Stars aren’t just mixing it up on screen—they’re shaking cocktails behind real bars too. From A-list actors to chart-topping musicians, Hollywood’s elite have poured their creativity and cash into watering holes where fans can sip alongside stardom. These celebrity-owned establishments offer more than just bragging rights; they showcase the personalities and passions of the famous faces who dreamed them up.
1. Tramp Stamp Granny’s – Darren Criss’s Musical Playground
The “Glee” star’s West Hollywood hangout blends dive-bar grit with theatrical flair. Pink neon lights illuminate karaoke nights where tipsy patrons belt show tunes alongside occasional celebrity guests.
Criss designed this space as a living room for Broadway enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. The mid-century aesthetic features vintage furniture and cheeky decor that makes you feel like you’re drinking in your coolest grandmother’s basement.
Opened in 2018, it quickly became a hotspot for theater kids and Hollywood insiders seeking unpretentious fun. Don’t miss their signature “Teenage Dream” cocktail—a sweet nod to Criss’s breakout Katy Perry cover.
2. Santo – Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar’s Tequila Temple
When Food Network’s spiky-haired sensation teamed up with rock legend Sammy Hagar, tequila magic happened. Their Vegas hotspot Santo combines Fieri’s over-the-top culinary approach with Hagar’s rock-and-roll spirit.
Walls adorned with guitars and flames set the tone for this rowdy establishment. Weekend crowds three-deep at the bar clamor for signature margaritas rimmed with Fieri’s secret spice blend.
The duo’s friendship formed over shared love for big flavors and bigger personalities. Santo represents their vision of the perfect party spot—where food meets music, and every night feels like a backstage pass to Flavortown.
3. Nobu – Robert De Niro’s Culinary Empire
Though renowned for sushi, Nobu’s bar scene deserves its own standing ovation. De Niro’s partnership with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa created this global phenomenon where A-listers regularly occupy the sleek bar seats.
The Malibu location offers breathtaking ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Bartenders craft Japanese-inspired cocktails featuring yuzu, shiso, and rare Japanese whiskeys while maintaining the discretion celebrities crave.
What began as a New York hotspot expanded to over 40 locations worldwide. De Niro’s business savvy transformed a restaurant concept into a lifestyle brand where the bar experience rivals the dining—making it the perfect spot for star-spotting over sake.
4. Wahlburgers – Mark Wahlberg’s Family Affair
From rapper to actor to restaurateur, Mark Wahlberg brought Boston attitude to the bar scene. Alongside brothers Donnie and Paul, the Wahlberg clan created a sports bar-meets-burger joint that’s multiplied faster than Mark’s film credits.
The bar area features memorabilia from Mark’s boxing film “The Fighter” and Donnie’s New Kids on the Block days. Television screens broadcast Boston sports while bartenders pour “Wahlbrewskis”—the house lager developed specifically for the chain.
Family recipes inspire both the menu and cocktail list. Their mom Alma’s favorite drink, a cranberry vodka concoction called “Alma’s Favorite,” remains the bestseller at all locations—proving mother knows best, even in Hollywood.
5. SUR Restaurant & Lounge – Lisa Vanderpump’s Reality TV Hotspot
Before Bravo cameras invaded, SUR was simply a sexy West Hollywood lounge. British restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump transformed it into reality television’s most dramatic workplace, where aspiring actors serve cocktails between filmed confrontations.
Crystal chandeliers hang above plush white seating while bartenders mix the famous “Pumptini.” The garden patio, draped in fabric and fairy lights, hosts countless televised breakups and makeups.
Despite its manufactured drama, SUR delivers legitimate upscale Mediterranean cuisine and creative cocktails. Vanderpump’s perfectionist touch ensures every detail—from the signature pink roses to the staff’s impossibly good looks—creates an atmosphere where customers feel like they’ve stepped onto a Bravo set.
6. Pump Restaurant – Vanderpump’s Garden Oasis
Lisa Vanderpump’s second West Hollywood venture created an enchanted forest in the middle of the city. Ancient olive trees transported from Italy create a Mediterranean atmosphere where cocktails flow as freely as reality TV tears.
The indoor-outdoor space features Vanderpump’s signature pink touches amid rustic stone walls. Bartenders in crisp pink shirts serve “Pump and Glory” cocktails to tables of wide-eyed tourists hoping to spot a Housewife in the wild.
Though less dramatic than SUR, Pump cultivated its own following through Vanderpump’s exquisite eye for design. The restaurant sadly closed in 2023 after lease disputes, but its legacy as one of Hollywood’s most photogenic drinking spots remains immortalized in countless Instagram posts.
7. TomTom – Tom Sandoval and Lisa Vanderpump’s Industrial Chic Bar
When reality star Tom Sandoval partnered with Lisa Vanderpump, they created a steampunk fantasy bar that defies expectations. Mechanical clock gears turn on walls while bartenders in suspenders craft molecular cocktails that smoke and bubble.
The bar’s centerpiece—custom motorcycle handlebars that dispense liquor—reflects Sandoval’s flair for theatrical mixology. Private booths featuring the owners’ portraits in Victorian garb add to the whimsical atmosphere.
Despite personal scandals that rocked the Vanderpump universe, TomTom remains a West Hollywood staple. The bar survived where others failed by offering genuinely innovative drinks alongside the reality show connection—proving substance can coexist with Bravo-style style.
8. The Nice Guy – John Terzian’s Celebrity Sanctuary
Though not owned by a traditional celebrity, John Terzian’s The Nice Guy earned its place on this list by becoming Hollywood’s most exclusive hideaway. The mafia-inspired lounge enforces a strict no-photography policy that attracts A-listers from Justin Bieber to Drake.
Leather booths hidden behind heavy curtains offer privacy rarely found in Los Angeles. Bartenders in bow ties mix old-school cocktails while a baby grand piano occasionally hosts impromptu performances by famous patrons.
The restaurant’s unmarked exterior and reservation-only policy create an air of mystery. Inside, the Italian-American comfort food and potent martinis keep Hollywood’s elite returning night after night, making Terzian a celebrity in his own right among the industry’s inner circle.
9. Schwartz & Sandy’s – Tom Schwartz’s Nostalgic Lounge
Reality TV star Tom Schwartz’s Franklin Village venture embraces retro vibes with wood-paneled walls and vintage arcade games. The cocktail menu reads like a trip through Schwartz’s Midwestern childhood, featuring drinks named after 80s movie references.
Orange booths and disco balls create a funky atmosphere where patrons can enjoy both craft cocktails and nostalgic junk food. Despite opening amid reality TV drama, the bar found its footing with locals who appreciate its unpretentious approach.
Schwartz regularly bartends, creating an accessible celebrity experience. Though the establishment closed in 2023 following various scandals, it represented a genuine attempt to create a neighborhood bar with Hollywood connections—proving even reality stars sometimes just want to create a place where everybody knows your name.
10. Rock & Reilly’s – Pauly Shore’s Irish Pub Revolution
Comedian Pauly Shore transformed the traditional Irish pub concept into a Hollywood hotspot. The Sunset Strip location features reclaimed wood, vintage photos of Shore’s comedy heroes, and a rooftop patio with panoramic city views.
Bartenders sling Irish whiskey flights alongside craft beer. Weekend nights turn rowdy with Shore occasionally grabbing the mic for impromptu comedy sets between pouring shots for starstruck patrons.
What began as a vanity project evolved into a legitimate bar empire with locations in Park City and New York. Shore’s commitment to authentic pub atmosphere combined with Hollywood accessibility created a winning formula that appeals to both tourists and industry insiders looking for a genuine good time without velvet ropes.
11. On The Rocks – Dwayne Johnson’s Tequila Tavern
The Rock’s foray into hospitality brings his larger-than-life personality to every detail. Located in Beverly Hills, the sleek establishment features stone walls resembling the wrestler-turned-actor’s famous tattoos and a gym-inspired back bar where bottles hang from what look like weight racks.
Bartenders in fitted black t-shirts serve Teremana tequila cocktails with theatrical flair. The signature drink, “The People’s Margarita,” arrives with a smoke-filled dome that dissipates to reveal Johnson’s famous eyebrow raised in chocolate powder.
Despite the celebrity connection, the bar maintains reasonable prices and a welcoming atmosphere. Johnson makes monthly appearances, often jumping behind the bar to shake cocktails while taking selfies with fans—proving his work ethic extends beyond film sets.
12. The Viper Room – Johnny Depp’s Legendary Rock Den
Though Depp sold his ownership years ago, this Sunset Strip landmark remains synonymous with his rebellious 90s persona. The black-walled club hosted secret performances by Tom Petty and Johnny Cash during Depp’s tenure.
Underground tunnels reportedly allowed celebrities to enter undetected. The dark interior, barely illuminated by red lights, created an atmosphere of mystery that attracted both music lovers and controversy.
Despite its troubled history, including River Phoenix’s tragic death outside its doors, The Viper Room cemented itself in Hollywood lore. Recent renovations maintain the rock-and-roll spirit while updating the sound system and cocktail menu—ensuring this piece of Depp’s legacy continues inspiring new generations of music-loving night owls.
13. Avalon Hollywood – Nick Cannon’s Dance Empire
The multi-hyphenate entertainer transformed this historic Hollywood theater into a nightlife destination where electronic music meets celebrity culture. The massive main room features state-of-the-art sound systems beneath a ceiling that changes colors with the DJ’s beats.
VIP booths overlooking the dance floor offer bottle service with a side of people-watching. Cannon occasionally takes over DJ duties, bringing his energetic hosting style behind the turntables.
The venue’s rich history—it once hosted The Beatles’ first West Coast performance—adds gravitas to the modern club experience. Cannon’s influence blends hip-hop culture with EDM, creating a space where different Hollywood scenes collide on the dance floor beneath disco balls and laser lights.
14. Employees Only – Mila Kunis’s Speakeasy Investment
The actress quietly backed this West Hollywood transplant of the famous New York speakeasy. Hidden behind a psychic’s storefront, the bar requires guests to pass through beaded curtains to discover a world of prohibition-era cocktails and Art Deco glamour.
Bartenders in white coats shake classics like the “Ready Fire Aim”—a spicy mezcal concoction that became Kunis’s favorite. The kitchen serves until closing time, offering sophisticated comfort food to soak up the potent libations.
Kunis keeps her investment low-key, occasionally slipping in unannounced to enjoy the bar’s famous chicken soup. Her business approach mirrors the establishment’s philosophy—substance over flash, quality over celebrity—creating an authentic experience that stands on craftsmanship rather than star power.
15. 40 Love – Ryan Phillippe’s Sports Bar Reimagined
The actor’s tennis-themed sports bar serves championship-level cocktails in a setting that feels more country club than sports dive. Vintage tennis rackets and green court-inspired accents create a preppy atmosphere where Hollywood’s athletic set gathers to watch games.
Outdoor cabanas surrounding fire pits offer private viewing areas for big matches. Phillippe occasionally hosts charity tennis tournaments on the establishment’s rooftop court, bringing his celebrity friends for exhibitions that benefit local youth sports programs.
The cocktail menu features clever names like “The Backhand” and “Love-All.” Despite its upscale approach to sports viewing, 40 Love maintains accessible pricing and a welcoming vibe—reflecting Phillippe’s desire to create a gathering place that transcends typical sports bar limitations.
