Why The Olde Pink House Is One of My Favorite Haunted Places in Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, has no shortage of ghost stories. From moss-draped cemeteries to cobblestoned streets, the city proudly embraces its haunted reputation. But few places combine history, hauntings, and Southern hospitality quite like The Olde Pink House. This 18th-century mansion-turned-restaurant has become one of the most celebrated dining destinations in the South—not only for its Lowcountry cuisine but also for its eerie encounters. Locals and visitors alike flock here for the fried chicken and she-crab soup, but many leave with a chilling tale of their own.

The Olde Pink House was built in 1771 for James Habersham Jr., one of Savannah’s early leaders and a wealthy cotton merchant. The elegant Georgian-style home was originally white, but when the native red brick bled through its plaster walls, the structure took on a pink hue. Attempts to repaint it white failed, and eventually the mansion became lovingly known as “The Olde Pink House.”

Throughout its long life, the home has served many roles: a private residence, a bank, a tea room, and even a headquarters during the Revolutionary War. By the 20th century, it had evolved into one of Savannah’s most iconic restaurants. Today, it’s a place where diners can savor shrimp and grits or collard greens in candlelit rooms that still echo with centuries of history.

With more than 250 years of stories within its walls, it’s no wonder The Olde Pink House is considered one of Georgia’s most haunted places. Staff and guests often report the presence of James Habersham Jr. himself, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1799. Some claim his ghost lingers to ensure his grand home is treated with respect.

Another frequent apparition is that of playful children, often seen or heard laughing on the upper floors. In the downstairs, bartenders have reported glasses sliding across the bar or bottles toppling without explanation. Diners occasionally notice candles flickering or chairs moving ever so slightly. While none of the spirits are considered malicious, their antics remind guests that history never fully loosens its grip here.

Of course, hauntings alone don’t explain why The Olde Pink House remains packed night after night. The restaurant is equally famous for its take on Southern classics. The signature dish is the crispy scored flounder, drizzled with apricot shallot sauce and served with creamy grits. Their fried chicken, with its perfectly seasoned crust and juicy interior, is another favorite that embodies comfort food at its finest.

Seafood lovers gravitate toward the she-crab soup, a rich and velvety bowl that feels like a taste of coastal Savannah. And for those seeking a true Lowcountry experience, the shrimp and grits deliver smoky, savory flavors that are hard to beat. Pair any of these with a sweet tea or a bourbon cocktail, and it’s easy to see why diners brave the possibility of ghostly company for a seat at one of its tables.

What sets The Olde Pink House apart from other haunted places in Georgia is the way it blends its spectral reputation with warm hospitality. Unlike a ghost tour that lasts only an hour, a meal here allows guests to linger in a historic space, soaking up stories while savoring some of the best food in the state. You may come for the ghosts, but you’ll stay for the scallops and pecan-crusted chicken.

The atmosphere itself is part of the magic. Each dining room has a slightly different feel—some elegant, some cozy, some dimly lit enough to make you wonder if that shadow was just your imagination. Downstairs in the Planters Tavern, with its low ceilings and flickering candles, the line between history and the supernatural feels particularly thin.

In a city overflowing with history and hauntings, The Olde Pink House stands out as the perfect fusion of both. It’s a place where you can taste Savannah’s culinary traditions while brushing elbows with the past. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, you’ll leave with the sense that this pink mansion has stories it’s still eager to tell.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.