It's not everyday that you are sitting in Le Pain Quotidien when Alec Baldwin and Mark Ruffalo sit down next to you for a lunch date, which happened to my friend at NYU. If only it were that easy to spot a celeb
But whether you are in New York, Vegas or LA, there are restaurants - "cult restaurants" - that draw celebrities (and their Instagram followers). Here are seven of the most popular:
1. Casa Vega, Los Angeles
This restaurant's authentic Mexican cuisine draws in the company of everyone from Mila Kunis to Selena Gomez to Avril Lavigne. According to Refinery29, celebs love this spot because of its dark atmosphere, allowing for anonymous dining. Hit this place up for your next #tacotuesday.
2. Frank Restaurant, NYC
This East Village restaurant is a favorite of Chrissy Teigen, who often tweets about their lasagne (a Thursday special). She told Elle, "they just have such wonderfully homey Italian food." Hopefully she will include her own version in her next cookbook.
3. JG Melon Downtown, NYC
We all know (and love) Gigi Hadid for saying "'Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane." Gigi's favorite burger is from this restaurant, which is known for their super simple, no-frills burger. Jimmy Fallon heard how much she loved them and ordered them for her when she appeared on his show.
4. Nobu, Malibu (actually, worldwide)
A Kardashian birthday would not be complete without a celebration at this notorious sushi joint. (Bonus points: it is right on the ocean.) This is also a very popular date spot. Just a few months ago, J-Lo and A-Rod were spotted getting cozy over their edamame.
5. Polo Bar, NYC
This Manhattan spot, owned by fashion icon Ralph Lauren, is a hit among celebrities, including Hilary Clinton and Christie Brinkely as reported by People. Drop in during New York Fashion Week and you are guaranteed to spot a celeb between shows.
6. Beauty & Essex, Las Vegas
The restaurant, which also has a location in NYC, opened its Vegas restaurant two years ago and a slew of celebrities showed up for its opening. Everyone from Ellen Pompeo to Janice King came to the opening at the Cosmopolitan. Sharing mac and cheese sliders with Lea Michelle? I'm in.
7. The Nice Guy Restaurant, West Hollywood
The Goodfellas-inspired restaurant and bar is a favorite among celebs due to its no photos policy (sorry anyone trying to get Justin Bieber on their Snapchat story). This classic Italian spot with light-fare and custom cocktails hosted Justin Timberlake's 40th birthday party. Our invite must have gotten lost in the mail.