The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Hollywood’s Influencer Hangouts

The Evolution of Celebrity Hangouts: From Glamour to Low-Key Chic

Back in Hollywood’s heyday — you know, the 2000s — the town’s eateries were almost as famous as their A-list patrons. Places like Spago, The Polo Lounge, and Dan Tana’s drew throngs of stars who dodged hordes of paparazzi to slip into their packed dining rooms. Fast forward to 2024, and today’s celebrities — the kind you’ll find on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube — prefer stealthier, low-key establishments. Some aren’t even restaurants at all but high-end grocery stores, gyms, and coffee shops.

The Hollywood Reporter recently spoke to more than a dozen influencers and social media experts to curate a map of where tastemakers gather in 2024, not just to eat and drink but to shoot their latest posts. What we learned is that the menus matter less than a venue’s lighting and camera-ready ambiance. As one TikToker aptly put it, “You’re going to pick the place that you get the shot.”

1. The Bungalow

Owned by The Hills vet Brent Bolthouse, The Bungalow in Santa Monica boasts a breathtaking coastal view that attracts a range of A- to D-listers. Lady Gaga is a frequent visitor, while niche celebs like James Kennedy also grace the lounge. Bolthouse notes that they often nurture creator relationships by offering tables with no minimums and complimentary drinks to influencers who resonate with their brand. “We’re grabbing and catching,” he explains, highlighting the organic nature of celebrity patronage.

2. The Victorian

This Santa Monica restaurant and event space is a hub for both public parties and exclusive gatherings for young Hollywood. Partner Adir Tal emphasizes the importance of embracing influencers rather than resenting them. “We built a beautiful facility that influencers love to be at and take content at, and we allow it,” he states. The Victorian has become a go-to spot where celebrities pop in to show support, creating an inviting atmosphere for social media sharing.

3. Belles Beach House

With its tiki-themed decor, Belles Beach House in Venice is a hotspot for influencers looking to capture the perfect brunch shot. TikToker Kaila Uli describes it as a place where people-watching is encouraged, and the staff actively promotes picture-taking. High-profile influencers like Emma Chamberlain and Kendall Jenner have collaborated with Belles to promote their brands, making it a must-visit for content creators.

4. ALO Gym

Nestled above the Alo Beverly Hills HQ, ALO Gym is an exclusive, members-only fitness haven known for its enviable facilities, including infrared saunas and cryotherapy chambers. Influencers like Glen Powell and Kaia Gerber frequent the gym, but it’s the in-crowd influencers like Jake Shane and Alix Earle who make it a social hub. The gym also features production studios where creators can record podcasts post-workout, blending fitness and content creation seamlessly.

5. Gracias Madre

This West Hollywood vegan Mexican restaurant offers a well-appointed open dining room perfect for both dining and social media posts. With cozy indoor and outdoor nooks, Gracias Madre provides a respite from the public eye while still being a prime location for influencers to capture aesthetically pleasing content. Plus, the food is a hit, making it a double win for patrons.

6. Barney’s Beanery

Once a staple gastropub, Barney’s Beanery has transformed into a Gen Z hangout, described by influencer Marco DelVecchio as “like Soho House, except you don’t have to pay membership fees and the food is actually good.” The Santa Monica and West Hollywood locations are particularly popular among young fame, attracting influencers like Love Island breakout Rob Rausch and veteran YouTuber iDubbbz.

7. Offsunset

Since its opening in 2021, Offsunset has built its celebrity cred through curated guest lists that have included the likes of Leo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian. Originally exclusive, the venue is now open to the public, drawing a mix of TikTokers, Instagram models, and YouTubers on weekend nights. The allure of Offsunset lies in its ability to attract the ultra-wealthy and the social media-savvy alike.

8. Community Goods

This unassuming Melrose house has become a favorite among Gen Z, thanks to its photogenic coffee and pastries, curated goods, and millennial-kitsch backdrops. Initially tipped off by Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin’s frequent visits, the line that forms outside every weekend is a testament to its growing popularity among influencers looking for the next great shot.

9. Apt200

Apt200, founded in Montreal by promoter Nathan Gannage, is designed to evoke the vibe of a dimly lit house party. The venue attracts a bevy of internet-famous clients who frequent it as an organic extension of Gannage’s personal network. Patrons have included rapper Kaytranada and singer Burna Boy, making it a unique spot for influencers seeking a more intimate atmosphere.

10. Maru Coffee

While L.A. creator culture tends to center around the chic Westside, more adventurous digital self-chroniclers are venturing east. Maru Coffee in Los Feliz has quickly become a go-to for foodie bloggers and TikTokers, thanks to its hipster vibe and Instagram-worthy aesthetics.

11. Canyon Coffee

Canyon Coffee in Echo Park is described by TikToker Candace Reels as “a place to be seen and great for people-watching.” The minimalist design and lack of public Wi-Fi create an inviting atmosphere for conversation, but influencers armed with mobile hotspots still flock to this hidden gem, making it a unique spot for content creation.

Off-Map Hotspots

Sportsmen’s Lodge has emerged as a trendy hangout in Studio City, attracting well-known figures without the need for specific influencer outreach programs. Its organic charm and photogenic public spaces make it a favorite among creators.

Erewhon, known for its celebrity collaborations on smoothies, has become the epicenter of social media-driven activities in Studio City. The upscale grocer draws attention not only for its products but also for the famous shoppers who frequent its aisles.

Fryman Canyon has become a new favorite for influencers looking to escape the crowded Runyon Canyon. With its unobstructed vistas, it’s a prime spot for capturing the perfect hiking shot, attracting a young, followed crowd eager to document their outdoor adventures.

This evolving landscape of celebrity hangouts reflects a shift from the glitzy, high-profile venues of the past to more intimate, camera-ready spaces that cater to the social media-savvy elite. In this new era, the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of a location often take precedence over the food itself, shaping the way influencers and celebrities interact with their surroundings.