July SPIRITS WITH SPIRITS Summary: El Compadre

Although, El Compadre was bustling with human activity, the ghosts were not as active on the night we went. Unfortunately, the only spirits seen were the kind that comes in a glass with ice and flames on top. However, the historic restaurant’s atmosphere did not disappoint. The dimly lit rooms and colored lighting provided the perfect background for those attending to share ghost stories and other tales of personal encounters and adventures exploring the hidden haunted places in Los Angeles.

Haunted mirror report: This mirror is definitely strange. It is perhaps the ugliest and most garish mirror in all of Hollywood, and is worth a visit just on that level. Despite the psycadelic nature of the frame however, the mirror itself did not yield anything visually unusual on this night.

In conclusion, the rumors of ghosts are either overstated, or out-dated, or just untrue.

But then again, maybe we just picked the wrong night. Perhaps next month we will have better luck.

Stay tuned for information regarding August’s “Spirits with Spirits.” Remember, all attendees receive a complimentary limited edition GHOULA button!

(to read about the SPIRITS of this location...)

Spirits With Spirits: July 13th at El Compadre Restaurant

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. Spirits with Spirits is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, find ghosts! Come see the “hot spots” with “cold spots.”

Since we were denied the “haunted mirror” at the Roosevelt, we have decided to go to another “haunted mirror” only a few blocks away. Come celebrates El Compadre’s thirty-third year in business. (Note: 33 is a very sacred number to the Masonic Lodge.)

THE DATE: July 13th, 2008 (Saturday)
THE PLACE: El Compadre, 7406 Sunset blvd. map
THE TIME: 9pm to the Witching Hour

THE GHOSTS:

El Compadre, also known as the “Home of the Flaming Margarita,” serves fine traditional Mexican faire to local families as well as Hollywood ’s elite. However, the flames atop their signature cocktail are not the only things that flicker in this restaurant. Patrons, and employees alike, claim to see “shadow people” crouching and hiding near the piano. These apparitions are commonly attributed to an incident that occurred in the 1950’s when another restaurant occupied this spot. It is said that during a robbery gone bad, two innocent bystanders were shot while dodging the cross-fire of bullets. Perhaps this explains the ghosts' reluctance to be seen.

Of all the celebrities that frequent this humble tavern, there is one star that out shines them all, El Compadre’s famous haunted mirror, which hangs behind the bar. It is said that if you stare into it, don’t be surprised if someone else stares back at you. Ghoula recently spoke with the restaurant’s manager, who confirmed the mirror’s infamy. He said people always ask their servers about that mirror.

Unfortunately, none of the employees have any answers as to why the phenomenon occurs, or even exactly when it started. The one thing they do know is that this story has spread around the world. According to the staff, international ghost-hunting groups from all over make El Compadre a destination when visiting California ... And this thirteenth, Ghoula will too.

(to see last month's SPIRITS with SPIRITS location...)