The Library will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in observance of New Year's Eve
and will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day.

Menus of New Year's Past

Neale Stokes, Senior Librarian, Digital Content Team,
Couple at Nightclub, 1962
Couple at Los Angeles Nightclub, New Year's Eve, 1962. From the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection.

What will you eat this New Year's Eve? However we plan to celebrate the new year, Angelenos have a lot of dinner options this December 31st—from buck-fifty street tacos to a $285 tasting menu at Spago.

While I've indulged in the New Year's Day tradition of Hoppin John (my southern friend recommends the recipe in this cookbook), I honestly can't remember a single New Year's Eve meal. Whether your dinner is forgettable party fuel or an Instagram-ready indulgence, you might be inspired by these historical New Year's Eve menus, all from the library's extensive Menu Collection.

If these whet your appetite, be sure to order up a copy of To Live and Dine in L.A., an entire book based around the Menu Collection. And if you hear of another place around town where I can get a lobster for $1.25 this Sunday, please let me know.\

Scan of Airporter Menuscan of airporter menu

The Airporter Inn Hotel, ca. 1960s

Camilos menu scan

Cafe Montmarte, 1927

Blue Mill menu scan

The Blue Mill, 1921

Glen Inn menu scan

The Glen Inn, 1926

 

 

 

Top