Located in the heart of Elmira’s growing business district, ILL Eagle Taphouse occupies the historic Federal Building, a 59,492-square-foot structure originally built in 1902 as a U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. The building, clad in granite and limestone, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, it also served as a police evidence holding area, storing crucial evidence from some of Chemung County’s most notorious unsolved murder cases. Today, ILL Eagle Taphouse offers a laid-back, fun, and social atmosphere where guests can enjoy local beers, wines, and spirits, paired with a simple yet satisfying food menu.

However, the Taphouse’s unique history comes with a chilling twist. Visitors often report ghostly activity throughout the restaurant, including sudden cold spots, eerie sensations and objects moving without explanation. It’s believed that the spirits of those involved in the unresolved crimes continue to haunt the building, following their belongings to the evidence area—and unable to leave as their cases were never solved. With its haunted past, delicious food, and local drinks, ILL Eagle Taphouse provides a fun, unique, and spine-tingling experience in the heart of Elmira.

Dine in this haunted restaurant, year-round, and enjoy a deeper connection to the building’s chilling history while enjoying great food and drinks.

In the fall, ILL Eagle Taphouse offers ghost hunts and tours, where guests can explore hidden corners of the building with a psychic medium, learning about its rich history and the real-life cases that still linger in the shadows.

Cost of dining. Additional costs per event for fall experiences, including special events and ghost tours.