Whether you live in Austin, or just visiting for the weekend, you’ve gotta visit, eat and stay at these three spooky and haunted places.
Haunted History
The Clay Pit is located in the historic Bertram Building which was built in the 1850s and started as a trading post by German immigrant Rudolph Bertram. In the 1870’s/1880’s he started a grocery business, saloon, and general store on the first floor while the Bertram family resided on the second floor. The Clay Pit is reportedly haunted by 4 ghosts including Mr. Bertram’s young son who died of typhoid fever, and a murdered prostitute known as the Scarlet Lady. It’s rumored that the lower-level wine cellar was used for gambling and had a tunnel that led to another building for easy escape. Others say there were a network of underground tunnels that led to brothels. The staff have reported unusual events in the restaurant and believe it’s Mr. Bertram’s young son.
The Menu
The Clay Pit has a Contemporary Indian Cuisine. They have gluten-free and vegan options. Talk to your waiter if you have an allergy. Happy Hour is available M-F from 3:30-6:30 pm (located in the bar area only). If you’re coming with a group, or if it’s a busy time such as ACL, SXSW, graduation, or UT football season; make a reservation.
My Story
I went with a group of friends one night to The Clay Pit not knowing of its history. We were the only people seated in the cellar. I was sitting at the end of the table talking to the person on my right when I felt someone grab my left arm. I turned but no one was there. I told my friend who was sitting in front of me what happened. She said she had just watched her fork move by itself. We told the rest of our friends when the waiter came back down the cellar. That’s when he told us The Clay Pit was haunted. He shared some scary stories with us. We had some great food and a good scare.
Haunted History
The Driskill Hotel is located on the infamous 6th street. It was built in 1886 commissioned by Jesse Driskill, a successful cattle baron who moved to Texas from Missouri. This historic hotel is haunted by many ghosts including the bride who ended her life in room 329 after her fiancé called off the wedding. On the fifth floor, you’ll find a haunted painting of a little girl holding a letter in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in the other. It is said this littler girl is the 4-year-old daughter of U.S. Senator Temple Lea Houston. The little girl died when she chased her ball and fell down the grand stairs. Childish giggles have been reported around the painting. Some have said she grins at you if you stare at the eyes in the painting. This iconic hotel has many more spooky stories and has been featured in several television shows featuring the paranormal.
The Menu
1886 Café & Bakery – This super cute café is open for brunch from 7am-2pm. I couldn’t find any gluten-free items listed on the menu but you can always grab a coffee and fruit. In the mood for a drink? Sit and sip a brunch cocktail that includes gluten-free Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka (local) like the Fresh Eddie, or grab an Austin EastCiders Original (local) gluten-free cider. Please note that an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your check unless you talk to your waiter.
My Story
I took a walking ghost tour with my family one night in downtown Austin. It started by Moon Shine restaurant and ended at the Driskill Hotel. Our guide showed me a photo that someone else had taken on a previous tour. It was a picture of the beautiful main staircase and there was a ghostly looking person descending from it. The guide said no one was on the staircase when the photo was taken. The guide had lots of haunted tales to share with us about the Driskill. She also showed us an old vault and a hidden door on the main floor. The tour was a lot of fun and we had a great time.
Haunted History
The Texas State Capitol was completed in 1888 and is rich with history. It’s also rich with spirits of the dead. Ed Wheeler was working as a painter in the Capitol building when the scaffolding shifted and he suddenly fell three stories down to his death. Comptroller Robert Love was working in his office one day, when a former employee shot him. He died there in his office in 1903. There are also stories of a vanishing lady. Who knows what you’ll see when you visit the capitol? Come for the history and stay for the ghosts, if you dare.
Austin has several ghost tours companies. I highly recommend checking one out. You’ll get to hear even more chilling stories and see more haunted locations all in good fun.
*Disclaimer – Menus can change. Always speak to your waiter, bartender, or cook staff if you have any food allergies.
References:
https://austinghosts.com/the-clay-pit-the-bertram-building/
https://pocketsights.com/tours/place/The-Clay-Pit-24705:3099