Swingers (1996)

The 1996 film “Swingers” is set in Hollywood and loosely based around writer / actor Jon Favreau’s personal experiences. The film was shot primarily around Hollywood, with some additional filming in Las Vegas. The title of the film itself comes from the Swingers diner (8020 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048), which director Doug Liman and many of the crew frequented. It was intentionally not featured in the film, however, as the filmmakers wanted to use a lesser known location. They landed at what was then known as the Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop, just off the 101 freeway in Hollywood. The Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop was renovated and bought out, later becoming the 101 Coffee Shop in 2001. The changes completely altered the interior from how it appeared in the film, including removal of the booth where the characters sat. However, the coffee shop became synonymous with the film until its closure in 2020. Today, the building has once again changed owners and now operates as the Clark Street Diner. The restaurant has also appeared in the films “The Brady Bunch Movie” and “In the Land of Women,” as well as the TV shows “Entourage,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

LOCATION: 6145 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Mike, played by Jon Favreau, lives just up the road from the coffee shop at this apartment building. The apartment was Favreau’s actual home for a time.

LOCATION: 5870 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Mike and his crew attend a party, located at this home in the Hollywood Hills.

LOCATION: 6161 Temple Hill Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

After struggling to build up his confidence, Mike gets the number of a woman at the Dresden Restaurant. The restaurant has also appeared in the films “That Thing You Do,” “Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy,” “The Two Jakes,” “What Women Want” and more.

LOCATION: 1760 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The boys get into a confrontation with another group at what is supposed to be the back of the Dresden. These scenes were actually filmed in the parking lot of Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, founded over 100 years ago.  The restaurant has popped up in numerous films, including “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Blonde” and “Ed Wood,” as well as the TV shows “Mad Men” and “Bosch.”

LOCATION: 6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

While some of the signage was dressed for the film to make it appear to be the Dresden, the door and brick work all clearly match Musso & Frank Grill and even portions of their iconic “Oldest in Hollywood” sign appears in a few shots, confirming the location.

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