Beer, ghosts, and history in the same night. This 2-hour Boo’s and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl mixes four real Philadelphia watering holes with ghost stories tied to the city’s past. I especially like the mix of four distinct bar stops and the fact that the guide’s tales are built on well-researched, credible local history.

I also like the human side of it. In the recent review highlights, guide Loren gets praised for sharing memorable stories and adding a personal touch, which makes the whole thing feel less like a lecture and more like a fun night with someone who actually knows the material. The main catch: food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for what you order.

Key things to know before you go

• Four haunted pubs in about two hours with 15 to 60 minutes at each stop, depending on the day and season
• A lantern-carrying guide from US Ghost Adventures, starting at Independence Beer Garden at 7:00 PM
• Local ghost stories backed by research, not just spooky sound effects
• You pick your own drinks at each stop since the tour price covers the tour, not the bar tab
• Rain or shine, so dress for weather and wear shoes you can walk in

Where the night starts: Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West

The tour begins in Philadelphia’s Old City area, outside Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can check in, spot your guide, and get your bearings before the group moves out.

Your guide wears a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carries a lantern. It’s a small detail, but it helps the mood click fast. From there, you’ll move through the evening with a clear start and end time: the crawl runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

This matters because a haunted pub crawl can go two ways. Either it feels chaotic, with random wandering and long waits, or it feels like a guided night out where the timing keeps the energy up. Here, the structure is built in, so you can focus on the stories and the drinks you choose.

Four haunted pubs, one tightly paced route

You’re visiting four distinct watering holes on this crawl: The Independence Beer Garden, JJ Bootleggers, The Plough & the Stars, and The Revolution House. Each stop has its own character, with a spread that ranges from rustic and historic vibes to more modern, stylish settings.

The pacing is flexible but not vague. You’ll typically spend 15 to 60 minutes at each venue. That range depends on the day and season, but the practical takeaway is this: you’ll get enough time to hear the story for that stop and still have a chance to order, chat, and regroup.

Here’s how this plays out in a way that’s useful for your planning:

• You’ll hear a new batch of haunted storytelling at each location. The guide links the spooky themes to Philadelphia’s darker history and lingering mysteries.
• You’re not stuck in one loud room for the whole evening. You change locations, which keeps the night from feeling repetitive.
• You still have time to enjoy the “pub crawl” part. You’re not rushing past bars without any breathing room.

What I like about this format is that it respects both sides of the experience: the history-and-ghost angle and the social, adult-night-out angle. You get a guided narrative, but you also get the freedom to experience the places yourself between story beats.

The guide’s stories: history you can hear, not just read

This crawl lives and dies by the guide. The provider, US Ghost Adventures, leans on well-researched and credible history paired with authentic local ghost stories. In other words, the spooky elements are framed as part of Philadelphia’s story, not just generic creepiness.

The guide shares “chilling stories” of the city’s haunted past and talks about ghostly encounters and unsettling mysteries connected to each stop. That storytelling is the center of the tour. Without it, this would just be four bar hops. With it, you’re walking away with the feeling that you saw the city through a different lens.

The review highlights give you a strong clue about what this feels like in real life. One standout comment praises Loren for bringing people to historic sites new to them and for telling great stories, including personal experiences. Another review notes history and spooky facts paired with good drinks and conversations. That combination is exactly what you want on a tour like this: facts that make sense, plus a guide who can make them feel alive.

Booze on your tab: drinks aren’t included, but you’re in charge

Here’s the financial reality. The $30 price covers the 2-hour haunted pub crawl and the guide, not your drinks. Food and drinks are not included.

That can feel obvious, but it’s worth planning for because the whole experience is built around the bar stops. You’ll be able to order craft cocktails, local brews, and other drinks at each venue, and you pay at your own pace and expense.

Two smart ways to handle this:

• Decide your budget before you arrive. If you want one drink at each stop, add those costs up. If you plan to sample more, adjust.
• Let the story pacing guide you. Since each location has its own timing window, order when you’re settling in, not right when the guide starts speaking.

Also note the tour includes an alcohol check requirement: you’ll need a valid ID (a copy is accepted) to purchase alcohol. That’s a good practice even if you’re not a big drinker, because it keeps the experience smoother for everyone in the group.

The upside of paying for your own drinks is control. You’re not stuck with a preset drink menu or a forced pace. If you want a light beer, a cocktail, or something non-alcoholic, you can usually pick what fits you best.

Timing that works: 7:00 PM start, 9:00 PM finish

The schedule is simple and travel-friendly. The tour kicks off at 7:00 PM and wraps at 9:00 PM. That’s ideal if you want something evening-oriented without losing your whole night.

You’ll also spend time checking in before departure, so the real-world rhythm is:

• arrive about 15 minutes early
• listen, walk, and stop at four venues
• finish while there’s still time to keep exploring after the tour

Because you end by 9:00 PM, you can still do a post-tour walk through the area, grab a late snack elsewhere, or call it a night if you have an early morning ahead. It’s a good option for visitors who want a “one-night” experience that still leaves room for independent plans.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smooth night out

This crawl is pretty straightforward, but a few rules matter.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (you’re walking between four stops)
• Weather-appropriate clothing since it runs rain or shine
• ID card (a copy is accepted) so you can buy alcohol if you want

Don’t do:

• Smoking is not allowed
• Video recording is not allowed

One practical tip: wear shoes you’re comfortable in for about a mile of walking total if you’re staying within the recommended limits. The tour isn’t for people who can’t walk more than a mile, and it’s not suitable for mobility impairments. If you’re on the fence, check your comfort level honestly before you book.

Also, no matter the weather, have a “night out” mindset. This is part bar crawl, part storytelling walk. You’ll want to be ready to stand, move, listen, and then relax.

Price and value: what $30 really buys you

At $30 per person for a 2-hour guided tour, you’re paying for the structure and the story. You’re getting:

• a knowledgeable guide
• well-researched, credible history
• authentic local ghost stories
• four planned bar stops
• a controlled start and finish time

You’re not paying for your bar tab. Drinks and food are extra.

So how do you judge value? Here’s the simple math approach I use:

1. If you’re the type who enjoys guided experiences but doesn’t want a full-day commitment, this is a clean fit.
2. If you plan to buy at least a drink or two during the evening, the total cost becomes predictable.
3. If you’re expecting a fully included alcohol experience, you’ll feel disappointed. But if you treat it like a guided night out where you order what you like, it feels fair.

The best value is when the guide’s storytelling lands for you. The reviews lean positive on exactly that: Loren’s stories, the historic sites, and the conversational energy during the bar stops.

Who this pub crawl is best for

This is a good fit if you want a night that blends:

• Philadelphia history themes
• a spooky storytelling format
• real social time in bars
• a structured tour that starts and ends on schedule

It’s especially appealing if you:

• like walking tours but don’t want a long one
• want a guided spooky theme without going full haunted-house chaos
• enjoy bar culture and don’t mind paying for your own drinks

It’s less ideal if:

• you can’t handle more than about a mile of walking
• you need step-free or mobility-friendly routing
• you dislike group settings and guided timing

If that sounds like you, you might be happier with a more traditional history walking tour or a more static ghost tour format. But if you like the idea of hearing stories while actually at the places, this format makes sense.

After the tour: use the 9:00 PM window

When you finish at 9:00 PM, you’ll likely be in a mood to keep exploring. Since the tour focuses on four Old City-style stops, you can use the timing to:

• take a casual stroll while the stories are still fresh
• grab dinner somewhere nearby (since food wasn’t included)
• do a low-key nightcap if you’re still in the mood

Even if you don’t continue, you’ll have a complete evening plan. Two hours of guided spooky fun, then freedom.

Should you book the Boo’s and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want an evening activity that mixes credible ghost storytelling with real pub stops, and you’re okay paying for drinks separately. The guide quality seems to be the standout factor, with Loren getting specific praise for great stories and even personal touches.

Pass if you’re expecting drinks to be included, or if walking more than a mile is a problem for you. Also, if video recording is a must for your group, this tour won’t work since recording is not allowed.

If you’re visiting Philadelphia and want one “local-feeling” night that’s part history, part bar culture, and part spooky fun, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Philadelphia Boo’s and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

It lasts 2 hours, starting at 7:00 PM and ending at 9:00 PM.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet your guide outside Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA.

Which bars are included in the tour?

You’ll visit four stops: The Independence Beer Garden, JJ Bootleggers, The Plough & the Stars, and The Revolution House.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can order craft cocktails and local brews at each venue and pay on your own tab.

What do I need to buy alcohol?

You must present a valid ID (a copy is accepted) to purchase alcohol.

Does the tour run in the rain?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.