Appearance
Swingers
Directed by Doug Liman and written by Jon Favreau, Swingers (1996) is a quintessential 90s indie comedy that catapulted the careers of its stars and revitalized interest in the retro-swing subculture. The film follows Mike (Favreau), a struggling comedian who is still devastated by a breakup six months after moving from New York to Los Angeles. His fast-talking, charismatic friend Trent (Vince Vaughn) and a tight-knit circle of aspiring actors lead him through a series of "money" nights at cocktail lounges and a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas to help him find his confidence again.
The film is famous for its sharp, stylized dialogue, its low-budget aesthetic, and its authentic portrayal of the 1990s Los Angeles nightlife.
Locations
Because of its limited budget, Swingers was shot almost entirely on location in about 18 days, often using real patrons as extras and utilizing director Doug Liman's own apartment and those of the cast.
The Dresden Room, Los Feliz
The Dresden Room on North Vermont Avenue is the setting for several pivotal scenes, most notably where Mike awkwardly attempts to get a woman's phone number. The restaurant’s lounge area, featuring the real-life musical duo Marty and Elayne, provided the film with its signature mid-century "old school" vibe. Map Location
The Derby, Los Feliz
The climactic swing dancing sequence where Mike finally finds his rhythm with Lorraine (Heather Graham) was filmed at The Derby. A central hub of the 90s swing revival, the club's circular dance floor and performance by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy became the film's most iconic visual identifiers.
101 Coffee Shop (Clark Street Diner), Hollywood
The late-night diner scenes—where the guys debate the ethics of the "three-day rule" for calling a girl—were filmed at what was then the Hollywood Hills Coffee Shop in the Best Western. Known for years afterward as the 101 Coffee Shop, it remains a landmark for fans of the film despite being rebranded as the Clark Street Diner. Map Location
The Three Clubs, Hollywood
The smoky bar where the guys spend their nights hunting for "beautiful babies" is The Three Clubs on Vine Street. The location’s dark wood paneling and minimalist atmosphere perfectly captured the "eastside" Hollywood lifestyle depicted in the film. Map Location
Stardust & Fremont Hotels, Las Vegas
For the guys' impulsive road trip, the production traveled to Las Vegas. They filmed guerilla-style around the Fremont Street Experience and at the Stardust Hotel and Casino. The contrast between the glitzy Strip and the classic feel of downtown Vegas mirrored the film’s blend of modern struggle and vintage aspiration. Map Location
Mike’s Apartment, Hollywood
Reflecting the film's authentic roots, the apartment where Mike agonizes over his answering machine was actually Jon Favreau’s real apartment at the time, located on Franklin Avenue. The building is just a few blocks away from several other filming locations in the Hollywood Hills.
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Director
Doug Liman
Cast
Jon Favreau
Vince Vaughn
Ron Livingston
Heather Graham
Patrick Van Horn
Alex Désert
IMDB
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