Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace/Yelp
They eat just like us
Stars often hang out in 5-star establishments and fancy hotels in Los Angeles and New York. But what low-key, low-key establishments do celebrities prefer when they're hoping to hide from the paparazzi? One of them is certainly the Boston location of Wahlburgers, a chain with locations in 23 states as well as Australia, Canada and Germany – and owned by members of the Wahlberg family, including Donnie (“Blue Bloods,” New Kids on the Block) and Mark Wahlberg (“The Fighter,” “The Departed”). The restaurants have been the focus of the A&E series “Wahlburgers” for 10 seasons, so you may also see a camera crew on site. We scoured the country for some off-the-beaten-path spots where celebrities can eat on the cheap.
Nhi B./Yelp
Wahlburgers
Boston
If one of the famous Wahlberg brothers isn't at the original store in Boston, chances are they will be there soon. Locals and the press have had a heyday with celebrity sightings when Mark Wahlberg is in town with famous friends.
Related: Fast Food Favorites from 20 Celebrities
Olivia R./Yelp
Luc's Café & Restaurant
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Weston-based Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was spotted having lunch at the bar at Luc's Cafe & Restaurant in Ridgefield. The affordable, budget cafe offers a French menu with mussels in white wine and sandwich classics like the Croque Monsieur.
Saori K./Yelp
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe
Malibu, California
This clam shop, where diners wait in line to order and find a table, has captivated celebrities like Pierce Brosnan, Sting, Cindy Crawford and other stars. The unpretentious and inexpensive (for Los Angeles) fish stand also sells take-out fish. Bring your own wine, relax at a covered picnic table with a million-dollar view, and maybe you'll see a star.
Related: Amazing Seafood Shacks Across America
Jay S./Yelp
Ground Zero Blues Club
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Morgan Freeman is one of the founding owners of Ground Zero, and this music venue features live blues and jazz. Also notable is the menu, which features pulled pork, black eyed peas, fried green tomatoes and tamales. Famous friends of Morgan's like Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs, as well as countless rocker icons, most of whom frequent the nearby Delta Blues Museum, have found their way to this affordable hillside.
Related: The Best Place for Home Cooking in Every State
Alex Y./Yelp
Katz's Deli
new York
The infamous spot where actress Meg Ryan faked an orgasm in the movie “Harry and Sally,” Katz's Deli is decorated with photos of the many famous people who regularly dine there. Guests are given a ticket upon entry, and anyone who loses it is subject to a $50 fine – a fate that reportedly befell basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Adam B./Yelp
tavern
Nashville, Tennessee
The tavern offers a reasonably priced menu of burgers, fries and craft beer. The gastropub offers inventive tacos and small bites and is also known for its star clientele, including rocker Jack White and Kings of Leon's Caleb Followill.
Kristina S./Yelp
The Griddle Cafe
The angel
Famous locals come to this affordable, heritage-listed restaurant for a decadent breakfast or late-night dinner. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jared Leto, Anthony Hopkins and Halle Berry are just a few of the stars who can be seen eating specialties like red velvet pancakes and graham cracker-crusted French toast.
Alicia D./Yelp
Miss Myra's Pit Bar-BQ
Birmingham, Ala
Country stars make it a point to stop by this old spot for delicious ribs when they're in town. Aside from the musicians, many other famous people have stopped by Miss Myra's Pit Bar-BQ, and TV chef Andrew Zimmern is a big fan of the down-to-earth cuisine served here. He praised the restaurant on his social media and on the Bizarre Foods America series.
Related: Bucket List Barbecue in Every State
Stef A./Yelp
Ruth's Diner
Park City, Utah
Cheap and cheerful, Ruth's Diner has been filling the bellies of hungry visitors and locals alike since 1930. Diner sandwiches, fried pickles and okra, and endless breakfast offerings keep people coming back. All sorts of famous people stopped by for dinner at the Sundance Film Festival while they were in town. Ruth's was also featured on the TV show “Man vs. Food” with Adam Richman.
Related: The Best Breakfast Spot in Every State
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace/Yelp
Pappy + Harriet's
Pioneertown, California
For reasonably priced burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, appetizers, and cold draft beer—as well as entertaining live music—you can enjoy Pappy + Harriet's. Stars like Sean Lennon, Eric Burdon, Kenny Loggins, Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams all stopped by.
Lauren U./Yelp
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Austin, Texas
Hundreds of stars and musicians in Austin traveled to Hopdoddy Burger Bar for the South by Southwest Festival. Raves from celebrity chef Rachael Ray didn't hurt either.
Related: Where to find a good, cheap burger in every state
Alyssa F./Yelp
Canter's Deli
The angel
It seems like everyone from politicians to movie stars has eaten at Canter's Deli. Its location near some of Hollywood's largest studios has made it an LA institution. The extensive menu includes inexpensive delicacies from Reubens to pastrami sandwiches and traditional egg dishes.
Four Seas Ice Cream/Yelp
Four Seas Ice Cream
Centerville, Massachusetts
More than just ice cream, this fast food joint has been serving both locals and famous visitors for years. According to a TripAdvisor thread, the spot has attracted the Kennedy clan and movie star Adam Sandler.
James R. Martin/Shutterstock
In-N-Out Burger
The angel
Visiting the Hollywood branch of this legendary fast food chain for burgers, shakes and fries has become a tradition for celebrities, especially after award shows like the Emmys and the Oscars. Stars like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence and Tom Hanks head there to get their drive-thru service after the show.
Niloufar N./Yelp
Grumpys
Ketchum, Idaho
Huge Burgers, 32 oz. Beers and eclectic bar snacks are mainstays on the Grumpy's menu at this Sun Valley ski resort. The restaurant has a casual ski-fun atmosphere and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu is also affordable. Regular guests include Tom Hanks, Rachael Ray and Bruce Springsteen.
Related: These 17 Heartbreaking Cheeseburgers Are More Than 1,000 Calories
Tavern on Rush/Yelp
Tavern on Rush
Chicago
Offering an eclectic farm-to-table steakhouse menu, Tavern on Rush is a hotspot where former couple A-Rod and J-Lo eat. This also applies to sports stars like Ric Flair, baseball star Billy Hamilton of the Cincinnati Reds, ESPN star Michael Wilbon and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Pro tip: Although expensive, it's possible to get a slightly cheaper meal at brunch or at the bar.
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Phillip T./Yelp
Italian restaurant Lavo
Las Vegas
The Venetian's Lavo Italian Restaurant is a place where guests can get a one-pound Wagyu beef meatball or choose from a variety of lower-priced bar fare. Visit us and you might meet regulars like Katy Perry, Margot Robbie or Rihanna when they're in town, all spotted in the upstairs lounge of the two-story space. Drake is also a fan and comes over every year to celebrate his birthday on the weekend.
Related: 51 Best Old School Italian Restaurants in America
Brian A./Yelp
Vega House
Sherman Oaks, California
The funky little Casa Vega offers handcrafted cocktails with fresh lime juice and guacamole, authentic Mexican dishes, and an all-star clientele. Jennifer Aniston was once spotted on the same evening as Mariah Carey and her entourage showed up for dinner.
Related: The Best Mexican Restaurant in Every State
The Nice Guy/Yelp
The nice guy
The angel
Kendall Jenner celebrated her birthday here and this prominent spot offers bar snacks and an affordable menu as well as world-class stargazing. It can be difficult to get reservations. Make sure you are smartly dressed when you come here. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, as well as Justin Bieber, are reportedly regulars.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace/Yelp
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