All About Renting a Restaurant Location
Is a restaurant the perfect film location? Film industry professionals will certainly disagree on that one, but many great movies have had iconic scenes shot in diners and restaurants. Does Central Perk sound familiar? The famous Friends TV show wouldn't have been the same without it. Katz's Delicatessen from the famous 90's rom-com When Harry Met Sally is another beloved cafe and a popular filming location in New York. The Loeb Boathouse Central Park from 27 Dresses was THE dream wedding location of Jane Nichols (Katherine Heigl). The list goes on.
But restaurants are more than the perfect location for filming. Location scouts will agree that eateries are the most sought-after venues for all celebrations. Whether you're organizing a corporate party, want to throw an unforgettable birthday bash, or exchange vows in a rooftop space with panoramic views, restaurants are some of the best locations to mark the occasion.
When it comes to dining venues, Giggster has plenty. From live music venues and industrial chic wine bars to Old Hollywood social clubs, tea rooms, and ocean-view seafood joints, we have listings to accommodate every budget, style, and need. Scroll popular restaurant locations on the Giggster app and book your favorite space today!
Why Choose Giggster to Rent a Restaurant Location
Are you looking for movie locations beyond set film studios? Or hotel lounges for afternoon tea? Perhaps a corporate gathering for your next big project is next on your calendar. Giggster has a host of diners, canteens, and French bistros that are sure to deliver.
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Is a vibrant atmosphere in the city center what you envision for your new production? A charming patio of an ultra-modern organic eatery downtown could be the perfect fit for your new music video or commercial photo shoot.
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Is a country-style setting where you see yourself on your special day? A quaint brunch spot could be just the place to film a romantic wedding scene or celebrate your nuptials for real.
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Take your photo shoot to a whole new level with a rooftop poolside restaurant and bar. Imagine the panoramic vistas and refreshing ambiance. With such a gorgeous setting and backdrop, you won't need to do any repeats.
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Searching for exciting and unique restaurant film locations across the USA and beyond? Giggster's top movie locations tick all the right boxes.
Incredible Restaurant Rentals Start at $18/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From weekend brunch hotspots to hotel lounges reminiscent of a traditional Viennese coffee house, Giggster offers 3233 locales, whether you need a filming location or a cozy spot for celebrations. Book properties with the best rates starting at just $18/hour, guaranteed to bring your vision to life.
Hassle-Free Booking: Our platform makes it easy to find the location you need in just a few clicks. Narrow your search on our website to find the best locations for your next filming project or event.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Movie shoots can be unpredictable, and you may have to cancel your entire project and with that, the booking. With our flexible policy, you have free cancellations for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, as long as the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Giggster’s add-on coverage includes damages and liability insurance, so you can book a fantastic location knowing you have all bases covered.
Top Events for Restaurant Locations
Due to their varied scenery and backdrops, locations, and style, spaces like Hollywood Landmark Event Space Bar Restaurant are ideal sites for filming, shooting, and partying.
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Open Mic-Nights – Fun Get-Togethers. A lively bar and restaurant is the first choice for fun gatherings where trivia nights and karaoke are involved. On Giggster, you'll find the perfect locale to tell jokes, read poetry, or show off your singing abilities.
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Photo Shoots – Creative Sessions. Looking for a high-end establishment to focus on your commercial project? We have thousands of venues that will help you kickstart your food photography career and turn your specific vision to life.
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Charity Events – Work and Pleasure. Restaurants are some of the most convenient locations for fundraisers. Choose an easily accessible diner with enough capacity to accommodate your guests. Plan activities and live entertainment and treat guests to a memorable dining experience.
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Exclusive Dinners – The Ultimate Dining Experience. Looking for a unique locale for your Christmas dinner or engagement party? Book the private dining room of your favorite restaurant and enjoy the royal treatment.
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Movie Productions – Exciting Backdrops. Want to use your favorite locale for behind-the-scenes footage? Most small restaurant property owners will let you use the space without needing permits, which will triple speed things up for you.
Top Features to Look for in a Restaurant Filming Location
Between light, soundproofed walls, versatile sets, and catering, the list of things to consider when renting diners as filming locations or other events is large. Giggster offers you the best restaurants and filming locations in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Will you need equipment? Most production companies show up with all the necessary equipment for filming, but if you are a newbie filmmaker and you could use a kickstart, check if the restaurant location offers at least a fraction of the essentials.
How about natural light? Natural light is used in almost all photography. Look for bright, open locations with large windows for the ultimate shots. Steer clear of basement locales, pubs, and speakeasies in dark alleys surrounded by tall buildings.
Is the location loud? When filming a rom-com, the last thing you want is construction noise or dogs barking in your scene. Inspect the chosen venue in person to ensure everything works perfectly.
Things to Consider for Renting a Restaurant
When investing money in a commercial shoot or a large-scale event, consider the pros and cons of the venue you want to book. It helps protect that investment and ensure it won't have a negative impact on the experience.
Advantages
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Filming or hosting an event in a restaurant means that the unpredictable weather can't spoil the fun. Whether it's rain or wind, you're protected inside.
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Using the venue after hours gives you more control over the environment as opposed to open spaces where you're left at the mercy of nature and daily life.
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When hosting an event in a diner, you will never run out of food. You can't say the same when partying in the open or at a private home.
Disadvantages
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Filming in a dining venue during hectic holidays means booking in advance to get the location you need.
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If you're booking a cafeteria as a venue during the holiday season, you may find the place busy and not as quiet as you'd like.
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When filming in a venue outside a film studio you have to spend time and money to set up the perfect scene. Dragging tons of equipment with you could also be a challenge.
Planning Your Restaurant Event
There's no easy planning, but with these helpful tips, you are a step closer to executing a successful event or a film shoot.
Location Management – Location scouting is one of the biggest challenges in the entertainment industry. Know exactly what you need from your filming location, whether it's high ceilings, a quiet neighborhood, a pool, or an old-world charm. The venue can make all the difference.
Create a Menu – Since your event is taking place in a diner, it's imperative to serve delicious food. Know your guests and crew's specific dietary needs and allergies to create a menu everyone will enjoy.
Avoid Peak Business Hours – Even if you have permission from the owner to use the venue whenever it suits you best, try to avoid filming during peak hours. With busy joints, you never know what can happen in terms of noise and appearances - use the venue after business hours and, if budget allows, hire some extras.
Saving Money on a Restaurant Location
Filming or hosting a successful event in a dining area can be hard on your wallet. On Giggster, filming locations start at just $18/hour, helping you save money from the get-go.
Pick an off-season date.
Restaurants are always busy, especially during peak season and holidays. Reduce expenses on the rental fee and vendor rates, and time your production in the low season.
Rent equipment.
Unless you already have all the essential tools and equipment, renting instead of buying will help you save a ton of money. Look for reputable vendors (not online), and inspect the equipment before spending your hard-earned money.
Go light on food.
Hosting an event in a restaurant means food is readily available. This is where birthday packages and wedding specials come in. To further cut down food costs, serve finger food instead of a three-course meal. Pizza is always a great option!
Plan Your Restaurant Event with Giggster
From contemporary French bistros in San Diego to retro-diners with jukeboxes in West Hollywood and rooftop event venues for stunning views of New York, Giggster helps you find just the location, whether you're a production company looking for the perfect filming set or a couple celebrating a special occasion. Scroll gorgeous restaurants on our app, curated for unforgettable moments.
