Exploring Abandoned Celebrity Restaurants: A Fascinating New Trend in Urban Exploration
As a journalist and writer who is always on the lookout for interesting stories, I have discovered an exciting new trend in urban exploration that involves exploring abandoned celebrity restaurants. These once-popular eateries were frequented by A-list celebrities, but now they sit empty and forgotten. In this post, we will explore some of the most fascinating deserted celebrity restaurants around the world.
1. The Brown Derby – Los Angeles, CA
The Brown Derby was one of Hollywood’s most famous restaurants during its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s. It was known for its distinctive shape (it was shaped like a derby hat) and for being a popular hangout spot for movie stars of the era such as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Lucille Ball. The restaurant closed in 1985 after suffering from financial difficulties and has since been used as a filming location for various movies and TV shows.
Today, visitors can still see the iconic building where The Brown Derby once stood on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Although it is now home to a bank branch office, you can still see remnants of its former glory with its unique architecture.
2. Planet Hollywood – New York City
Planet Hollywood was founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger along with fellow actors Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone in 1991. At one point there were over 100 locations worldwide; however, many have since closed due to financial troubles or changing consumer preferences.
The New York City location was particularly noteworthy because it featured memorabilia from famous movies including original costumes worn by actors such as Marilyn Monroe and Tom Cruise.
Sadly though today Planet Hollywood sits abandoned at Times Square NYC with boarded up windows adorned with graffiti tags.
3. House Of Blues – Chicago
Founded by Dan Aykroyd (from Ghostbusters fame) together with Isaac Tigrett (who also co-founded Hard Rock Cafe), House Of Blues aimed to bring blues music to a wider audience. The chain was once successful with locations across the United States, but after financial problems and ownership changes, many of the restaurants have closed down.
The Chicago location was particularly interesting because it was built in an old Masonic temple that had been abandoned for years. Visitors could enjoy live music performances while surrounded by intricate masonic symbols on the walls and ceilings. Although still standing today, it has long since been abandoned and left to decay.
4. Johnny Depp’s Viper Room – Los Angeles
Johnny Depp’s Viper Room is perhaps one of the most infamous celebrity restaurants in history. Located on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, this club/restaurant was frequented by celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and River Phoenix during its heyday in the 1990s.
However, it became notorious when River Phoenix died from a drug overdose outside of its doors in 1993 while Johnny Depp watched helplessly from inside. Today the building is still standing and has gone through multiple owners over the years trying to keep up with its dark past but none were successful enough to keep it fully operational.
5. The Hard Rock Cafe – Berlin
Founded by Isaac Tigrett (who also co-founded House Of Blues) together with Peter Morton (co-founder of Morton’s Steakhouse), The Hard Rock Cafe first opened its doors in London back in 1971.
Since then they have opened locations worldwide featuring memorabilia from famous musicians such as Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix; however not all Hard Rocks have survived over time even though they were quite popular at one point.
One notable abandoned location can be found in Berlin where you can see remnants of what once was a vibrant restaurant filled with rock n roll history now turned into ruins only accessible for adventurers willing to trespass their way inside.
6. Robert De Niro’s Ago Restaurant – Las Vegas
Robert De Niro’s Ago Restaurant was once one of Las Vegas’ most popular celebrity restaurants. Located in the Hard Rock Casino hotel, the restaurant served up delicious Italian cuisine to stars such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
Sadly though, after only three years of operation, Ago closed its doors due to a decline in business. Today visitors can see its abandoned location inside the now-closed casino complex.
Exploring these deserted celebrity restaurants is not only an exciting adventure but also an opportunity to witness history firsthand. From iconic buildings to fascinating stories about celebrity culture, there is so much to discover by visiting these forgotten locations. Just remember that some of these sites are off-limits and you should always respect private property rights when exploring urban ruins or abandoned places!