In the heart of Berwyn, Illinois, nestled along the historic stretch of Old Route 66, lies a unique establishment that’s garnered a reputation for more than just its craft cigars and comedy acts. Cigars and Stripes, a vibrant lounge, has become a bona fide paranormal hotspot, drawing in curious patrons and dedicated supernatural investigators alike. What started as peculiar occurrences quickly escalated into a compelling collection of testimonials suggesting that this eclectic venue is profoundly haunted.
The stories from both customers and staff at Cigars and Stripes are numerous and often astonishing. Simone Tervydis of Cicero recounted her shock when the top of a martini shaker inexplicably flipped upside down and rolled across the bar, an event she described as “more than weird.” Such spontaneous movements of objects are a recurring theme. Glasses have been reported to fall from shelves, bottles to topple, and even the bar’s phone has been seen lifting off its hook by itself. These incidents are not isolated; many witnesses have observed these phenomena unfold firsthand.
Unexplainable Occurrences and Owner’s Experiences
Owner Ronn Vrhel, initially skeptical, has his own compelling stories that defy rational explanation. During the building’s renovation five years prior, his wife heard phantom party sounds from the basement, only to find it empty. More recently, Vrhel experienced a dramatic loss and return of his keys. After an exhaustive search, his large bundle of keys loudly dropped “out of nowhere” onto the bar in front of stunned customers. “The keys slammed off one of the corners and flew down the bar,” he recalled, leaving everyone present to ponder their mysterious appearance.
Beyond moving objects, shadowy figures have been a consistent sight. At least five customers have reported seeing a dark, indistinct figure moving through the rear hallway of the bar. Descriptions often point to an outline with “no arms or legs – just a shape” that glides around corners. Phantom footsteps on the stairs and various noises emanating from the empty basement, including sounds like beer cans being thrown (despite the lounge only serving bottles), further contribute to the building’s unsettling reputation.
Investigations by Supernatural Occurrence Studies (SOS) Inc.
The consistent reports of paranormal activity at Cigars and Stripes attracted the attention of Supernatural Occurrence Studies (SOS) Inc., a Chicago-based investigation group active since 1998. SOS Inc. investigators, known for exploring other well-known haunts like Bachelor’s Grove, quickly designated the lounge as a significant “hot spot.” Theorist Dave Black noted a strong sense of presence during his initial walk-through, stating, “There’s definitely something going on in this building.”
During an overnight investigation, the SOS team deployed an array of equipment, including camcorders, infrared cameras, and audio recorders, in areas with high reported activity. Upon reviewing their findings, they uncovered substantial evidence. The audio recordings, specifically Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) tapes, revealed “definite sounds and voices.” Black detailed hearing knocking, whispering, and even a distinct man’s voice saying, “No, no, you can’t!” alongside “howling or screaming sounds.” Sophisticated energy readings also detected drastic temperature variations, with one area experiencing a 30-degree Fahrenheit fluctuation, so intense that investigators like Black experienced physical discomfort, including watering eyes and difficulty breathing.
Spiritual Insights and Historical Context
To gain further understanding, Ronn Vrhel invited Spiritual Advisor Lee Murphy to tour the premises. Murphy’s insights corroborated the SOS findings, confirming several areas charged with powerful energy. Her guidance brought to light potential sources for the hauntings, painting a richer picture of the location’s past.
Murphy identified several presences:
- A Former Customer: One source of activity is believed to be a former patron who tragically passed away in the business entryway nearly three decades ago, perhaps still lingering to enjoy the social atmosphere he once loved.
- The Worried Woman: Towards the rear of the building, an elderly woman’s presence is sensed, characterized by deep prayer and concern for family and friends.
- The Loving Rose: Perhaps the most poignant presence is linked to the large, hand-crafted bar itself. This beautiful piece was brought from the former Stardust Lounge, several blocks away, where it was built by Joe for his beloved wife, Rose, the lounge’s former owner. Murphy strongly sensed Rose’s exceptionally loving presence, particularly at a specific spot where she used to sit.
Intriguingly, this “hot spot” – Rose’s former seat – has developed a reputation of its own. Vrhel noted it’s a favorite gathering place for many customers. Murphy offered a romantic explanation, suggesting Rose’s energy, rooted in her very loving relationship with Joe, might be fostering new connections. In fact, Vrhel shared that two customers who met and later married had their initial encounter at this very spot. Murphy believes Rose may be “helping others find the same kind of relationship,” making it a potentially auspicious place for romance.
The building’s long history also suggests other connections. SOS Vice-President William Wolfe speculated that the location might have been a haunt of notorious gangster Al Capone. Given its age, the recorded deaths on the premises, and its prime location, it’s plausible that Capone visited or extended his “protection” to businesses operating there.
Conclusion: A Truly Haunted Establishment
With an extensive list of documented phenomena—from spontaneous object movements and shadowy figures to EVP recordings and dramatic temperature shifts—the evidence points overwhelmingly to Cigars and Stripes being a truly haunted establishment. Owner Ronn Vrhel, having grown accustomed to the activity, even feels a sense of benevolent guardianship. He once considered leaving the business, only for the paranormal occurrences to seemingly intensify, giving him the “definite impression that ‘they’ want me to stay and are looking out for us somehow.”
As SOS Theorist Dave Black eloquently summarized, “In conclusion, yes, this bar is haunted. It probably has more activity than many other places we’ve been to and documented. There are a lot of testimonials – to a degree that I haven’t experienced in most places we have been.” For those seeking an evening of entertainment mixed with the possibility of encountering the unexplained, Cigars and Stripes on Route 66 stands as a fascinating and actively haunted destination.
