South Carolina is a place where southern charm meets ghostly folklore—and nowhere is this blend more intoxicating than at Poogan’s Porch in Charleston. This delightful eatery, known for its soul-satisfying Southern cuisine, hides a rich history and a series of spooky legends behind its warm façade. Located in a historic Victorian home in the heart of the city, Poogan’s Porch offers more than just biscuits and hospitality. It’s also one of the most haunted places in Charleston, attracting both foodies and ghost hunters from all over the world.
For those with a taste for the paranormal, this is more than just a dining stop—it’s a deep dive into centuries of Southern history, spectral encounters, and mysterious happenings. Whether you’re a historian, a curious traveler, or a seasoned paranormal investigator, Poogan’s Porch offers a hauntingly beautiful experience you won’t want to miss.
The History
The Building’s Early Days
Poogan’s Porch is nestled at 72 Queen Street in Charleston, housed in a stately Victorian townhouse dating back to the late 1800s. Like many homes of its era, this one began life as a private residence. Its gingerbread trim, towering windows, and inviting porch were staples of Charleston’s historic architectural aesthetic, reflective of the affluence and taste of the era. The building changed hands a few times, serving different purposes through the decades, but it always retained its 19th-century charm.
Notably, this section of Queen Street has witnessed significant historical events—from the turmoil of the Civil War to the cultural rebirth of Charleston in the 20th century. Poogan’s Porch, as it stands today, is a physical remnant of those earlier days, preserving the ambiance of a Charleston long past.
From House to Restaurant
In 1976, the building underwent a transformation that would cement its reputation both in the culinary scene and in local lore. The house was converted into a restaurant, and in honoring its heritage, the original wooden floors, fireplaces, and architecture were preserved wherever possible. The result is a warm, intimate dining experience that feels like stepping back in time.
And of course, no great Southern story is complete without a beloved pet. Poogan, the restaurant’s namesake, was a scruffy local dog who lived on the porch and greeted passersby with tail wags and soulful eyes. When the building transitioned into a restaurant, the owners saw Poogan’s gentle spirit as emblematic of the hospitality they hoped to offer. His name lingered long after he passed, living on in the restaurant’s identity.
Cultural Landmark
Today, Poogan’s Porch stands as a Charleston institution. With roots deep in local history and a menu brimming with lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits, buttermilk fried chicken, and she-crab soup, it represents the culinary and cultural soul of the region. However, for those attuned to the otherworldly, it’s what you don’t see on the menu that truly defines the experience—a side of paranormal intrigue that makes the visit unforgettable.
The Haunt
The Ghost of Zoe St. Amand
Poogan’s Porch doesn’t just serve Southern hospitality—it serves up ghost stories, too.
The most famous specter believed to reside within the restaurant is the ghost of Zoe St. Amand, a schoolteacher who once lived in the home with her sister. The sisters were very close, and the two lived together well into old age. When Zoe’s younger sister passed away, it’s said that Zoe was plunged into a state of grief so powerful that she never recovered. Overcome by loneliness, Zoe reportedly died a short time later—but perhaps not completely.
Since her death, guests and staff have frequently reported encounters with Zoe’s spirit. She is most often seen in a long Victorian-era nightgown, wandering the hallways or peering through windows. One of the eeriest stories stems from a woman staying at a nearby inn, who awoke one night to see an elderly woman sitting at the foot of her bed. Thinking it was a mistake, she got up and went downstairs—only to be told by staff that no elderly guest matched her description. A portrait of Zoe was then shown to her—and the woman, visibly shaken, confirmed it was her nighttime visitor.
The Mysterious Movements
Restaurant staff often tell uncanny tales of glassware moving on its own, chairs shifting inexplicably, and unexplainable breezes sweeping through tightly-shut rooms. Even seasoned employees remain uneasy when closing the restaurant late at night. Lights flicker, footsteps echo across the wooden floors, and cold spots—often associated with ghostly presences—are consistently felt in specific areas, especially near the staircase.
Numerous paranormal investigations at Poogan’s Porch have captured electromagnetic field (EMF) spikes, strange visual anomalies, and audio recordings featuring disembodied voices, sighs, or distant footsteps. EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) often return with whispers that appear to call the names of employees, or general phrases such as “Where are you?” or “She’s gone.” Zoe? Perhaps still searching for her sister, even in the afterlife.
Poogan’s Spirit Lives On
Let’s not forget the original namesake—Poogan, the loyal porch pup. Though he passed on decades ago, some believe his spirit never fully departed. Guests have reported feeling something rub against their leg under the table, only to look down and find nothing there. Others swear they’ve seen the blur of a dog darting across the porch out of the corner of their eye, only for it to vanish in an instant.
Even in death, Poogan remains a guardian of the home, offering comfort and companionship to all who enter. His framed picture hangs proudly near the front door, a gentle reminder that some spirits linger for love, not fear.
Why Paranormal Investigators Should Visit
If you’re a ghost hunter or a lover of haunted history, Poogan’s Porch should be on your supernatural bucket list. It’s one of Charleston’s most accessible haunted hotspots—open year-round, family-friendly by day, and filled with just enough chilling tales to make every visit unforgettable.
What makes Poogan’s Porch especially intriguing for paranormal investigators is its mix of documented activity, consistent witness reports, and emotionally-charged backstory. It’s rare to find a location where so many verifiable phenomena cross over: visual sightings, auditory anomalies, object manipulation, and temperature fluctuations—all in a location open to the public.
Bring your EMF meters, voice recorders, and night vision cameras; according to many, the spirits of Zoe and Poogan are more than happy to make their presence known—especially after dark. Just make sure to come with an empty stomach and a curious mind. There’s nothing like investigating strange occurrences in the glow of candlelight, with the scent of buttermilk biscuits floating through the air.
For seasoned ghost hunters, Poogan’s Porch offers the trifecta: a rich and verifiable history, a cluster of consistent paranormal reports, and a location that invites exploration without trespassing laws or red tape. Whether you capture a ghostly voice or a glimpse of Zoe on camera, one thing’s certain—Poogan’s Porch has a story to tell, and its spirits are more than willing to help you record it.