Television sitcoms have made certain locations so famous that they’ve become
tourist destinations in their own right. From coffee shops to apartment buildings,
these real-world locations let fans step directly into the worlds of their favorite shows.
While some locations only served as exterior shots and others have been
transformed into entirely different businesses, each offers a unique connection to
beloved television moments.
Central Perk Building (Friends)
The iconic exterior of this Greenwich Village building at 90 Bedford Street serves as
the establishing shot for the Friends apartment building. While there’s no actual
Central Perk cafe inside, the building draws crowds of fans recreating the famous
opening fountain sequence on the sidewalk.
The surrounding neighborhood offers several coffee shops that claim to have inspired the show’s favorite hangout.
Tom’s Restaurant (Seinfeld)
Located at 2880 Broadway in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, this diner’s exterior
served as the iconic meeting spot for Jerry and the gang. The interior looks nothing
like Monk’s Cafe from the show, but the restaurant proudly displays Seinfeld
memorabilia and serves classic diner fare.
Late-night visits often include encounters with Columbia University students who keep the restaurant’s reputation for quirky conversations alive.
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Cheers Bar (Cheers)
The Bull & Finch Pub in Boston, now officially renamed Cheers Beacon Hill, inspired
the exterior shots of the famous bar ‘where everybody knows your name.’ The
basement bar maintains much of its original charm, though it differs from the show’s
set design.
You can order Sam Adams at the bar or enjoy classic pub fare while browsing extensive Cheers memorabilia.
MacLaren’s Pub (How I Met Your Mother)
McGee’s Pub in Midtown Manhattan served as inspiration for the show’s main
gathering spot, with the creators being regular patrons during their time writing for
David Letterman. The Irish pub offers a special HIMYM-themed menu and cocktail list, including drinks mentioned in the show.
Regular trivia nights focus on the series, drawing dedicated fans from across the city.
Pawnee City Hall (Parks and Recreation)
Pasadena City Hall served as the exterior of Pawnee’s government building, with its
distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The building’s courtyard remains
open to the public, allowing fans to recreate Leslie Knope’s determined walks
through local government.
Many of the nearby streets and parks appeared throughout the series as various Pawnee locations.
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Cafe Grumpy (Girls)
This actual Brooklyn coffee shop in Greenpoint served as Ray’s cafe in the series,
maintaining its original name and character. The shop continues to roast its own
beans and serves as a neighborhood institution, just as it did in the show.
Residents often point out other nearby locations that appeared throughout the series.
The Brady Bunch House
The iconic split-level house in Studio City, California, recently underwent a complete
renovation to match its television interior. HGTV documented the transformation,
making it an exact replica of the show’s set, which included the famous staircase and
avocado-green kitchen.
While interior tours aren’t regularly available, the exterior remains a popular photo stop for fans.
The Good Burger Building (All That)
The original Burbank building that housed the fictional Good Burger has become a
pilgrimage site for ’90s Nickelodeon fans. While now housing a different restaurant,
the distinctive architecture remains recognizable from the beloved sketches.
The surrounding area features several other locations from various Nickelodeon shows.
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Sacred Heart Hospital (Scrubs)
North Hollywood Medical Center served as the exterior location for the fictional
Sacred Heart Hospital until its demolition in 2011. Several nearby coffee shops and
bars featured in the series still operate, popular with fans doing self-guided tours.
The benches where the characters often reflected on life remain in place, maintained
by local fans.
Mel’s Drive-In (Happy Days)
Though the original Milwaukee location was fictional, this San Francisco restaurant
chain embraced its connection to the series. The locations maintain their 1950s
decor and serve classic American diner fare made famous by the show.
Jukeboxes still play period-appropriate music, creating an authentic Happy Days atmosphere.
The Office Building (The Office)
The Scranton Business Park, featured in the opening credits, actually exists in Scranton, Pennsylvania. While the interior offices were filmed in Los Angeles, the exterior and surrounding area maintain their authentic Scranton character.
Local companies offer Office-themed tours highlighting locations mentioned throughout the series.
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The Max (Saved by the Bell)
A pop-up restaurant in Chicago recreated the gang’s favorite hangout spot with
remarkable attention to detail. The restaurant serves themed menu items and
recreates the distinctive neon aesthetic of the original set.
Regular theme nights and costume contests keep the spirit of Bayside High alive.
Arnold’s Drive-In (Happy Days)
The original exterior location in Milwaukee has been preserved as a historic
landmark. While no longer operating as a restaurant, the building maintains its
distinctive 1950s architecture.
Local tour guides share stories about the show’s creation and its impact on Milwaukee’s identity.
Central Park Boathouse (Sex and the City)
The Loeb Boathouse served as the backdrop for multiple memorable scenes
throughout the series. The restaurant continues to operate, offering the same
upscale dining experience featured in the show.
Fans can rent rowboats just like Carrie and Big or enjoy brunch while overlooking the lake.
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The Peach Pit (Beverly Hills 90210)
The exterior location in Los Angeles has cycled through several businesses since
the show ended. Pop-up events occasionally recreate the diner’s interior for special
fan events.
The surrounding area remains popular with fans doing self-guided tours of 90210 filming locations.
Monk’s Coffee Shop (Seinfeld)
While Tom’s Restaurant served as the exterior, the interior shots were inspired by
several Upper West Side diners. Several local establishments claim to be the ‘real’
Monk’s, each offering their own Seinfeld-themed menu items.
Regular customer debates about which location truly inspired the show keep the spirit of the series alive.
The Shore Store (Jersey Shore)
The infamous t-shirt shop on the Seaside Heights boardwalk still operates during the
summer seasons. While the interior has been updated, many original features from
the show remain intact.
Fans can purchase merchandise featuring quotes and images from the series while exploring the authentic Jersey Shore atmosphere.
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Paddy’s Pub (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)
The exterior shots of Paddy’s use a real building in Los Angeles, though Philadelphia
bars claim to have inspired the show. Several South Philly bars offer Always Sunny-
themed nights and menu items.
Local tour companies include the location on their TV and movie location tours.
Iconic TV Landmarks to Visit
These television landmarks continue to draw fans seeking connections to their
favorite shows, proving that sitcom settings often become as memorable as the
characters themselves.
While some locations embrace their television fame and others simply tolerate the
attention, each offers fans a chance to experience a small piece of television history.
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