No one really wants a frightful dining experience. And yet scaring the patrons is the bread and butter of these eateries around the world.
When it comes to dining out, the last thing you want is to be on the edge of your seat. But these restaurants around the world make a living out of doing just that.
1. The New Lucky Restaurant, India
Come for some of the best palak paneer in Ahmedabad, stay for the dozen gravestones and burial sarcophagi that pop out of the concrete floor like giant lime lozenges. Supposedly the Muslim followers of a 16th century Sufi saint, all the memorials are encased in protective steel railing and the waitstaff adorn them with flowers each day as a mark of respect.
People sit near graves at the New Lucky restaurant in Ahmedabad, India. Picture: AP Photo/Ajit Solanki
2. Linger Eatuary, United States
What was once the headquarters of the Olinger funeral empire – at one point it took care of half of Denver’s deceased – is now a restaurant that leans into its history hard. The antiquated aircon units that kept corpses cool have been transformed into lamps, the massive garage doors that opened to accommodate hearses are still flung open for fresh air and the conveyor belts used for moving coffins have been topped with glass and repurposed as tables. To add to the theme, water is served in old formaldehyde bottles.
Linger Eatuary, United States. Picture: Google Maps
3. Mug House Pub, England
Blighty has no shortage of pubs – even those going back to the 15th century are relatively commonplace. But what makes this watering hole in Claines, Worcester, a standout is that it stands on consecrated ground. Apparently there is only one other. A meander through the graveyard gets you to the back room, bar, snug or hatch – the latter allowing you to have an al fresco experience. There is no music or games machines, but you might from time to time hear the sounds of ghostly goings on, with former landlords swearing there were unexplained knocking sounds coming from the beer cellar from time to time.
Mug House Pub, Worcester, UK. Picture: Newton2/Wikipedia Commons
4. Cafe Strauss, Germany
Fun fact: the German word for cemetery translates roughly to “peaceful place”. So it makes sense for a peaceful meal to head to a cemetery, naturally. The Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof’s chapel – or more accurately its arches – is host to this eatery. Apparently, since the cafe opened in 2013, plots nearby have become highly desirable, the idea being you can enjoy a long black within sight of Oma’s eternal resting place.
Cafe Strauss Berlin. Picture: Cafe Strauss/Facebook
5. Silent Green Kulturquartie, Germany
That’s Silent Green not Soylent Green. What to do with a Berlin crematorium that was established in 1911 and served residents until 2002? Turn it into a space where you can take in a show, exhibition and a romantic dinner of course.
6. Pizza Al Fresco, United States
It’s an established fact that bats**t crazy things happen in Florida – just try typing “Florida man …” into Google and see what happens. Among the foliage at this Palm Beach eatery, you’ll find a couple of headstones. To animals. The most famous of which was Johnnie Brown “The Human Monkey”. This actual monkey was the constant companion of Addison Mizner, an architect who dreamt up the Mediterranean Revival style which is still dotted around the city. How famous was JB? He was invited to attend the Scopes Trial regarding the teaching of evolution in American school. And got a plus one for his companion Deuteronomy. A dog called Laddie is also buried here.
Pizza Al Fresco in Via Mizner. Picture: Jose More/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
7. Cafe in the Crypt, England
St Martin’s In The Fields is one of London’s most striking churches. It’s most famous for its spire but if you look down instead of up you’ll find a crypt constructed in 1726. In the 1800s, the bodies – which were stacked like ghoulish Jenga blocks – were removed, but the graves remain as does a cafe beneath the vaulted brickwork. According to its website: “It is the perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to sit and work or have a small meeting.” Not awks at all then considering the floor is literally made up of tombstones.
8. Vampire cafe, Japan
Only in Tokyo right? This outpost in Ginza celebrates the undead with coffins as coffee tables, waitresses in French maid outfits (for some reason) and cocktails garnished with tiny skulls. They also do a birthday cake that looks like a gravestone. Cute.
The dining in the dark restaurant staffed by blind people. Picture: Alamy
9. Dans Le Noir, various locations
When you can’t see, are other senses really heightened? Dine here and find out. This chain of restaurants promises meals served in complete darkness, also called blind dining. Patrons may have little idea of what they are actually eating, but wait staff are adept at navigating the tables – the restaurants employ blind of visually impaired staff and give a percentage of their takings to charity.
Keyword: Inside the world’s nine creepiest restaurants