Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures

If you’re headed to Salem looking for a night that combines ghostly tales with a taste of local nightlife, the Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a compelling option. While it’s not a full-blown ghost-hunting expedition, this lively tour promises a few frights, plenty of historic storytelling, and opportunities to sample Salem’s best pubs—all in just about 90 minutes.

What really makes this tour tick are its knowledgeable guides and the chance to explore Salem’s night-time ambiance—something quite different from daytime sightseeing. However, with a focus on fun and storytelling, some might find the haunted aspect less intense than other ghost tours. This experience appears perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history, local lore, and a good drink or two.

A possible consideration? For visitors seeking a truly spooky, spine-tingling experience, this pub crawl might lean more toward entertaining storytelling rather than pure haunted scares. Nonetheless, if you love history, have a sense of humor, and want to enjoy Salem’s nightlife with a spooky twist, it’s a solid choice.

This tour is especially well-suited for adult travelers who want a casual, social way to experience Salem’s dark side without dedicating an entire evening to ghost hunting. It’s also great for those who appreciate a good story, lively guides, and a relaxed pace.

This experience made our article of The Top 2 Drinking Tours In Salem.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of history and entertainment offers an authentic experience of Salem’s spooky lore.
• Knowledgeable guides keep the stories engaging and humorous.
• Multiple pub stops ensure you get to enjoy Salem’s nightlife while hearing ghostly tales.
• Short duration makes it an easy, affordable addition to your Salem itinerary.
• Free ghost stories and local legends add a mysterious flavor to the evening.
• Group size capped at 20 enhances the experience with personal attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

What’s the Tour All About?

This tour by US Ghost Adventures is about combining Salem’s notorious haunted reputation with its lively drinking scene. You’ll visit three pubs—ranging from historic taverns to trendy bars—while hearing stories of local hauntings and strange happenings. The entire adventure lasts around 90 minutes, making it a manageable, fun addition to a day of exploring Salem.

Tickets are $27 per person, which makes it a reasonably priced way to enjoy the city’s nighttime atmosphere. Tours are operated with mobile tickets, and most bookings are made about 50 days in advance, showing its popularity.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: 87 Washington Street

Your haunted journey begins in a bar with more than its fair share of ghost stories. The hotel claims to have experienced glasses shattering spontaneously during cleanup, and staff have reported feelings of sadness when the place is empty. These tales set the tone for the night—lighthearted but tinged with the supernatural.

Expect about 30 minutes here, with no cover charge, so you can settle in and get comfortable as the guide starts sharing spooky anecdotes in a cozy atmosphere.

Stop 2: The Joshua Ward House

Next, the group ventures to this historic mansion, which is well-known for paranormal activity. Staff and patrons have experienced unexplained phenomena—feelings, sights, and sounds—making this spot a true haunt. The guide will recount chilling firsthand accounts, so prepare for some goosebumps.

This stop emphasizes Salem’s haunted reputation, and it’s a highlight for those interested in local legends rooted in real experiences.

Stop 3: Rockafellas Restaurant

Known for lively parties, this bar has its own ghostly tales. Employees have reported strange happenings, especially after late-night cleaning. Some staff have hurriedly left the premises, citing unexplained disturbances, which adds a layer of authenticity and fun to the ghost stories.

Stop 4: A Small Bookshop & Village Tavern

The tour wraps with two additional stops — a tiny bookstore where ghostly apparitions and eerie tales about death are part of the lore, and the Village Tavern, a historic spot on a ground believed to be haunted by those who drew their last breaths nearby. The stories here evoke the lingering presence of those who once walked Salem’s streets.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Guides and storytelling are central to this experience. Based on numerous reviews, guides like Bella and Mason are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to balance spooky tales with fun. One reviewer notes, “Bella added a kick of humor,” and another says, “Lou did a wonderful job giving us history and keeping us engaged.”

The tour’s pace is relaxed, with about 30 minutes at each stop, allowing plenty of time to enjoy drinks and absorb the stories. It’s a social experience—most groups are small (max 20), fostering intimacy and interaction.

What about the drinks? The tour itself doesn’t include alcohol, but it is designed for participants to enjoy beverages at their own pace. This makes it flexible—if you want to try local craft beers or cocktails, you’re free to do so.

The Value of the Experience

While $27 might seem modest, the value largely depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for a fun, atmospheric way to experience Salem’s mystique and nightlife, this tour offers good storytelling and lively guides for the price. No additional fees are required for ghost stories, making it a cost-effective option, especially considering the local lore shared.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that guide quality matters. Many praise guides like Bella and Mason for their humor, knowledge, and engaging storytelling—factors that elevate the experience. Conversely, some reviews mention that the tour can sometimes feel less intense or spooky—more of a lively pub crawl with ghost stories than a deeply haunted experience.

A few travelers comment on weather conditions impacting their experience. For example, one rainy day led to a less-than-ideal outing, but most reviews emphasize the guides’ professionalism and entertaining narratives regardless of weather.

Practical Details

The tour departs from East India Square at 158 Essex Street and returns there at the end. It’s suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and is within walking distance of public transportation. The group size is capped at 20, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

Since the tour operates rain or shine, dress accordingly. If the weather is bad, be prepared for outdoor walking between stops. The tour is primarily adult-focused, and the pace is friendly for most fitness levels.

Cancellation and Flexibility

Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If your plans change within that window, you can get a full refund, adding peace of mind to your booking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This pub crawl is perfect for adult travelers who enjoy a mix of ghost stories, local history, and social drinking. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Salem’s haunted reputation but prefer a more relaxed, humorous approach rather than a scare-fest. The guide’s storytelling skills seem to be a highlight, making it enjoyable even for those who might not be die-hard ghost enthusiasts.

It works well as part of an evening in Salem when you want to combine sightseeing with lively, local experiences. It’s especially suited for groups of friends or couples looking for a casual, fun, and slightly spooky way to explore Salem after dark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price of $27, you get more than just a pub crawl—you gain insights into Salem’s haunted past, delivered by guides who genuinely know their stuff. The mix of historic landmarks, ghost stories, and pub stops makes for a memorable night out—particularly if you like your ghost tales served with a side of humor and good company.

While it may not satisfy those seeking extreme paranormal scares, it offers a relaxed and engaging way to experience Salem’s dark side with plenty of laughs, stories, and local flavor. The small group size and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making it feel personal and authentic.

If your ideal evening involves stories of hauntings, craft drinks, and a lively atmosphere, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for some ghostly tales, and don’t expect a full-blown spooky scare if that’s what you’re after—think more fun and folklore than fright.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults since it involves pub stops and drinking. It’s best suited for travelers 21 and over, though the stories are family-friendly.

How long does it last?
It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a quick but enjoyable addition to your Salem visit.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included. You can bring your own drinks or purchase at the bars.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 50 days ahead, especially in peak seasons, to secure their spot.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine. Dress accordingly, and be prepared for outdoor walking between stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their storytelling, humor, and local knowledge.

Is the group small?
Yes, the maximum group size is 20, providing a more personal experience.

In essence, the Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl combines local history, ghost stories, and a fun atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for those looking to enjoy Salem’s nightlife with a spooky twist. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost believer, or simply out for a good time, this tour offers a distinctive way to experience Salem after dark.