No matter if they're at home in L.A., relaxing in the Hamptons, or shooting a movie in Atlanta, celebrities are taken to the best (and, ahem, priciest) places to dine. Maybe there's some kind of secret restaurant guide that stars are given when they make it big. Or maybe, they all share recommendations on set. Whatever the reason, famous people seem to frequent a specific grouping of hotspots. And since we're always wondering what our favorite celebs are up to, we decided to compile a list of said go-to eateries.
Ahead, discover the restaurants, cafés, and bakeries all across America where you just might spot a star. Just make sure to check the menu before heading over. At some of these places, just getting a drink could take a serious bite out of your non-Hollywood paycheck. Maybe that's why the paparazzi are always waiting outside.
South City Kitchen, Atlanta
With more and more film industry jobs moving to Atlanta, the celebrity sightings in Georgia’s capital city are skyrocketing. One popular spot is South City Kitchen, which has locations in Midtown, Buckhead, and Vinings. The restaurant is known for its modern and sophisticated take on traditional southern cuisine.
Photo: Courtesy of South City Kitchen.
South City Kitchen has served the likes of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, Tom Hanks, and Ben Affleck. Comedy goddess Melissa McCarthy was spotted dining at the Midtown location last spring while on location to shoot her recent film The Boss.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Sonsie, Boston
The big New England city attracts tourists of all kinds, including celebrity ones, so of course, there are quite a few top-notch restaurants in Boston where you can occasionally spot A-listers. Sonsie has been a staple of the famous Newbury Street for over 21 years.
Photo: Courtesy of Sonsie.
Both Boston-native celebs and celebrity visitors stop by Sonsie for international cuisine from award-winning chef Bill Poirier. Jon Hamm and Katie Holmes have both been spotted there, and it’s a favorite brunch spot for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic.
Blue Duck Tavern, Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital is crawling with the political elite, but government leaders aren’t the only big names that frequent this restaurant. Located in elegant Georgetown, Blue Duck Tavern is known for rustic American cuisine made with the seasonal, local ingredients.
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Duck Tavern.
Past famous Blue Duck Tavern diners include Ben Affleck, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks, and Oprah. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle even celebrated their 17th anniversary with dinner at the tavern.
Photo: Chris Radburn/Getty Images.
Casa Vega, Los Angeles
With a huge population of celebrities living in L.A., there are tons of dining options to visit for sightings. Among the favorites is Casa Vega, a family-owned Mexican joint that’s been open for over five decades. It was opened in 1956 by Rafael Vega and is now run by his daughter, Christina Vega Fowler.
Photo: Courtesy of Casa Vega.
Casa Vega's extensive menu of authentic Mexican fare draws in the rich and famous, including Mila Kunis, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Nicole Richie, and Avril Lavigne. Fowler told Discover Los Angeles that Casa Vega is a popular spot for celebrities because it provides an opportunity for anonymity. She said, “The restaurant is so dark that regular guests could be dining next to a big-time A-list celebrity and have no idea."
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
The Ivy, Los Angeles
Yet another top spot for celebs to dine in Los Angeles is The Ivy. MSNBC once called it, “a celebrity beehive that sees a constant stream of Hummers, Mercedes, and Jaguars pull up and discharge folks who pay through the nose to be seen eating in public.” Something about The Ivy's contemporary American fare and country cottage decor has kept stars coming back time and time again ever since it opened back in 1983.
Photo: Courtesy of The Ivy.
The Ivy is rumored to be Demi Moore's favorite restaurant; other celebs frequently sighted there include Justin Bieber, Reese Witherspoon, and Kim Kardashian.
Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.
Tao Asian Bistro, Las Vegas
Between games of blackjack and club promotions, many famous visitors to Vegas enjoy dining at Tao Asian Bistro in the Venetian. In January, Vegas Magazine reported that Tao Asian Bistro is currently the highest grossing restaurant in the United States.
Photo: Courtesy of Tao.
Tao's Asian fusion cuisine from chef Ralph Scamardella attracts celebs like Amy Adams, Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, Nick Jonas, and Wiz Khalifa, who reportedly dined there over Memorial Day weekend.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
75 Main, Southampton, New York
Many New York-based stars love to flit off to the Hamptons for the weekend, especially during the summer. This Southampton restaurant, however, is popping all year round with an impressive celebrity clientele. The hand-made pasta, extensive wine list, and state-of-the art lounge add up to the ultimate dining experience.
Photo: Matthew Peyton/Getty Images.
Some celebs that frequent 75 Main are Jodie Foster, Vice President Joe Biden, Howard Stern, Paris Hilton, Kelly Ripa, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kim and Kourtney Kardashian.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Hub 51 , Chicago
The biggest city in the midwest has tons of world-class dining options. One of the most popular among stars is Hub 51 in River North, the spot serves everything from sushi and tacos to sandwiches and burgers.
Photo: Courtesy of Hub51.
Notable guests of Hub 51 include Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Jessica Simpson, and Lindsay Lohan. Michigan Avenue Magazine wrote that Kutcher and Kunis are big fans of the carrot cake.
Photo: Todd Williamson/Getty Images.
Poogan's Porch, Charleston, South Carolina
If you're looking to experience low country cuisine with Southern charm fit for a celeb, Poogan's is just the place. Located in a restored Victorian Home, the restaurant offers brunch, lunch, and dinner every single day. It also has a state-of-the-art wine cellar and is one of Charleston's oldest independently run restaurants.
Photo: Courtesy of Poogan’s Porch.
Poogan's website boasts that it has been a popular spot among well-known celebrities and politicians since opening back in 1976. Some of the more recent famous fans are Amanda Seyfried, Calvin Klein, and Bette Midler.
Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images.
Loveless Cafe , Nashville, Tennessee
Another Southern spot popular among celebs is the Loveless Cafe. Country stars come in droves to enjoy the comfort food, particularly the biscuits, country ham, and red-eye gravy. Loveless' food has received numerous awards, such as Best Biscuits by Food Network.
Photo: Brian Jannsen/Alamy.
Loveless Cafe's nearly 400,000 visitors a year include the likes of Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Martha Stewart. It was also one of Al Gore's favorite places to dine during his presidential campaign travels back in 2000.
Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images.
Zuma , Miami
With locations all over the world, Zuma has a reputation for incredible Japanese cuisine and a unique izakaya dining style. Zuma Miami attracts stars with its downtown location and waterfront views. If you dine there, make sure you're as smartly dressed as the rich and famous; beachwear and shorts are not allowed.
Photo: Courtesy of Zuma.
According to Forbes, another key feature of Zuma that draws in famous diners is the "discrete first-class staff." They expertly serve musicians, athletes, and actors, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Will Smith, Janet Jackson, and David Beckham.
Photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images.
Le Panier , Seattle
The see-and-be-seen spot in this rainy city is a little French bakery called Le Panier. Located in the heart of the famous Pike Place Market, the bakery is co-owned by Thierry Mougin, a French-trained pastry chef from Normandy. Le Panier offers an assortment of more than 75 different classic French baked goods made with local and seasonal ingredients.
Photo: Courtesy of Le Panier.
Celebrities who have stopped by Le Panier include Michael Keaton and Lauren Bacall. According to co-owner Kristi Drake, Martha Stewart even came by one Sunday afternoon and quietly bought a baguette, one of the spot's most popular items.
Photo: Monica Schipper/WireImage.
Guero’s Taco Bar , Austin
In a town known for Tex-Mex, this taco bar stands out. Located in an old feed and seed store on South Congress Avenue, Guero is known for its live music, fresh margaritas, and handmade corn tortillas.
Photo: Courtesy of Gueros.
Guero's is a popular dining spot for locals and tourists, alike, and it gets lots of love during SXSW every year. Hot shots like Ryan Gosling, Quentin Tarantino, and Bill Clinton have been spotted chowing down on the famous tacos.
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
The Spotted Pig, New York
The most populous city in the United States is home to a whole lot of celebs. And in this city, everyone likes to eat out, including the stars. A popular restaurant among well known actors and singers is The Spotted Pig. This West Village gastropub is even co-owned by British celebrity chef April Bloomfield.
Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images.
The Spotted Pig's seasonal British and Italian offerings and its Michelin Star keep well-known New Yorkers coming back. Among them are Jay Z and Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Ryan Gosling, and siblings Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Photo: Lester Cohen/WireImage.
Red Rooster, New York
Named after an iconic Harlem speakeasy, Red Rooster not only serves up legendary comfort food, it's also a place that celebrates local artists and musicians, and honors the history of the neighborhood. The restaurant is co-owned by Marcus Samuelsson, whom you have probably seen as a judge on Food Network's Chopped.
Photo: Mike Pont/Getty Images.
Red Rooster has served the likes of Denzel Washington, Neil Patrick Harris, and Katie Holmes. Recently, comedy writer and actress Mindy Kaling took a trip to New York and went directly to Red Rooster from the airport. She also once wrote, "If you want me to fall in love with you, take me to Red Rooster."
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