Entry No. 11 — the Baltimore file — filed under: haunted
The Horse You Came In On Saloon
Operating continuously since 1775, this historic Fells Point tavern is rumored to be the last place Edgar Allan Poe had a drink before his mysterious death, and bartenders still leave out a glass of whiskey for his ghost.
The story
The bar was already pouring ale on Thames Street in 1775—more than two decades before Baltimore Town and Jones Town got around to merging into an official city in 1797. Known to regulars simply as "The Horse," this Fells Point fixture survived British blockades, Prohibition, and centuries of maritime chaos, holding down its corner of the waterfront continuous since before the American Revolution.
The heavy spectral shadow over the counter belongs to Edgar Allan Poe. Local legend holds that this was the very last watering hole Poe drank at in October 1849 before he was found delirious in a Baltimore street, wearing clothes that weren't his, days away from his unexplained death. Bartenders still pour a shot of whiskey and leave it out for his ghost—who allegedly repays the hospitality by popping cash register drawers open, swinging light fixtures without a draft, and leaving sudden cold spots along the 18th-century wooden bar.
What it's like
You'll step off the Thames Street cobblestones straight into low timber ceilings, dark stained wood, and the unmistakable smell of an old waterfront taproom. Live music is a main fixture here, meaning weekends get packed, loud, and shoulder-to-shoulder. If you actually want to sit near the 'Poe's Last Stop' marker, sip a beer at the original bar, and watch for unexplained draft movements near the liquor shelves, slip in on a rainy weekday afternoon.
The move: Grab a couple of beers at the 18th-century bar, sit near the 'Poe's Last Stop' marker, and keep an eye out for the swinging chandelier or drawers that slide open on their own.
- 📍 Fells Point
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1626 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Poe's Tower — Double down on Baltimore's dark literary history by heading half a mile east to a hidden, Poe-themed gothic lounge concealed behind a bookshelf.
- Baltimore Tattoo Museum — Walk three blocks inland to pair your 18th-century tavern pint with an authentic look at maritime flash art and antique electric tattoo machines.
- Highball — Trade the weathered timber taproom vibe for a hidden speakeasy tucked behind a vintage Coca-Cola machine just a short walk north.
Good to know
Is this really the last bar Edgar Allan Poe visited before he died?
Local tradition identifies this Thames Street tavern as Poe's final drinking stop in October 1849 prior to his mysterious collapse and death. While 19th-century paper trails are murky, the saloon fully embraces the connection with a commemorative marker and a standing shot of whiskey set aside for his spirit.
How old is the venue?
The site has operated continuously as a saloon since 1775, predating the formal incorporation of Baltimore City in 1797.
What kind of supernatural activity gets reported here?
Staff and patrons frequently report cash register drawers sliding open unassisted, chandeliers swaying without any breeze, and cold spots near the main bar area.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Atlas Obscura · savingplaces.org · Official site · Wikipedia
last checked: 2026-07-21