From the Sonoma coast to San Diego, several California bars and restaurants have become known for their appearances in popular films. These establishments allow visitors to experience settings from well-known movies while enjoying food and drinks.
In Sacramento, Club Raven, also called “The Dirty Bird,” appeared briefly in the 2017 film Lady Bird. While the main character does not enter the bar, its presence is one of many local nods in the movie.
The Tides Wharf & Restaurant in Bodega Bay was featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. The restaurant is located on the Sonoma coast and offers seafood, cocktails, and views of the water. The owner allowed filming there after being promised a small speaking role.
San Francisco’s Tosca Cafe was a location for Basic Instinct. The cafe has been open for nearly a century and is known for its House Cappuccino 1919, which includes Armagnac, bourbon, and chocolate ganache. Actor Sean Penn reportedly helped keep it open when it faced closure in 2013.
The Hitching Post II in Buellton gained fame from Sideways as a spot where Merlot was criticized by Paul Giamatti’s character. It serves Santa Maria-style barbecue and offers an extensive wine list featuring Pinot Noir and other reds.
Burbank’s Smoke House appears in both La La Land and Argo. Located next to Warner Bros. Studios since 1946, it has been frequented by figures such as Bob Hope and George Clooney. The menu includes cheese-garlic bread and New York strip steak.
The Dresden in Los Angeles’ Los Feliz neighborhood was highlighted in Swingers during scenes with Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn. Marty & Elayne continue to perform live music at the venue, which is also known for its cocktail menu.
Formosa Café in West Hollywood was used for L.A. Confidential. Since opening in 1939 near United Artists lot, it has hosted celebrities like Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. Its happy hour features both classic cocktails and modern dishes.
The Prince in Koreatown served as a meeting place for characters played by Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson in Chinatown. The bar has also appeared on television shows including Mad Men and New Girl, offering Korean-style fried chicken today.
Cicada Restaurant & Club occupies an Art Deco building downtown Los Angeles that appeared in Pretty Woman during Julia Roberts’ dinner scene with Richard Gere. The current menu includes lobster, filet mignon, and retro cocktails alongside events with live music.
Paco’s Tacos Cantina east of Marina del Rey was where Tom Cruise’s character took Renee Zellweger on their first date in Jerry Maguire. Guests can order classic Mexican fare or regional specialties while sitting by the aquarium seen in the film.
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace near Joshua Tree National Park began as a set built for westerns funded by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry before becoming a real bar hosting musical acts ranging from indie bands to well-known performers like Robert Plant.
Kansas City Barbecue in San Diego provided the backdrop for Top Gun’s famous singing scene with Tom Cruise’s character Maverick. Today it serves barbecue dishes alongside memorabilia from both the movie production and local military patrons.
