For some restaurants, the scariest thing about them is a few negative reviews. However, if you choose the Great Escape Restaurant in Schiller Park, Illinois, it’s got something a bit scarier.
This restaurant has a spooky past that might send chills down your spine. Are you brave enough to dine at this establishment?
Today, we’re sharing one of the spookiest restaurants in Chicagoland. Should you make a reservation?
Let’s look and see!
What Is the Great Escape Restaurant?
The Great Escape Restaurant serves ribs, steaks, and almost any other American favorite. Even better, they pride themselves on offering some of the best prices. You can enjoy delicious food without your family while not breaking the bank.
One unique feature of the Great Escape is that it uses 100% green energy. A 108 kW wind turbine sitting atop an 80-foot tower produced more than enough power for the restaurant. Their surplus power gets pumped back into the local power grid. After the restaurant closes, their turbine can generate enough energy to power 20 to 30 homes.
The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, and also a banquet menu. In addition, they have rather extensive gluten-free and catering menus. Their bar and banquet facilities were built in 1889, and the materials for the bar are all original.
However, while the Great Escape is a newer restaurant, its history tells a slightly spookier story.
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Be sure to read How Twilight Put Forks, WA on the Map if you’re looking for more spooky places to visit in the U.S.
History of the Great Escape Restaurant
In 1958, Al and Marie Great opened The Drift Inn. They served baby back ribs and broasted chicken. They earned quite a reputation in Chicago and stayed busy until they sold the business and retired in 1981.
However, The Drift Inn wasn’t the last restaurant in the Great family. Brian Great, the son of Al and Marie Great, opened The Great Escape in 1992. With his last name, the restaurant quickly became known for its barbecue ribs, broasted chicken, and seafood. Additionally, many know the restaurant for Big Windy, the massive wind turbine that powers the restaurant.
The restaurant sits approximately 10 miles west of downtown Chicago in Schiller Park, Illinois. Over the last three decades, they’ve become a local favorite. However, one thing that The Great Escape offers that The Drift Inn didn’t is paranormal activity.
Is the Great Escape Restaurant Haunted?
For years, workers at The Great Escape have reported spotting a man in a black suit carrying a clipboard. They state that he walks into a closet and disappears when they see him. It’s also common for individuals to feel the presence of someone standing near them when there’s no one in sight.
The restaurant has an antique radio that occasionally plays without anyone touching it. To make it even spookier, no wires are running to the radio, and the tubes inside the system are no longer functioning.
The Chicago Paranormal Detectives have frequented the establishment. They brought their high-tech equipment into the restaurant to see what they could find. Whether or not the sharp-dressed man and creepy feelings are a figment of their imagination remains to be seen. However, we strongly suggest you stop in, grab a bite, and see him with your own eyes.
Popular Haunted Locations Near Schiller Park, Illinois
The Great Escape isn’t the only haunted location near Schiller Park. Chicago is home to several other popular haunted locations.
The Congress Plaza Hotel
The Congress Plaza Hotel is in downtown Chicago, just a few blocks from the famous Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). It was built in 1893, and one room in particular, 441, has a sketchy reputation for paranormal activity.
Guests have experienced flickering lights and mysterious apparitions while staying in it. In addition, the grand architecture of the structure adds to its creepy vibes. Paranormal investigators have converged numerous times on the hotel, especially in room 441. Again, we don’t know about you, but we’d think twice about booking a stay unless you’re not afraid of ghosts.
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is in Midlothian, Illinois, a southwestern suburb of Chicago. Over the years, it’s earned a reputation as the most haunted cemetery in the United States. The property has been neglected over the years, which adds to the creepiness of the setting.
Visitors to the cemetery have reported seeing ghostly sightings, floating lights, and unusual sounds. However, the most famous ghost in the graveyard is “Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove.” This is a woman dressed in white that often appears near the same tombstone. Many investigations have occurred, and documentaries have been made regarding this creepy cemetery.
The Red Lion Pub
The Red Lion Pub is a traditional English pub started by John Cordwell. However, it’s become famous for being rather spooky, as many claim it’s haunted. The pub is directly across the street from where a famous gangster, John Dillinger, was killed by federal agents. However, it’s not just the death of Dillinger that makes it creepy.
Many customers believe they’ve spotted several ghosts wandering throughout the facilities. Some employees claim to have seen a young woman slowly moving about the restaurant. Each time they spot her, a strong smell of lavender suddenly fills the room. A ghostly man dressed as a cowboy frequently stands near the main bar.
Even if you don’t spot a ghost, the food and drinks at The Red Lion Pub are worth a visit. Many of the ghost tours in Chicago stop with patrons at the Red Lion Pub.
The Hull House
The Hull House was constructed in 1856 by the successful real estate developer Charles J. Hull. However, Mr. Hull and his family only lived in the residence for four years. During that short period, Hull’s wife and two sons died in the house. His daughter, his only remaining child, no longer felt safe living in the house.
Hull continued to own the home until his death, but he and his daughter lived elsewhere. After his death, the building was transformed into a settlement house by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr.
The building’s seedy reputation caused many to consider it haunted. However, in 1968, the movie “Rosemary’s Baby” featured a devil baby. While the film was set in New York City, many found the resemblance of The Hull House to be remarkably similar. With its haunted past, people were flocking from all over to see this devil baby that didn’t exist.
Jane Addams even nicknamed one of the rooms the “haunted bedroom.” However, many state that the courtyard next to the house is the portal area for the spirits. Many claim that pictures taken in the courtyard reveal how haunted the house is.
The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel opened its doors on the famous Magnificent Mile in the 1920s. It’s hosted numerous celebrities and historical figures. Over the years, many staff members have reported experiencing paranormal activities, especially while on the 10th floor.
Numerous individuals have reported seeing a woman in a flowing gown roaming the hallways. It’s believed that this woman is the ghost of a former guest who leaped to her death from the hotel. However, guests report she’s friendly and that you shouldn’t let the fear of an encounter with her stop you from enjoying the luxuries and comforts of The Drake.
Will You Escape the Great Escape Restaurant?
The Great Escape is a fantastic restaurant with a side of paranormal activity. Whether you’re up for a delicious meal or enjoy a good fright, try The Great Escape on your next trip to the Windy City. However, keep an eye out for the sharp-dressed man. He may appear over your shoulder when you least expect him.
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