Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for a way to combine some local history, chilling tales, and a few drinks while exploring Portland’s lively nightlife, the Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl might just be your perfect evening. Though I haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews suggest it offers a lively mix of storytelling, historic pub visits, and a splash of Portland’s darker past—all wrapped up in a two-hour package.

What we really like about this tour: it’s guided by knowledgeable hosts who keep the stories engaging, and it takes you through some of Portland’s most iconic spots, all while ensuring you’re in a group for safety and camaraderie. Plus, the price point at $36 per person makes it an accessible way to spend an evening out.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is somewhat limited in scope—some reviewers noted that certain locations, like the Shanghai Tunnels, weren’t fully accessible or didn’t meet initial expectations. This tour would suit anyone who enjoys ghost stories, historic pubs, and a relaxed social vibe—perfect for groups, couples, or solo travelers eager to share a spooky Portland adventure.

This experience made our article of Portland’s 14 Best Drinking Tours: Which To Choose?.

Key Points

• Guided storytelling: Local guides keep the atmosphere fun and engaging with well-researched ghost tales.
• Iconic Portland locations: Stops include celebrated pubs and landmarks like Kells Irish Pub and the Benson Hotel.
• Group experience: Sharing the tour with others offers a safer, more social experience.
• Two-hour duration: Perfect for an evening outing, though some wish for a longer, more immersive experience.
• Price and value: At $36, it offers a reasonable mix of entertainment and history, with drinks available at most locations (not included in the price).
• Authentic Portland vibe: The tour navigates through Old Chinatown, Old Town, and the famous Shanghai Tunnels.
• Mixed reviews: While many praise the guides and storytelling, some found the locations limited or not as spooky as hoped.
• Potential for surprises: Some guests reported strange photos or unexpected stories, adding to the fun mystique.

An In-Depth Look at the Portland Haunted Pub Crawl

Overview of the Experience

The Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a two-hour journey through the haunted corners of Portland, focusing on the city’s storied past and spooky stories. The tour begins at The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, a historic hotel said to harbor ghostly tales. Here, the guide shares a haunting story to set the mood, and guests can enjoy a drink (not included in the ticket price) in a cozy, historic setting.

From there, the tour visits a series of pubs and landmarks, each with its own ghostly legend—Kelly’s Olympian, Roseland Theater, Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, the Shanghai Tunnel Bar, and more. The last stop, Old Town Pizza & Brewing, wraps up with a chance to unwind, share stories, and enjoy food and drinks.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s itinerary hits some of Portland’s most atmospheric spots, each with its own haunting history.

The Benson Hotel kicks off the evening. This grand hotel, built in the early 20th century, is known for its historic charm—and ghost stories. Guests reportedly feel a presence or experience unexplained phenomena, making it a fitting start. The 15-minute stop here lets you soak in the ambiance and hear about its spooky past.

Next, at Kelly’s Olympian, Portland’s oldest bar, the guide shares tales of ghostly visits and paranormal activity. Guests appreciate the mix of good drinks and ghostly legends—some have said the stories are delivered with just the right amount of humor and spookiness.

The Roseland Theater provides a quick glimpse into its haunted history, adding to the overall eerie atmosphere, even if you only get a few minutes to absorb the tales.

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, with its lively Irish vibe, offers a fun contrast as you hear about its ghostly history while enjoying a drink. Guests have enjoyed the authentic pub experience paired with ghost stories, making it a standout stop.

The Shanghai Tunnel Bar & Venue introduces you to one of Portland’s most infamous historical sites—the Shanghai Tunnels—known for their dark past involving forced labor and ghostly legends. Some reviews mention that the tour doesn’t always go inside or fully explore the tunnels but still offers an atmospheric overview.

The Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnels Tour is a key highlight, where you learn about the tunnels’ haunted secrets. Though brief, this stop offers a fascinating, if slightly superficial, look into Portland’s darker history.

The tour then moves to 9 NW 2nd Ave, where the dark history of the location is recounted, and finally, to Old Town Pizza & Brewing—a lively place to end the evening with food, drinks, and more ghostly tales.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Reviews are generally positive about the guides. Houston, Victoria, and Lori receive special mentions for their storytelling skills, humor, and genuine enthusiasm. Guests appreciated the relaxed pacing, which allowed for a comfortable, unrushed experience—important for those who like to soak in stories rather than rushing through.

One reviewer noted that the tour was slow-paced, which was appreciated by older guests, and another praised a guide named Victoria for her knowledge and engaging style. Several guests said that the guides made the tour fun and memorable, even if some locations weren’t as spooky or accessible as hoped.

The Value for Money

At $36 per person, the tour strikes a reasonable balance between cost and entertainment. It covers several iconic Portland pubs and landmarks, with stories that add a layer of intrigue to a typical night out. While drinks are not included, most stops offer the opportunity to purchase beverages, turning the tour into a casual pub crawl with a haunted twist.

Guests have expressed appreciation for the storytelling, the historic insights, and the overall experience, considering it a good value. Some wished for more locations or longer stops, but most found the two-hour format just right for a quick, entertaining evening.

Practical Considerations

The tour starts at 5:00 pm, making it suitable for an early evening activity. It’s near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re staying in downtown Portland. The group size is capped at 20, ensuring a manageable, personable experience.

You should have a moderate physical fitness level, as some locations involve brief walking and standing. The tour is not suitable for travelers under 21, and service animals are allowed.

One noteworthy point from a review was a miscommunication where some guests only visited one bar, and others felt the guide was not as engaging. Always double-check the current schedule and location details, especially during busy seasons or if locations are temporarily closed.

The Experience Beyond the Stories

Beyond the ghost tales, guests often comment on the general ambiance of Portland’s historic districts—Old Town, Chinatown, and the Shanghai Tunnels—offering a glimpse into the city’s complex past. The mix of spooky stories and authentic pubs creates an atmosphere that’s both fun and slightly mysterious, perfect for those who appreciate history with a ghostly twist.

The final stop, Old Town Pizza & Brewing, provides a relaxed environment to discuss the stories further and enjoy some local brews or snacks, rounding out the experience on a convivial note.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This haunted pub crawl is ideal for travelers who enjoy ghost stories and local legends—especially those with an interest in Portland’s unique historic districts. It’s a good fit for groups or couples looking for a social, light-hearted evening. The tour’s pace and content are suitable for most ages over 21, and it offers a fun way to combine history and entertainment.

If you’re a fan of historic pubs, paranormal tales, or ghostly legends, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you’re seeking a fully immersive, in-depth exploration of Portland’s tunnels or underground secrets, you might find this experience somewhat superficial.

FAQ about the Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is for travelers aged 21 and over, mainly because it involves alcohol and themes geared towards adults.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are not included. Most stops have options available for purchase, and the tour focuses more on storytelling than on drinking.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, and concludes at Old Town Pizza & Brewing on NW Davis St.

Is the tour accessible?
While near public transportation, some reviews mention that not all locations are fully accessible, and guests should be comfortable with moderate walking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there’s some walking between stops. Dress for the weather—Portland can be rainy in the evening.

Can I join the tour last minute?
It’s best to book in advance to secure a spot, especially during busy seasons, as the group is limited to 20.

What if I want a longer or more detailed experience?
The standard tour is two hours, but there are extended options available that include more stories or deeper exploration of the tunnels. Check with the provider for details.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a spirited way to explore Portland’s historic districts under the cloak of darkness. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a good ghost story, enjoy a relaxed pub atmosphere, and want to learn about the city’s haunted past without committing to a long, expensive tour.

While some locations might not meet every guest’s expectations—especially regarding accessibility or the depth of haunting—the guides and stories generally leave a memorable impression. It’s an affordable, light-hearted evening that can be a highlight of your Portland visit, especially if you’re curious about the city’s darker, mysterious side.

Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just looking for a fun, social night out, this tour proves that Portland’s haunted corners have plenty of tales to tell—and a few drinks to share while doing so.