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Pumpkin spice? Witch, please!
Halloween is a total scream when Philadelphia’s award-winning bars and restaurants put their haunted twists on things, reimagining ordinary spaces as immersive and transportive windows into the underworld.
From a 19th-century ghost ship at Cavanaugh’s River Deck to surreal hangs at the Neon Clown Dream Lounge to the cult classic horrorscape of Nightmare Before Tinsel, ’tis the season for potions and spells.
Consider yourself more of a DIY scarer? Let your mind wander into a mad scientist’s laboratory in Frankenstein’s Putt Putt at Libertee Grounds or go searching for the Manayunk Martian at Taqueria Amor’s Taq Area 51.
Or, for the ultimate in high-startle thrills, hit up the Fair Chance Beer Garden or Al Capone’s Speakeasy at Eastern State Penitentiary’s Halloween Nights.
Ready to take up your broomstick and hit the town? Take a look at our guide to Halloween pop-up bars and ghoulishly decorated restaurants.
Through Saturday, October 31, 2026
One of Philly’s most popular holiday pop-up hotspots is back with a vengeance.
Decked out with over-the-top spooky decor and slinging scary-good cocktails (imbibed via blood bags, smoking cauldrons and a witch’s boot), Nightmare Before Tinsel features wildly Instagrammable artifacts — with this year’s theme channeling creepy movies and streaming shows.
Inside, you’ll find two floors of scream-inducing displays devoted to Widow’s Bay, IT, Pirates of the Caribbean, Evil Dead and more. Enter through a neon-spattered walkway, lined with funhouse mirrors, and rest your bones in the oversized skeleton chair.
Sip to the season with cocktails like the Eye of Newt (tequila, coconut puree, orange, grenadine) and Grave Digger (vodka, peach schnapps, Razzmatazz, Red Bull), plus a cheeky shot called Witch, Please! (Absolut vanilla, Bailey’s, pumpkin spice).
Don’t miss: The “Spooky” photo booth. Look for black-and-white orbs!
Where: Nightmare Before Tinsel, 116 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Need a caddie? Call Igor.
From the insane creators behind Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab, this new adventure transforms a nine-hole mini golf course into a fore-rensics (!) experiment, complete with illuminated Philly landmarks and glow-in-the-dark golf balls.
That’s not all. Libertee Grounds’ entire space gets the Frankenstein treatment. Led by one of Frankenstein’s senior scientists, alchemists-in-training mix up beakers and test tubes of mysterious potions and shimmering elixirs in the doctor’s secret laboratory.
Frankenstein’s Putt Putt is a bookable experience, granting access to two hours of open seating and one welcome cocktail or mocktail, with additional pay-as-you-go drinks, hair-raising photo ops and a private tarot reading (at an additional cost).
Don’t miss: Monster Mash Halloween Party on Halloween night, 7 p.m. to midnight
Where: Libertee Grounds, 1600 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, November 1, 2026
Once upon a midnight dreary, give me something strong and beer-y!
Newsroom Philly — the library-themed, Japanese-Latin fusion speakeasy — debuts Pumpkin Press to usher in spooky season.
This Halloween newcomer spins tales from Edgar Allan Poe and Washington Irving as glowing pumpkins, headless horsemen, foreboding ravens and crazed black cats light up the bar’s vintage bookshelves.
Poe’s hauntingly enduring “vulture eye” gets reimagined as a martini (with an eyeball floating on top), while odes to classic literature dot the drinks menu, including Moon Over Sleepy Hollow (vodka and pomegranate) and The Raven’s Cauldron — a large-format rum cocktail, bubbling over with creepy fog thanks to dry ice.
Know before you go: Newsroom Philly is behind a secret door: You must enter through a Diet 7 Up vending machine.
Where: Newsroom Philly, 1102 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Yo, what does a monster call a fermented grape? Franken-wine.
Chaddsford Winery, situated along Greater Philadelphia’s wine trail, brings back its famed Adult Trick or Treat: Ghost of the Grape event for 2026.
This crown jewel of Delaware County offers five themed wine tastings, accompanied by an immersive one-hour walking tour of the vineyard where trained guides (spirits?) teach visitors about various grape varietals, from Ancient Greece through the American Revolution and Medieval Europe to modern day.
Pairings include a special Éclat Chocolate Passion Fruit Truffle, matched with a sparkling traminette (dessert wine, white grape).
Costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded to best dressed via a live social media vote. Advanced reservations are required.
Know before you go: All of Chaddsford Winery’s wines are both vegan and gluten-free
Where: Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA
Through Saturday, November 7, 2026
Each fall, Eastern State Penitentiary — the historic facility that counts infamous criminals like Willie Sutton and Al Capone among its former residents — transforms into one of America’s largest haunted attractions during Halloween Nights.
The annual festival features immersive pop-up bars and eateries, like:
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, November 8, 2026
Sistahs! Embark on an immersive night of mischief inside the Montgomery Mall where Winnie, Mary and Sarah Sanderson come to life.
This ticketed experience, located on the mall’s second floor, is sure to have you screaming “amok, amok, amok, amok, amok” throughout a live theatrical performance filled with spell-casting soliloquies, mayhem-mottled music and cauldron-bubbling cocktails, plus all the witchy pageantry you and your coven can handle.
Featured drinks include the Poison Apple Mule (vodka, apple cider, lime, ginger, cinnamon) and Lavender Love Potion (lavender, gin, lemon, Prosecco) — available as mocktails as well.
Know before you go: Montgomery Mall is celebrating Mall-O-Ween. Scroll the creepy storefronts and snap your spookiest photos to crown the winner.
Where: 230 Montgomery Mall, North Wales, PA
Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion.
Uptown Beer Garden draws inspiration from the popular Disneyland ride for this year’s theme: a rogue ambulance and cobweb-dusted cemetery welcome guests out front, with tombstones of recently deceased celebrities like Dolly Parton and Tim Curry there to remind us of the good times.
Each fall, the ever-popular perennial perch, Uptown Beer Garden, transforms into one of the largest (and spookiest) Halloween pop ups in the city.
Elaborately decked out in haunting decor, the expansive themed beer garden features bars dishing out creepy cocktails, chilling drafts and scary small bites. The Center City cirque du terror is walk-in only and open for a limited time.
Where: Uptown Beer Garden, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Spooky season is here — and this one’s for all the ghoulish gourmands. Craftsman Row Saloon transforms back into a Halloween-lover’s haven with its revamped Nightmare Before Christmas pop-up experience: The Enchanted Nightmare.
Channeling the spirit of Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Scream, IT, Halloweentown and more, the ghostly pub decks the halls in orange and black, and dishes out a seasonally inspired menu of Halloween milkshakes — headlined by the creamy goodness of Candy Apple Crypt, Scary Movie Night and The Mad Scientist in 2026 — themed cocktails and frighteningly good eats. Vampire burgers and spook-etti & meatballs, anyone?
Good for: Gearing up for Halloween. Craftsman Row now has official merch!
Where: Craftsman Row Saloon, 112 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
A South Street favorite for American fare and classic drinks, Bridget Foy’s gets a creepy-yet-chic makeover.
Decked out in full Halloween regalia, the restaurant’s Haunt experience promises ghouls and goblins like yourself a frightfully delightful menu of themed cocktails, like the Nosfera-tini Bloody Mary; the vodka- and sake-drenched Corpse Reviver Number You; and the frozen Count Daiqula, topped with “eyeball” sprinkles.
Also on deck: tarot card readings, a merch shop, screenings of your favorite Halloween flicks, costume contests and more.
Good for: Vampires … or anyone who enjoys imbibing by an antique candelabra
Where: Bridget Foy's, 200 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Taqueria Amor loves a theme, and this year’s Alien Invasion, affectionately named Taq Area 51, brings all the Roswell vibes to alien-friendly Manayunk.
Channeling flicks like The Day the Earth Stood Still to E.T., and network series like The X-Files, the restaurant and bar features sparkling green string lights and otherworldly decor like the “Manayunk Martian,” plus projector shows at sundown.
An extraterrestrial drink menu includes the Agent Scully, Red Roswell and ET Phone Home, alongside Taqueria Amor’s super drippy birria tacos and generously filled crab-and-shrimp tamales.
Don’t miss: Stroll over to Thrillerdelphia, a nearby bookstore devoted to horror, thriller and true-crime stories.
Where: Taqueria Amor, 4410 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s oldest continually operating tavern gets the Halloween treatment this fall, featuring all sorts of spirits … and spirits.
Pumpkins, cobwebs and other festive decor transform the pub into a spooky, scary skeleton’s favorite place to be. Grab a seat at the bar with the tavern’s resident ghost (what 165-year-old establishment doesn’t have at least one?) for an autumn-themed menu of pumpkin martinis, Harvest Moon margaritas and the comforting Sweater Weather Cider (spiced rum, hot apple cider, cinnamon, sugar).
If that wasn’t enough, keep an eye out on the bar’s social media for scaraoke (aka costumed karaoke) toward the end of October, and a big Halloween party on October 31, 2026. Plus, fans of history, secrets and super old bars should check out the bar’s book, Cheers to McGillin’s, Philly’s Oldest Bar.
Good for: Eagles fans! McGillin’s shows every game on the jumbo projector screen, serving up Iggletinis and Touchdown Tea.
Where: McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA
Back for its second year, Haunted Pier at Cavanaugh’s River Deck on the Delaware River waterfront is inspired by the legend of the Red October. As the story goes, the 19th-century ship set sail downriver one stormy night, never to be seen again — that is, in this life …
Pour one out for Red October and its ghostly crew (listen for footsteps on the empty deck and voices in the fog!) at this haunted attraction featuring themed cocktails, spooky bites, $5 Freaky Fridays and Thriller dance parties on Saturdays.
Don’t miss: Halloween Night on the River, a wild party with Janet Jackson’s official tour DJ spinning records on October 31, 2026
Where: Cavanaugh's River Deck, 417 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Jet Wine Bar, helmed by professional archaeologist and wine aficionado Jill Weber, is once again opening up its Graveyard Garden for the Halloween season.
This intimate South Street lounge in Graduate Hospital shows a different scary movie every Thursday night in October while plastering the walls in ghostly confetti. This year’s screenings include Weapons, Coraline, Scream, Hocus Pocus and Insidious.
Oh, and you’ll want to sip on the wine (not blood!). Jet works with interesting local producers and up-and-coming winemakers, pouring some of the most eclectic grapes in town.
Know before you go: The Graveyard Garden is 100% pet friendly.
Where: Jet Wine Bar, 1525 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s massive waterfront perch, Liberty Point, transforms into the ultimate Halloween playground with the family-friendly Cityside Pumpkin Patch.
Pick your perfect pumpkin, and then dive into festive fun with a ghost slingshot, carnival games and a pool of pumpkins (!). Smash gourds in the appropriately named Pumpkin Smashing Zone, snap pics with spooky backdrops and sip on Halloween-themed treats. Tickets are required.
Where: Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Hear that thunder and lightning? Evil Genius brings back its Halloween pop up in Fishtown, Taproom of Horrors.
Paying tribute to the most famous fearsome figures from film, TV, literature and legend, the taproom features seven fright-filled zones with eerie decor, animatronics and shrines to horror classics.
Plus, guests can sip on Trick or Treat Chocolate Pumpkin Porters, Hellfire Mules or Poison Apples while snacking on mummy dogs, coffin flatbreads and cemetery dirt pudding.
Evil Genius also hosts fall-themed events throughout the season, like Oktoberfest, doggie costume contests, a monster prom and more.
Don’t miss: FQS: Halloween: Spooky Season, a low-key, no-pressure hang for Philly’s queer community on October 13, 2026.
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
Year-round
If year-round Halloween is your aesthetic, then Monster Vegan is the place to be. Dishing out comfort foods and creepy cocktails, this vegan monster mash complements its spooky decor with a neon-lit bar and classic black-and-white horror movies.
This year’s movie lineup includes The Wickerman, Carrie, Halloween, Fright Night, The Funhouse and many more. Check the screenings here and reserve your spot!
The film-inspired menu features starters, sandwiches, salads and pasta, while the killer drink selection includes brews, wines, classic and alcohol-free cocktails, and specialty drinks like the “Tomb of the Tiki” bevvies, which swap the tropical for the macabre and are served in large skulls.
Don’t miss: The Creature Feature Meal Deal for lunch
Disclaimer: I’m not vegan, tofu is just OK and there is no substitute for moo-cow cheese. Yet I absolutely love this place. Imagine a cozy restaurant fused with a cyberpunk bar, and then add in old-school horror flicks — as a treat.
The drinks are fun, the food is tasty and the vibes are immaculate. But don’t get it twisted: The menu really is completely vegan. The ricotta? Vegan. The calamari? Vegan. The chicken cutlets? Believe it or not: vegan.
Where: Monster Vegan, 1229 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
A newer addition to Philly’s scary-good bar scene, this heavy-metal-inspired bar and restaurant in NoLibs really leans into its hard-rocking roots. The music? Loud. The space? Dark. The vibes? Moody as hell.
Doom also knows what it is … so Halloween is a big, big deal here. This year, the bi-level bar hosts a magnificently macabre Vampire Weekend featuring the Miss American Vampire of Philadelphia Pageant (October 3, 2026) and the Haunted Couture Contest (October 4, 2026).
The spot also has all the pub food you’d expect (think: nachos, wings, chili dogs) along with a robust menu of vegetarian and vegan delights, a bevy of fun draft beer and cocktail options, and a few off-the-beaten-path eats (bone marrow, anyone?).
But what about dessert? We’re glad you asked: cosmic brownie ice cream sandwiches. Rock on.
Good for: Fans of satanic chandeliers. No, really, they have one hanging up.
Where: Doom Bar, 421 N. 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
This ’70s-inspired lounge is not necessarily “scary” in the traditional sense. Unless, of course, you are deathly afraid of clowns. Then, friend, Neon Clown Dream Lounge is your worst nightmare. Boo.
A delightfully chaotic, colorful dreamscape, this Fishtown cocktail lounge — filled with strange and unusual artifacts from shuttered amusement parks — is absolutely plastered in circus-inspired decor.
Tucked away above Kung Fu Necktie, the lounge (no cover, ever!) serves an impressive lineup of cocktails and mocktails. So sip away — drink options include the Endless Nightmare and the Doom Cruiser — in the company of Bozo, Ronald, Krusty and more.
Where: Neon Clown Dream Lounge, 1248 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA
Resembling something you might see on the moody streets of Paris, this sleek, neon-lit bar in the Callowhill neighborhood sets the counter-culture scene.
A cross between a punk-rocker hangout and underground oyster bar, Poison Heart beckons people to come in for a Guinness and a mystery shot, which is its upgraded version of Philadelphia’s trademark Citywide Special (ask about it!).
More importantly, it’s just a great spot to relax after seeing a live performance at one of the many music venues in the area, like Union Transfer or Underground Arts.
Know before you go: In 2024, Esquire named Poison Heart one of the best bars in America.
Where: Poison Heart, 931 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
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