Indianapolis Indiana
Slippery Noodle Inn
The Slippery Noodle Inn has had a naughty past!
Former employees not on the payroll go about their former duties.
A make-shift graveyard in the basement is a source of paranormal activity.
DESCRIPTION/HISTORY
The buildings that are home to the Slippery Noodle Inn and its various musical activities, are the oldest standing commercial building in Indianapolis, probably because the owners throughout the years were practical businessmen, providing what the town wanted in the way of entertainment, hospitality as well as fulfilling services people sought in the community; from being an upscale tavern and inn, evolving into a place for Germans to gather, to a place of rest and a haven from the law, where black market booze could be bought, to prostitution, to a lunch counter to great music, and great bar food.
The brick building that houses The Slippery Noodle Inn was originally built around 1850, by Germans to be an upscale roadhouse and bar for railroad passengers, after the railroad came to town. It was called, Tremont House. The Tiger Bar, and the music venue stage area in the brick building back of the first large rectangular building are the oldest parts of the Slippery Noodle Inn, over 100 years old. The brick building in the back of this property was originally built to be a stable for the guests.
During the time just before the Civil War, the main building was a way-station for a different kind of railroad – an underground railroad for escaping slaves, on their way to Canada and freedom.
In 1860, the inn and bar’s name was changed to Concordia House, in honor of the first Lutheran immigrant ship. The tin ceiling was added in 1890. Around the turn of the century, it was called The Germania House, becoming a German club. During World War 1, the name changed again by owner Louis Beck to Beck’s Saloon to avoid scrutiny by the authorities, and people who were hostile to Germans.
Before Prohibition, Walter Moore bought the property, and called it Moore’s Beer Tavern, producing his own beer in the basement of his Tavern. During Prohibition, the name changed again to Moore’s Restaurant, though his beer was still brewed and served in what was now known as “Moore’s speakeasy”. Moore was determined to serve his own beer, despite what the political morons decreed. Moore installed pipes to pump up his home-produced beer up to the bar area. To provide a legal front for the distillery in its basement, a slaughterhouse business also took place in the basement as well, hopefully when the restaurant was closed.
Moore’s Restaurant became a favorite hang-out for both the Brady and Dillinger gangs. Mr. Moore allowed them to use the brick building, the former stable, as target practice. One can still see bullet holes in the east wall of this building, now used as a concert venue.
As soon as Prohibition was repealed, Moore changed the name of his establishment back to Moore’s Beer Tavern. However, Moore started another illegal business in his facility, located up on the second floor old inn rooms that were small and unheated: prostitution. The original German owners must have spun in their graves. This bordello was open until 1953, when its existence was squashed after two men got in a fight over one of the working girls with the result of one of them being stabbed to death. Murder weapon, a bloody dagger was left on the bar. How lovely!
It’s reputation got a huge boost when the Yeagy family bought this business in 1963, making it a family business, opening up a simple lunch counter. After a lively discussion on what to call their new pub, the name of The Slippery Noodle Inn was the winner. The second floor rooms were turned into storage and offices.
When Hal took over the business when his dad died in 1985, he started the process of renovating and upgrading the buildings, creating a vibrant place to get a good meal, a drink and enjoy music in this Blues venue. There is a pleasant outdoor eating area, complete with umbrellas. There are several areas for music on the property. Current owners, Hal and Carol Yeagy proudly offer their patrons, “Good Food, Booze and Blues.”
Most impressive is the array of awards they have received for their music venue – specializing in Blues, since 1996. For example, from 2007-2009 – They made The Indy Chanel A List as “Best Live Music Venue.” They offer live blues seven nights a week. In one of the first floor display windows, off the outside dining area, there are large sculptures of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, singing and dancing as The Blues Brothers.
Looking at their summer menu, the bar offers a generous assortment of food, from a large variety of Nachos, sides and snacks, to sandwiches, soups and salads, to steak dinners/pasta selections, to desserts! Their booze selection is impressive as well, offering many varieties of American, Imported beer; in bottles, and on draft. Many flavors of schnapps are available as well. Full menu is available until 11:00 PM.
Many celebrities who love music have visited, and sometimes performed on one of the stages in The Slippery Noodle Pub. Such notables as Harrison Ford, The Blues Brothers Band, Mickey Dolenz, Billy Joel, Spike Lee, and Neil Diamond are just a few of the well-known who have come to The Slippery Noodle Inn.
HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS
Escaped slaves who lost their lives during their quest to be free while traveling the underground railroad sometimes haunt the last station where they were hiding before their death.
Prostitution has long been a dangerous occupation, resulting in the deaths of many women who worked in this line of work.
People who love their jobs during their lifetime, don’t always want to give them up when they experience death. People who are killed in a building, sometimes choose to stay there, not willing to accept their unexpected death.
MANIFESTATIONS
Male entity
He is thought to be a caretaker still on the job.
Has been seen in the basement of The Slippery Noodle Inn, wearing a pair of coveralls.
This entity has also been heard as well.
Multiple Entities
Thought to be buried in the formerly dirt basement. People have heard whispering in their ears.
The second floor seems to be active as well. People have felt cold spots, have been touched, and have heard noises that can’t be explained.
Male cowboy entity
Perhaps the man who was killed in the knife fight.
Has been seen on the second floor.
Entity of a female prostitute.
Seen standing on the second floor balcony, from the first floor.
STILL HAUNTED?
A very strong probably so!
Many personal experiences have been reported, and the capturing of some hard evidence suggest that there are some friendly spirits from the buildings past still call the building home!
Circle City Paranormal caught 3 EVPs. One of the EVPS was associated with a cold spot in the basement.
Indiana paranormal went on a walk-through with psychic Gary Spivy and radio disc jockeys. Gary saw a spiritual hand stick up from the basement floor, and saw the caretaker in overalls in the basement as well. On the second floor, a female entity who communicated through a woman in the group, told Gary that she was the madam of the brothel.
LOCATION
372 South Meridian Street.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
(317) 631-6974
The Slippery Noodle Inn can be found on the corner of South and Meridian Streets.
Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr
Our Photos are copyrighted by Tom Carr
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SOURCES INCLUDE
- The Ghost Hunter’s Field Guide
by Rich Newman
pg. 98
Llewellyn Publications
2011 - thecabinet.com
- circlecityparanormal.com
- indianaparanormal.com
Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr
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