The Haunted Old Spaghetti Factory — Phoenix’s Pasta & Poltergeists

Introduction

If you ask around in Phoenix about haunted restaurants, one name comes up again and again:

The Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Phoenix.

Located in a beautifully restored historic building on Central Avenue, this popular Italian eatery serves up more than just pasta — it also serves up ghost stories that have kept staff and diners on edge for decades.

The Building’s Haunted History

The Phoenix location of The Old Spaghetti Factory occupies a building that dates back to the early 1920s — a time when downtown Phoenix was still young and bustling with railroad activity and Prohibition-era intrigue.

While the exact origins of its paranormal reputation are unclear, reports of strange activity began shortly after the restaurant opened in the 1970s.

Like many historic downtown properties, the building had a long life before becoming a restaurant — and some believe spirits from those earlier eras remain.

Common Reports of Paranormal Activity

Over the years, both staff and patrons have reported strange happenings at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Some of the most common stories include:

✅ Phantom Footsteps

Staff often hear footsteps in empty areas of the restaurant, especially after hours when the dining room is closed.

✅ Cold Spots

Sudden, unexplained drops in temperature occur throughout the building, especially near certain booths.

✅ The “Little Boy” Ghost

Several diners have reported seeing a small boy in old-fashioned clothing wandering near the restrooms — only for him to vanish when approached.

✅ Mysterious Shadows

Dark, human-shaped shadows have been seen moving across the dining room — sometimes caught on security cameras — with no known source.

✅ Glasses Moving on Their Own

Bartenders have reported glasses sliding across the bar or even falling without being touched.

The Little Boy Ghost — The Most Famous Spirit

The little boy is the most famous spirit associated with the Phoenix Old Spaghetti Factory.

Multiple diners — unaware of the restaurant’s haunted reputation — have reported seeing a young boy near their table or playing near the bathroom hallway.

He is often described as wearing clothing from the early 1900s — short pants, suspenders, and an old cap.

When staff go to investigate, no child is found — and no such child is recorded as having entered the restaurant.

Skeptics and Believers

Skeptics argue that old buildings creak, and that the power of suggestion — especially in a restaurant known for its haunted reputation — explains much of the activity.

But even skeptics have trouble explaining why so many unrelated patrons have reported seeing the same child spirit over the years.

For believers, The Old Spaghetti Factory remains one of Phoenix’s most accessible haunted locations — no special permission or ghost tour required. Just grab a table, order some pasta, and keep your eyes open.

Conclusion

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that The Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Phoenix offers great food and great stories — and maybe even a little paranormal excitement on the side.

Next time you visit, bring your camera — and if you see a little boy in old-fashioned clothes wandering past your table, let us know.

Have YOU experienced something strange at The Old Spaghetti Factory?

👉 Share your story on the 918 BOARD — we’d love to hear it!

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