5 Fictional TV Diners We Wish We Could Make Our Real-Life Hangouts

Christine Bord
by Christine Bord
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Tue April 5, 2016

In our Famous Eats series, we look at celebrity-owned restaurants we'd like to visit, but there are lots of fictional TV restaurants we wish we could check out, too.

Here's a look at five fictional diners we want to make our real-life hangouts.

Arnold's/Al's Drive-In

Arnold's Drive-In, aka Al's Drive-in, was a staple on Happy Days. The diner was originally owned by Arnold, but after he got married and "moved away" the diner was sold to Al Delvecchio who changed the name to Al's. This Milwaukee drive-in was also where The Fonz controlled the jukebox with a simple pound of his fist.

The diner only existed in a studio, but legend has it the set was based on The Milky Way diner at 5373 N. Port Washington Rd in Glendale, WI which is now Kopp's Frozen Custard.

Luke's

Luke's Diner was a favorite breakfast spot for the residents of Stars Hollows, especially regulars Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, who just couldn't start their day without a cup of Luke's joe. "Gilmore Girls" fans will be disappointed to know the diner doesn't exist in real life, but you can see where the set once stood on a VIP tour of Warner Brothers studio in Los Angeles.

READ MORE: How to Visit Your Favorite Fictional Restaurants

Monk's

Monk's might be the most famous coffee shop in TV history. This was the spot where Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer discussed their gripes, their dates, and the "nothings" of everyday life on "Seinfeld." Monk's is based on Tom's Restaurant, located at 2880 Broadway, NYC.

The Peach Pit

The Peach Pit was the main hangout for the kids of West Bev on "Beverly Hills 90210." It was also where Nat dished up some supportive words with a burger on the side. The Peach Pit's interior was located on a soundstage in Van Nuys, CA, but the exterior establishing shots were of a building located at 45 S. Fair Oaks Ave in Pasadena.

Mel's Diner

Some of you are probably too young to remember "Alice," but most kids of the '80s grew up with reruns of this sitcom. Alice was a single mom who, on her way to Los Angeles for a new job, is forced to take a job at Mel's Diner in Phoenix when her car breaks down. According to Wikipedia, the show was shot in an L.A. studio but the sign in the opening credits is from a restaurant at 1747 NW Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.

This blog originally appeared on On Location Vacations' website.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...