Los Angeles is where Hollywood dreams are born and stars are made. It truly is the entertainment capital, and great films have the power to transport you to magical places―and Los Angeles is actually home to many of them. Whether you’re a movie-lover or just a local explorer, here are spots you can visit that make appearances in your favorite movies and television shows!
1. Pat & Lorraine’s – Reservoir Dogs (1992)
This cozy iconic diner is the opening scene in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. In fact, the table used in the film is still there! Sit right at the gang’s table and enjoy a traditional delicious breakfast. Their vegetarian omelet is a local favorite―and don’t you dare forget to leave a good tip.
Location: 4720 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
2. Randy’s Donuts – Iron Man (2008)
This place isn’t much of a secret, but these donuts are a Los Angeles staple. Randy’s Donuts has been featured in many films. More specifically, this is the spot where Tony Stark and Nick Furry discuss the Avengers. Unfortunately, you can’t lounge on the sign like Iron Man, but you can certainly enjoy a donut like him. We recommend their apple fritter.
Location: 805 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
3. Musso & Frank Grill – Once Upon a Time In Hollywood (2019)
This fine-dining restaurant has been around since 1919. It’s served iconic Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe. With so much cinematic history, it’s no surprise that it made an appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. It’s the perfect setting for a classy dinner—or meeting a producer.
Location: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
4. Pickwick’s Pub – The Office (2005-2013)
Poor Richard’s Pub is actually Pickwick’s Pub, and it has made a few appearances in The Office. Their menu is extensive offering American and British eats. Of course, they have a wide selection of beers ready to enjoy, just like your favorite Dunder Mifflin characters.
Location: 21010 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
5. Cicada Restaurant & Club – Mad Men (2007-2015)
Time travel to classic Los Angeles at this vintage nightclub where Don Draper won his first Cilo award. Cicada offers dining, swing dancing, and live jazz music. Enjoy an old-fashioned and a classic night straight out of a scene from Mad Men.
Location: 617 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
6. Formosa Café – L.A. Confidential (1997)
Known for their Chinese decor, the iconic Formosa has been around since 1939. From onscreen to offscreen, this spot is a celebrity favorite. Its famous interior decor is featured in a key scene in the hit noir LA Confidential. It’s the perfect place to surround yourself with Hollywood history, all while drinking their well-known refreshing Mai Thia and enjoying their delicuous dim sum.
Location: 7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046
7. Redwood Bar & Grill – 500 Days of Summer (2009)
The Redwood Bar & Grill is featured in the key scene where Summer and Tom sing karaoke in 500 Days of Summer. You can fall in love like these two and check out their karaoke night every Monday at 7P.M.! Don’t forget to sing Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies. While you’re there, make sure to get yourself a delicious burger and cocktail.
Location: 316 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
8. The Great Wall – Drive (2011)
The Great Wall is an authentic Chinese restaurant that can be found in the heart of the Valley. It’s also where Ryan Gosling as the driver sets up a confrontation with Bernie Rose. Don’t worry, you won’t experience their fate here. Although, their Shio-Baos (BBQ Pork Buns) are absolutely to die for, and you won’t be able to eat just one.
Location: 18331 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
9. Shalom Grill – The Avengers (2012)
You don’t have to be a superhero to enjoy this one. After succeeding in battle against Loki’s army and saving the world, this is the place that the Avengers go to per Iron Mans request. Except it’s not in New York, it’s actually in L.A. Shalom Grill previously Elat Burgers serves burgers, kabobs, and of course shawarma good enough for Tony Stark. We have to say, Iron Man has great taste.
Location: 9340 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
10. The Prince – New Girl (2011-2018)
Although the exterior of Nick’s bar is actually The Griffin in Los Feliz, the classic red dining booths and stained-glass windows belong to The Prince bar in Koreatown. There’s an added bonus to this spot too! It was also featured in Mad Men. So whether you’re a total Nick Miller or more like a Don Draper, you really can’t go wrong with this place.
Location: 3198 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005
11. Joe Josts – Chance Of a Lifetime (1998)
Okay, fine. You caught us, this place isn’t in L.A., but it is in Long beach and that’s close enough to us. Just don’t head out during rush hour. This historic place opened up in 1924 as a barber shop, but in 1934, Joe decided to start selling some cold beers and handcrafted sandwiches instead. The rest is history, and this spot has been featured in several films from Gone In 60 Seconds with Nicolas Cage and Angelina, License To Wed with Robin Williams and Mandy Moore, to Chance Of a Lifetime with Katey Sagal and John Ritter.
Location: 2803 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804
12. Foo-Chow – Rush Hour (1998)
Foo-Chow is found in DTLA’s Chinatown and was featured in the classic Rush Hour film starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Their extensive menu is full of delicious choices, from their Kung Pao Shrimp to their Pork With Szechuan Vegetable Noodle Soup―you’re bound to leave full and satisfied. We also promise you won’t feel like a punk b*tch after your meal.
Location: 949 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
13. Lighthouse Cafe – La La Land (2016)
Established in 1949, this historic cafe has had legends like Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Max Roach grace its stage. If you’re dreamers like Mia and Sebastian, this is the perfect place for you to dissect and appreciate jazz. You can find more romantic “La La Land” locations to visit here!
Location: 30 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, California 90254, USA
14. Die Hard – Fox Plaza (1988)
We know this isn’t a bar or a restaurant, but how can we not mention one of the most beloved unofficial Chirstmas movies? Die Hard’s Nakatomi Tower is actually found in Century City and is locally known as Fox Plaza. Luckily you won’t run into any action like John McClane proppeling down the building as debris fall behind him, but you can certainly bask in some cinematic history.
Location: 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, Los Angeles, California
15. Barry – Residual’s Tavern (2018-Present)
After failing at doing his hit job by accidentally walking into an improv class and being forced to participate, Barry is then invited to Residual’s Tavern by the fellow students. It’s at this very bar where he falls in love with Sally. Outside of this show, Residual’s is a classic Irish pub featuring cold beers on tap. Your thirst will surely be quenched here. (For your own good, just don’t talk to anyone named Barry here!)
Location: 11042 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, California
16. Insecure – DAMA (2016-2021)
Before heading to the Art Walk in DTLA (like real Angelenos), Issa and Lawrence have an intimate, long-awaited conversation about their break up. This pivotal and life changing scene in the series takes place at DAMA, L.A.’s very own Latin-inspired restaurant + bar with gorgeous tropical deco design and mouthwatering eats. You don’t need to have to have to a heart-to-heart with someone enjoy this spot, but wouldn’t blame you either!
Location: 612 E 11th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015