Cafe Margarita

Posted: 06.16.2025 | Updated: 06.16.2025

Tombstone, Arizona, is famous for its Wild West history and ghostly legends. Among its many haunted spots, Cafe Margarita stands out as a must-visit destination.

This charming restaurant is known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere. But behind its colorful walls, many believe restless spirits still linger.

Guests and staff have reported strange encounters and unexplained phenomena. If you love haunted restaurants or ghost tours, Cafe Margarita is a must-see.

For a deeper dive into Tombstone’s haunted history, join a Tombstone Terrors tour. You’ll hear chilling stories and maybe even witness something on the ghostly side.

Who Haunts Cafe Margarita?

Many believe Cafe Margarita is haunted by spirits from Tombstone’s colorful past. Guests and staff have reported seeing apparitions and hearing mysterious sounds.

The most noted stories involve former saloon girls, cowboys, and a mysterious lady in black. Legend has it that these spirits can appear at any point throughout the restaurant. 

Cafe Margarita’s ghostly reputation is known far and wide, regardless of your beliefs. These tales have already become some of Tombstone’s folklore.

The History Behind Cafe Margarita

Cafe Margarita is located in the heart of historic Tombstone, Arizona. The building itself dates back to the late 1800s, when Tombstone was booming with miners and outlaws.

Originally, the site was home to a lively saloon and boarding house. Cowboys, gamblers, and adventurers came together to enjoy drinks, food, and some form of exciting entertainment. 

Throughout history, the building has transferred ownership many times, with many different purposes. It survived events including fires, gunfights, and the ups and downs of the city.

By the mid-20th century, the building was restored and converted into a new life as a restaurant, and Cafe Margarita became a local and tourist favorite place to dine.

Today, the restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and authentic southwestern cuisine. But its history is never far from the surface.

Guests can feel the echoes of the past in every corner. The original hardwood floors and antique furnishings add to its well-worn character. 

The old bar and staircase are original features that are preserved and are often the subject of stories and haunting evidence. 

Cafe Margarita’s legacy is compounded by Tombstone’s history of the Wild West. It seems the spirits from its colorful past have no desire to depart.

The Hauntings at Cafe Margarita

Cafe Margarita is considered one of the most haunted restaurants in Tombstone. Guests and staff have reported a wide range of ghostly experiences.

Common stories include seeing shadowy figures in the dining room and hearing laughter from empty corners. Some have felt sudden cold spots or unexplained chills.

Tables and chairs have been known to move on their own. Glasses and silverware sometimes fall without explanation, startling diners and staff.

Many believe the spirits are former patrons or workers from the saloon days. Others think they are simply restless souls who loved the place.

Ghost hunters have visited Cafe Margarita with EMF detectors and spirit boxes. They often capture strange readings and mysterious voices on their devices.

The restaurant’s haunted reputation continues to grow with each new visitor. Every year, more stories are added to its legend.

The Saloon Girl: The Playful Spirit

One of the more infamous ghosts at Cafe Margarita is a former saloon girl. Reports of a woman in a vintage dress smiling and watching from the balcony have been reported by guests and are recognizable.

She is often described as friendly and mischievous, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Some say she appears most often during busy evenings.

Waitresses have felt her presence behind them while serving tables. She is known to play harmless pranks, like moving napkins or silverware.

Her laughter is sometimes heard echoing in the upstairs dining area. Many believe she is reliving her days as a saloon entertainer.

The saloon girl’s spirit is considered a guardian of the restaurant. Her playful energy is a favorite among staff and regulars.

The Cowboy: The Restless Drifter

Another well-known spirit is a cowboy, said to have frequented the old saloon. He is often seen near the bar, wearing a hat and boots.

Guests have reported feeling a tap on the shoulder when no one is there. Some have seen his shadowy figure leaning against the bar.

The cowboy is believed to have died in a gunfight or accident. His spirit is said to be restless, unable to leave his favorite spot.

Ghost hunters have captured strange voices and EMF spikes near the bar. The cowboy’s presence is strongest late at night.

Some believe he is searching for his lost friends or unfinished business. Others think he is simply enjoying the lively atmosphere once more.

The Lady in Black

A mysterious lady in black is another famous ghost at Cafe Margarita. She is often seen standing in the corner of the dining room.

Guests describe her as elegant and sad, dressed in a long black gown. She is said to watch diners but never speaks or interacts.

Some believe she was a widow or a woman of mystery. Others think she is a restless soul searching for someone she lost.

Her presence is often accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature. Many feel uneasy when she appears, sensing her sorrow.

The lady in black is rarely seen but always remembered. Her story is a favorite among ghost hunters and storytellers.

The Unseen Watcher

Many guests and staff at Cafe Margarita report feeling watched during quiet moments. Some have seen fleeting shadows or heard footsteps in empty rooms.

These spirits are believed to be former patrons or workers who loved the place. Their presence is strongest in the late evening or early morning.

Some describe sudden feelings of warmth or comfort, as if being looked after. Others sense an invisible presence guiding them through the restaurant.

Tables and chairs sometimes move on their own, as if rearranged for guests. Glasses and silverware have been known to shift without explanation.

Ghost hunters using EMF detectors and spirit boxes have picked up strange readings. There have been reports of voices, laughter, and other sounds when there are no people around.

According to local legend, these spirits serve as a type of protector, guarding the restaurant, guests, and their time in the restaurant. Some locals believe they want the party to continue.

Then, there are those who just believe they are having fun reliving their past moments in their favorite restaurant. Their presence creates part of the ambience, charm, and mystique of Cafe Margarita.

For most who interact with the unseen watcher, there is an initial mix of curiosity and comfort. These spirits are helpful reminders of the restaurant’s history.

The Child Spirit

A child’s spirit is sometimes reported at Cafe Margarita, especially near the staircase. Guests have heard giggles or the sound of small feet running upstairs.

Some believe the child was a resident of the old boarding house. Others think it is simply a playful spirit enjoying the restaurant.

The child is rarely seen but often heard, especially during quiet times. Its laughter is described as sweet and innocent.

Ghost hunters have captured faint voices and unexplained noises on recordings. The child’s presence is a favorite among families and staff.

Many believe the child’s spirit is harmless and friendly. Its playful energy adds to the restaurant’s warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The Mysterious Voices

Guests and staff have reported hearing conversations when the restaurant is empty. The voices are often muffled or indistinct, as if from another time.

Some have heard laughter, clinking glasses, or the sound of a piano. These noises are most common late at night or early in the morning.

Ghost hunters using spirit boxes have picked up strange names and phrases. Some believe these voices belong to former patrons or workers.

Others think they are simply echoes of the restaurant’s lively past. The mysterious voices add to Cafe Margarita’s haunted reputation.

Many who hear them feel a sense of nostalgia or curiosity. The voices serve as a reminder of the building’s long history.

Haunted Tombstone

Cafe Margarita is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Tombstone’s history. Its walls hold the memories and spirits of the town’s colorful past.

The restaurant’s haunted reputation is one of the strongest in the region. Guests and staff continue to share new stories and encounters.

Whether you’re drawn by tales of saloon girls, cowboys, or the mysterious lady in black, Cafe Margarita offers a glimpse into Tombstone’s ghostly side. The stories grow with each new visitor.

If you’re ready to explore haunted places in Tombstone, join a Tombstone Terrors tour. Discover the legends, walk the historic streets, and decide for yourself who haunts Cafe Margarita.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real Tombstone hauntings.

Sources:

1. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/haunted-restaurants-arizona/
2. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1117905-d1526766-Reviews-Miyukinomori_Youth_Hostel-Kijimadaira_mura_Shimotakai_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinets.html
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX5krU9xfdA
4. https://elenasandidge.com/the-ghosts-of-tombstone/
5. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-oct-30-tr-tombstone30-story.html