Where Was Road House Filmed?
A Closer Look at the Real Locations Behind the Cult Classic
Released in 1989, Road House might not have been a critical darling at the time, but it quickly earned its place as one of the most memorable action flicks of the late ’80s. With Patrick Swayze leading the charge as the mysterious and cool-headed bouncer James Dalton, the film gave us flying punches, bar fights, and more broken glass than you’d find in a recycling plant.
But even if you’ve watched it a dozen times, there’s a good chance you’ve asked yourself, where exactly was Road House filmed?
It’s a great question—and the real answer might surprise you.
The Iconic Double Deuce Wasn’t What It Seemed
Let’s start with the centerpiece of the film: the Double Deuce, the rough bar that Dalton is hired to straighten out. In the movie, it looks like the kind of roadside dive you’d find tucked away in a small Midwestern town. It feels gritty and real—almost like you could drive past it on a lonely stretch of highway in Missouri.
But here’s the truth: the exterior of the Double Deuce was filmed in Los Angeles, California.
To be more specific, the production used a building at 5078 Whittier Boulevard in East L.A. It wasn’t a bar at all—it was a market called Reed’s Market, which the production crew completely transformed to fit the film. They added neon signs, boarded-up windows, and just enough grime to give it that rundown, lawless vibe.
Unfortunately, the building has since been demolished, so fans hoping to visit the famous bar will have to settle for Google Maps and screen captures.
The Inside of the Bar? That Was Florida
While the outside of the Double Deuce was shot in L.A., the interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage at Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida (which is now called Disney’s Hollywood Studios).
Why shoot the interior in Florida? Simple: control. The bar fights in Road House are intense—choreographed chaos with punches flying, bottles smashing, and characters flying over tables. A soundstage gave the filmmakers the space and safety they needed to pull all that off without real-world distractions like weather or lighting problems.
So even though the Double Deuce felt like a real, lived-in place, it was actually a clever mix of two completely different locations.
What About the Rest of the Town?
The film is set in Jasper, Missouri, and while that’s a real town, none of the movie was filmed there. Instead, the filmmakers leaned heavily on Southern California to stand in for small-town Missouri.
One of the key spots was Santa Clarita, just north of Los Angeles. A lot of the quieter, small-town scenes—like the hardware store and local shops—were shot there. Santa Clarita has long been a popular filming destination because it offers rural-looking streets and buildings without being far from Hollywood.
Dalton’s Lakefront Cabin? Welcome to Lake Piru
Dalton’s home in the movie is a quiet little cabin, conveniently located across the lake from the bad guy’s estate. The spot offers a peaceful contrast to the chaos of the Double Deuce, and it’s where we get a more introspective look at Dalton’s character.
That house was filmed at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California. The cabin was just a set, though—it wasn’t a permanent structure. Still, the lake and surrounding landscape are very real, and you can actually visit the area if you’re curious to see it for yourself.
Why Not Film in Missouri?
It’s a fair question. If the movie is set in Missouri, why not shoot there?
Like most film productions, Road House had to balance authenticity with budget and logistics. Shooting in California and Florida made it easier to stay close to major studios, experienced crews, and established infrastructure. The filmmakers were able to create the illusion of a Midwestern town without having to move the entire production halfway across the country.
Jasper, Missouri—the real town—is tiny, with a population of under 1,000 people. While charming, it probably didn’t offer the flexibility or resources needed for a big Hollywood action movie.
Can You Visit Any of the Filming Locations Today?
Here’s the bad news: the Double Deuce building is gone, and the interior bar set was dismantled after filming wrapped. Disney’s Hollywood Studios still exists, of course, but there’s nothing Road House-related left on the lot.
The good news? Lake Piru is still there, and Santa Clarita is just a short drive from L.A., making it an easy day trip for fans hoping to explore the area. You won’t find any plaques or signs pointing out filming spots, but with a little sleuthing, you might recognize a few buildings from the movie.
What About the Remake?
In case you haven’t heard, Road House was recently remade, with Jake Gyllenhaal stepping into the lead role. Interestingly, this new version was filmed in the Dominican Republic, which is a pretty big departure from the original’s American heartland vibe.
It’s too early to say whether the remake will earn the same cult status as the original, but one thing’s for sure: it definitely won’t have the same dusty, backroads charm of the 1989 version.
Final Thoughts
So, where was Road House filmed?
Not in Missouri. Not even close. The movie was stitched together from a handful of very different places: an old market in East L.A., a soundstage in Orlando, and the open landscapes of Southern California. But thanks to clever camera work, great set design, and a clear sense of style, it all came together to feel like one unforgettable, chaotic little town.
And really, that’s the magic of movies.
