Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants That Celebrities Love

Stars can often be found grazing in 5-star establishments and swanky hotels in Los Angeles and New York. But which low-key, under-the-radar joints do celebrities prefer when they're hoping to hide out from the paparazzi? One is surely the Boston location of Wahlburgers, a chain with outlets 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 might see a camera crew on-site, too. We covered the country for some off-the-beaten-path places where celebrities eat on the cheap.

Related: Places to Hang Out Where You're Most Likely to See a Celebrity

Boston
If one of the famous Wahlberg brothers isn't at the original Boston shop, there's a good chance they will be soon. Locals and the press have had a heyday with celeb sightings when Mark Wahlberg is in town with famous friends.

Related: Fast Food Favorites of 20 Celebrities

Ridgefield, Connecticut
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who lives in Weston, has been spotted having lunch at the bar at Luc's Cafe & Restaurant in Ridgefield. The affordable mid-priced cafe boasts a French menu offering mussels in white wine and sandwich classics like the croque monsieur.

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Malibu, California
This clam shack where guests order in line and find a table has A-listers like Pierce Brosnan, Sting, Cindy Crawford, and other stars hooked. The unpretentious and cheap (for Los Angeles) seafood stand also sells fish to-go. 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

Clarksdale, Mississippi
Morgan Freeman is one of the founding owners of Ground Zero, and this juke joint pops with live blues and jazz. The food is also noteworthy for a menu that boasts pulled pork, black-eyed peas, fried green tomatoes, and tamales. Famous friends of Morgan's such as Shannen Doherty and Holly Marie Combs, as well as countless rocker icons, most of whom are visiting the nearby Delta Blues Museum, have made their way to this affordable hang.

Related: The Best Spot for Comfort Food in Every State

New York
The infamous spot where actress Meg Ryan faked an orgasm in the film "When Harry Met Sally," Katz's Deli is decorated with photos of the many famous people who dine there regularly. Guests are given a ticket when they come in, and anyone who loses it has to pay a $50 fine — a fate that reportedly befell basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Related: The Best Delis Across America

Los Angeles
Famous locals come to this inexpensive landmark diner for a decadent breakfast or a late-night meal. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jared Leto, Anthony Hopkins, and Halle Berry are just a few of the stars spotted chowing down on specialties like red velvet pancakes and graham-cracker-crusted French toast.

Related: The Best Hole-in-the-Wall Diner in Every State

Birmingham, Alabama
Country stars make a point to swing by this old establishment to get delectable ribs when they're in town. Beyond musicians, Miss Myra's Pit Bar-B-Q has seen many other famous folks pass through, and TV chef Andrew Zimmern is a big fan of the down home food served here. He praised the restaurant on his social media as well as the series "Bizarre Foods America."

Related: Bucket List Barbecue in Every State

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 myriad breakfast offerings keep people coming back. All sorts of famous folks have stopped in for a meal while in town for the Sundance Film Festival. Ruth's was featured on the TV show "Man vs. Food" with Adam Richman, too.

Related: Best Hole-in-the-Wall Breakfast Place in Every State

Pioneertown, California
Burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, appetizers, and cold drafts at a reasonable price — as well as an entertaining roster of live music — can be enjoyed at Pappy + Harriet's. Stars like Sean Lennon, Eric Burdon, Kenny Loggins, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt, and Lucinda Williams have all stopped in.

Related: Big Celebrities Who Grew Up in Small Towns

Austin, Texas
Hundreds of stars and musicians in Austin for the South by Southwest festival have traveled to the Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Raves by celebrity chef Rachael Ray haven't hurt either.

Related: Where to Find a Good, Cheap Burger In Every State

Los Angeles
It seems like everyone famous, from politicians to movie stars, has eaten at Canter's Deli. Its location near some of the biggest studios in Hollywood has made it an L.A. institution. Inexpensive deli fare from Reubens to pastrami sandwiches and traditional egg dishes are on the extensive menu.

Related: 20 Historic Sandwich Shops That Changed Lunch Forever

Centerville, Massachusetts
More than just ice cream, this fast-food shack has been serving locals as well as famous visitors for years. The spot has attracted the Kennedy clan and film star Adam Sandler, according to a TripAdvisor thread.

Related: 20 of the Oldest Ice Cream Shops in America

Los Angeles
Hitting the Hollywood location of this iconic fast-food chain for burgers, shakes, and fries has become a tradition for celebrities, especially after awards shows like the Emmys and the Oscars. Stars like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Hanks head there to get their post-show drive-thru fix.

Ketchum, Idaho
Massive burgers, 32-oz. beers and eclectic bar bites are Grumpy's menu mainstay in this Sun Valley ski town. The restaurant has a casual ski-bum vibe and a laid-back feel. The menu is affordable, too. Regulars include Tom Hanks, Rachael Ray, and Bruce Springsteen.

Related: These 17 Gut-Busting Cheeseburgers Have More Than 1,000 Calories

Chicago
Tavern on Rush boasts an eclectic farm-to-table steakhouse menu and is a hotspot where former couple A-Rod and J-Lo eat. So do sports stars like Ric Flair, Cincinnati Reds baseball star Billy Hamilton, ESPN star Michael Wilbon, and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Pro tip: while pricey, it's possible to get a slightly cheaper meal during brunch or by eating at the bar.

Las Vegas
The Venetian's Lavo Italian Restaurant is a place where diners can get a one-pound Wagyu beef meatball — or pick from a variety of more affordable bar menu items. Visit and you might see regulars like Katy Perry, Margot Robbie, or Rihanna when they're in town, all spotted in the two-story space's upstairs lounge. Drake is also a fan, making repeated visits to celebrate his birthday weekend one year.

Related: 51 Best Old-School Italian Restaurants in America

Sherman Oaks, California
The funky hole-in-the-wall Casa Vega has craft cocktails made with fresh lime juice, guacamole, authentic Mexican dishes, and an all-star clientele. Jennifer Aniston was once spotted the same night Mariah Carey and her entourage showed up to dine.

Related: Best Hole-in-the-Wall Mexican Restaurant in Every State

Los Angeles
Kendall Jenner celebrated her birthday here, and this celebrity-rich spot has bar bites and an affordable menu, along with a side of premium stargazing. Reservations can be hard to come by, and be sure to dress sharp if you go. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen as well as Justin Bieber are reportedly regulars.