10 Iconic Movie And TV Restaurants That Are Actually Real
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Enthusiasts adore going to spots featured in their preferred television series and motion pictures, particularly eateries where they can partake in the same cuisine as the characters. While some of the eateries were used for real-life filming, others were only used as inspiration for the made-up versions. Here’s a list of some of the most well-known fictional eateries that are actually open for business.
10 Top Notch Hamburgers Dazed And Confused
The movie Dazed and Confused depicted the last day of school for various groups of teenagers in the suburbs of Austin, Texas. Although filmed in different locations in and around Austin, one of the more recognizable places was Top Notch Hamburgers.
Dazed and Confused marked Matthew McConaughey’s debut in the acting world. In his initial scene, he drives up in his Chevelle to the drive-in at Top Notch Hamburgers and engages in a conversation with a redheaded girl. It’s during this scene that he delivers one of his most famous lines, a phrase he continues to use today: “Alright, alright, alright.” These were the first three words he spoke in a film.
The original Top Notch Hamburgers still stands in Austin and maintains the look it had in the movie. The restaurant is open seven days a week, offering burgers, fried chicken, fries, shakes, and more—alright, alright, alright!
9 The Bluebird Cafe Nashville
The Bluebird Cafe is a recurring setting in the popular drama series Nashville. Several characters on the show are employed at the Bluebird, and it serves as the backdrop for numerous performances by various cast members. This venue first appeared on the show in 2012, and since its introduction, it has become the premier nightlife attraction in Nashville, drawing millions of fans and aspiring artists.
The actual Bluebird Cafe is situated in a small strip mall just outside downtown Nashville. As a compact venue with seating for fewer than 100 people, it offers a menu featuring drinks, appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. The Bluebird is known for showcasing up-and-coming artists and songwriters, with even renowned figures like Garth Brooks having performed there before attaining fame. Having been a Nashville fixture for over three decades, the restaurant attracts more than 70,000 visitors annually.
8 Krusty Krab SpongeBob SquarePants
In the underwater realm of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob SquarePants and his pals, including Patrick, Squidward, Gary, and Sandy, embark on various adventures. SpongeBob diligently works for Mr. Krabs at the Krusty Krab restaurant, and now, a real-life version of this iconic eatery has surfaced in Moscow.
The restaurant faithfully recreates the cartoon’s setting with ship barrels serving as chairs and tables resembling ship steering wheels. It proudly offers the famous Krabby Patty burgers, capturing the essence of the beloved show. The walls are painted to mirror the cartoon’s restaurant, and life-sized figures of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward add to the immersive atmosphere. The Krusty Krab Cafe boasts an extensive menu featuring pizza, burgers, pasta, soups, salads, desserts, and more. Fans can now turn their dreams of savoring a Krabby Patty burger into a reality at this whimsical establishment.
7 Los Pollos Hermanos Breaking Bad
Devotees of the acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad are familiar with Los Pollos Hermanos, a chicken fast-food joint frequented by various characters on the show. Gus Fring, the drug kingpin, cleverly employs its locations as a cover for his crystal meth empire, and the main character, Walter White, makes multiple visits.
Despite Los Pollos Hermanos being a fictional establishment, the building featured in the TV show is an actual burrito and burger restaurant named Twisters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Beyond the name, Twisters bears an uncanny resemblance to its on-screen counterpart. According to the Twisters location manager, the restaurant has experienced increased profits since its appearance on the show, attracting fans from as far as China who visit to take pictures.
Twisters is a chain with over 20 restaurants in New Mexico and Colorado. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the chain offers a menu featuring omelettes, burgers, and burritos.
6 Mystic Pizza Mystic Pizza
In 1988, Mystic Pizza, a film centered around the lives and romances of three teenage girls employed at a pizza establishment in Mystic, Connecticut, was released. The cast featured actresses Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, and Lili Taylor. Interestingly, the Mystic Pizza parlor depicted in the movie is an actual pizza place situated in downtown Mystic.
The film was shot on location in Mystic and nearby towns. Initially, fans of the movie used to queue up outside the building where the film was shot, and while that enthusiasm has diminished, visitors still come to the location seeking “A Slice of Heaven.” Due to the heightened demand brought about by the movie, a second location was opened, and the establishment now even sells frozen pizzas in grocery stores. Additionally, patrons can purchase restaurant and movie-themed merchandise at the restaurant’s gift shop.
5 MacLaren’s How I Met Your Mother
The popular TV series How I Met Your Mother, which aired on CBS from 2005 to 2014, revolves around a father narrating his experiences with his four best friends leading up to meeting their mother. Starring Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel, and others, the heart and soul of the show can arguably be attributed to MacLaren’s Pub. This bar serves as the backdrop for their cherished memories, from vying for their preferred booth to tending bar for the Arizona Tech marching band.
MacLaren’s Pub is inspired by McGee’s, situated on 55th street in Manhattan. The show’s central focus, with padded booths and mural-covered walls, draws from the aesthetics of this real-life pub. Interestingly, the fictional bar is named after Carl MacLaren, the show’s production assistant. McGee’s not only hosts trivia nights but also features cocktails inspired by How I Met Your Mother, including options like Slutty Pumpkin and Pineapple Incident.
Located a few blocks from Central Park, the Theater District, and Times Square, McGee’s offers a How I Met Your Mother Monday with a dedicated menu. The pub collaborates with a TV and movie tour company, providing visitors with a chance to explore the pub. Tour participants also enjoy an exclusive 15-percent discount. Following Barney’s philosophy, whenever you feel down, shift gears to being awesome and pay a visit to McGee’s Pub!
4 Double R Diner Twin Peaks
Fans of the television series Twin Peaks will instantly recognize Twede’s Cafe in North Bend, Washington, as the iconic Double R Diner—the go-to spot for pie and coffee in the show. In the 1990s series, the Double R Diner, owned by Norma Jennings, was situated in the peculiar town of Twin Peaks and was directly inspired by Twede’s Cafe, closely resembling it in both appearance and atmosphere.
While the cafe initially mirrored its on-screen depiction, a devastating fire later gutted the building. Subsequent remodeling, although disappointing for fans, took place after the fire. However, with the announcement of the show’s return, Twede’s Cafe underwent a complete restoration to recapture its original appearance. Now, those seeking the famous Twin Peaks cherry pie or a “Damn Fine Cup O’ Coffee” can indulge in these delights at Twede’s.
3 Katz’s Delicatessen When Harry Met Sally
Katz’s Delicatessen has been delighting patrons with its pastrami since 1888, and its fame received an extra boost thanks to a scene from When Harry Met Sally. The iconic moment featuring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal enjoying a meal at Katz’s Deli became synonymous with the movie, and visitors can even capture the moment by taking a picture or sitting at the table from that famous scene.
Situated in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Katz’s Deli serves over 4,000 customers daily, maintaining its timeless appearance and a menu that has seen minimal changes over the years. While classics like the pastrami sandwich continue to be a crowd favorite, some updates have been made, including the addition of the Reuben sandwich 30 years ago, the cheesesteak a decade ago, and improvements to the cheesecakes. Sally’s choice in the movie may have been the turkey sandwich, but for those seeking the quintessential Katz’s experience, the pastrami sandwich is the way to go. As they say, “I’ll have what she’s having!”
2 Cheers Cheers
Step into the world where everybody knows your name and visit the bar that inspired the beloved TV show Cheers. Originally named Bull & Finch Pub, it caught the attention of producers who sought inspiration for the show. In the year of the TV series premiere, 1982, Boston magazine honored Bull & Finch Pub with the title of “Best Neighborhood Bar” in Boston.
Now known simply as Cheers, the bar is located in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, with a second location at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The interior faithfully recreates the look of the show, and visitors can explore a sizable gift shop offering Cheers merchandise. Enjoy draft beer served in a classic souvenir mug, and indulge in menu items like the Coach’s Club Sandwich, Frasier’s Chicken Panini, and the formidable Giant Norm Burger. Conquer the Norm Burger, and you’ll secure a spot on the wall for all to admire!
1 Monk’s Restaurant Seinfeld
Enter the world of Seinfeld, where Jerry and his friends made Monk’s Restaurant their go-to spot for coffee-fueled conversations. This iconic New York City location on the show was inspired by Tom’s Restaurant, situated in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Although most of the filming for the restaurant scenes occurred on a set in California, Tom’s Restaurant in New York is a place of pilgrimage for fans.
Tom’s boasts walls adorned with signed photographs and show memorabilia. Seinfeld enthusiasts can even order the famous “big salad,” priced at $17 with the option to add grilled chicken. Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, Tom’s offers a diverse menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, soups, steaks, and all-day breakfast. Its proximity to Columbia University makes it a popular choice among students, especially since the restaurant is open 24 hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tom’s proudly claims that every order is crafted with care because they “make it nice.”
