Past And Paranormal Collide At Stella’s, Kentucky’s Eeriest Restaurant
Located in the heart of Kentucky, Stella’s (formerly known as Shandies) in Paducah stands as a beacon for paranormal enthusiasts and curious diners alike.
This historic eatery has earned its reputation as Kentucky’s most haunted restaurant through years of unexplained phenomena, ghostly encounters, and spine-tingling stories passed down through generations.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the supernatural history of Stella’s adds a fascinating dimension to your dining experience.
The Tragic Origins of Stella’s Hauntings
Built in the late 1800s, the building that now houses Stella’s restaurant was originally a boarding house with a dark past.
Local records suggest a young woman named Elizabeth died tragically on the premises after discovering her husband’s affair.
Her heartbroken spirit reportedly never left the building.
The transformation from Shandies to Stella’s in the early 2000s did nothing to quiet Elizabeth’s presence, with many believing the renovation actually stirred up more paranormal activity.
Mysterious Cold Spots and Moving Objects
Staff members frequently report inexplicable cold spots throughout the restaurant, even during sweltering Kentucky summers.
These temperature drops occur most commonly near the bar and in the upstairs dining area, often accompanied by the sensation of being watched.
Bartenders have sworn that glasses slide across counters untouched, while place settings rearrange themselves when no one is looking.
One server reportedly quit on the spot after witnessing a full tray of dishes hover momentarily before crashing to the floor.
The Woman in White Apparition
The most famous ghost at Stella’s is the “Woman in White” – believed to be Elizabeth herself.
Customers and employees alike have reported glimpses of a pale woman in Victorian-era clothing drifting through the dining room before disappearing through solid walls.
She appears most often during quiet evenings or just before closing time.
Children seem particularly attuned to her presence, often waving or speaking to someone adults cannot see.
Many patrons have captured strange orbs and misty figures in photographs taken inside the restaurant.
Unexplained Voices and Whispers
Audio phenomena rank among the most common supernatural experiences at Stella’s.
Disembodied voices, often female, whisper names or unintelligible phrases directly into diners’ ears when no one is nearby.
The restaurant’s sound system occasionally picks up these whispers during quiet moments.
Late-night cleaning crews report hearing conversations from empty rooms and the distinct sound of a woman sobbing from the second floor.
Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations
Embracing its haunted reputation, Stella’s now offers monthly ghost tours after closing hours.
Participants often experience personal encounters with the supernatural, from unexplained touches to seeing shadowy figures move across rooms.
Professional paranormal teams have documented significant activity using specialized equipment.
The restaurant’s owners maintain a logbook of supernatural occurrences dating back decades.
Despite the spooky reputation, or perhaps because of it, Stella’s remains one of Kentucky’s most popular dining destinations, blending delicious Southern cuisine with unforgettable ghostly encounters.
