Boston’s historic sites and eateries are said to be home to a variety of spirits connected to the city’s rich and often turbulent past, according to a recent exploration into local hauntings. Paranormal consultant Rice, who specializes in tuning into spiritual presences, visited several notable locations across the city to share insights into the ghosts that reportedly linger there.
One focal point of these investigations was a yet-to-open restaurant once known as the Transit Cafe, located on a site with deep ties to organized crime history. Previously owned by Donald Killeen, a figure who led the Killeen gang alongside his brothers Kenny and Eddie, the space reportedly harbors the spirits of five men connected to that era, including associates Billy O’Sullivan and Jack Curran. Rice described sensing intense, brutal energy emanating from the basement, though no physical remains are present. Among the strongest presences is identified as a large, unapologetic bodyguard figure, holding a bat or stick.
At the Omni Parker House, a landmark hotel with considerable historical significance, Rice felt the dominant presence of John F. Kennedy. The former president is linked closely to the venue, having hosted parties there and reportedly proposing to Jacqueline Kennedy in its restaurant. Rice noted that JFK’s spirit appeared protective of the space, frequently mentioning “my Jackie.” During the visit, Rice also identified a preference for home-style chicken dishes from the era, corroborated by period menus featuring roasted stuffed spring chicken with giblet gravy.
The former Charles Street Jail, now the Liberty Hotel housing restaurants such as Clink and Scampo, also revealed traces of past hardship. Rice indicated the spirits of former inmates who endured unsanitary and bleak conditions, which in the 1970s led to a lawsuit alleging cruel and unusual punishment at the facility. The jail’s notorious history includes incarcerations of notable figures like James Michael Curley, a former Boston mayor. Rice reported an interaction with Curley’s spirit, who described himself as “top dog” during his imprisonment and emphasized his efforts to support the city’s underserved communities.
In Boston’s North End, visitors encountered the cigar bar Stanza dei Sigari, located in a building dating to 1896 that once served as a Victorian-era home for unwanted children, sometimes referred to as a “baby farm.” Staff members have experienced unexplained phenomena, including voices and objects moving independently. One photo captured an apparition resembling a Victorian-era woman, complete with period clothing and a distinctive headpiece.
Another intriguing location is Hecate, a subterranean bar in Back Bay named after the Greek goddess of the underworld. Staff there burn incense and leave offerings, with Rice sensing a strong female presence who seems to oversee bar operations and even evaluates the décor and menu choices, including a preference for traditional olives over newer garnishes.
The exploration concluded at a downtown Dunkin’ Donuts, where Rice communicated with a spirit who expressed displeasure over recent recipe changes, particularly in frosting quality, and lamented a faster pace of service compared to the past.
Rice attributed Boston’s abundance of spirits to its long, intense history. “Boston can be really intense and really heavy,” she said, noting that despite changes in décor or ownership, the underlying spirit of a place persists over time.
These accounts highlight the city's enduring blend of historical legacy and folklore, weaving together tales of power, hardship, and community across Boston’s landmarks and local establishments.