Comments (0) Best Historic Restaurant (1922) - 2010

Tam O'Shanter

Scottish writer Robert Burns introduced the character of Tam O'Shanter in a poem in 1790, and the term has since come to be associated with a voluminous Scottish-style wool hat worn by men. It's also the name of a historic tavern in Atwater Village, and after Lawrence Frank and Walter Van de Kamp opened the Tam O'Shanter Restaurant and Pub nearly 90 years ago, the L.A. version of the "Tam" has become almost as iconic as its namesake. The restaurant was a one-time local lunchtime hot spot for people like Fatty Arbuckle, Mary Pickford and John Wayne; according to the restaurant, Walt Disney and his team visited so often, they playfully dubbed it the studio commissary. The Tam's menu still features hearty Scottish-inspired staples such as cream-of-mushroom soup, braised beef short ribs, creamed corn and Yorkshire pudding. During the holiday season, the space is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an enormous Christmas tree, a roaring fireplace and old-fashioned carolers. In 1968, the Tam O'Shanter temporarily changed its name to the Great Scot, reverting to its original designation in 1982 on its 60th anniversary. Today, the venue continues to draw a faithful clientele while proudly billing itself as "Los Angeles' oldest restaurant operated by the same family in the same location." 2980 Los Feliz Blvd., Atwater Village (323) 664-0228. —Tanja M. Laden