Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn
Nestled along the historic Route 66 in Berwyn, Illinois, lies a unique establishment that draws patrons not only for its lively atmosphere but also for its rumored paranormal activity. Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn is more than just a lounge and comedy club; it’s a place where the veil between worlds seems thin, where unexplained occurrences have become almost commonplace, and where both skeptics and believers find themselves captivated by the mysterious happenings.
The tales emanating from this Berwyn landmark are not mere whispers; they are firsthand accounts from customers, staff, and paranormal investigators, all contributing to the growing legend of Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn. What makes this location so intriguing is the variety of phenomena reported, ranging from objects moving on their own to apparitions glimpsed in the shadows.
One such account comes from Simone Tervydis of Cicero, who, along with her friend Bernice Jan, witnessed a martini shaker top lift and roll across the bar. The sheer astonishment in their voices as they recounted the event highlights the unexpected and unnerving nature of the experience. It’s these personal stories that fuel the mystique of Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn.
Adding to the intrigue, Supernatural Occurrence Studies (SOS), Inc., a Chicago-based paranormal investigation group, has taken a keen interest in the establishment. Dave Black, a theorist with SOS Inc., reported sensing unusual energies within the building, stating definitively, "There’s definitely something going on in this building." He further elaborated on the numerous testimonials he’s collected, describing accounts of glasses falling, phones lifting, and objects moving inexplicably.
According to Black, these events are often witnessed by multiple people, lending credence to the claims and suggesting that the phenomena are not merely figments of imagination. The collective experience of these patrons contributes to the growing narrative surrounding Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn.
Ronn Vrhel, the owner of Cigars and Stripes, admits to being somewhat skeptical of the paranormal, yet he cannot deny the strange occurrences that have plagued the building since its renovation five years ago. He recounts how his wife initially heard sounds of parties emanating from the downstairs area, only to find nothing there upon investigation.
Vrhel himself experienced a peculiar incident involving a missing set of keys. After a frantic search, the keys seemingly materialized out of thin air, clattering onto the bar in full view of his customers. This inexplicable event further solidified the reputation of Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn as a place where the ordinary rules of reality seem to bend.
Black’s investigations extended into the basement, where he reported hearing footsteps and other noises despite the area being completely empty. These experiences, coupled with the accounts of others, paint a picture of a location steeped in unexplained activity.
SOS Inc. has a long history of investigating paranormal phenomena, having explored well-known haunted locations such as Bachelor’s Grove, The House of Blues, and sites of famous murders. Their involvement with Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn lends further credibility to the claims of paranormal activity.
Vrhel, driven by curiosity, has also begun researching the history of the building. He estimates that a significant portion of his regular customers, roughly two out of every fifteen, have experienced something unusual within the establishment.
Adding to the eerie atmosphere, several customers have reported seeing a shadowy figure moving down a hallway at the back of the bar. Descriptions of this figure vary, but the consistent element is a dark, indistinct shape moving quickly and disappearing around a corner.
To gain further insight, Vrhel invited Spiritual Advisor Lee Murphy to assess the building. Murphy’s findings corroborated the findings of SOS Inc., identifying several areas charged with unusual energy. Her insights also provided potential explanations for the paranormal activity, connecting it to past events and individuals associated with the location.
Murphy believes that one source of the haunting may be a former customer who died in the entryway nearly three decades ago. She suggests that this individual may still be drawn to the social atmosphere of the bar.
Another presence is sensed at the rear of the building, identified as an elderly woman who was known for her constant worry and prayers for the well-being of her loved ones. Her lingering energy may be contributing to the overall atmosphere of Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the haunting is connected to the bar itself, a handcrafted piece brought from the former Stardust Lounge. Murphy believes that the bar may be the source of a "true love story" that manifests in some of the more playful paranormal events.
According to Murphy, the energy around the bar is particularly strong in the spot where Rose, the late former owner of the Stardust Lounge, used to sit. Rose’s husband, Joe, built the bar specifically for her, and Murphy believes that her loving presence continues to resonate within the establishment.
Based on the gathered testimonials and investigative findings, SOS Inc. has concluded that Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn is indeed a haunted location. William Wolfe, Vice-President of SOS, visited the establishment overnight with his team and stated, "I do believe that this location is haunted."
The SOS team set up various pieces of equipment, including camcorders and infrared cameras, in areas known for paranormal activity. Upon reviewing the recordings, they captured sounds and voices, including knocking, whispering, and conversations. One distinct voice seemed to say, "No, no, you can’t!" while other recordings captured howling and screaming sounds.
Sophisticated energy readings also revealed significant temperature fluctuations in certain areas, with variations of up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the so-called "hot spot." Black described a particularly intense experience in this area, where he felt a physical reaction that included watery eyes and difficulty breathing.
The shadowy figure seen by numerous customers is often described as an outline without distinct arms or legs, simply a shape that moves quickly and disappears.
SOS researchers also reported hearing footsteps on the stairs when no one was present, as well as sounds in the basement that resembled beer cans being thrown around, despite the fact that the lounge only serves bottled beer.
Wolfe also speculated that Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn may have been a hangout for Al Capone, given its age, location, and the history of deaths occurring within the building. He believes that Capone may have visited the establishment or offered protection to the businesses that operated there.
The long list of unexplained occurrences, including deaths, keys dropping from nowhere, moving objects, and malfunctioning equipment, has led many to believe that the place is undeniably "special."
Spiritual Advisor Lee Murphy agrees, describing the overall energy of the location as "very colorful." She believes that the spirits present are not malicious but rather carry their past lives and emotions into the present, possibly even caring for the current owners and customers.
Murphy emphasizes the special energy emanating from the handcrafted bar, particularly in the area where Rose, the former owner, used to sit. This "hot spot" seems to be a favorite gathering place for many patrons, and Murphy believes that Rose’s loving energy may be contributing to a matchmaking phenomenon.
Vrhel shared a story of two customers who met at the bar and later married, further solidifying the belief that Rose’s presence may be influencing relationships.
Vrhel himself has become accustomed to the strange occurrences and feels that something is working in his favor. He believes that the paranormal activity may have intensified around the time he considered leaving the business, suggesting that the spirits want him to stay and are looking out for him.
In conclusion, Haunted Cigars & Stripes in Berwyn has garnered a reputation as a location with significant paranormal activity, supported by numerous testimonials and investigations. Dave "Od" Black, who initially sensed the strange goings-on while performing comedy at the lounge, sums it up best: "In conclusion, yes, this bar is haunted. It probably has more activity than many other places we’ve been to and documented."