Tourists and Locals Unite: Where to Reach For the Stars.

Written By: Rina Magsombol 8 of the Best Places to Spot a Celebrity in LA

When it comes to a star-studded experience, Los Angeles has an overwhelmingly generous share of restaurants, hotels and attractions where you can admire or obsess over celebrities just inches away. Globetrotters and local Californians flock to LA to catch a wistful respite from their busy lives or, more importantly, to find their favorite celebrities on a Starbucks run or stocking up on produce at Trader Joe’s. So how can one be fortunate enough to catch Scottish producer, DJ, songwriter and heartthrob Calvin Harris waltzing out of a massage spa in downtown LA? Simple: LOCALE Magazine has gone undercover to reveal LA’s hottest spots where celebrities linger, chow down and party off-screen. From stylish Santa Monica to flashy Hollywood, you can spot today’s hottest celebrities hanging with their latest sweetheart, toting their adorable kids or carrying bags full of items we wish we owned.

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Oliver Stone, Robert DeNiro, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlie Weber, Ron Yerxa

The Georgian Hotel has been a Santa Monica luxury spot for over 80 years, graciously glamorizing Hollywood from floor to roof. This celebrity focal point flaunts remarkable amenities, with rooms equipped with king and queen sized beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, ocean views, a 24-hour fitness room and more, making your stay comfortable and hospitable. Celebrities like Oliver Stone, Robert DeNiro and Arnold Schwarzenegger have visited this vintage stopover. The Georgian Hotel has also been visited by The Leftover producer Ron Yerxa and How to Get Away with Murder’s Charlie Weber, who attended an interview there. With packages starting at roughly $400 for a weekend, you’ll be sure to be pampered in luxury.

Native Knowledge: This exquisite hotel is just footsteps away from Santa Monica’s top attractions, including Third Street Promenade, the Getty Villa and the Santa Monica beach and pier.

The Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.395.9945

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Taylor Lautner, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpso
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With a medley of savory mouthwatering selections, Red O Restaurant is a highly renowned restaurant attracting stars with voracious appetites. Combining the best of both worlds of seafood and steak, their Mexican creations deliver an exceedingly satisfying taste, accompanied by award-winning fine dining service. Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless and his dynamic team of talented chefs and jubilant servers established the Los Angeles location in May 2010. Red O provides unparalleled service and devastatingly delicious entrées. The food is so tasty that Taylor Lautner, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Nick Lachey frequent this charming bar and lounge. This star-studded favorite doles out irresistible happy hour selections, from their lip-smacking carnitas soft tacos to their tasty beef short ribs sopes.

Native Knowledge: Parking can be a nightmare, so save yourself the headache and use the valet.

Red O Restaurant
8155 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.655.5009

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Mariah Carey, Kristin Chenoweth, Paul Rudd, Matthew McConaughey, Quentin Tarantino, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson

Despite the recent decision to keep the stars of Donald Trump and Bill Cosby, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is another hub swarming with celebrities. This internationally-popularized historical landmark attracts hundreds of tourists every day. With over 2, 500 terrazzo and brass stars on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the attraction is administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and originated with only eight stars in its first year, 1958. Since then, more stars’ names have been embedded on the sidewalks, with a recent honorary mention for Mariah Carey last August. Kristin Chenoweth, a leading lady in television, film, voiceover and stage, was added as the 2, 556th star. And actor Paul Rudd’s name was recently engraved on the 2, 554th star. Look to the stars for the next time a name will be added and you’ll definitely catch a glimpse of celebrity.

Native Knowledge: With an average of two stars added on a monthly basis, you’ll be sure to spot some talent!

Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Jack Black, James Marsden, Drake

The mecca of steaks, bulls and rock ‘n’ roll, Saddle Ranch Chop House on the Sunset Strip has drawn loyal devotees and johnny-come-latelies to its doors for lip-smacking delights and an enthralling time. While plates have been licked clean here, this popular LA spot stays true to its concept of rock meets Western, proven in its cultured and jovial service, decor of wooden shutters and mannequin sirens perched precariously on balconies, and a medley of other bric-a-brac. One of the best things in the restaurant is Saddle Ranch’s infamous mechanical bull offering a show and a ride for exuberant guests. The fact that Saddle Ranch attracts a multitude of tourists doesn’t stop locals from indulging in most popular items like the deliciously concocted AMFs, or flavorful nachos and juicy steaks. For your throbbing sweet tooth, enjoy the signature savory cotton candy near a campfire pit while roasting s’mores. Not only is this place crawling with tourists, but famous faces have frequented this ranch! Jack Black accompanied by James Marsden took a ride on the mechanical bull not long ago, catching a laugh, but not quite able to catch each other’s fall. Drake was spotted singing karaoke to the Rihanna track, “What’s my Name?” with a swooning fan, and Bristol Palin took a ride with the bull before squabbling with another guest.

Native Knowledge: For $11.99, Saddle Ranch Chop House offers bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys every day until 3 p.m. with the purchase of a meal.

Saddle Ranch Chop House
8371 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.656.2007

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Christina Milian, Scott Disick, Zayn Malik

Warwick is yet another celebrity magnet. Part lounge, part club, Warwick’s rustic decor, unfinished ceilings embellished with chandeliers and devastatingly delicious drinks are what you’ll find here. Imbibers from LA and OC alike frequent this popular location, flooded with beautiful people cloaked in trendy attire, charming bartenders who are always ready to concoct a stiff drink for you and an ambiance of sophistication. At Warwick, you might find yourself chit-chatting with a babe who’ll accept your offer to buy her a drink, or you might exchange inebriated stories with others over embarrassing ex-lovers. Some Warwick patrons recently found themselves swooning over Scott Disick dressed to the nines. That’s right, while Disick made an appearance in late August, Zayn Malik graced Warwick with his presence, pulling starry-eyed onlookers in his direction. Christina Milian was spotted in late June, charming the cameras with her delightful smile.

Native Knowledge: Warwick is a two-story venue, boasting a list of libations starting at $17. The best nights to visit are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Warwick
6507 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.460.6667

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Justin Bieber, Hannah Davis, Brody Jenner

Cozily nestled on the corner of Hollywood and Highland, this shopping and entertainment center exhibits a notable array of restaurants and stores. When you’ve soaked up the SoCal sunshine and are parched and hungry from gallivanting in and out of Forever XXI, Louis Vuitton and Fossil, reward yourself with some mouthwatering Mexican food at Cabo Wabo Cantina. If that won’t do your appetite justice, chow down on some flavorful Italian food at Trastevere Ristorante. This iconic destination features the Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards and the red carpet, so you’ll be sure to spot a famous face. Bring your camera!

Native Knowledge: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, especially on Hollywood and Highland. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. Monday to Friday at Lucky Strike, 3-6 p.m. Monday to Friday at The Grill on Hollywood, and 4-7 p.m. Monday to Friday with a late night hour from 10 p.m. to closing Sunday to Thursday at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Hollywood & Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.817.0200

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Jennifer Aniston, AJ McLean, Sarah Hyland, Bai Ling, Donna D’Errico

Since its inception in 2002, ArcLight Cinemas has been providing moviegoers an unforgettable experience. This is where stars catch the latest flicks by their peers. The ArcLight proudly offers reserved seating, extraordinary audio and visuals exceeding THX standards and fewer distractions as they heavily emphasize no cell phone usage, no talking and no late seating. If you’re jonesin’ for some tasty vittles, the ArcLight takes great strides to provide customers with gluttonous snacks and alcoholic beverages at the bar. If you devoured Straight Outta Compton or Z for Zachariah, perhaps you had a glimpse of The Crow’s Bai Ling or Baywatch’s Donna D’Errico, who both visited the ArcLight recently.

Native Knowledge: Thursday through Sunday, keep an eye out for ArcLight’s 21+ screenings, where you can catch a showing of a fan-favorite movie while sipping your fave alcoholic beverage.

ArcLight Cinemas
6360 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.464.1478

 

Celebs You Might See Here: Mary and Fred Willard, Nadya Suleman

If the thought of a blue corn tortilla enchilada has your stomach cheering and the anticipation that you might encounter a celebrity thrills you, then surrender an evening to El Cholo. With recipes originating from Alejandro and Rosa Borquez as far back as 1922, this longstanding gem was charmingly dubbed Sonora Café, though it eventually changed its name to El Cholo. With an addicting compendium of Mexican culinary creations, you’ll be sure to find a dish that will delight your taste buds. They excel at attentive service, tasty dishes and celebrity sightings of stars scarfing down a Sonora-style enchilada. Mary Willard, wife of Emmy Award-winning actor Fred Willard, recently made an appearance following a fundraising event for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation.

Native Knowledge: You can order El Cholo’s products online, from their signature margarita mix to their El Cholo cookbook.

El Cholo
1121 S Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90006
323.734.2773