Along the Lincoln Highway, you can fill up on a hearty meal then tuck in for the night at the Jean Bonnet Tavern — and, perhaps, say hello to a ghost or two. After more than 250 years, the building has had time to gather spirits.

The Haunted History of the Jean Bonnet Tavern

The inn is situated in Bedford, PA, at the spot where Pennsylvania Route 30 runs underneath the Turnpike — a site that once was the beginning of the Forbes Road, a key trail during the French and Indian War (George Washington rested his troops nearby). Originally established as an inn and tavern in the 1760s, the building has been in more or less continuous operation ever since.

Today, it’s a charming restaurant, an inviting bar and a cozy bed-and-breakfast — all of which could bring you close to a frightening (but, allegedly, harmless) ghostly encounter.

A weathered newspaper clipping in the Tavern’s office tells the tale: “The mistress of a former [tavern] owner (who was also a scout for George Washington) lived at the inn …. Ever since, people say they’ve heard what sounds like a long dress with heavy petticoats rustling up and down the stairs.”

Or, perhaps you’ll encounter a hanged outlaw — “some believe that his footsteps still are heard in the hallways,” according to the same article.

Then there’s the playful spirit that “unties people’s aprons and fools around behind the quilts,” according to co-owner Neil Lambert, who stipulates that he doesn’t really believe in ghosts … but has certainly had encounters he can’t explain while working at the Jean Bonnet Tavern. “A sink will turn on by itself. There will be a recipe hanging on the wall that will end up on the grille. Everybody has their own story.”

Even if you’re just stopping in for a drink, you’re not necessarily safe — guests have asked why there’s a man in full French and Indian War garb sitting at the bar. A reenactor? A historical interpreter? Nope — a ghostly visitor, weary from the battlefield and looking for a drink.

Good Food and Drinks, with a Side of Ghosts

Guests and staff alike agree that, while there are some unexplained occurrences around the Jean Bonnet Tavern, any spooky stuff is harmless — and shouldn’t deter visitors.

The food is good enough to make you brave a spirit or two. The restaurant’s signature dish, the Jean Bonnet French Dip, is an exemplary rendition of the famous sandwich; provolone-topped prime rib will drip out of its French bread and into the just-right au jus. Bedford is also close enough to the Maryland border that crab cakes are more or less a requirement; well-broiled without being heavy, they’re good as an entree or on a sandwich.

Don’t shy away from seasonal specials, which change with every month; selections for October include a butternut squash bisque, cider-braised bratwurst and fried pierogies. Many specials feature herbs and produce from the tavern’s on-site garden. Seasonal desserts are invariably delicious — although leaving room for another course against such hearty, filling fare can be a challenge.

Thankfully, there’s no need to even walk outside after you’ve filled up; for most of its history, the Jean Bonnet Tavern has primarily served as an inn, a tradition that continues today.

Spend the Night — and Listen for Ghostly Footsteps

The restaurant side of the Jean Bonnet Tavern is a relatively recent addition, established by the Baer Family in the early 1980s; they sold the property around 2000 to Shannon and Melissa Jacobs, who improved and renovated the guest rooms before selling it to Faith and Neil Lambert last year.

Guests will find four quaint, charming rooms decorated with Colonial touches, including a pair of double rooms for those looking to stretch beyond the often-tight quarters of most bed and breakfasts. Food from the kitchen is included upon waking; guests can also take their coffee on shared outdoor porches overlooking the highway, a reminder that this part of Pennsylvania has been a thoroughfare for centuries.

One thing you won’t find in the rooms: televisions. While there’s plenty of entertainment to be found in nearby Bedford, you’ll be left to your own devices after tucking in for the night at the Jean Bonnet Tavern. Plenty of time to read an old tome by candlelight.

Or, perhaps, keep an overnight vigil for any restless spirits.

Though if you don’t see any spirits at the Jean Bonnet Tavern, you can always explore Pittsburgh’s ghost walks and tours to see more of the paranormal. Or, check out what other restaurants Western Pennsylvania has to offer in our guide.

About the Author and Photographer

Sean Collier is the editor-in-chief of Shady Ave and the arts and culture editor of TABLE Magazine. Before joining the TABLE Media team, he spent nearly 15 years as a writer, editor and columnist at Pittsburgh Magazine. As the in-house film critic for the top-rated WDVE Morning Show since 2009, he’s been Pittsburgh’s most widely heard voice on movies for nearly two decades. A Pittsburgh native, Sean has since 2020 appeared weekly on KDKA-TV’s popular Pittsburgh Today Live talk show. He’s the co-founder of Vigilance Theater Group and an active stand-up comedian and event host. He can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @seancollierpgh.

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