Few states are as rich with paranormal activity as New York. Countless legends abound of ghost-infested hotels, supernaturally-charged graveyards, and eerie abandoned places in every corner of the state – stories that have lasted generations for good reason. But for a particularly creepy night out that is rooted in true American history (and where the ghosts run the show), this haunted restaurant and monument on the New York outskirts is as legit as they come.
Step inside this charming hamlet eatery and you’ll be instantly caught up in the weight of history. As the oldest tavern in the state - older than America itself, in fact - the Old ‘76 House in Tappan, New York is a legend in and of itself.
Desiree B/GoogleMaps Originally known as Mabie’s Inn, the ‘76 House was built in the mid-1600s. George Washington himself once sat at the bar just inside the door, and countless American patriots talked business, war, and discussed the weather within these walls. Vintage portraits hang on the wall as a reminder of the tavern’s lengthy, and slightly bloody, past. Even the dining area floorboards are all original here, and they certainly have their fair share of stories to tell!
For many, ‘76 House is also known as Andre’s Prison. This historic tavern is where Major John Andre, a British officer in the American Revolution, was held for treason before his trial. He was eventually found guilty and hanged as a spy on the hill behind the tavern.
Danny Gilbert/GoogleMaps You might recall his name in conjunction with the infamous Benedict Arnold, although Andre’s reputation and character is much more kindly regarded.
With a few centuries of history under its belt, the iconic restaurant has been through a few personality changes over the years, but the building has always been a local haunt for residents and visitors to drink, dine, and enjoy good company with a side of Revolution-era gossip.
The ‘76 House/Facebook
Unfortunately, some of those same guests have never left.
Kimiyo Matthews/GoogleMaps
Despite the tavern’s nickname, it isn’t just Andre himself who haunts the Old ‘76 House - although the anniversary of his hanging often comes with a noticeable increase in supernatural activity. Instead, ye olde ‘76 is also home to a multitude of dearly departed past patrons whose spirits live on and occasionally wreak havoc in the dining room.
The ‘76 House/Facebook
According to a local psychic, one table is said to seat a presence who is always counting silver coins during business hours. The owners have also noted that very real, source-less coins are often found on and around the table - or even tumbling from above or hurling across the room.
The ‘76 House/Facebook Hopefully, you’ll be too busy devouring the Famous Yankee Pot Roast to notice, and those items will simply fly over your head…
Auras of what is thought to be Andre himself have appeared in guest photos inside the restaurant, caught as he moves around the west side of the dining room, as well as the spectral forms of a lady in blue and two unknown children.
Rafael Sanchez/GoogleMaps
Yet another table sends chills down the spines of unassuming diners - literally. A prevailing and unexplainable cold, nowhere near a ventilation system, is a telltale sign that someone from the other side is present as well.
The ‘76 House/Facebook Which means this might be the perfect spot to warm up with a bowl of ‘76 House’s epic onion soup, if you’re feeling brave and unrattled by the eerie sensations.
Then there’s the table where apparitions of patriot soldiers have been seen: The white-clad apparitions at the bar. The strange phenomena, sounds, and spooky, just-out-of-sight movements beyond the main floor. The blinking lights, seemingly in communication with the restaurant staff.
The ‘76 House/Facebook
Diner reports of dishes and chairs being moved and untraceable banging and clattering sounds are all commonplace as well. All together, the owners and staff are well aware that they are not alone in the restaurant - although nothing malicious has occurred so far.
The ‘76 House/Facebook
Uniquely, the hauntings go beyond the walls of the history-filled ‘76 House. The memorial behind the tavern, known as Andre’s Monument, has its own share of chilling stories too.
Danny Wild/GoogleMaps As the site where John Andre was executed and initially buried (although no longer there), reports of hollow, otherworldly sounds seeming to emanate from beneath the ground near the stone marker have a haunting, terrifying consistency that will no doubt send shivers through even the skeptic visitor.
And yet, there’s still more to the hauntings.
Charles Hailbronner/GoogleMaps
A quick trip just across the river to the Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow border will take you to the treasured Patriots Park and a monument that marks the spot of Andre’s capture. While no ghostly hauntings have been reported of the monument itself, the nearby bridge and aptly named Andre Brook - real life inspiration for Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - are rife with ghostly tales.
DJ Ramos/GoogleMaps The marsh where Ichabod first encountered the infamous Headless Horseman has long since disappeared, but its stream still flows through the park. Here, visitors report feeling a cool breeze that doesn’t seem to affect the surrounding trees, uneven footsteps on the stone steps of the brook bridge when nobody is present, flickering lamppost lights, and eerie, voiceless whispers echoing from beneath the bridge.
There’s a fine line between ghost stories, local legends, and outright fable. But with so much history and fact woven into these separate, but linked, historic spots, the chilling evidence is hard to refute. Is ‘76 House the most haunted restaurant in New York? It just might be!
The ‘76 House/Facebook Intrigued by the story of John Andre and the historical events surrounding his capture? A visit to the Reformed Church, 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 ghostly rewards as well!
Whether you believe in vintage, colonial-era ghosts or are a hardcore skeptic, that’s okay! The Old ’76 House in Tappan doesn’t just serve up the supernatural – you’ll also find deliciously hearty modern cuisine and a fantastically cozy atmosphere. Just be sure to keep alert as you dine – you never know when you might see something unexpected.
Desiree B/GoogleMaps
Originally known as Mabie’s Inn, the ‘76 House was built in the mid-1600s. George Washington himself once sat at the bar just inside the door, and countless American patriots talked business, war, and discussed the weather within these walls. Vintage portraits hang on the wall as a reminder of the tavern’s lengthy, and slightly bloody, past. Even the dining area floorboards are all original here, and they certainly have their fair share of stories to tell!
Danny Gilbert/GoogleMaps
You might recall his name in conjunction with the infamous Benedict Arnold, although Andre’s reputation and character is much more kindly regarded.
The ‘76 House/Facebook
Kimiyo Matthews/GoogleMaps
Hopefully, you’ll be too busy devouring the Famous Yankee Pot Roast to notice, and those items will simply fly over your head…
Rafael Sanchez/GoogleMaps
Which means this might be the perfect spot to warm up with a bowl of ‘76 House’s epic onion soup, if you’re feeling brave and unrattled by the eerie sensations.
Danny Wild/GoogleMaps
As the site where John Andre was executed and initially buried (although no longer there), reports of hollow, otherworldly sounds seeming to emanate from beneath the ground near the stone marker have a haunting, terrifying consistency that will no doubt send shivers through even the skeptic visitor.
Charles Hailbronner/GoogleMaps
DJ Ramos/GoogleMaps
The marsh where Ichabod first encountered the infamous Headless Horseman has long since disappeared, but its stream still flows through the park. Here, visitors report feeling a cool breeze that doesn’t seem to affect the surrounding trees, uneven footsteps on the stone steps of the brook bridge when nobody is present, flickering lamppost lights, and eerie, voiceless whispers echoing from beneath the bridge.
Intrigued by the story of John Andre and the historical events surrounding his capture? A visit to the Reformed Church, 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 ghostly rewards as well!
Check out the ’76 House website for hours, menus, and special events – or give them a follow on Facebook to stay up to date on all things… revolutionary.
In the mood for more haunted goodness in the Empire State? Take this road trip to some of New York’s most haunted places.
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Address: The Old ‘76 House, 110 Main St, Tappan, NY 10983, USA
