You'll Never Forget Your Visit To The Most Haunted Restaurant In Cincinnati
By Andrea Limke|Published October 26, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
There are plenty of people in Cincinnati who do not believe in ghosts and likely roll their eyes anytime we share a creepy tale about spooky spots around our city. However, there are even more people who seem to believe that our historic hometown is, indeed, haunted and just can’t get enough of the bone-chilling fun. This topic may actually interest both believers and nonbelievers, as this legendary eatery in Lebanon isn’t just haunted, but also has some of the best food in our area. The Golden Lamb is just a short drive north of Cincinnati and has been around for over two centuries. With a past like that, there’s no doubt that you will never forget your visit to the region’s most haunted restaurant.
The Golden Lamb is located in charming downtown Lebanon, 40 minutes north of Cincinnati. The iconic restaurant and inn is the oldest continuously operating business in Ohio, having opened in 1803.
This grand building has long been a fixture on Broadway in Lebanon and has been prosperous for many reasons. It was originally situated halfway between Cincinnati and the National Road (now U.S. Route 40), making it the perfect resting spot for travelers. Today, more than 200 years later, it continues to attract visitors and locals alike who wish to get a taste of both the history and the incredible food.
The Golden Lamb, formerly known as The Lebanon House in the early 1870s (shown below on the far left), played a key role in much of our region's history. The restaurant and inn has hosted 12 Presidents, from John Quincy Adams to George W. Bush, as well as other famous figures like Charles Dickens and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Interestingly enough, since Thanksgiving became a National Holiday in 1870, The Golden Lamb has served a Thanksgiving meal for every single holiday celebrated in our country. With so much history, it's no surprise there are also many haunted tales from those who have worked and spent time at this long-standing restaurant.
One of the most popular ghost stories involves a lady named Sarah Stubbs, shown below in the all-white dress. Sarah lived at The Golden Lamb for a number of years and many say her spirit continues to wander about the building. In fact, one of the museum viewing rooms at the restaurant is a recreation of Sarah's bedroom, so her ghost would be quite comfortable if she decided to stick around.
The Inn at the Golden Lamb has 18 overnight rooms that are beautifully decorated with antiques... and possibly a ghostly spirit or two. Politician Clement L. Vallandingham accidentally killed himself within the Inn, and the father of General William T. Sherman also died suddenly on the property. There have been many reported sightings of both men, long after they passed away.
Don't be frightened away by these tales, because a meal at The Golden Lamb truly is a must-try experience. There is no other restaurant near our city with as much history and intrigue as this long-running legend.
The food at The Golden Lamb is as classic as the building itself. Each homemade option is flavorful and comforting, and it's all served with the most welcoming hospitality.
Of course, you'll find wonderful service form the current staff at The Golden Lamb, but you may also encounter it from a spirit or two that has yet to leave this historic restaurant. One other common ghost story is that of Henry Clay's daughter, Eliza, who died of an illness at the Inn and was buried far from her Lexington home. She also seems to love The Golden Lamb, as do many others - both living and formerly living - who enjoy spending time at the most haunted restaurant near Cincinnati.
The Golden Lamb is such an interesting place to dine near Cincinnati for its history, ambiance, incredible food, and of course its bone-chilling haunted tales. Have you eaten at or spent the night at The Golden Lamb? Any visits from a ghost from the past? Let us know in the comments!
The Golden Lamb is located at 27 S. Broadway, Lebanon, OH 45036. For more information, visit its website here and follow along on Facebook here.
And for more haunted spots around Cincinnati, check out our spooky road trip in a previous article here.
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