Top 10 Restaurants from Movies You Can Actually Go To
#10: Katz's Delicatessen “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989)
Would you like to “have what she’s havin’?” Good news, you can! In fact, you can even sit where Meg Ryan gave her memorable performance, with a helpful sign in the café that points to her table. Likely, the most famous deli in New York City (which is certainly saying something) it’s entirely believable that Katz’s pastrami on rye might elicit such a reaction. The old-school Jewish deli has served the community since 1888 and perfected the art of curing meats during that time, with some taking as long as thirty days to reach peak flavor.
#9: Watson's Soda Fountain & Café “That Thing You Do!” (1996)
Located in historic downtown Orange California, Watson’s has an authentic 1950’s feel, and stepping foot inside can make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that the restaurant has been featured in a number of films set during that decade. In “That Thing You Do!,” it stood in for a soda shop in Erie, Pennsylvania, where the fictional band of the film hails from. Though it’s been renovated since the time of filming it still has the same retro vibe and even an ice cream sundae on the menu that shares its name with the film!
#8: Café Sperl “Before Sunrise” (1995)
The first entry in Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy could serve as a tourism video for the city of Vienna as a whole. The American Jessie and French Céline, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, respectively, spend a day and night strolling through the beautiful Austrian city, visiting historic locations. On their meandering trip, they stop in a traditional Viennese coffee house and playfully have fake phone conversations over drinks. The scene is of course one of the most memorable in the film, and the real Café Sperl is just as memorable. The café has been a fixture in the Austrian city since 1880.
#7: Twede’s Café “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” (1992)
Originally appearing in David Lynch’s surreal melodrama television series “Twin Peaks,” Twede’s Café played the part of the Double R Diner. On the show, the diner was a hub for a number of the town’s quirky residents while seeing multiple love stories play out within its walls. Visiting FBI agent Dale Cooper was known to frequent the Double R enjoying the famed cherry pie and “A damn fine cup of coffee.” Despite “Twin Peaks” untimely cancellation, Twede’s returned in the feature film “Fire Walk With Me,” bringing all of its bizarre charm to the big screen.
#6: The Thirsty Scholar “The Social Network” (2010)
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Many film productions will use locations in Toronto or L.A. to double for other cities, but there is more authenticity to the pub in “The Social Network.” The Thirsty Scholar Somerville Bar and Grill is a common place for Harvard students to come and unwind after a long day at school. Under the perfectionist eye of director David Fincher, the scene taking place there took ninety-nine takes to get the integral moment correct. In the end, it was worth it as it became one of the most iconic opening scenes ever.
#5: Kansas City Barbeque “Top Gun” (1986)
Embracing its nickname of the “Top Gun Bar,” this restaurant brings a bit of KC BBQ authenticity to San Diego California. The bar earned its famous spot in the film when after a day of scouting Paramount’s location director stopped in for a beer. Instantly impressed by the ambiance of the spot, he recommended it be featured in the movie. Visitors to Kansas City Barbeque are sure to be equally dazzled by the atmosphere as well as the food and drink. Brisket, mac and cheese, and all the traditional southern fixin’s are of course on the menu!
#4: Smith & Wollensky “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
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For fashion magazine editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, only the best of the best was suitable, and her lunch was no exception. So, as she puts her young assistant through the wringer of psychological abuse, one of her demands is a steak lunch from the high-end steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky. The Steakhouse is in fact considered one of the best in New York, so make sure you get a reservation next time you’re in the city. Priestly isn’t the only sociopathic socialite to enjoy the meals there, however, as it’s also a favorite of Patrick Bateman and appears in “American Psycho.”
#3: The Lighthouse Café “La La Land” (2016)
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If you are looking to grab a tasty bite and have a delicious drink while listening to some of the best live jazz you can hear, look no further than The Lighthouse Café. Located just outside of Los Angeles in Hermosa Beach, the club has hosted greats like Chet Baker and Miles Davis. Naturally, it was the perfect spot for the jazz history obsessed Sebastian, played by Ryan Gosling to visit in Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece, “La La Land.” If, like Sebastian and Chazelle, your passion is jazz, this is a must see for any trip to LA.
#2: New York Grill “Lost in Translation” (2003)
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Two lost souls, Bob and Charlotte, played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, make their introductions in this stunning locale in Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film, “Lost in Translation,” which focuses on loneliness set against the bright lights of Tokyo. Just as Bob and Charlotte did, you can stay in Tokyo’s Park Hyatt and head to the top floor. Once you find yourself there, you can enjoy jazz played on the piano and look out at the incredible view of the city and Mt. Fuji beyond. The bar even features a tasteful tribute to the film. Of course make sure you grab some delicious Japanese cuisine and a cocktail, or maybe just a Suntory on the rocks. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Coyote Ugly, “Coyote Ugly” (2000) The Self-Anointed Most Famous Bar in the World Is the Inspiration & Setting for the Film High Cotton, “The Notebook” (2004) The Classy Charleston NC Bar Where Noah Glimpses His Long Lost Love through the Window Neptune’s Net, “The Fast and the Furious” (2001) A Casual Roadside Seafood Joint Overlooking the Pacific Where Dom & Brian Grabbed Grub Bridges Restaurant & Bar, “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) Featured in the Comedic Climax of the Robin Williams Classic Serendipity 3, “Serendipity” (2001) Frequented by Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, & Andy Warhol, This NYC Restaurant Is the Backdrop for the Rom-Com
#1: Randy’s Donuts “Iron Man 2” (2010)
If you’re looking for a spot to eat that superheroes have enjoyed, you can always visit Shalom Grill where the Avengers famously tried shawarma. Of course, that wasn’t the only eatery a Marvel character has visited. Perhaps the only entry on this list that could be considered a landmark, Randy’s Donuts has been made famous for the giant structure that sits atop its roof. Randy’s has appeared in too many films, TV shows, and music videos to list, its most quintessential role however came in the second “Iron Man” film with the titular character casually chowing down while inside the giant sign.
