Annabelle's at The Gilmore Hotel in Ketchikan, Alaska
Nestled in the heart of Ketchikan’s historic waterfront, Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House is more than just a beloved seafood restaurant and bar. Housed within the storied walls of the Gilmore Hotel, Annabelle’s is a cornerstone of local lore... a place where the echoes of Alaska’s gold rush past and whispers of the supernatural mingle over pints and chowder. For those seeking a taste of America’s haunted hospitality, Annabelle’s offers both culinary delights and a side of spectral intrigue.
The Gilmore Hotel: A Legacy of Resilience and Community
The Gilmore Hotel first opened in 1927, the vision of Irish immigrant and Ketchikan community leader Pat Gilmore. After arriving in Alaska in the early 1900s, Gilmore quickly became a civic fixture, serving as mayor, city councilman, and judge. Following a devastating fire that leveled much of Front Street, he commissioned a fireproof concrete structure—the building that would become the Gilmore Hotel.
Built in a classic Early Commercial style, the hotel was considered one of the finest establishments in town, catering to businessmen, miners, and seafarers. The hotel has hosted countless visitors over the decades, from salmon cannery workers to cruise ship passengers. In 1989, a careful restoration project preserved the hotel’s original 1920s character, and today, it stands proudly on the National Register of Historic Places. Annabelle’s opened shortly after the restoration, serving up fresh Alaskan seafood and classic cocktails in a vintage, wood-paneled setting.
Annabelle’s: A Gathering Place for Locals, Tourists, and Ghosts
Annabelle’s has long been a popular destination for both locals and visitors. With its antique bar, warm lighting, and historic details, it offers a welcoming environment for weary travelers and curious diners. But beneath the laughter and the clinking of glasses, a quieter energy has long been felt by those who work in and frequent the restaurant.
Staff and guests alike have reported strange occurrences: doors opening and closing on their own, cold spots, and the inexplicable movement of objects. While many chalk it up to old pipes or creaky floors, others aren’t so sure.
Ghost Stories from the Gilmore
I’ve visited Annabelle's twice. If you like seafood, it's a highlight of Ketchikan and if you're in the mood for beer, they've got a great selection of Alaskan local brews plus your favorites from the mainland.
A local bartender shared that although she had never personally experienced anything paranormal, her parents, who worked at Annabelle’s for years, had passed down eerie stories like chandeliers swinging without a breeze and mysterious singing coming from behind the walls, particularly near Room 303, where a former long-term resident once claimed to hear voices nightly.
Annabelle’s is not just haunted by vague feelings or bumps in the night. Multiple staff members and guests have reported seeing two distinct figures: a man in a top hat who frequently appears in Room 208, and a silent woman seen sitting peacefully in a chair. These sightings have been repeated often enough to form a consistent local legend.
One particularly unsettling story involves a Coast Guard officer who stayed at the hotel and was asked by the front desk clerk if he had heard anything unusual during the night. The question seemed odd until the clerk showed him the room next door. Though it was supposedly unoccupied, the bed was mysteriously soaked in what appeared to be blood. No explanation was ever offered.
Tragedies Beyond the Hotel Walls
While there are no known records of violent deaths within the Gilmore itself, Ketchikan has its share of regional tragedy. Disasters like the 1908 wreck of the Star of Bengal, which claimed over 100 lives, and the 1950 fire that destroyed the S.S. Prince George, are etched into the local consciousness. During Prohibition, the waterfront saw its fair share of bootlegging, betrayal, and shady dealings. These events may not have taken place within the Gilmore, but their ghostly echoes still seem to ripple through the town.
Visit If You Dare
Whether you’re a ghost hunter or just hungry for a bowl of chowder, Annabelle’s at the Gilmore Hotel offers a rich taste of Alaskan history. The restaurant’s charming 1920s atmosphere, coupled with lingering whispers of the unexplained, makes it a must-stop on any haunted itinerary.
The Gilmore stands as a monument to resilience, community, and possibly something otherworldly. Pull up a stool, order a craft beer, and ask your bartender if they’ve ever seen anything strange. In a town like Ketchikan, you just might get a story that stays with you long after the last spoonful of chowder is gone.
Why It’s One of America’s Most Haunted Bars
Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House at the Gilmore Hotel earns its place among America’s most haunted bars thanks to a unique combination of historic atmosphere, compelling local legends, and persistent reports of unexplained phenomena.
If you’re planning a haunted adventure through southeast Alaska, Annabelle’s is open for lunch and dinner year-round. With a menu full of hearty seafood and a dining room steeped in legend, it offers a truly spirited experience... one that might come with a chill down your spine.
Join the Ketchikan Ghost Walk, a spine-tingling walking tour through Alaska’s most haunted waterfront town. This guided experience takes you deep into Ketchikan’s paranormal past, including the historic Gilmore Hotel and Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House, widely known as one of America’s most haunted bars. Hear chilling stories of ghostly figures like the mysterious man in the top hat and the woman in the chair, and learn about real reports of unexplained activity inside this National Register-listed hotel. Perfect for ghost hunters, history lovers, and adventurous travelers, the Ketchikan Ghost Walk is your chance to explore the haunted side of Alaska under the glow of the city’s flickering lamplight.
