How BOA Steakhouse Became a Hotspot for Gen Z Influencers

You might expect BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood to draw plenty of people looking for a good cut of beef, but as a new piece in the New York Times points out, the restaurant has also become a go-to spot for many of Gen Z’s most popular social-media influencers.

It began in 2018, when gaming collective FaZe Clan started dining at the restaurant and struck up a friendship with manager Paul Antosca. When members of Hype House moved into FaZe Clan’s former Hollywood Hills mansion, they continued the tradition. “The first time they came in we wrote ‘Hype House’ on a plate, and they all raved and posted about it,” Antosca told the Times.

Now, it’s become a place for YouTubers like Jake Paul and James Charles as well as a slew of popular TikTok stars. “It’s like going to Disney World: You know you’re going to see a character at some point, it’s part of the experience,” Antosca said.

The restaurant’s Snow Beef Wagyu is most popular with the young influencers, according to Antosca. “It’s expensive and they want to feel like they’re doing big things,” he said. “A lot of influencers that want to show off get the Snow Beef. It’s $50 and our highest priced item.”

However, he makes it clear that they should expect to pay full price for the expensive meal: “The first thing someone says these days is, ‘Hey, I’m an influencer,’” he tells the publication. “I say, ‘Just so you’re aware, BOA doesn’t do influencer comps, but I’ll definitely assist you in getting a reservation.’”