If you plan to visit the William H. Hannon Library this month, come on up to level 3 for a taste of Los Angeles history! Using reproductions from the Werner von Boltenstern Postcard Collection, we have curated an exhibition exploring postcard images of some of Los Angeles’s most iconic restaurants, including the Stinking Rose, Carolina Pines, Deauville Beach Club, Tick Tock Tea Room, and the Brown Derby. Discover the many fantastic dining spots that offered L.A. residents a variety of cuisines from around the globe: nine of which are still in operation! True to Los Angeles style, some of these buildings have unique architectural elements.

This exhibition was inspired by the book To Live and Dine in L.A. by Josh Kun, which is on display and currently available in our Oversize section (level 3). Kun notably used the Los Angeles Public Library’s Menu Collection for his exploration of past establishments.

This exhibition was created by student assistant Mario A. Gallardo and Library Events Manager Carol Raby. Mario and Carol greatly appreciate the assistance of Archives and Special Collections Instruction Librarian Rachel Wen-Paloutzian for her guidance and expertise in researching the postcards.