Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Seafood Restaurant has been a Charleston institution for decades, bringing a taste of Ireland to the heart of the Holy City. Located on Church Street in downtown Charleston, the restaurant occupies a historic building that has witnessed centuries of Charleston's history. While patrons come for the fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and live Irish music, many leave with stories of something far more unusual—encounters with the building's ghostly residents. From shadowy figures glimpsed in mirrors to phantom footsteps echoing through empty rooms, Tommy Condon's has earned its reputation as one of Charleston's most haunted restaurants.
Did you know?
- Tommy Condon's Irish Pub opened in 1974 and has been a Charleston favorite for over 50 years.
- The building dates back to the 1800s and has served various purposes throughout Charleston's history.
- The restaurant is known for its authentic Irish atmosphere, with décor imported directly from Ireland.
- Staff members report that paranormal activity increases during the late evening hours after most patrons have left.
- The building's location in downtown Charleston means it has witnessed everything from Civil War occupation to modern tourism.
Paranormal Activity at Tommy Condon's
The Lady in the Mirror
One of the most frequently reported phenomena at Tommy Condon's involves the large mirrors throughout the restaurant. Staff members and patrons have reported seeing the reflection of a woman in old-fashioned clothing standing behind them, only to turn and find no one there. The apparition appears most often in the late evening, and those who have seen her describe a woman in a long dress from the 1800s. Some witnesses report that she appears sad or worried, as if searching for something or someone she has lost.
The Phantom Regular
Bartenders and servers have reported strange occurrences involving a particular barstool that seems to have an invisible occupant. Glasses placed on the bar near this seat are sometimes found moved or knocked over when no one is nearby. Some staff members claim to have felt a presence sitting at this spot, describing a cold sensation and the feeling of being watched. On rare occasions, witnesses report seeing a shadowy male figure sitting at the bar, appearing solid for just a moment before vanishing. Local legend suggests this may be the spirit of a regular patron who loved the establishment so much he never truly left.
The Upstairs Footsteps
The upper floors of Tommy Condon's are known among staff as particularly active areas for paranormal phenomena. Employees working late at night frequently report hearing footsteps walking across the floors above them, even when they know the upstairs is empty and locked. The footsteps are described as heavy and deliberate, as if someone is pacing back and forth. Some witnesses also report hearing the sound of furniture being moved or doors opening and closing, but investigation always reveals nothing out of place.
The Cold Spot
There's a particular area near the back of the restaurant where staff and sensitive patrons report experiencing sudden, intense cold spots. Even on the hottest Charleston summer days, this area can become inexplicably frigid for minutes at a time before the temperature returns to normal. The cold spot is often accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of sadness or unease. Some paranormal investigators believe this may be a residual haunting, an echo of a tragic event that occurred in the building's past, replaying itself over and over.
Brief History of Tommy Condon's Location
The building that houses Tommy Condon's dates back to the 1800s and has been part of Charleston's historic Church Street for generations. Like much of downtown Charleston, the area has witnessed the full sweep of Southern history, from the antebellum period through the Civil War and Reconstruction to the modern era.
During the Civil War, Charleston was under siege and eventual occupation by Union forces. Many buildings in the area, including this one, served various military and civilian purposes during this tumultuous time. The building has housed different businesses over the decades, from shops to residences to commercial establishments.
Tommy Condon's Irish Pub opened its doors in 1974, bringing authentic Irish hospitality to Charleston. The restaurant was carefully designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub, with much of the décor and furnishings imported directly from Ireland. The combination of Irish tradition and Charleston history has created a unique atmosphere that locals and tourists alike have come to love.
But with the restaurant's opening, something else seems to have been awakened. Almost from the beginning, staff members reported strange occurrences—sounds with no source, objects moving on their own, and the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes. Over the decades, these reports have only increased, with both employees and patrons experiencing unexplained phenomena.
Paranormal investigators who have visited Tommy Condon's believe that the building's long history, combined with the intense emotions associated with Charleston's past—from the joy of celebration to the trauma of war—has created ideal conditions for hauntings. The spirits who remain seem drawn to the warmth and life of the restaurant, perhaps seeking to recapture the vitality they once knew.
Visitor Information
Tommy Condon's Irish Pub & Seafood Restaurant is open daily and welcomes visitors interested in both its culinary offerings and its haunted reputation. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, featuring traditional Irish fare alongside fresh seafood and Southern favorites.
Live Irish music is performed regularly, adding to the authentic pub atmosphere. The establishment is located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, within walking distance of many other historic and haunted locations.
Location
160 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401
The historic restaurant where ghostly patrons still gather
Where phantom regulars are still seen taking their usual seats
