Who knew having Owen Wilson at your restaurant could have such harsh consequences? Cafe Habana waitress Monica Mateo claims that her hours were cut back after refusing advances from Wilson and now intends to sue. According to Mateo, her boss and restaurant manager Leslie Meenan had made it clear that rejecting Wilson was not an option due to celeb and faithful customer status. According to Wilson’s rep Ina Treciokas, no affection was felt from either party and she claims that the allegations are false.
As juicy as this sounds in words, it would probably be far more entertaining to witness first hand. When tabloids don’t fulfill your celeb gossip needs, check out these restaurants for potential celeb sightings.
1. The Waverly Inn: 16 Bank Street, NYC
Located in NYC’s West Village, The Waverly Inn hosts a menagerie of sightings, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Bono. We recommend going for tables by the door. They’re easier to get and offer an amazing view of any celeb arrivals.
2. Koi: 40 West 40th Street, NYC
With exceptional fusion food, Koi’s entrees may actually rival the satisfaction of spotting someone famous. With trendy decorations and a prime location mere steps away from Bryant Park, Koi’s atmosphere is easy bait for celebrities making their sightings a frequent event. Don’t let the trendy decor distract you–celeb sightings have included Gisele Bundchen, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg.
3. Avenue: 116 Tenth Ave, NYC
Known to cater to the likes of Bono, Robert Pattinson, and Kristin Stewart, Avenue also plays host to the fashion crowd several nights a week. If the club scene is too much for you, stop by for a bite to eat, the ultralounge is also a gastropub, so while you’re star watching, you can do double duty on drinks and dinner.
4. The Rose Bar: Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue, NYC
Located inside the Gramercy Park Hotel, Rose Bar has been known to host one of the most exclusive crowds in NYC including GG’s Chace Crawford and the Olsen twins. Done up to exude a Bohemian atmosphere, the bar maintains exclusivity through a no-guaranteed admission policy and $19 cocktails.
5. Butter: 415 Lafayette Street, NYC
A legend amongst New York restaurants for maintaining its trendy status for more than a year after opening (since 2002 to be exact), Butter is known for its New American Menu, and hip “it” scene. Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and Nicole Richie have all proclaimed Butter as one of their favorite restaurants.
6. Pastis: 9 Ninth Avenue, NYC
This little French bistro boasts exceptional food, wine, in addition to eye candy. Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, celebs who’ve visited include hip-hop power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z. Pastis has also been featured on the beloved Sex and the City as a lunchtime favorite for ultimate New Yorker, Carrie Bradshaw. On warmer days, go for the outdoor dining option, allowing you to spot celebs on their way towards other trendy spots in the area.
7. Victor’s Cafe: 236 West 52nd Street, NYC
Cuban Cuisine with a side of celebrity. This local NYC restaurant hosts celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Gloria Estefan.
8. Balthazar: 80 Spring Street, NYC
Trendy locations often bring a trendy crowd. Soho eatery Balthazar not only hosts epic brunches and prime baked goods, but is known for occasionally hosting a well-known diner or two.
9. The Ivy: 113 N Robinson Blvd, L.A.
If L.A. were a desert, The Ivy would be the prime oasis. A watering hole for Hollywood’s A-list, The Ivy is the ideal place for celeb seekers.
10. Madeo Restaurant: 8897 Beverly Blvd, L.A.
Known for its delectable Italian cuisine and frequent celebrity customers, Madeo is sure to satisfy all your cravings. Celeb visitors include the lovable Jessica Simpson, pictured above.
11. Nobu: 105 Hudson Street, NYC
Known for phenomenal Japanese food and a dramatic Asian backdrop, Nobu has made the favorites list for Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Cindy Crawford.
12. Buddakan: 75 Ninth Avenue, NYC
Buddakan has done it all: phenomenal fusion, hosted a menagerie of celebrities including Lauren Conrad, Rose McGowan, and Drew Barrymore, and even made an appearance on Gossip Girl.
13. Dan Tana’s Restaurant: 9071 Santa Monica Blvd, L.A.
Catering to names such as Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian, Dan Tana’s has been a Hollywood establishment for over 40 years and is known for its mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
14. The Palm: 1100 South Flower Street, L.A.
Since its founding in 1975, The Palm Steakhouse has been known for exceptional food and celebrity patronage. While celebrities have been known to frequent this West Hollywood hot spot, it has still remained a local non-celebrity favorite.
15. Geisha House: 6633 West Hollywood Blvd, L.A.
Combine trendy ambiance, exotic food and live DJ beats and you create a classic celeb habitat for names such as the iconic Hugh Hefner and his girls next door (whoever they may be this season).
If celeb sightings aren’t enough, check out these celebrities who you can catch spending their nights behind the DJ booth.
