Spooky Chicago nights move fast, and this one has perfect pacing. I like how the tour blends period-dressed storytelling with real neighborhood bar stops, from an old speakeasy to firehouse-adjacent lounges. You get to explore Lincoln Park’s darker corners without it feeling like a checklist.

Two things I really like: the guide-led vibe feels personal (names like Katie, Lara, Mallory, and Bobby Thomas keep showing up with praise for energy and humor), and the included bar visits make it easy to hang with a small group. You’re not just walking past buildings—you’re learning why they mattered, and then stepping inside to feel the atmosphere.

One consideration: this can tilt toward a bar-hop feel if the group energy drops. If you want maximum engagement, show up ready to participate, and remember drinks cost extra since alcohol isn’t included.

Key things to know before you book

• Small group size (max 12) keeps it social and easier to hear the stories.
• Three real bar stops plus several landmark stroll-bys gives you variety without a marathon.
• Costumed local guide sets the tone for the spooky past and period details.
• Alcohol is for purchase, so you can pace yourself or skip drinks if you want.
• Moderate walking helps if you bring comfortable shoes for uneven ground.
• English mobile ticket means it’s simple to show up and start on time.

Price and time: what $35.87 buys you

For about 2 hours 30 minutes, this tour costs $35.87 per person. That price is mainly buying two things: a local guide who narrates Chicago’s haunted past, and access to multiple stops where you’ll hear stories tied to the places.

You do not get free drinks. Alcohol is available to purchase at the venues, so you can keep your budget under control by ordering one drink or switching to something non-alcoholic if that’s your style. The value here is in the combination: short guided stops, then quick walks between them, so you spend time learning instead of wandering.

It also helps that the group cap is 12. Smaller groups mean less lost context and fewer moments where you can’t hear the guide. If you like a night out that still feels structured, this fits.

Where the tour starts and ends in Lincoln Park

You meet at Glascott’s Saloon, 2158 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614. The tour ends at Lilly’s, 2515 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614.

That end point matters. Plan your ride or onward plans around the Lincoln Park area, not downtown. This is also one reason I like the format: it’s built for a fun evening that finishes in a neighborhood that still feels walkable and lively.

The tour runs in all weather conditions, but it’s also described as requiring good weather. Practically, that means the provider may switch dates or refund if conditions are unsafe or not suitable—so bring layers and expect the night to be outdoors.

How the 2.5 hours actually plays out

The pacing is designed to keep the night moving without burning your legs out. You’ll start with a drink and stories, then hit two more bar stops, with additional landmarks along the walking route.

A good rule for experiences like this: order drinks fast once you’re inside. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, getting a soda, water, or mocktail settles your nerves and keeps you comfortable for the next stretch. The tour includes a host/escort, which helps with timing and regrouping, especially when you’re moving between multiple venues.

Also, keep your expectations realistic: you’re doing a guided experience with a walking component. Bring shoes you trust, because some of the ground may be less polished than you’d expect.

Stop 1: Glascott’s Saloon, speakeasy stories, and old-meat-market walls

You begin at Glascott’s Saloon, a family-owned Chicago place for four generations. The building’s backstory is the kind of detail that makes haunted history feel grounded: it started as a meat market, then during Prohibition it operated as a speakeasy under the name James Morley Soft Drinks.

This first stop works well because it sets the tone early. You get to settle in with your group, listen to a guide in period dress, and start the night with a story that’s tied to a specific, believable era. It’s not vague spooky music and mystery fog. It’s place-based storytelling that connects Chicago’s past to what you see today.

The listed time at this opening stop is about 25 minutes, which is long enough to feel like you’re starting something special without dragging before you’ve even left the sidewalk.

Stop 2: Lilly’s and the haunted residents angle

At Lilly’s, the tour keeps the momentum going with another drink stop and more haunted tales. The information provided focuses less on a single named legend here and more on the idea of haunted residents—so you should expect storytelling that blends local color with ghostly themes.

This stop is about variety. After the Prohibition-era framing at Glascott’s, Lilly’s shifts the tone and keeps the haunted theme moving. If you’re the type who gets bored in tours that only do one style of story, this mid-tour change helps.

Plan to use this stop to recharge. Even if you only have one drink, it’s a good chance to reset your posture and check in with the group before the next venue jump.

Stop 3: Hook and Ladder, Halligan, and a secret doorway

Next comes Hook and Ladder and its sister bar Halligan, with one of the coolest “only-in-Chicago” style details on the route: a secret doorway connecting them.

The vibe here is tied to Chicago firehouse culture. The owner is a volunteer firefighter, and the decor honors Chicago’s Fire Department. Halligan’s building has been a bar for over 100 years, which adds weight to the ghost stories the guide shares.

This stop’s ghost thread centers on John Weiss, the ghostly former owner. If you like hauntings that feel like part of the building’s identity—rather than random spirits dropped in for effect—you’ll likely enjoy how the narrative sticks to a specific place and person.

The walking parts: Oz Park, King of Cups, and the Red Lion

Not every stop is inside a bar. Some of the best moments happen on the strolls, because you’re moving between neighborhoods and landmarks that feel like real Chicago, not just props.

Oz Park after dark

Along the route you’ll pass by Oz Park, a park named for L. Frank Baum, author of the beloved Oz books. The park is described as having features like Dorothy’s Playlot, the Emerald Gardens, and character statues connected to the stories.

You also get a timing clue: the park is open until 11pm, and after nightfall you might run into its ghostly inhabitants. Even if you don’t see anything spooky, the park makes the route feel more imaginative and less grim. It’s a nice contrast to the darker pub history.

King of Cups spirit lounge and tarot nights

Next, you’ll pass King of Cups, described as Chicago’s first Spirit Lounge. This is a bar context with a slightly different angle: craft cocktails and nightly Tarot Card readings.

If your idea of a “haunted bar” includes people leaning into the vibe—midway between gothic and playful—that’s the spirit here. The provided details also suggest employees have had enough strange happenings to believe otherworldly patrons may visit regularly.

The Red Lion: English-pub conversion with multiple spirits

You’ll also stop outside one of Chicago’s most famous haunted bars: the Red Lion. It opened in 1984 after massive reconstruction, in the former Dirty Dan’s Western Saloon.

The transformation is part of the ghost pitch. The Red Lion shifted from a smoke-ridden, grimy place into a classic English pub—and the story says there are multiple spirits tied to the location. You’ll get the rundown without needing to be inside right away, which keeps the walk-and-talk rhythm intact.

Guide energy: how the best nights happen

This tour lives and dies by the guide. The stories here aren’t only about haunted sites; they’re about delivery—pace, humor, and how well the guide keeps the group engaged.

From the pattern of names you’ll see—Katie, Lara, Mallory, Laura, Bobby Thomas, and Alex—the common praise is straightforward: the guides bring high energy, tell stories in a way that feels conversational, and keep everyone included. If that’s the vibe you want, you’re in the right lane.

That said, there’s one drawback you should consider. If the guide or group energy is low, this experience could feel more like a casual bar hop than a story-forward haunted walk. You can avoid that by showing up in an upbeat mood and treating each stop like part of one continuous narrative, not three separate drinks.

What to wear, bring, and do about drinks

You’ll be outside in winter or summer, because the tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress for the conditions you’re given, and bring layers. The “moderate physical fitness” note is also your hint: you’ll be walking for stretches, and the ground may include uneven spots.

Comfort matters. A useful detail from the experience: you might walk on grass and dirt. So choose shoes that won’t make you regret your life choices in 30 minutes.

For drinks: alcohol isn’t included. If you want to keep things light, pick one drink and add water between stops. If you drink more, keep pace with the walking. This is a social evening, but it still includes movement.

One smart move: once you’re at a bar stop, don’t wait too long to place your order. The timing is built around story segments, not long lounge visits.

Is this tour worth it? My practical take

At $35.87, you’re paying for guidance, time, and access to specific Chicago venues tied to haunted storytelling. Since there’s no drink included, the real value is what you learn and how you experience the neighborhood—especially because the group is capped at 12.

It’s also a strong option for first-time Chicago visitors who want more than one viewpoint. You get history in a fun package: speakeasy origins, a firehouse-themed bar connection, literary Chicago via Oz Park, and a spirit lounge setting with tarot readings.

If you’re local, it’s still a good excuse to explore Lincoln Park at night. If you’re traveling with friends, it’s a clean group activity that also creates conversation.

Who should book this haunted pub crawl

Book it if you want:

• A short, story-driven walking tour that includes actual bar environments
• A guided night out with period-costumed narration
• Lincoln Park sights plus spooky Chicago past in a single evening

You might reconsider if:

• You hate walking on uneven ground
• You expect ghost effects (like special effects) rather than stories tied to real locations
• You only want nightlife without history. This tour is story-first.

Should you book Haunted Chicago Booze and Boos?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re looking for a fun, organized way to see Lincoln Park after dark. The best-case version is an energetic guide telling sharp, place-based stories while you sample a handful of classic bars at a comfortable pace.

Before you commit, check your comfort with a walking component and remember alcohol is extra. If you want to keep the night smooth, plan for one drink at most, wear comfy shoes, and treat the whole evening like a single guided narrative.

If that sounds like your kind of Chicago night, this one’s a solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Haunted Chicago Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $35.87 per person.

Are alcoholic drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included. You can purchase drinks at the stops.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 21.

Where do I meet the tour, and where does it end?

You start at Glascott’s Saloon at 2158 N Halsted St. The tour ends at Lilly’s at 2515 N Lincoln Ave.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What’s the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.