Psychic Confirms Ghosts Haunt Boston's Historic Restaurants

Boston’s historic dining rooms hold more than just culinary history. On a sunny Thursday in late October, food critic Devra First accompanied spirit medium Tiffany Rice on a tour of five restaurants to test whether the city’s ghosts are still present.

The investigation began at Fox & the Knife in South Boston. The space formerly housed Triple O’s, a gathering spot for mob boss James Whitey Bulger. Before the establishment was Triple O’s, it operated as the Transit Cafe owned by Donald Killeen. Rice reported seeing three brothers and hearing the name Billy. She identified the group as the Killeen Gang, which included Donald, Kenny, and Eddie Killeen, along with associates Billy O’Sullivan and Jack Curran.

Rice described a spirit with the energy of a bodyguard, noting he held a bat or stick and claimed no remorse for past events. She also sensed extreme brutality from the basement level, though no bodies were found there.

The group moved to the Liberty hotel on Charles Street, which houses the restaurants Clink and Scampo. The building previously served as the Charles Street Jail. While eating truffle fries, Rice spoke to the spirit of former Boston mayor James Michael Curley. Curley described himself as the voice of the city and stated he helped people who lacked funding. Rice said the spirit emphasized creating community for everyone rather than segregating it.

At the Omni Parker House, Rice felt powerful energy she attributed to John F. Kennedy. The former president reportedly proposed to Jackie Kennedy in the hotel restaurant. Rice said the spirit asserted ownership of the space and mentioned bringing Jackie there. The spirit identified his favorite dish as chicken and gravy, a home-style preparation. An old menu lists roast stuffed native spring chicken with giblet gravy for $2.25.

In the North End, the duo visited Stanza dei Sigari, a cigar bar in a building that dates to 1896. Staffer Kelsey MacKinnon confirmed that employees have experienced objects falling and hearing names spoken in their ears. MacKinnon showed a customer photo featuring a shadowy figure in Victorian dress with a high white neck and headpiece.

At Hecate, a subterranean bar in Back Bay, Rice tuned into a female spirit with a strong personality. The spirit, whom Rice said is part of the staff in the afterlife, offered opinions on the bar’s lighting and olive garnishes. Rice also heard from spirits connected to current employees, including a grandmother who passed away last year and a diabetic enjoying sweet treats.

The tour concluded at a downtown Dunkin’ store. Rice reported hearing a spirit manager complain about recent recipe changes. The spirit said the old way was better and criticized the current speed of service and frosting texture.

Rice stated that Boston contains more spirits than other locations due to its age and intensity. She noted that history repeats itself in these buildings even when the decor changes.

Rice is scheduled to appear at the Alamo Drafthouse in Boston on Dec. 13.