Spooky stories and real DC bars—at 6 pm. This small-group ghost walk plus haunted pub crawl hits some of Washington’s most bar-scented history, with 15 travelers max and Gin Rickey tied to its origin spot. I like that you get a tight route with short stops, plus pro guides with documented hauntings and a knack for turning street corners into story time.

One thing to keep in mind: if you want non-stop scary mayhem, the ghost side can feel lighter than expected at each quick bar stop. You’re also moving fast enough that this works more like a guided night out than a slow, theatrical performance.

I also like the shape of the night: it starts at Old Ebbitt Grill and ends at The Hamilton, so you’re not stuck figuring out your way back after the last story.

Key highlights at a glance

• Max 15 people for a more personal, conversational pace
• Haunted bar stops tied to DC politics, famous names, and alleged spirits
• Gin Rickey moment at the spot where the drink was developed (drinks not included)
• Pro guides with documented accounts and intensely researched haunted history
• Ends at The Hamilton, a fitting finale for Prohibition-era tales

Spooky DC at bar speed: 2 hours, 7 stops, and a small group

This is a 2-hour evening ghost walk built around a pub crawl rhythm: short walks, quick pauses, and a new story at each stop. It runs in English, starts at 6:00 pm, and keeps the group capped at 15 travelers. That cap matters in DC, where big tours can feel like a moving crowd with no room for real questions.

You’ll be moving at a moderate pace and doing a bit of standing and walking. The physical level is listed as moderate, so it’s a good fit for most people—just don’t expect a slow stroller-friendly amble.

A nice plus: it ends at a bar that’s easy to keep your evening going. The Hamilton is the last stop, so you can wrap up your tour and still have a place to sit, sip, and keep chatting after the final story.

Price and value: what $36 buys (and what costs extra)

At $36 per person, you’re paying for the guided ghost-and-history experience: a professional guide, intensively researched true stories, and a route with multiple themed stops. The tour includes the storytelling and the walking plan. It does not include drinks.

That last part changes how to judge value. If you order cocktails at each stop, the total bill will jump fast, especially since some stops are at well-known spots. If you treat the drinks as optional and focus on the guided narrative, $36 can feel like a solid deal for a focused two hours in central DC.

Also note: a few stops list admission as ticket not included. That usually means you shouldn’t count on being able to go inside every place without paying extra. The stories still land, but your experience depends on whether you simply observe from outside or try to add entries.

From Old Ebbitt Grill to The Hamilton: timing, route, and walking pace

You start at Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St NW) and finish at The Hamilton (600 14th St NW). Each main stop is listed at about 10 minutes, so you’ll get time for one drink (if you buy one), a photo, and the next chunk of the story—then you’re on the move again.

The timing is very clear: confirmation happens at booking, and you meet at the start point in the early evening. The tour is near public transportation, which helps because DC can be awkward late in the day if you’re relying on rideshares.

If you like night tours, you’ll like the vibe here. If you hate standing around while other people listen, pick a quieter night so you can settle in when the guide talks.

Stop 1 Old Ebbitt Grill: presidents, first drinks, and a classic start

Old Ebbitt Grill kicks off the night. It’s framed as one of the city’s purportedly oldest restaurants, and the story threads in the fact that many presidents enjoyed libations there. Even if you’re not a political history person, it’s a fun way to start: you’re easing into the ghost theme with a real DC institution.

This stop is about 10 minutes, and it notes admission is not included. Practically, that means don’t plan on the tour covering any extra entry fees if you want to go deeper inside a specific area.

How I’d treat this first stop: arrive ready to get your bearings fast. Old Ebbitt gives you a good sense of pace—loud enough to feel like a pub crawl, but established enough to hold a story without chaos.

Rhodes Tavern spot on 15th Street NW and Mark Twain’s alleged haunting

Next up is 15th Street Northwest, the reported location of the historic Rhodes Tavern. The haunted hook here is Mark Twain, with the tale pointing to a Twain-linked haunting.

This stop is 10 minutes and listed as free admission. That’s helpful for your budgeting mindset: you’re not guessing what it’ll cost to participate at every location. It also keeps the story moving, which matches the tour’s overall bar-crawl speed.

The trick with short stops is focus. Take in the key idea the guide is building: why Twain, why the tavern, and why this spot gets attached to DC’s ghost lore. If you’re hoping for long, spooky interior detours, you may find this sort of outside-and-story approach a better fit than a full haunted walkthrough.

Occidental Grill area: political deals and lingering spirits

You’ll head to the Occidental Grill area for another political-era stop—one tied to important deals and spirits said to linger there. This is another moment where the ghost story is packaged inside DC’s real-world reputation: history, power, and the people who had reason to meet in private.

It’s listed as 10 minutes with free admission. That’s good because it keeps you from feeling nickel-and-dimed before the tour even reaches the more famous hotel-bar finale.

Here’s the value: this stop helps you understand the recurring pattern in Washington haunt lore. It’s not just spooky ghosts. It’s ghost stories built on meeting places—where deals happened, where conversation moved quietly, and where the guide ties human behavior to the after-dark atmosphere.

Willard Hotel’s Round Robin Bar on Pennsylvania Ave for Grant fans

At 1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, you’ll visit the Round Robin Bar inside the Willard Hotel. The haunting claim centers on President Grant being said to frequent the bar.

This is one of those DC moments where the location does half the work for you. A major hotel bar already feels like a stage set—then the guide adds the ghost thread. It’s 10 minutes, and it’s marked as free admission.

If you’re choosing between a ghost story tour and a straight bar tour, this is where the ghost story gets credibility. You’re in a place that people associate with important figures, and the guide can connect that aura to the legend.

John Wilson Building site: the workers lost in a fire

The next themed stop is the John Wilson Building, described as being on the site of a former streetcar power station. The story here is especially specific: two workers killed in a fire, with haunting linked to their deaths.

This stop notes admission is not included. So again, don’t assume any building entry is part of your paid coverage. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s still a strong stop because the tale has clear stakes and a historical anchor.

This is also where I’d expect the ghost narrative to feel most grounded. A tragedy tied to a real place gives the story a different tone than generic folklore. If you want the night to feel emotionally heavier, this kind of stop usually delivers.

National Theatre ghost tale: jealous actor energy

You’ll also visit the National Theatre, described as home to the spirit of a jealous actor. The stop is part of the same night’s flow, so expect a short moment to hear the story, take a picture, and keep moving.

This is the kind of haunt that leans on theater myth and drama. If your ideal ghost tour has more narrative flair than factual weight, this can be a highlight. If you prefer only storylines with strong historical documentation, you might enjoy it as a change of pace rather than the core focus.

Either way, it’s a smart placement in the route. Theatre energy fits late-evening DC, and it contrasts nicely with the political and Prohibition stops that follow.

Proper 21 on F Street: the Gin Rickey location moment

One of the most practical highlights is at Proper 21 on F Street, where you can have a Gin Rickey in the spot where the drink was developed. Drinks are not included, so you’ll need to order it separately if you want to do this part.

Still, I think this is a clever way to make the tour feel real. It’s not just a creepy legend. You get an actual DC-flavored drink moment with a story behind it.

This stop is listed as 10 minutes and ticket not included (for anything beyond the tour itself). If you plan to order the Gin Rickey, arrive with cash/card ready so you don’t slow the group down.

If you like food-and-drink history, this is the stop that feels most like a souvenir you can taste.

The Hamilton and the Man in the Green Hat from Prohibition

The grand finale is The Hamilton. The story set here points to the Man in the Green Hat, described as the person who supplied alcohol to members of Congress during Prohibition.

This is a fitting ending because it ties together the night’s big themes: power, alcohol, and hidden supply lines that don’t show up on polite history tours. You end where you can actually keep the party going, which matters because ending a tour with a bar that fits the theme is better than ending at a random corner.

The tour ends here at the address provided, 600 14th St NW. Plan to stick around after the last story if you want to meet your fellow tourmates and compare notes on which haunt landed best.

How the guides shape your experience (Anton, John, Dena, Megan)

A big reason this tour scores well is guide performance. Different guides bring different tones, and you’ll feel it fast.

From the names you may encounter—Anton, John, Dena, and Megan—the common thread is engagement and a solid command of what they’re telling. Many people liked how guides connected local history to the ghost narrative and kept the group talking rather than lecturing.

One caution: not everyone wants the same mix. Some sessions can skew more toward history with ghost elements worked in briefly, while other storytelling may feel lighter on the scary side. If you’re the type who wants maximum goosebumps, go in expecting a mix and you’ll probably enjoy it more.

Who this tour suits best (and when to pick another option)

This fits you if you want:

• A compact 2-hour night plan
• A small-group crawl with a guide
• Haunted DC stories tied to places tied to power—restaurants, bars, hotel spaces, and institutions

It’s also a great choice if you’re visiting DC for the first time and want something that feels different from the usual monuments loop.

This might be less ideal if:

• You want intense, fear-first storytelling that includes lots of interior exploration
• You hate paying separately for drinks
• You’re sensitive to a tour that moves in short bursts (about 10 minutes per stop)

If any of those are you, you can still enjoy it, but adjust expectations so the “ghost” feels like a story theme rather than a full horror show.

Should you book DC Ghosts Boos and Booze?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a guided night that mixes DC bar culture with documented haunt legends in central locations. At $36 for a 2-hour run with up to 15 people, it’s good value if you treat drinks as optional and focus on the storytelling.

Skip it—or choose with eyes open—if you’re expecting constant scares at every stop and free access everywhere inside. The format is short and bar-centric, and the ghost intensity can vary from venue to venue.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

It lasts about 2 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $36.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 and ends at The Hamilton, 600 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 6:00 pm.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Drinks are not included in the price.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

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