
Kennedy’s Bar and Grill
Posted: 01.29.2025 | Updated: 01.29.2025
Home to a list of closed establishments, the building at 366 N. Charlotte is known for its eerie atmosphere, having been home to failed restaurants since the late 1990s. Though they’ve come and gone, one in particular left a legacy that precedes it.
Kennedy’s Bar and Grill—an old farmhouse turned popular drinking spot—is much more than just a place to grab a drink. It has a long history of paranormal occurrences that have made Charlotte residents uneasy.
Residents claim the building is cursed, but could these paranormal occurrences be tied to the haunted history of the location? For those seeking a closer look at the ghostly history of Charlotte, embark on the Queen City Ghosts tour for an unforgettable journey to the city’s most haunted locations.
Why is Kennedy’s Bar and Grill haunted?

The infamous restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the area. But what is it about Kennedy’s Bar and Grill that makes it so unique—and haunted? Whether it’s the ghostly appearances, unexplained noises, or the repeated closures of businesses within, it’s clear that something is wrong with the old farmhouse.
THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF KENNEDY’S BAR AND GRILL
Kennedy’s Bar and Grill, located at the corner of Caswell and Seventh Street, has been the site of five unsuccessful restaurants, starting with Ethan’s of Elizabeth in 1997. After several failed attempts, including Pearl, Solera, Nolia Restaurant, and Ed’s Tavern, Kennedy’s Bar and Grill finally found some success. Of course, it also found some infamy.
The haunting reputation of the building dates back to when it was a farmhouse in the early 1900s. While the origins of its hauntings remain a mystery, locals believe the unexplained activity may be from its very first inhabitants.
Residents and patrons alike report experiencing strange phenomena, including mysterious footsteps, ghostly shadows, and flickering lights. Locals often speculate that the “Caswell Curse” continues to haunt anyone who tries to run a business in this building.
Whatever the reason, it raises the question: Is the Caswell Curse real, or is something more sinister at play?
WHAT HAPPENS AT KENNEDY’S BAR AND GRILL?

In its heyday, Kennedy’s Bar and Grill became synonymous with hauntings. Workers and patrons of Kennedy’s Bar and Grill have reportedly seen ghostly entities roaming the halls.
Witness accounts include doors opening and closing on their own, radios turning on without anyone near, and shadowy figures spotted in the bathroom late at night. Some even claim to have heard a bartender’s voice in empty rooms.
Others have reported seeing bottles fall without explanation and ghostly faces appearing in the windows long after the restaurant has closed. One such haunting event involved an apparition in a white nightgown floating through the halls.
In 2011, the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society investigated the building and experienced some of these strange phenomena, including the sound of a sighing woman and the eerie sight of a child playing football. However, the main question remained unanswered: Who are these ghostly figures, and what are they doing in this old farmhouse?
Charlotte locals have formed theories about the ghostly occupants. Some believe the apparitions are the spirits of the previous owners, while others believe they could be the ghost of former President John F. Kennedy.
Moved by these claims, many people from outside North Carolina flood to the area—especially during the Halloween season—to experience the phenomena for themselves.
Haunted Charlotte
North Carolina is filled with stories of ghostly legends and eerie encounters. However, the haunting history of Kennedy’s Premium Bar and Grill stands out as one of the most bizarre and persistent.
Even though the restaurant has been permanently closed to customers since 2017, it still attracts tourists from around the region, drawn by the legends and eerie occurrences surrounding the building.
For those brave enough to explore more of the ghostly side of North Carolina, Queen City Ghosts takes guests on a thrilling journey to Charlotte’s most haunted spots, including Kennedy’s Bar and Grill.
Follow Queen’s City Ghosts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates on upcoming tours and the latest locations to visit. Be sure to check out our blog for more spooky stories from Charlotte’s haunted past.
SOURCES:
- https://www.northcarolinahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/kennedys-premium-bar-grill.html
- https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/restaurant-near-uptown-may-be-haunted/275-373934971
- https://usghostadventures.com/haunted-stories/top-ten-most-haunted-places-in-charlotte-nc/
- https://www.charlottemagazine.com/entree-boo-5-charlotte-restaurants-said-to-be-haunted/
- https://www.charlottemagazine.com/cursed-corner/
Book A Queen City Ghosts Tour And See For Yourself
Are you ready to take a ghost tour through Queen City’s dark streets for freakish tales of the city’s past, and the ghosts that haunt its present?
Peel back the veil for an unflinching account detailing centuries of tragedy and death. Join us and experience the dark side of Charlotte’s past on this ghost tour of the most ghost-infested places.