Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Portland at night comes with built-in chills. This tour mixes haunted storytelling with real pub stops across Old Town’s backstreets and landmarks. You’ll hear yarns that connect the city’s past to places you can still see today.

I like that the guides bring energy and personality, with standouts named Kris and Victoria in the reviews. I also like the mix of settings: from classic bars to theater history to the Shanghai Tunnels area, so it does not feel like one long repeat. The stories are meant to be fun, not just lecture.

One drawback to consider: the “pub crawl” part and access can vary. Some stops may be exterior-only, and a few people reported that certain planned elements (including tunnel time) did not happen as expected or locations were closed that day.

Key highlights to look for

• Old Town and Chinatown-area walking: you cover multiple blocks at an easy pace with a group for comfort.
• Story-first stops: expect ghost tales and local lore more than a museum-style tour.
• Real drink stops: you can grab a beverage at several locations, but alcohol is not included.
• Shanghai Tunnels focus: the route is designed around one of Portland’s most talked-about legends.
• Small-group feel: up to 20 travelers means you are not stuck in a giant herd.

A 5 pm Portland ghost crawl through historic bar corners

This tour starts at 5:00 pm and runs about 2 hours. It is built for the evening vibe, when Portland’s downtown feels more atmospheric than it does at lunch.

You are also not flying solo. With a group size that tops out at 20 travelers, the whole thing feels safer and more social, especially if you want spooky stories but prefer not to navigate the streets alone at night.

The tour is adult-only: no one under 21. If your group is bar-happy, that’s a plus, but remember the ticket itself does not include drinks or alcohol.

Beginning at The Benson Portland: a classy first spook

You kick off at The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton at 309 SW Broadway. This first stop is short, about 15 minutes, and it sets the tone: grab a drink if you want, then settle in for your first haunted story of the night.

This is a good place to start because it is easy to orient yourself. You get your bearings fast, you are already in a proper setting for an evening crawl, and you have a moment to decide what pace you want before the walking begins.

Practical note: since drinks are on you, consider ordering something light early. You will likely move around a lot during the tour, and a heavy first drink can make later stops less enjoyable.

Kelly’s Olympian and the Roseland Theater: where the pace keeps moving

Next up is Kelly’s Olympian for another 15 minutes. This stop is designed like a classic pub moment: a beverage option, a story to match the building’s mood, and a chance to chat with your group while you’re still fresh.

Then you hit Roseland Theater for about 5 minutes. Short stop, but it works as a mood change. A theater setting gives the stories a sharper edge, and the quick timing keeps the tour from dragging.

Here’s the likely vibe you should expect: you may not always go deep inside every location. Some parts of the experience are about hearing the tale and picking up context from where you are standing, not about touring secured spaces.

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub: the most bar-feeling stop

Your next pub-style stop is Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, again about 15 minutes. It is the kind of place where a ghost story and a pint can feel like they belong together, and a few people specifically mentioned that the final food-and-drink energy of the night worked well here.

That said, one important consideration: access and timing can affect what you experience. A couple of accounts noted that certain areas tied to the haunted theme (like a basement) were closed on the day they went. If a specific part of the Kells story matters most to you, keep your expectations flexible.

If you want the best odds of the Kells portion landing smoothly, wear comfortable shoes and be ready to shift plans if the guide has to adapt on the fly.

Shanghai Tunnel Bar & Venue and the tunnels add-on

After Kells, you move to Shanghai Tunnel Bar & Venue for about 15 minutes. This is another story-and-drink checkpoint, and it is clearly part of the night’s central thread: Portland’s underground legend.

Then you get the Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnels Tour for about 10 minutes. This is the part a lot of people look forward to, because it is the most “specific place” element of the whole experience.

The catch: not every group may experience it exactly as expected. There were reports where the tunnel segment did not happen, or the tour felt like it ended early relative to what people expected from the description. If the Shanghai Tunnels piece is your top priority, I would go in with a backup mindset: enjoy the storytelling and locations even if the tunnel time ends up shorter than you hoped.

The Portland darkness stop at 9 NW 2nd Ave

Next comes a stop at 9 NW 2nd Ave for about 15 minutes. You can think of this as the “street-history” beat of the evening—one more address with a darker story attached.

This is also where you start noticing how the night is paced. The tour is structured so you keep moving, but you still get time for the guide to explain what you are looking at and why it matters.

If you are the type who likes connecting dots, this segment can be fun. Even when you are outside, the guide’s narrative helps you see the city differently.

Old Town Pizza & Brewing: ending with food instead of just drinks

You close out at Old Town Pizza & Brewing (226 NW Davis St) with about 15 minutes of final time. This is a smart choice for a ghost crawl: stories are great, but food helps you actually enjoy the rest of your evening without feeling worn out.

A few people mentioned that ending with pizza and drinks made the whole night feel complete. It also gives you an informal wrap-up moment with your group—good for comparing notes on what spooked you most.

Also, since drinks are extra, this is the stop where you can shift your budget to something satisfying. If you want to control costs, consider keeping alcohol lighter and spending more on the meal here.

Walking pace, group size, and the Portland block rhythm

Even though it is only two hours, the route can cover a lot of ground. One review mentioned about 20 blocks, and it made a point that Portland blocks can feel short and frequent.

That matters for you: short blocks mean more turns and more chances to stop and look. It also means you should expect to be on your feet, even if the pace is not aggressive.

You will likely want moderate physical fitness. The tour is not described as intense, but it is still a walking evening with multiple stops. If you use a mobility device or need extra breaks, plan to ask the guide about pacing early in the tour.

Drinks not included: how to budget without ruining the vibe

The ticket price is $36.00 per person, and that is a fair chunk of change if you expect a full bar crawl. The good news is what you really pay for is the guide and the storytelling structure, not the drinks.

But drinks are not included, and you will probably buy at least one beverage if you want to match the tone of each stop. If you do not drink, you can still participate—just treat it like a guided walking tour with optional bar purchases.

A sensible strategy: decide your drink budget before you start. If you plan to have one drink per stop, costs add up fast. If you plan for one drink total plus pizza at the end, you keep the night fun without surprise math.

Guides make or break the experience

A big theme in the reviews is that the guide matters. People praised guides by name, including Kris, Victoria, Houston, Jessica, and Lori. The consistent thread is strong storytelling energy plus Q&A that actually goes beyond the basics.

One reason this is worth caring about: a ghost tour lives or dies on pacing and performance. When the guide has good timing, the outside stops feel purposeful, and you leave feeling like you saw and understood Portland in a new way.

You might also enjoy this more if your group likes questions. Some accounts noted the guide answered questions and tailored the vibe to the group, which makes the tour feel less scripted.

What if a stop is closed or you do not get all segments?

A few accounts had rough edges. Some people described feeling they did not get the full tour time or that certain named pieces, like the Shanghai Tunnels segment, did not happen. Others mentioned locations were boarded up, closed for the day, or not accessible in the way they expected.

Here is how to protect your experience:

• Go for the stories and the walk, not just a checklist.
• Bring patience for adjustments. Old buildings and active businesses can change their availability.
• If something you expect is missing, stay calm and let the guide explain what happened and what can be done within the scheduled flow.

Even with that caveat, many people still rated the overall experience highly because the guide and the mood delivered.

Is Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze right for you?

This tour fits best if you want:

• A guided, adult-only evening in Portland with a social group.
• Ghost stories tied to real places, not just generic spook facts.
• A mix of bar atmosphere and street-level history.
• A night plan that is short enough to do on a trip with limited time.

It may not fit if you:

• Need guaranteed entry into every location or every planned segment.
• Are sensitive to the downtown evening vibe. One review flagged safety concerns for downtown right now, even though the group format can help.
• Want lots of included snacks or drink flights. Drinks are extra, and there are no indications of included tastings.

If you are visiting with family, check your group’s preferences first. It is not a kid tour and it leans bar-and-story.

Should you book Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze?

I would book it if you like your history with personality and you are open to adapting if a specific stop cannot be accessed. The price is reasonable for the guided storytelling format, especially with up to 20 people and a clear route that covers multiple spots.

I would hesitate if the Shanghai Tunnels time or a specific location is the single make-or-break goal for your night. In that case, treat the tunnel segment as a high hope, not a guaranteed checkbox, and be ready to enjoy the rest even if it shifts.

FAQ

What is the price of Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze?

It costs $36.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 5:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 and ends at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, 226 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and drinks are described as not included in the price at the stops.

Is this tour for adults only?

Yes. It is not for travelers under the age of 21.

What is included with the booking?

All fees and taxes are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, you will not get a refund.