When you tell stories of your travels to friends and family members, don't they sound more interesting when you throw in tidbits like “this is where Brad and Angelina take their kids for ice cream.” Fret no more. Here are a few iconic Hollywood eateries and watering holes that were once – or still are – the hangouts of our favorite celebrities.
Musso & Frank's
Musso and Frank's was established in 1919 and is the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Located at the northwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Cherokee Avenue, Musso & Frank's is the favorite dining place and watering hole of such stars as Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, Al Pacino, Brad Pitt, the Rolling Stones and Tom Selleck. Renowned writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, Orson Wells, and even Hemingway frequented Musso and Frank's for drinks, martinis and mint juleps. Musso & Frank's serves old-fashioned American and continental food – their menu, a throw back to the old days of Hollywood. Musso and Frank's is a rather dimly-lit place that Seeing-Stars calls “the ultimate film noir setting, with its wood-paneled walls, high-sided mahogany booths, and elderly career waiters in bright red jackets."
Pink's
Pink's is the famous hotdog stand that has been serving stars, tourists and locals alike since 1939 – in the exact same location. Located in the corner of Melrose and La Brea, Pink's has been serving the likes of Jay Leno, Bruce Willis, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Hanks; music icons Snoop Dog, Aerosmith, Lionel Richie, Aretha Franklin, and Celine Dion; models Tyra Banks and Molly Sims, fashion god Karl Lagerfeld, the casts of Everybody Loves Raymond and West Wing and thousands more. Pink's has been called “the great equalizer of Hollywood” because everybody has to stand in line – and at Pink's, there's always a line.
The Pig'n Whistle
The Pig'n Whistle first opened its doors in 1927, but then closed down in 1950. The Pig'n Whistle underwent a $1.5 million dollar renovation in 1999, and reopened its doors in 2001. An upscale Hollywood restaurant, The Pig'n Whistle offers everything from delicious steaks, gourmet sandwiches, calamari, to British pub favorites like Fish & Chips. The host of the first Oscar after-party and Judy Garland's 15th birthday, the Pig'n Whistle has served the likes of Shirley Temple and other Hollywood stars in the 30's and 40's.
The Rainbow Bar and Grill
The Rainbow Bar and Grill became famous for being the haunt of rock stars. Located along Sunset Strip in West Hollywwod, the Rainbow Bar and Grill opened in 1972 with a party for Elton John. It's the place where John Belushi ate his last meal and where Joe DiMagggio and Marilyn Monroe met on a blind date. Music icons like John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and Alice Cooper were regulars at the place during the 70's, and it is during this time that The Rainbow Bar and Grill started to become known as the hangout of musicians. In the 80's, it was rock bands like Motley Crue, Poison and Guns N' Roses who were regularly seen at the place.