Specific locations include:
* The Silverlake area of Los Angeles: Many of the exterior shots, including the bar where Henry Chinaski hangs out, were filmed in Silverlake.
* Various bars and restaurants in Los Angeles: The film utilizes many different locations to capture the atmosphere of the city's nightlife.
* A few scenes were filmed on location in New Orleans: This is where Henry goes in search of a job opportunity.
While the film is set in Los Angeles, the specific bars and locations are not always identified, creating a sense of anonymity and fitting with the overall gritty realism of the movie.