NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

REVIEW · NEW YORK CITY

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

  • 4.45 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $30
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by US Ghost Adventures · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.4 (5)Duration2 hoursPrice from$30Operated byUS Ghost AdventuresBook viaGetYourGuide

Ghost stories plus a drink stop? Count me in. This NYC haunted pub crawl in Greenwich Village strings together murder, duels, speakeasies, and eerie lore with legit bar stops and some fun photo moments you’ll recognize.

I love that it mixes storytelling with social energy: the drink breaks help the group actually mingle, and the guide’s names like Johnathon, Joanna, and Becca show up with a friendly, animated vibe. The one consideration: drinks are not included, so you’ll want a little extra cash ready.

Key things I’d circle before you go

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - Key things I’d circle before you go

  • Start at One if by Land, Two if by Sea (17 Barrow St) with your US Ghost Adventures guide carrying a lantern
  • 2 hours, eight-plus stops, and multiple bar moments to keep the pace moving
  • Marie’s Crisis Cafe where you try to spot spectral balls of light
  • West Village drink options like a Mexican Candy Shot with GHOST pepper tequila and a Ruby Red Greyhound with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka
  • Greenwich Village spooky landmarks including the Hangman’s Elm and Jefferson Market Library
  • Picture-friendly stop tied to the Friends apartment-building look

The Greenwich Village underworld: why this crawl works

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - The Greenwich Village underworld: why this crawl works
Greenwich Village is famous for shoestring theaters, wine bars, and wandering. But on this walk, you get a different angle: the seams where old legends, mob-era whispers, and theatrical settings overlap. That’s the sweet spot of a haunted pub crawl like this one—equal parts street history and storytelling theater, without feeling like a lecture.

You’re not just hearing spooky lines. You’re moving between real corners around the West Village, so the tales land differently. One minute you’re following the guide’s lantern like it’s part of a scene; the next you’re standing where the story says something impossible happened.

And yes, you’ll also get bar energy. You’re not stuck waiting to be terrified. You’re here for chilled drinks, social chatting, and the kind of group vibe where strangers end up comparing reactions to whatever you just heard.

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Starting point at 17 Barrow Street: the lantern, the pace, the vibe

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - Starting point at 17 Barrow Street: the lantern, the pace, the vibe
You’ll meet at One if by Land, Two if by Sea at 17 Barrow St, New York, NY 10014. Your guide wears a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carries a lantern, which instantly sets the tone.

Early on, you’ll get a quick orientation and then you’ll head out on foot. This matters: the tour is built for walking, not rolling through the city in a bus. So I’d plan on a steady pace, stop-and-go timing, and plenty of time to look up at buildings and details you’d otherwise miss.

There’s also a small set of rules that shapes how the night feels. No smoking and no video recording. That keeps things more focused on the guide’s storytelling and on your own eyes—plus it avoids the awkwardness of a dozen phones turning every stop into a recording studio.

If you’re under 21, this tour isn’t for you. If you have mobility impairments, it also may not work well. The route is designed as a walking crawl through neighborhood sites and bars.

The real value of the $30 ticket: 2 hours with a story plan

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - The real value of the $30 ticket: 2 hours with a story plan
At $30 per person for a 2-hour tour, this lands in the “reasonable fun” range—especially because you’re not paying for a generic ghost tour script. You’re paying for a guide who has researched the setting and delivers authentic local ghost stories tied to specific places.

Here’s what you actually get:

  • A friendly, knowledgeable guide who keeps the night moving
  • Well-researched history tied to what you’re standing in front of
  • Authentic ghost stories designed for the stops you visit

What you don’t get:

  • Transportation
  • Guide tip
  • Drinks

That’s the key math. The $30 covers the tour experience, but your total night cost depends on what you order. If you’re the type who’ll happily try one cocktail you’ve never heard of, this is a good fit. If you want multiple rounds, you’ll likely spend more than the base ticket.

The crawl flow: from mob whispers to speakeasy shadows

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - The crawl flow: from mob whispers to speakeasy shadows
This tour runs for about 2 hours and includes eight other locations after the meeting point. You’ll also visit three additional bars along the way (so four bar moments total: the start location plus three more).

The overall story arc is simple and effective. You start with the idea that Greenwich Village has layers—murder-and-duels legends, speakeasies, and grim old details. Then the guide brings you through the neighborhood like it’s a timeline. Prohibition-era mob stories come up early, then the tone shifts toward classic haunted-bar moments.

In between named locations, you’ll stop at other spots where the guide ties the street setting to the ghost lore. You might hear about duels or executions. You’ll also get prompts to slow down, watch, and listen for details that make the next stop more meaningful.

This structure is why the tour feels like more than a string of addresses. Each stop adds a clue, a theme, or a character. It’s a little spooky, but it’s also organized.

Stop 1 vibe: One if by Land, Two if by Sea and the woman in black

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - Stop 1 vibe: One if by Land, Two if by Sea and the woman in black
Right at the start, the guide frames the first scene around the building itself. You’ll gather where a mysterious woman in black is described as hovering over the staircase. Whether you find it fully supernatural or just wonderfully theatrical, it works because it pulls your attention toward the right spot immediately.

From there, the guide leads you out to the next locations in a way that keeps the group together. You’re not just drifting. The lantern and the story rhythm act like a metronome.

If you like tours that get you oriented quickly—rather than wandering around until you finally hear the point—you’ll appreciate this start.

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Pirate’s Den: Prohibition-era mob stories and a bar you’ll remember

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - Pirate’s Den: Prohibition-era mob stories and a bar you’ll remember
One of the stops is Pirate’s Den, where you travel back to the prohibition-era mobster vibe. This is where the tour leans into the speakeasy feel, with the kind of stories that sound better when you’re standing in a bar space that already looks like it could hide secrets.

It also sets up the drink part of the night. Since drinks aren’t included, this stop gives you a chance to decide what you want to spend. If you’re new to cocktail ordering or just want something fun without being too complicated, this is a great time to try your first sip.

The Friends-style apartment photo moment: quick, fun, and easy

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - The Friends-style apartment photo moment: quick, fun, and easy
At some point during the walk, you’ll get a chance to snap selfies in front of the apartment building from Friends. That’s not the whole point of the tour, but it’s a smart bonus.

It gives you:

  • A fun break from the purely spooky beats
  • A quick way to mark the night on your camera roll
  • A moment that’s instantly recognizable, even if you’re not a hardcore ghost-lore person

If you’re traveling with friends or family who might roll their eyes at horror stories, this kind of photo moment can keep everyone engaged.

Marie’s Crisis Cafe: the spectral balls-of-light moment

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - Marie’s Crisis Cafe: the spectral balls-of-light moment
Marie’s Crisis Cafe is the star stop for a lot of people. Here, you’re invited to try to capture evidence of spectral balls of light. That detail alone is memorable, but the real value is how the guide frames it: not just as a scare, but as something to pay attention to while you’re in the right place.

This is also one of the best stops for people who like a little mystery with their nightlife. You’ll look around, you’ll listen, and you’ll see how the setting amplifies the story. Even if you don’t believe every claim literally, the moment is genuinely fun.

And because Marie’s Crisis Cafe is a bar, you can pair the ghost lore with a proper drink while the story tension builds.

Hangman’s Elm and Jefferson Market Library: the woman in blue dress

NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl - Hangman’s Elm and Jefferson Market Library: the woman in blue dress
Another standout location is Jefferson Market Library. The guide warns you to watch out for the woman in a blue dress. It’s a classic haunted-tale ingredient: a specific figure, a specific setting, and a sense that something in the corner of your eye doesn’t want you to relax.

Nearby, you’ll also get to stand in the shadow of the Hangman’s Elm. This is the kind of landmark detail that makes the stories feel concrete. You’re not just hearing about the past—you’re standing where the past is described as having left a mark.

If you like your scares with a little theater, these stops deliver. If you don’t, you can still enjoy them as part of the historical vibe of the neighborhood.

West Village cocktails: what to order (and what not to overthink)

Because drinks aren’t included, the cocktail part is optional—but it’s clearly part of the experience design. The crawl encourages you to try one-of-a-kind West Village drinks, and you get specific suggestions during the night.

Two examples provided:

  • Mexican Candy Shot with GHOST pepper tequila
  • Ruby Red Greyhound with Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka

If you’re choosing between them, here’s how I’d think about it:

  • If you want sweet heat, go for the Mexican Candy Shot. It’s the more adventurous pick.
  • If you want something more approachable, a Ruby Red Greyhound sounds like the kind of drink you can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by spice.

One practical note: you only have 2 hours total. If you order something that requires a lot of sipping time, you may feel rushed between stops. I’d aim for one signature order, then switch to a slower sip as you move.

How the tour keeps you social: mingling at the right moments

A strong part of this tour is how the group experience stays friendly. The drink stops aren’t just about ordering. They’re built for catching up, comparing notes, and meeting people without awkward silence.

I found that helps a lot if you’re traveling solo or you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want a “stand quietly and listen” night. You’ll still get the full story—just with more human energy around you.

Your guide experience: what Johnathon, Joanna, and Becca bring

Guides can make or break a haunted tour. On this crawl, the guides we saw named include Johnathon, Joanna, and Becca, and they share a common thread: they’re funny, engaging, and clearly connected to the material.

Johnathon is described as super knowledgeable about NYC history and packed with great stories. Becca stands out for being friendly, knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. Joanna is described as a sweetheart who made the group have a blast.

The takeaway for you: you’re not just getting a route. You’re getting a personality and a delivery style that makes the stories easier to follow—and harder to forget.

What to bring for a smooth night (and avoid a dumb inconvenience)

Because this is a walk-and-bar night, come prepared for reality, not horror-movie fantasy.

Bring:

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Your ID card (a copy is accepted)

You also want to be aware of what’s not allowed:

  • No smoking
  • No video recording

And one more thing: since the tour includes no transportation, you’ll be responsible for getting to the meeting point at 17 Barrow St and for leaving on your own afterward.

Who should book Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

This crawl is a great match if:

  • You enjoy ghost stories tied to real NYC locations
  • You want a social night with a guide and a group
  • You like trying cocktails and having a fun excuse to order something new
  • You’re comfortable with a walking tour format for about 2 hours

It may not be the best fit if:

  • You’re not comfortable spending extra on drinks (ticket price doesn’t include them)
  • You need mobility accommodations, because it’s not designed for people with mobility impairments
  • You’re under 21, since the tour isn’t suitable for that age group

Should you book? My straight answer

If you want a fun adult night that mixes street-level NYC lore with bar stops, I think this is worth booking. The $30 price gets you the guide, the research, and the organized story path. The drinks add cost, but that’s also where you can make the experience your own—whether you want one signature cocktail or a slower pace with something lighter.

Book it if you’re the kind of traveler who likes walking tours that feel like you’re part of a story, not just passing time. Skip it if you want a calm, sit-down history lesson, or if paying extra for drinks would annoy you.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for NYC: Boos & Booze?

You meet at One if by Land, Two if by Sea, 17 Barrow St, New York, NY 10014.

How long is the haunted pub crawl?

It lasts about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $30 per person.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Drinks are not included, and you’ll need to budget for what you order.

What is included with the tour?

The tour includes a 2-hour haunted pub crawl, a friendly knowledgeable guide, well-researched history, and authentic local ghost stories.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Guide tips are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people under 21?

No. The tour is not suitable for people under 21.

Is it suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring, and do I need ID?

Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. You need an ID card; a copy is accepted.

Is smoking or video recording allowed?

No smoking is allowed, and video recording is not allowed.

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