Buzz
Fans are drawn to real-world spots showcased in beloved films and series, particularly restaurants, where they can indulge in the same dishes as their favorite characters. While some of these eateries were actual filming sites, others inspired fictional counterparts. Below is a curated list of iconic fictional restaurants that exist in reality and are open for visits.
10. Top Notch Hamburgers – Dazed And Confused
The movie Dazed and Confused chronicles the adventures of teenagers on their final school day in Austin, Texas. Filmed across various Austin locales, one standout location is Top Notch Hamburgers, a beloved burger joint.
Dazed and Confused marked Matthew McConaughey’s debut in the acting world. In his opening scene, he arrives at Top Notch Hamburgers’ drive-in in his Chevelle and strikes up a conversation with a redheaded girl. He delivers one of his now-iconic lines, “Alright, alright, alright,” which remains a signature phrase to this day. These were his very first words on the big screen.
The original Top Notch Hamburgers, situated in Austin, retains its movie-era charm. Open daily, the restaurant offers a menu featuring burgers, fried chicken, fries, shakes, and more—alright, alright, alright!
9. The Bluebird Cafe – Nashville
The Bluebird Cafe plays a recurring role in the popular drama series Nashville. Several characters on the show are employed there, and it has hosted numerous performances by the cast. Since its introduction in 2012, the cafe has drawn millions of fans and aspiring musicians, solidifying its status as Nashville’s premier nightlife destination.
The actual Bluebird Cafe is nestled in a modest strip mall just outside downtown Nashville. This intimate venue accommodates fewer than 100 guests and offers a selection of drinks, appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. It’s renowned for showcasing emerging artists and songwriters, including Garth Brooks before he rose to stardom. A Nashville institution for over three decades, the cafe attracts more than 70,000 visitors each year.
8. Krusty Krab – SpongeBob SquarePants
Who resides in a pineapple beneath the waves? SpongeBob! SpongeBob SquarePants has cemented its place as one of the most beloved cartoons on TV, chronicling the underwater escapades of SpongeBob and his pals Patrick, Squidward, Gary, and Sandy. SpongeBob works at the Krusty Krab restaurant under Mr. Krabs. A real-life replica of the Krusty Krab has opened in Moscow.
The restaurant boasts ship barrel chairs and tables shaped like steering wheels, just like in the show, and even serves the iconic Krabby Patty burgers. The walls are adorned with designs matching the cartoon, and life-sized figures of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward are scattered throughout. The Krusty Krab Cafe offers an extensive menu featuring pizza, burgers, pasta, soups, salads, desserts, and more. Fans can now fulfill their dream of biting into a Krabby Patty.
7. Los Pollos Hermanos – Breaking Bad
Devotees of the acclaimed series Breaking Bad will recognize Los Pollos Hermanos as a fried chicken chain frequently visited by the show’s characters. Drug lord Gus Fring uses the restaurant as a cover for his meth operation, and protagonist Walter White is a regular customer.
While Los Pollos Hermanos isn’t a real chain, the building featured in the show is a burrito and burger joint called Twisters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Apart from the name, it’s a perfect replica of the fictional restaurant. The manager of Twisters reports increased profits and a surge in visitors, including fans from as far as China, eager to snap photos.
Twisters operates over 20 locations across New Mexico and Colorado. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the chain serves a variety of dishes, including omelettes, burgers, and burritos.
6. Mystic Pizza – Mystic Pizza
The 1988 film Mystic Pizza tells the story of three teenage girls navigating life and love while working at a pizza joint in Mystic, Connecticut. Starring Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, and Lili Taylor, the movie features a real pizza restaurant located in downtown Mystic.
Filmed on-site in Mystic and nearby towns, the movie drew massive attention to the restaurant. Fans once queued outside to visit the iconic location, and many still flock there to taste “A Slice of Heaven.” Due to its popularity, a second location was opened, and frozen pizzas are now sold in grocery stores. The restaurant’s gift shop also offers merchandise inspired by the film.
5. MacLaren’s – How I Met Your Mother
The popular TV series How I Met Your Mother ran on CBS from 2005 to 2014, following a father’s tale to his children about his adventures with four close friends and how he met their mother. Starring Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel, and others, the show’s central hub was MacLaren’s Pub. This bar was the backdrop for their most cherished moments, from battling for their favorite booth to bartending for the Arizona Tech marching band.
MacLaren’s is inspired by McGee’s, a real pub on 55th Street in Manhattan. The show’s iconic padded booths and muraled walls mirror McGee’s, and the fictional bar was named after the show’s production assistant, Carl MacLaren. McGee’s hosts trivia nights and serves cocktails like the Slutty Pumpkin and Pineapple Incident, inspired by the series.
Situated near Central Park, the Theater District, and Times Square, McGee’s features a How I Met Your Mother Monday with a themed menu. The pub collaborates with a TV and movie tour company, offering visitors a chance to explore the iconic location. Tour participants also enjoy a 15-percent discount. As Barney would say, when you’re feeling down, stop being sad and start being awesome—then head to McGee’s!
4. Double R Diner – Twin Peaks
Devotees of Twin Peaks will instantly recognize Twede’s Cafe in North Bend, Washington, as the inspiration for the Double R Diner, famous for its pie and coffee. In the 1990s series, the Double R Diner, owned by Norma Jennings, was a staple in the quirky town of Twin Peaks. The fictional diner was modeled after Twede’s Cafe, closely mirroring its real-life counterpart.
The cafe once mirrored its on-screen appearance, but a fire later devastated the building. After being remodeled, fans were initially disappointed. However, with the show’s revival, the cafe was restored to its original look. Visitors can still enjoy the iconic Twin Peaks cherry pie and “A Damn Fine Cup O’ Coffee” at Twede’s.
3. Monk’s Restaurant – Seinfeld
In the iconic TV series Seinfeld, Jerry and his pals often gathered at Monk’s Restaurant, sipping countless cups of coffee while discussing their lives. This spot is arguably the most famous New York City location from the show, inspired by Tom’s Restaurant. While Tom’s is situated in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, most of the restaurant scenes were filmed on a set in California.
Tom’s walls are adorned with signed photos and memorabilia from the show. Fans can even order the “big salad,” priced at $17 with grilled chicken. Located in Morningside Heights, the restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, soups, steaks, and all-day breakfast. Just blocks from Columbia University, Tom’s budget-friendly menu is a favorite among students, especially with its 24-hour service on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The restaurant proudly declares, “We make it nice,” ensuring every dish is satisfying.
2. Cheers – Cheers
Step into the bar where everybody knows your name, the real-life inspiration behind the beloved TV show Cheers. Originally named Bull & Finch Pub, this location was chosen by producers as the inspiration for the series. Premiering on September 30, 1982, the show quickly became a hit, and that same year, Boston magazine crowned Bull & Finch Pub as the “Best Neighborhood Bar” in Boston.
Now named Cheers, the bar is located in Beacon Hill, with a second branch at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The interior mirrors the show’s set, complete with a gift shop offering Cheers memorabilia. Patrons can enjoy draft beer in souvenir mugs and dishes like the Coach’s Club Sandwich, Frasier’s Chicken Panini, and the Giant Norm Burger. Finishing the Norm Burger earns you a spot on their wall of fame!
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – When Harry Met Sally
Katz’s Delicatessen, serving pastrami since 1888, gained further fame from a scene in When Harry Met Sally. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal shared a meal at Katz’s during the movie’s most iconic moment, and visitors can now sit at the same table or snap a photo there.
Situated in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the deli serves over 4,000 customers daily. The restaurant has maintained its classic look and menu, with additions like the Reuben sandwich 30 years ago, the cheesesteak a decade ago, and upgraded cheesecakes. While the pastrami sandwich is the star, Sally’s turkey sandwich from the movie remains a fan favorite. As they say, “I’ll have what she’s having!”
