From Humble Beginnings: A Roadside Stand Becomes a Los Feliz Landmark
Tam O’Shanter has a reputation as one of Los Angeles’s oldest standing restaurants. “From my understanding, Lawrence’s inspiration for the Tam O’Shanter was to create a casual, local place where friends could gather. He focused on the cost of a cup of coffee. He wanted a good burger. He wanted it to feel almost like a diner. Granted, this was a diner in the 1920s, but that accessibility and popularity were essential,” says Ryan Wilson, CEO of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc.
“I think that focus on bringing people together with good value was fundamental to the opening of the Tam, and it still is today. We’re not selling five-cent cups of coffee anymore, but it’s about understanding how to present a business to the community in a way that still makes sense. It’s about being a place people can use for many different purposes, all sorts of occasions, and maintaining that continuity by matching the moment.” He adds, “It’s not about being fancy. It’s about creating a great space, offering value, and bringing people together.”
A Pub-Like Spirit Rooted in Hospitality
Wilson notes that the Tams’ identity also draws from the concept of a traditional pub. “There’s also some inspiration from the idea of a pub and the publican. Historically, it was a place where people gathered to talk about life and politics, to pray, and to connect at a time when there weren’t many other meeting places outside of a church. Those humble origins are really rooted in hospitality and in providing a space for people to come together.”
The Disney Connection: A Magical Thread
The story of Tam O’Shanter is deeply intertwined with Walt Disney and the early days of Disneyland. “We talk a lot about Walt, obviously, because of his celebrity. But my understanding is that Lawrence was actually friends with Walt’s brother, Roy. Walt himself was social, but also known to be a complex character and, of course, very busy,” says Wilson.
“From what I can glean from Disney, they are exceptional at making moments meaningful and memories impactful. There’s a real passion not only for creating those memories but for sharing them and returning to them over time. I think there’s certainly some throughline there. If you look at the roots of both cultures, you’ll see they’re really about creating a great, memorable environment. I remember something my grandfather, Richard Nathan, G2, used to say: You never get credit for the individual detail. Properly executed, you get credit for the total of it.”
Wilson emphasizes, “That confidence and commitment, year after year, is what stands out. And while Disney isn’t entirely family-run anymore, that continuity and dedication to the details remain. I think that commitment to detail, especially as it relates to hospitality, is a significant part of the connection.”
Design and Décor: History in Every Corner
Many guests describe the restaurant’s atmosphere as warm and timeless. “I’ll throw out a few. The fireplace in the bar doesn’t get a lot of credit, but the lore is that it may have inspired the fireplace in Snow White’s cottage. It’s currently busted, the gas doesn’t work, and it’s not in the most ideal operational spot, but that piece of décor carries a lot of history and a lot of opportunity. I’m trying to figure out how to highlight it cost-effectively, because it really is very cool,” Wilson explains.
“Bringing it into the present, our Great Wall of Scotch, or wall of whiskey, is another element I’m excited about. It was inspired by a historic photo we have of a much smaller display labeled the ‘Great Wall of Scotch,’ a play on the Great Wall of China. That photo inspired me to install a cabinet that looks like a piece of furniture and stock it full of incredible whiskey. We’ve done that, and we’re continuing to think about how to maximize that opportunity. It’s something I’m passionate about.”
Wilson continues, “Beyond that, there are all sorts of knick-knacks tucked into corners throughout the restaurant. In the main dining room, even though the flags need updating, looking up at the ceiling structure and the Disney-esque storytelling elements above is special. The wine display there also adds something distinctive to the space. All of it together reflects the depth and character of the Tam.”
Table 31: A Disney-Inspired Experience
Table 31 is frequently described as a unique, elevated dining experience. “Table 31 has been a fun evolution over the last 15 years and represents a meaningful partnership with Disney, specifically the Disney Imagineers. It really evolved through John Lindquist and his team’s ideation around how to create a better guest experience,” says Wilson.
“The menu is reminiscent of both our own heritage and Disney culture, so it brings together history, storytelling, and a memorable dining experience. It’s a way for guests to celebrate Disney’s connection to our past while enjoying something unique and meaningful in the present,” he adds.
Honoring Tradition While Evolving the Menu
Wilson discusses how Tam O’Shanter balances tradition with contemporary expectations. “It’s a constantly evolving focus on quality, and on the quality of the total guest experience. We’re always centered on the quality of our core ingredients. Prime rib is the most obvious example, given our heritage and its significance to our sales.”
He continues, “At the same time, dining expectations have changed. People aren’t eating as much, and food has become a representation of memory and experience. We have to keep our heritage items relevant by using great-quality ingredients, pricing and portioning them properly, and delivering them with genuine hospitality.”
A Pillar of Continuity in Los Angeles
The restaurant’s location and longstanding presence have made it a fixture in the community. “I think it’s fair to say we are the longest-running restaurant in Los Angeles, certainly under one ownership lineage and in one continuous location. That gives us some credibility to speak from this position,” says Wilson.
“There’s always an evolving landscape in terms of what’s interesting and how people choose to spend their dining dollars. Right now, I think we’re in the middle of a renewed appreciation for the tried and true. A Gen Z consumer, in particular, is looking for authenticity. Post-pandemic, as prices have risen, people expect more for their money. It’s not just about getting a great meal. It’s about the energy, the experience, the memories, and maybe even something worth sharing on social media. The bar is high.”
Wilson adds, “They’re looking for consistency. That comes from a great ambiance, a welcoming environment, a coworker’s smile, and a well-executed meal in front of them. It creates continuity in an otherwise hectic world and gives people time to focus on the others around their table.”
Takeaway: More Than Just a Meal
“I hope diners walk away with an awareness of the richness of the Tam. Whether it’s the history, the décor, the quirkiness, it really goes on and on,” Wilson says.
“For those who are curious, there’s so much to discover. The collection of whiskey, the tartans on the walls, the old-school Disney history and inspiration, and even the threads of real estate development in Southern California. The Tam connects to so many interesting stories beyond just the food.”
Wilson concludes, “I think that sense of curiosity encourages repeat visits. The place is layered and rich, and each time you come back, there’s something new to notice or appreciate. The immediate community in Atwater Village and Los Angeles more broadly has a real appreciation for creativity, history, and character. The Tam holds all of that in one location, and that’s something that feels increasingly rare today.”
