The Slippery Noodle Inn, Indiana's oldest continuously operating bar in its original building, began as the Tremont House in 1850.
Location history

A full narrative history section

The Slippery Noodle Inn stands in downtown Indianapolis and is widely recognized as one of the oldest operating taverns in Indiana. The brick building opened in 1850 as the Tremont House, serving travelers arriving in a growing frontier city. In those early years it functioned as a roadhouse, tavern, and gathering place for merchants, workers, and visitors moving through Indianapolis.

As Indianapolis expanded in the mid-nineteenth century, the building changed with the city. It became the Concordia House and later the Germania House, reflecting the strong influence of German immigrants in the area. Social gatherings, meals, music, and community events were common there, helping the property become part of the city's growing identity.

During the years leading into Prohibition, the tavern again changed names and ownership. It became Becks Saloon and later Moores Beer Tavern. When alcohol sales were banned, it was renamed Moores Restaurant. Stories long circulated that liquor continued to be made secretly in the basement, allowing the business to survive while many other establishments closed.

Tradition also links the site to the Underground Railroad. Local accounts say freedom seekers were hidden in the basement before continuing northward. Whether used often or only occasionally, the story became an important part of the location's identity and added to the many legends surrounding the old structure.

In 1963 the property was renamed the Slippery Noodle Inn, a name that remained and became famous throughout the Midwest. It developed into a respected blues venue known for live music, historic architecture, and its weathered atmosphere. Today it remains both a landmark and entertainment destination, preserving layers of Indianapolis history inside one surviving nineteenth-century structure.

Source: Various Sources
Ghost stories and folklore

Paranormal narrative section

With a building that has seen tavern fights, secret drinking during Prohibition, rumored brothel activity, and generations of visitors, it is no surprise that the Slippery Noodle Inn became one of Indianapolis's most talked- about haunted places. Employees, musicians, and guests have shared stories for decades about unexplained movement, strange sounds, and figures seen in rooms that should have been empty.

One of the best known spirits is a man often called George. Witnesses describe him as wearing work clothes or overalls and appearing in the basement. Delivery workers carrying kegs have reported suddenly seeing a man standing close by, only for him to vanish moments later. Some believed George may have once been a caretaker who never truly left the property.

The upstairs portion of the building is tied to stories of phantom women. Because the site was said to house a brothel in earlier years, many believe some of those former workers remain. Staff members have reported hearing footsteps crossing empty rooms, doors moving on their own, and feeling watched while alone upstairs. Some guests have claimed to glimpse women in old-fashioned clothing near hallways before they disappear.

Another legend centers on a cowboy-like figure. According to local lore, a deadly argument once broke out over a woman, ending in murder. Since then, witnesses have reportedly seen a male apparition near the bar or walking through dim corners of the building. Witnesses often describe him as solid for only a moment before fading into shadow.

The basement carries some of the heaviest stories. Because of the building's rumored role in sheltering escaping slaves, some visitors say the lower level feels tense and emotional. Cold spots, whispers, and sudden feelings of dread are often reported there. Whether history, atmosphere, or imagination caused it, many leave convinced that the Slippery Noodle Inn holds memories that never fully disappeared.

Source: Various Sources
Paranormal claims
A man called George appears in the basement wearing overalls
Keg delivery workers reported seeing a figure vanish suddenly
Footsteps are heard upstairs when no one is there
Doors open and close on their own
Women in old clothing are seen in upper rooms
A cowboy figure has been spotted near the bar
Shadow figures move through hallways
Cold spots are common in the basement
Whispers are reported in empty rooms
Guests feel watched while alone upstairs
Lights have flickered without explanation
Many visitors report an uneasy feeling in the basement
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