New Year’s Eve Dining Options in the Valley

New Year’s Eve is a time for hope and a night to celebrate the future with friends and family while washing away some of the year’s less savory memories. Enjoy the evening at five Valley restaurants, ranging from a meal inspired by “The Big Lebowski” to a lobster party fit for a (local) peasant.

Boneyard Bistro

At Boneyard Bistro, they are tossing a “Big Lebowski” inspired party. Staffers will all dress like characters in their favorite Coen Brothers movie and serve themed dishes and drinks. “The Dude’s New Year Eve” includes a la carte options that reference movie lines. “Let’s Go Bowling” translates as nacho-crusted carnitas meatballs with pico de gallo, chipotle crème, and avocado puree. “The Dude Abides” burger combines two Wagyu Beef Patties, 1000 Island dressing, American cheese, pickles, caramelized onions, tomato, pickled jalapeños, and iceberg lettuce, served with tater tots. “Shut Up, Donny!” club sandwich stacks smoked turkey, jalapeño-bacon jam, arugula, mayo, avocado, Gruyere, and sun-dried tomato pesto on sourdough and comes with fries.

13539 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-906-7427

The Federal Bar

The Federal Bar in NoHo Arts District is going all out with their large, multi-faceted space, which includes a ground-level restaurant and bar, upstairs performance space, and hidden cocktail destination. Start downstairs with dinner and drinks. Their four-course, $75 prix fixe menu includes party favors, nightclub admission, and a midnight Champagne toast. Each course has multiple choices. Consider baked crab dip with grilled baguette to start, followed by a baby beet and burrata salad with arugula, spicy pecans, and white balsamic. Main courses are served with three family-style sides for the table: Brussels sprouts, Yukon gold potato puree, and grilled creamed corn. The big decision: does New Year’s Eve call for Prime rib, herb-roasted chicken, wild salmon, or cauliflower steak? Finish with either chocolate brioche bread pudding or New York cheesecake.

Other possible experiences on premises include dancing and drinks with the SnapBack DJs, party favors, and a Champagne toast at midnight for $25. The Salon, The Federal Bar’s upstairs speakeasy, hosts a VIP open bar for $100 that also includes appetizers, party favors, admission to nightclub, and a champagne toast at midnight.

5303 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, 818-980-2555

Firefly

Chef Perry Pollaci is serving a special New Year’s Eve menu at Firefly, an ivy-covered hideaway. The early seating includes a three-course menu and costs $125. Consider luxurious choices like Maine lobster bisque with tarragon vanilla oil and puff pastry; New Zealand venison with black trumpet mushrooms, red wine apples, a parsnip assortment, and lychee gastrique; and chocolate trio with gianduja crémeux, white chocolate panna cotta, and dark chocolate tart. A four-course menu costs $150 and includes Périgord black truffle risotto with black garlic and salsa verde, plus a Champagne toast at midnight. DJ CA plays a set from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

11720 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 818-762-1833

Laurel Point

Laurel Point, which is devoted to seasonal, sustainable seafood, is serving an oceanic three-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Each diner receives a complementary Wellfleet oyster (or oyster shooter) and Champagne toast to start. From there, choices include special dishes like lobster chowder with lobster corn relish, , crab-crusted mahi mahi with autumn succotash, and braised short ribs with lobster mashed potatoes and charred asparagus. For dessert, decide between wild berry crème brûlée or four-layer chocolate cake. The cost is $85 per person with wine pairings.

12050 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, 818-769-6336

The Local Peasant (Sherman Oaks + Woodland Hills)

Both Valley locations for The Local Peasant gastropub are hosting their annual NYE Lobster Dinner Party. Priced at $59, the evening includes a steamed 1.5-pound lobster, loaded baked potato, corn on the cob, party favors, music, a countdown on projectors, and Champagne toast. Add a center-cut ribeye for $19. After 9:30 p.m., a separate $20 cover charge for non-diners includes one drink ticket.

14058 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-501-0234; and 22901 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, 818-876-0105