Austin Ghost Tours gives history lesson on popular restaurant

Halloween in Austin, what better time to explore the city's history and learn the stories behind some spirits.  That's what Austin Ghost Tours does year round, but Halloween gets much busier.

“We go to locations that people report to us as having invisible, unexplainable events happening on a regular basis,” said Jeanine Plumer, owner of Austin Ghost Tours.

Austin Pizza Garden off 290 West was formerly known as the Patton House. The building is more than 100-years-old.

“This building has a wonderful history and it's harboring, maybe a not so wonderful ghost. She is known as the mean lady in white,” said John Maverick, tour guide.

The owner has reported hearing someone walk up the stairs behind him, knowing he's the only person in the building.

“Many times people washing dishes, bussing plates and trays will look up and they'll see this woman scowling down at them,” said Maverick.

They don't know exactly where on the timeline she falls in history, but they believe her husband was killed in the line of duty while working as sheriff.

“One of the thoughts is that she ended up growing old here and that's actually who it is and part of the reason why she has elements of discontent,” said Plumer.

Another ghost they say they hear of, is Sven Berryman...a man who was met with some adversity on a cold night.

“Because of the frostbite they had to amputate his legs. He had wooden legs but he was no longer capable of running the farm outside of Wimberley so he bought this business.

The tour guides say the Austin Pizza Garden is just one of the places that harbors many souls.  As for Halloween night and beyond, who knows what the ghosts are capable of.