So I have a confession: I'm a closeted Disney adult. I promise I'm not an adult child and I'm not entirely consumed by all things Mickey Mouse, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that Disney has profoundly impacted the trajectory of my life (Like... I wouldn't live in LA if Disney didn't exist, but that's another story).
Whenever family or friends visit me in LA, I'm quick to recommend a visit to the Tam O'Shanter. The Los Feliz establishment infamously owns the title of "Walt Disney's favorite restaurant." It's an LA institution known for a slightly kitschy Scottish theme and an old-fashioned "meat and potatoes" type menu. Most of the time, my guests pass over the suggestion and opt for a more "LA" experience (think rooftop bar with $20 cocktails).
It'd been years since my last visit, but I convinced my partner to celebrate his recent music release at the storied establishment. I'm thankful to share that our visit cemented the Tam as one of my favorite LA restaurants (I guess Walt Disney and I have something in common...). Here's my review of our very magical meal at the Tam O'Shanter.
OUR TAM O'SHANTER REVIEW
THE AMBIANCE
Located off of Los Feliz Blvd. in Atwater Village, you can't miss the Tam O'Shanter. The Tudor-style building has been a fixture on the East side since 1922. As LA's oldest establishment owned by the same family. the Tam has been serving up Lawry's Prime Rib for over 100 years (Yes, the same Lawry's as the Lawry's in Beverly Hills).
Outside, the Tam O'Shanter offers garden seating perfect for summertime happy hours. But inside, the restaurant boasts a unique Scottish ambiance that toes the line between authentic Scottish experience and kitschy EPCOT-style reenactment. The moody vibes, eclectic Medieval-style chairs, and plaid patterned walls pay homage to the Scottish heritage. But the Tam knows its place in the Disney lore and isn't shy to display framed images of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse (including one gifted by Walt to the Tam O'Shanter founders). Despite the restaurant's massive size, tables are clustered amongst different rooms, making the dining experience intimate.
On our visit, we were fortunate enough to be sat at the prime spot in the venue; Walt Disney's preferred table. Nestled in the corner of the main room, the table is fit for Hollywood royalty, and we felt that way as passers-by pointed the table out to others, noting it was the infamous spot. On the tabletop, sketched drawings of dinosaurs have been digitally etched into the wood, along with a secret code and some other doodles, written by Disney himself in the establishment. I'll save the history lesson for the waiters if you're fortunate enough to snag the seat for yourself. I will share that sitting here is massively cool and I (again, a Disney adult) felt emotionally moved by the opportunity to dine in a spot frequented by one of the most creative minds in the world.
THE MENU
So, what should you expect from the Tam O'Shanter menu? Meat and potatoes. The Lawry's Prime RIb may be the restaurant's main fixture, but UK classics like fish and chips and corned beef are just as popular. A few salads and some heavier appetizers are also available. I suggest sticking to what this place is known for and ordering a steak or prime rib. You can see the menu for yourself here.
As for the bar, the Tam O'Shanter is known for its Scotch, which is carefully stored within "The Great Wall O' Scotch." With over 450 offerings from your bar staples to your uber-rare finds (we're talking $300+ per dram), this might be one of the most impressive bars in the US for the beverage. The Disney drinkers frequently order Walt's favorite beverage, a "Scotch Mist" (Straight Scotch over crushed ice). But for those that aren't into brown liquor (Cough, myself included, cough) there's a robust cocktail and wine menu. You can take a gander for yourself here.
OUR MEAL
Pimm's Cup - In an effort to fully discredit myself as a reviewer, I must confess that I'd never had Pimm's before. Thus, I ordered it thinking (morseo, hoping) it was a vodka. As I write this the next day with a dull headache from having two of these beverages, I can confirm Pimm's is a gin-based liquor that tastes yummy and can provide a secret hangover the next day. Headache aside, the cocktail, which included Pimm's #1, strawberry, cucumber, and ginger beer was delicious and I'd get it again (with a side of ibuprofen).
Kilchoman Scotch - My partner essentially threw a dart at the menu and landed on a Kilchoman of a variety that we can't remember...There were over 450 options, at least he remembered the name of the distillery. Since we were sitting at Walt's table, he ordered it as a "Scotch Mist" (When in Fantasyland, right?!). My partner says it was good, with a prominent peaty and smoky flavor that grows on you as the liquor settles. Despite the concern for the mist preparation diluting the beverage, he enjoyed the crushed ice and the texture it brought to the drink as a change of pace.
Table Bread - As a mid-west native, I'm obligated to speak on the table bread included in meal service. It's a yummy loaf of sourdough with plenty of real butter to accompany it. It was crispy and provided a good introduction to the comfortable flavors the Tam has to offer.
Filet Mignon - I've been steak-deprived for months, and this hit the spot perfectly! Cooked to medium-rare perfection, the steak was juicy and excellently paired with a bourbon-peppercorn reduction. The reduction complimented the garlic mashed potatoes and the seasonal vegetable medley of broccolini, rainbow carrots, and cauliflower. I knew as I savored every bite that this would be a meal that I'd remember for months to come. I could not recommend this dish enough.
Corned Beef Platter - My partner opted for the corned beef platter. He says it was excellent, with delightful overall flavor. He felt the sides of mashed potatoes and creamed corn paired well with the crown jewel of the platter, the corned beef. The cut of beef was tender and lean with the slightest fat to render a juicy flavor. It was a well-balanced plate with the perfect portion for a filling meal.
English Trifle - Served in a massive sundae glass, this sweet treat consisted of sponge cake, vanilla custard cream, strawberry preserves, and whipped cream. We loved it so much that we didn't capture a picture before we devoured it. I love a refreshing dessert after a heavy dinner and this was the perfect ending with a portion comfortably split between two people.
Tamdhu Batch Strength Scotch - Billed as a "dessert Scotch" with notes of sherry, fruit, and vanilla frosting, my partner enjoyed this palate cleanser at the end of the meal. He reported that the notes were subtle and the Scotch, while offered as dessert, could be enjoyed at any time despite its unique flavor.
SERVICE
Maybe the Tam's Disney history has impacted its expectations for employee service because I truly felt the "Disney difference" here. Our waiter was friendly and went out of his way to share the history and hidden secrets of our special table. The food runners were also exceptional, refilling our water glasses almost every time I took a sip and whisking away our finished plates the moment we finished our meals. I honestly cannot remember feeling this cared for in a restaurant in Los Angeles.
VALUE
With tip, our meal topped out just shy of $200. Without an appetizer, the price does feel a tad steep on paper, but I honestly feel that the exceptional service, phenomenal flavors, and unmatched history justify the cost.
OVERALL
This was one of the best meals my partner and I have had in almost three years. It was made even more special by the opportunity to sit at Walt's historic table. I'll be thinking about this meal for months to come and look forward to making a return trip soon.
