10 Real Restaurants as Seen on TV and in Movies

When tuning into to watch your favorite movie or TV show, you’ll undoubtedly come across at least a few scenes that take place in bars or restaurants. While some of these scenes are actually filmed in studios, a significant number take place in real bars and restaurants that you can be visited and dined in. The following list includes 10 real restaurants you’ll recognize from movies and TV shows, and lets you know where to find them.

Tom’s Restaurant – “Seinfeld”

Perhaps the most recognizable restaurant in the TV universe, the exterior of Monk’s Café is actually New York City’s own Tom’s Restaurant. While cropping out part of the restaurant’s bright-red neon sign initially helped conceal the restaurant’s true identity, it didn’t take long before the secret was out. Located on the corner of W 112 ^th St., Tom’s Restaurant is a popular tourist attraction and pays homage to the legendary sitcom by featuring a variety of Seinfeld paraphernalia on its walls. While scenes inside the restaurant were shot in a Hollywood studio, there’s no denying the impact that brief shots of its exterior had on the popularity of Tom’s Restaurant.

Holsten’s – “The Sopranos”

In the most iconic scene from what is arguably the greatest drama in television history, it’s a small ice cream shop in Bloomfield, NJ that plays a starring role. Holsten’s, an old-fashioned ice cream shop that doubles as a diner, is the location the final scene in The Sopranos’ tension-filled finale. Today, Holsten’s wears the honor with pride, showcasing pictures of the show’s cast and highlighting the booth sat in by the Soprano family. The ice cream shop was also a spot where fans of the show gathered to mourn the sudden death of actor James Gandolfini in 2013.

L Street Tavern – “Good Will Hunting”

Boston locals Matt Damon and Ben Affleck had been hanging out at the L Street Tavern long enough to know it was the perfect location for a movie scene. Located in the South End neighborhood of Boston, the tavern served as a night-time rendezvous spot in “Good Will Hunting” for Damon, Affleck, and a couple of their friends. Although the bar has undergone a significant face lift since the movie was made 20 years ago, the L Street Tavern is still thriving in the same location.

Johnie’s Coffee Shop – “The Big Lebowski” and “Reservoir Dogs”

While this coffee shop closed its doors for good in 2000, it still stands proudly as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Making appearances in two legendary movies as well several other films and a couple music videos, Johnnie’s Coffee Shop was renamed Bernie’s Coffee Shop in 2016 when it served as a campaign office for Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid. Although it no longer serves coffee, Bernie’s Coffee Shop still attracts visitors for its place in film history and its beautiful graffiti murals that helped raise awareness for Bernie Sanders.

Polidor – “Midnight in Paris”

One of two restaurants on this list located outside the United States, Restaurant Polidor is found in Paris, France. A historic restaurant, the place was founded all the way back in 1845 and is renowned for being frequented by writers like James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, and more. Woody Allen used the restaurant with great success in 2011’s “Midnight in Paris,” a movie about a writer who travels back in time and meets his heroes from the past. Today, the restaurant remains popular—especially among local university students.

Top Notch Hamburgers – “Dazed and Confused”

This classic drive-in is located in Austin, TX and served as just one of the many locales in 1993’s cult classic “Dazed and Confused.” Built in the 1970s, Top Notch Hamburgers was the perfect hang out spot for teenagers in the movie—which took place in 1976. Today, the restaurant still offers drive-in style dining and is well-known throughout the city for its tasty fried chicken and charcoal-grilled burgers.

Kat’s Deli – “When Harry Met Sally”

As if the legendary Katz deli in Manhattan doesn’t garner enough attention for its delicious sandwiches, the location can also be seen in several films and TV shows. The deli’s most popular appearance occurred in a scene with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally.” A sign even hangs in the Deli, informing diners of the exact booth where the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene was shot. 

Twede’s Cafe – “Twin Peaks”

Known as the Double R Diner on “Twin Peaks,” Twede’s Café is located in North Bend, Washington and was previously known as the Mart-T Café. Less than 45 minutes from Seattle, the small-town restaurant features the gorgeous backdrop of local Mount Si. Twede’s Café makes almost everything from scratch and prides itself on upholding the reputation it has on Twin Peaks. This means the café serves a delicious, classic cherry pie and a “Damn fine cup o’ coffee.”

The 101 Coffee Shop – “Swingers”

This old-school diner has a funky 1960s vibe and was the perfect place for characters in the 1996 comedy classic Swingers to grab late-night meals. True to the movie, The 101 Coffee Shop is located in Hollywood and open daily until 3AM. The restaurant was also featured on the HBO show “Entourage” and prides itself on using fresh ingredients procured from the Hollywood farmer’s market. If you’re stopping by for a meal, you can’t go wrong with the popular Cajun Catfish and Eggs. 

The New York Bar – “Lost in Translation”

Contrary to its name, this bar is actually located on the 52 ^nd floor of the Park Hyatt in Tokyo, Japan. With a gorgeous view that overlooks the city, The New York Bar features live jazz every night—just like in the movie. But before making the 52-story trek up to this opulent bar, be aware that drinks won’t come cheaply, and there’s a cover charge if you arrive after 8PM (7PM on Sundays).