andre himself who haunts the Old ’76 House – although the anniversary of his hanging often coincides with a noticeable increase in supernatural activity. Instead, ye olde ’76 is also home to a multitude of deceased guests from the past, whose spirits live on and occasionally wreak havoc in the dining room.
According to a local psychic, a person sits at a table who always counts silver coins during business hours. Owners have also noted that very genuine, sourceless coins can often be found on and around the table – or even falling from above or being flung across the room.

Hopefully you’re too busy devouring the famous Yankee Pot Roast to notice, and these items will just fly over your head…

Auras of what is believed to be Andre himself have appeared in guest photos at the restaurant, captured as he moves around the west side of the dining room, as well as the ghostly forms of a lady in blue and two unidentified children.
Photograph of Benedict Arnold hanging upside down in the haunted '76 House restaurant in New York

Another table sends shivers down the spines of undemanding guests – in the truest sense of the word. A prevailing and inexplicable chill, far from a ventilation system, is a telltale sign that someone from the other side is also present.
Set dining table at the haunted '76 House restaurant in New York

This means this could be the perfect place to warm up with a bowl of epic Onion Soup from ’76 House if you’re feeling brave and unflinching from the eerie sensations.

Then there is the table where apparitions of patriotic soldiers were seen: The white-clad apparitions at the bar. The strange phenomena, noises and ghostly, barely visible movements beyond the ground floor. The flashing lights, seemingly in communication with the restaurant staff.
Diner reports of dishes and chairs being moved and undetectable knocking and rattling noises are also commonplace. All in all, the owners and staff are aware that they are not alone in the restaurant – although nothing malicious has happened so far.
Uniquely, the hauntings extend beyond the walls of the storied ’76 House. The monument behind the tavern, known as Andre’s Monument, also has its own share of chilling stories.
Andre's Monument engraved headstone in Tappan, New York

As the site where John Andre was executed and originally buried (though it is no longer there), reports of hollow, otherworldly sounds that seem to emanate from the ground near the stone marker have a haunting, chilling consistency that is undoubtedly even skeptical visitor will tremble the earth.

And yet there’s more to the haunting.
A short drive across the river to the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow border brings you to the treasured Patriots Park and a memorial marking the site of Andre’s capture. While no ghostly hauntings have been reported from the monument itself, the nearby bridge, aptly named Andre Brook, is a real-life inspiration for Washington Irving’s The legend of sleepy hollow – are full of spooky stories.

The swamp where Ichabod first encountered the infamous Headless Horseman is long gone, but its stream still flows through the park. Here, visitors report a cool breeze that doesn’t seem to affect the surrounding trees, uneven footsteps on the stone steps of the creek bridge when no one is present, flickering lantern lights, and eerie, voiceless whispers echoing beneath the bridge.

There’s a fine line between ghost stories, local legends and outright mythical creatures. But with so much history and facts woven into these separate but interconnected historical locations, the chilling evidence is hard to refute. Is ’76 House the most haunted restaurant in New York? It could be easy!
Dimly lit dining room of the Old '76 House in Tappan, reputedly a haunted New York restaurant

Intrigued by the story of John Andre and the historical events surrounding his capture? A visit to the Reformed Church, the DeWitt House or any of the nearby buildings in the Tappan Historic District will definitely satisfy your intellectual curiosity. Many even have their own share of spooky rewards!

Whether you believe in old colonial spirits or are a total skeptic, that’s fine! The Old ’76 House in Tappan serves not only the supernatural, but also deliciously hearty modern cuisine and a dreamy cozy atmosphere. Just make sure to stay alert while eating – you never know when you might see something unexpected.

Visit the ’76 House website for hours, menus and special events – or follow them on Facebook to keep up with all things…revolutionaries.

In the mood for more ghostly goodness in the Empire State? Take this road trip to some of New York’s most haunted spots.

Address: The Old 76 House, 110 Main St, Tappan, NY 10983, USA

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Michelle E. Wurth
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