From gallivants across the galaxy to animated adventures, film and television can offer an escape from real life. Still, they offer glimmers of reality, and those often come in the form of bars and restaurants. Just like us, our favorite characters have their own local haunts where they mingle, toss back a few drinks, and occasionally wreak havoc.
But while many movies and TV shows depict their protagonists enjoying drinks at their preferred establishments, some fictional bars have become more iconic than others. Many of these made-up watering holes are so notorious that they’ve inspired real-life bars for fans to belly up to. Without further ado, here are 12 of the most iconic bars from film and TV history.
The Most Iconic Bars in Movies Rick’s Café Americain: ‘Casablanca’ Credit: © Warner Bros.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, “Casablanca” is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. It’s also the movie that introduced Rick’s Café Americain, one of the most well-known “gin joints” in pop culture. The bar, which is frequented by refugees, outlaws, and soldiers, is the main setting for the film and where one of cinema’s most memorable scenes takes place. In 2003, retired U.S. diplomat Kathy Kriger opened a real Rick’s Café in Casablanca designed to look nearly identical to its on-screen inspiration.
Mos Eisley Cantina: ‘Star Wars’ Credit: © Lucasfilm
Located in the lawless spaceport of desert planet Tatooine, Mos Eisley Cantina is described by Obi-Wan Kenobi as being
