Haunting of the White Horse Tavern, New York City

White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is a comfortable watering hole located in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The bar originally opened in 1880 under the name the Longshoremen’s Bar. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that the bar gained its reputation in the literary community, which it retains to this day. It was around this time that many notable writers began to frequent the bar, truly providing it with a unique identity and drawing in many artists through its doors.

Haunted bar in New York City. — Standing outside one of New York City’s most haunted bars.

The bar was also to gain some infamy around this same time, following the death of one of its most popular patrons. Soon after the ghost stories surrounding the White Horse Tavern would be born.

Ghost of the White Horse Tavern

On the 3rd of November 1953, Dylan Thomas visited the White Horse Tavern and consumed a large number of alcoholic drinks. Thomas was a famous poet whose memorable works included ‘Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night’ and ‘And Death Shall Have No Dominion.’

Haunted New York White Horse Tavern. — Standing across the street from the haunted White Horse Tavern, New York.

Thomas was a regular at the tavern and typically drank heavily, though he was quite ill on this particular visit. Following his binge, he returned to the Hotel Chelsea, where he proceeded to brag about how many drinks he had consumed. Allegedly setting a new personal record of drinking 18 straight whiskeys.

Haunted tavern in New York. — Inside the haunted tavern.

Not surprisingly, from this point in time, Thomas’s health continued to worsen until he eventually died just a few days later. Apparently, even death could not keep Thomas from continuing to enjoy the White Horse Tavern. Since his passing many people have claimed to sight the ghost of Thomas within the bar. He is usually seen sitting at his favorite table and even thought responsible for mystery beers and shots that appear poured along the bar without explanation.

Haunted tavern in New York City. — Looking for the ghost of New York’s White Horse Tavern.

Visiting the White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is a quaint, historic bar to visit in Greenwich, Manhattan. It offers up a range of food, beverages and if you are lucky, you may even capture a glimpse of the tavern’s famous ghost.