From the Bay Area to San Diego, several bars and restaurants across California have become known for their appearances in famous movies. These establishments continue to attract visitors who want to experience locations featured in classic films.
In Sacramento, Club Raven—known locally as “The Dirty Bird”—appeared briefly in the 2017 film Lady Bird. While the main character did not enter the bar, it remains a recognizable spot for fans of the movie.
The Tides Wharf & Restaurant in Bodega Bay was used in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. The owner reportedly allowed filming there after being promised a small speaking role. Today, guests can visit for seafood and cocktails or attend events like piano nights and crab feeds.
San Francisco’s Tosca Cafe is another notable location. It appeared in Basic Instinct, where Michael Douglas’ character is seen drinking after falling off the wagon. The cafe’s signature drink, “House Cappuccino 1919,” dates back to Prohibition and contains Armagnac, bourbon, and chocolate ganache. When Tosca Cafe faced closure in 2013, Sean Penn was said to have helped keep it open.
The Hitching Post II in Buellton gained fame from Sideways as a setting where Paul Giamatti’s character criticized Merlot wines. Known for Santa Maria-style barbecue and its own winery, the restaurant offers a variety of red wines including Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Burbank’s Smoke House has connections to multiple Best Picture nominees: La La Land and Argo both filmed scenes there. Established near Warner Bros. Studios since 1946, it has long been popular among Hollywood insiders such as Bob Hope and George Clooney.
The Dresden bar in Los Angeles featured prominently in Swingers (1996), with house musicians Marty & Elayne still performing regularly today. The menu includes longstanding cocktails like The Dresden Blood & Sand.
Formosa Café in West Hollywood appeared in L.A. Confidential (1997) during a scene involving Kevin Spacey and Guy Pearce’s characters alongside a fictional Lana Turner. Since opening in 1939 near United Artists studios, it has hosted celebrities from Clark Gable to Brad Pitt.
The Prince Bar & Restaurant in Koreatown served as a filming location for Chinatown (1974) with Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson meeting there for drinks. Its booths have also been seen on TV shows like Mad Men and New Girl; patrons often order Korean-style fried chicken while visiting.
Cicada Restaurant & Club is located inside an Art Deco building downtown Los Angeles and became famous as the site of Julia Roberts’ memorable dinner scene with Richard Gere in Pretty Woman (1990). Although escargot is no longer offered regularly, retro cocktails remain available along with live music events.
Paco’s Tacos Cantina provided the backdrop for Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger’s first date scene in Jerry Maguire (1996). Diners can sit by the aquarium shown onscreen or try classic Mexican dishes paired with margaritas; this venue also appeared on CHiPs during the 1970s.
Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace was built originally as part of western film sets funded by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry near Joshua Tree National Park before becoming an actual bar hosting musical acts today.
Kansas City Barbecue in San Diego hosted Top Gun’s iconic singing scene featuring Tom Cruise’s character Maverick serenading his love interest; memorabilia from local military personnel now lines its walls alongside items celebrating Top Gun.
