Address: 372 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
Official Website: http://www.slipperynoodle.com/
The Tale Begins
Welcome, intrepid souls and lovers of the supernatural, to the crimson-lit world of uneasiness and the paranormal! Picture this: chart-topping blues strumming through a low-lit atmosphere, the scent of sizzling southern cuisine dancing through the air, enclosed in the historical charm of a building that’s been standing since 1850. This isn’t just any tavern; this is the renowned Slippery Noodle Inn, the oldest, continuously running bar in Indiana, boasting tantalizing spirits both in bottles and roaming free through its hallowed halls.
In the back alleys of Hoosier hospitality, the Slippery Noodle Inn stands imperiously, steeped in an intriguing blend of history, ghost stories, and jazz. With spine chilling tales as rich and compelling as the music that fills its walls, it’s no wonder this institution invokes whispers of ‘hauntings’ from both patrons and staff alike. So, lean in closer, dear reader, as we peel back the layers of these spectral tales, adding a captivating layer of mystery to your next visit to this renowned watering hole… Survival of the spooked guaranteed!
The History of Slippery Noodle Inn
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Slippery Noodle Inn is Indiana‘s oldest, continually operated bar. The historic bar was originally established in 1850 as the Tremont House. Throughout the years, it underwent several name changes, functioning as a roadhouse, a brothel, and even a boarding house for the city’s laborers.
In 1963, it came into the possession of Harold and Lorean Yeagy and was named the Slippery Noodle Inn. Known especially for its live blues music and its authentic, old-time ambiance, it has become a beloved establishment on both local and national levels. The Inn has been host to various famous musicians, and even has bullets lodged in its walls from when it was used as a target-practice place by gangster John Dillinger and his crew.
The Slippery Noodle Inn was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1982, bolstering its reputation as an iconic slice of American history. From its inception, the bar has witnessed the full spectrum of American history and has managed to survive, enduring alongside the country itself. Today, it can comfortably host 500 guests in its multiple rooms, adorned with a fittingly vintage decor that provides patrons a unique glimpse into the past.
The bar’s legacy as a welcoming watering hole continues under the second generation of Yeagy’s management, perpetuating the age-old tradition of hospitality and good times amidst the rich cultural history of the Slippery Noodle Inn.
Is it really haunted at Slippery Noodle Inn?
The Slippery Noodle Inn, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is reputed to be haunted. The inn, which has been around since 1850 and has served many purposes such as a stop on the Underground Railroad and a bordello, now operates as a bar and restaurant, famous for its live blues music.
There are several stories of potential paranormal activity that have been reported at the Slippery Noodle Inn adding to its haunted reputation:
1. The Ghostly Brothers: James and Thomas, two sons of the then-owner, allegedly got into a violent sword duel over a woman in the mid to late 1800s in what is now the upper seating area of the bar. James was fatally wounded in the battle and died on the spot. Thomas, filled with regret, allegedly died of cholera not long after that. Since then, there have been numerous stories of two brothers appearing to people in the bar and disappearing as quickly as they arrived.
2. The Lady Upstairs: Many guests have reported sightings of a mysterious woman in the upper rooms. Some suspect this to be the spirit of one of the ladies from the bordello. Guests have described seeing her silhouette against the window, hearing her footsteps late at night, and even feeling a ghostly touch.
3. Unexplained Sounds and Activity: There are regular reports of strange, unexplained activity – the sound of pool balls clacking together when no one’s around, doors opening and closing, flickering lights, cold drafts, and even objects moving on their own.
4. The Cowboy Ghost: An old cowboy has also been reportedly seen in the inn. The story goes that this is the ghost of a cowboy who was murdered in the stable (what is currently the back bar room) and was never given a proper burial.
Keep in mind, while these are reported, they are anecdotal and can’t be scientifically validated. But whether you are a believer or a skeptic, these stories undeniably add to the history and charm of the Slippery Noodle Inn.
Wrapping Up
Slippery Noodle Inn, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the oldest continuously running bar in the state, with its roots dating back to 1850. The establishment, originally a roadhouse (an inn along a main road), has served various functions throughout its history – a brothel, a station for the Underground Railroad, and even a hangout for notorious figures like the John Dillinger gang.
The Inn boasts two distinct hauntings, adding a unique layer to its already colorful history. Ghosts of a gambler named George and a handyman known only as “The Cowboy” are believed to roam the building’s premises.
George’s story dates back to the Inn‘s days as a brothel. Supposedly, George was murdered in the front room of the second built portion of the Inn during a card game. Some guests have reported experiencing sudden chills, unusual shadows, or objects moving on their own in that specific room.
On the other hand, “The Cowboy,” as he is called due to his preference to wear cowboy clothing, was a former hired hand who lived near the horse stables, now the Inn‘s beer garden. He is often sighted there or in the last-built east room of the Inn, sometimes witnessed as an eerie, shadowy figure with a cowboy hat.
However, despite these eerie realities, the Slippery Noodle Inn continues to be a beloved destination for visitors, providing a fantastic mix of history, music, and a touch of the paranormal.
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