PLACES TO SEE AND BE SEEN
1. The Ivy
113 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood • 310-274-8303
The air at this rustic French restaurant is electric with the buzz of Hollywood’s power players. Deals are struck daily between movie moguls, celebrities, agents and their high-profile clients. Count yourself very fortunate if you manage to score a table on the fenced-in patio table for some great people- and celebrity-watching.
Outdoor seating at The Ivy, a great spot for celeb-spotting
2. The Viper Room
Celebrities like to hang out with their own kind, and this place (see Viper Room) got its start with Johnny Depp, one of the original owners. It still has enormous cachet, with standing room only for the crowds who come to see and be seen (see The Viper Room). It’s best known as a place to see the freshest, hippest new bands.
The Viper Room entrance
3. Fred Segal
Some of the word’s most famous stars, such as Rihanna, Jennifer Lawrence, and George Clooney have been spotted browsing for clothes and accessories at this stylish emporium (see Fred Segal). It’s also a favorite for wardrobe buyers for TV and feature films. The West Hollywood branch is more celebrity-heavy, whereas the Sunset Boulevard branch is another star magnet.
4. Chateau Marmont and Bar Marmont
Celebrities have flocked to this European-style hotel (see Chateau Marmont) like moths to the flame since its opening way back in 1929. Famed for its discretion, it (see Chateau Marmont) has remained a favorite spot for celebrity trysts. Check out the chic Bar Marmont.
5. Spago Beverly Hills
The owner of this restaurant, Wolfgang Puck, is as famous as its patrons. The dining room is a popular spot (see Spago Beverly Hills) where you might run into many celebrities having a great time.
6. Bar 1200
Catering to a “Rolls-Royce” rock’n’roll crowd, this hot hangout at the Sunset Marquis Hotel was once owned by Rande Gerber, husband of supermodel Cindy Crawford. Getting past the velvet rope isn’t easy, especially when big names such as U2’s Bono come by.
Bar 1200 at Sunset Marquis Hotel
7. Urth Caffè
8565 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood • 310-659-0628
This West Hollywood eating joint is a health- and waist-conscious café on the celebrity radar, but most days it’s just the usual in-crowd munching on vegetarian lasagne and New York cheesecake. The patio offers the best vantage point for checking out the crowd from behind sunglasses.
8. Barneys New York
9570 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills • 310-276-4400
Shop till you drop while keeping an eye out for superstars and celebrities at this luxurious LA department store. All the major designers from Armani and Gucci to Helmut Lang and Dolce & Gabbana are represented here. Take in the good views from the outdoor tables in the rooftop deli.
9. Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood • 310-659-3110, 1-800-764-BOOK (toll free)
This excellent independent bookstore draws a sizeable celebrity contingent with its eclectic offerings, including international publications. Try and increase your chances of meeting a star by attending one of their book readings or book-signing sessions. Call for schedules.
10. LA Lakers Games at Staples Center
The Los Angeles Lakers, the city’s fabled basketball team, always attract a fair number of celebrities to their games at the Staples Center. Number One fan, Jack Nicholson, can usually be spotted courtside, and Vanessa Hudgens and Justin Bieber are regulars. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck have also made appearances.
The massive Staples Center
