“Mad Men” is a very famous TV series that won many Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. The show is set in the advertising world of 1960s Manhattan, New York. As the series progresses, it also explores the bohemian lifestyle of Los Angeles. Even though the story takes place in New York, many scenes were actually filmed in Los Angeles. In this article, we will take a look at the top *Mad Men* filming locations in Los Angeles. These places played an important role in bringing the show to life. Imagine you are having a drink with Don Draper or discussing business with Peggy Olson as you read through.
Where was “Mad Men” Filmed?
The first episode, called the pilot, was filmed in New York City. The filming took place at Silvercup Studios and different locations around the city. However, after the pilot episode, the rest of the series was filmed in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Center Studios.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Center Studios: The main office scenes, including the offices of Sterling Cooper & Partners, were filmed at Los Angeles Center Studios. This studio is located in Downtown Los Angeles. It is a big 20-acre studio that has six modern soundstages. The studio also offers 450,000 square feet of office space for companies related to entertainment and creativity. Los Angeles Center Studios is a popular place for filming movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and even concert rehearsals. The studio campus also hosts various events, such as corporate events, screenings, presentations, and receptions.
The Biltmore Los Angeles: In Season 5, there is an episode called “Tea Leaves,” where Betty and her friend visit a fortune teller. The fortune teller reads Betty’s tea leaves and tells her that she has a great soul. This scene was filmed in the Rendezvous Court of The Biltmore hotel. The Biltmore is one of the most popular film locations in Los Angeles and is often used as a stand-in for hotels in “Mad Men”. Another scene from Season 2, titled “For Those Who Think Young,” shows Don meeting Betty for drinks at a place called The Savoy. This scene was also filmed at The Biltmore.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: In Season 3, during an episode called “Souvenir,” Don takes Betty on a business trip to Rome. In the story, they check in at a Hilton hotel, where Betty’s knowledge of Italian comes in handy. The Hilton’s lobby and outdoor cafe scenes were actually filmed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is a famous place and is the home of the Los Angeles Opera. It is also known for hosting dance performances.
Cole’s Restaurant: In the same episode, “Waldorf Stories,” there is a flashback where Roger recalls how he first met Don. Don takes Roger out for a boozy lunch to convince him to give him a job at Sterling Cooper. This important scene was filmed at Cole’s, a well-known restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC): In the Season 4 episode “The Summer Man,” Don is feeling reflective after losing someone close to him. He starts writing in a journal, tries to cut down on his drinking, and swims in a pool at the New York Athletic Club. The swimming pool scenes were filmed at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in Downtown L.A. The LAAC is a private club that was founded in 1880. It has modern athletic and spa facilities, award-winning restaurants, bars, and hotel rooms.
Los Angeles Theatre: In the Season 1 episode “Shoot,” Don is being courted by Jim Hobart, the head of McCann Erickson. During the intermission of a Broadway show, Don is offered a new job. The scene that was supposed to take place in the lobby of the Broadhurst Theatre in New York was actually filmed at the Los Angeles Theatre. The Los Angeles Theatre is a historic movie palace located in Downtown L.A.’s Broadway Theatre District. The theatre was built in 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Quality Cafe: In Season 1, there is an episode called “5G” where Don meets his half-brother Adam at a diner. This diner scene was filmed at the Quality Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles. Even though the restaurant closed in 2006, it continues to be one of L.A.’s most popular filming locations and has appeared in many movies and TV shows.
The Tam O’Shanter: The Tam O’Shanter is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic restaurants. It opened in 1922 and has a lot of history. Walt Disney and his animators were regular visitors to this restaurant. In Season 7, during the episode “New Business,” Don visits a restaurant where a waitress named Diana Baur now works. This restaurant scene was filmed at The Tam O’Shanter.
Musso & Frank Grill: In Season 1, during the episode “Red in the Face,” Roger makes a drunken pass at Betty. To get revenge, Don takes Roger to a lunch of Martinis and oysters, which ends badly. This lunch scene was filmed at Musso & Frank Grill, the oldest restaurant in Hollywood. Musso & Frank Grill is famous for its legendary Martinis. The restaurant also appeared in the Season 2 episode “The New Girl,” where it stood in for Sardi’s, a famous New York restaurant.
Three Clubs: Three Clubs is a classic cocktail lounge located on Vine Street in Hollywood. It has deep leather booths, velvet wallpaper, and dim lighting, giving it a vintage feel. Three Clubs was featured in several episodes of Mad Men, including the Season 2 finale, “Meditations in an Emergency.” In this episode, after finding out that she’s pregnant, Betty goes to a bar and later has a brief affair with a stranger in the bar’s office.
Canter’s Deli: In the Season 7 premiere, “Time Zones,” Don visits Los Angeles, where several main characters have moved, including his wife Megan, Ted Chaough, and Pete Campbell. In one scene, Pete meets Don for lunch at Canter’s Deli. Canter’s Deli is a famous place in Los Angeles where many celebrities have eaten, including Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Cary Grant. In the scene, Don and Pete both order the Brooklyn Avenue, a pastrami sandwich topped with coleslaw.
HMS Bounty: In the Season 1 episode “Indian Summer,” Peggy goes on a blind date with a truck driver at a fictional Manhattan seafood restaurant called La Trombetta. The scene was filmed in the back room of the HMS Bounty, a bar located in Koreatown, Los Angeles. HMS Bounty opened in 1948 and became a nautically-themed bar in 1962.
The Prince: In the second episode of the series, “Ladies Room,” the Drapers and the Sterlings enjoy Martinis and tableside Caesar salads at a now-defunct restaurant called Toots Shor’s. This dinner scene was filmed at The Prince, a restaurant in Koreatown. The Prince also appeared in the Season 5 episode “Christmas Waltz,” where Don and Joan have drinks and share a heartfelt conversation.
The Ebell of Los Angeles: In the Season 3 episode “The Grown Ups,” Roger’s daughter Margaret has her wedding the day after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The wedding scenes were filmed at The Ebell of Los Angeles, a historic women’s club located in Mid-City, Los Angeles. The Ebell Theatre has hosted many musical performances and lectures by world leaders and top artists. The Ebell was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Historic Monument in 1982 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Descanso Gardens: In the Season 6 episode “The Better Half,” Descanso Gardens makes a few appearances. Betty stops at a gas station to ask for directions to Bobby’s summer camp, and later, the family enjoys a rare moment of happiness together in the camp diner. These scenes were filmed at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Descanso Gardens is a beautiful place with 160 acres of botanical gardens, an Enchanted Railroad, an art gallery, and more.
Mad Men may be set in 1960s New York, but many of its iconic scenes were filmed in Los Angeles. From historic theatres and restaurants to private clubs and gardens, these filming locations played a crucial role in bringing the world of Mad Men to life. Whether you are a fan of the show or just interested in Los Angeles’ rich filming history, these locations offer a glimpse into the glamorous world of Don Draper and his colleagues.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Mad Man
Q: Where was “Mad Men” filmed?
A: “Mad Men” was mainly filmed in Los Angeles. The main sets, like the offices of Sterling Cooper & Partners, were at Los Angeles Center Studios. Some scenes were also shot in New York City for the pilot episode.
Q: When was “Mad Men” filmed?
A: “Mad Men” was filmed over several years, starting in 2006 and ending in 2014. Each season took a few months to film, with shooting usually starting in the summer.
Q: Where were the New York scenes of “Mad Men” filmed?
A: The New York scenes in “Mad Men,” especially in the pilot episode, were filmed at Silvercup Studios and various locations around New York City.
Q: What are some famous locations in Los Angeles where “Mad Men” was filmed?
A: Some famous Los Angeles locations in “Mad Men” include Los Angeles Center Studios, The Biltmore Los Angeles, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and Musso & Frank Grill.
Q: When did “Mad Men” first release?
A: “Mad Men” first released on July 19, 2007. The show has a total of seven seasons and ended in 2015.
