Some Los Angeles restaurants last a few seasons. One spot near Griffith Park has lasted more than a century, and it still draws crowds who come back for one thing above all: prime rib.
The building looks like it was lifted from a Scottish storybook, with high gables and old wood beams. Walt Disney was a regular here back when his studio sat just down the road, and his favorite table still gets booked today.
The same family has run the place for 104 years, which is a rare feat in a city that loves the next new thing. Keep reading to learn where it is, what makes the prime rib famous, how to book the Disney table, and the practical details you need before you go.
A Scottish Cottage on Los Feliz Boulevard
Tam O’Shanter sits at 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039, in the state of California, United States. It is a steakhouse with the heart of a Scottish inn.
The building is Tudor-style, with high gables, old wood, and a cottage look that stands out on a busy boulevard. Many first-timers describe it as a fairy tale cottage dropped into the middle of the city.
Inside, the theme keeps going. Tartans, dark wood beams, and cozy nooks fill the rooms, and servers wear plaid.
The restaurant opened in 1922. That makes it one of the oldest restaurants still running in Los Angeles, and it remains in the hands of the same family after 104 years.
It is also part of the Lawry’s restaurant family. In fact, it was the very first restaurant opened by the Lawry’s company, long before the brand became known nationwide.
The menu mixes classic steakhouse fare with Scottish and British comfort dishes. Still, one item carries the headline year after year, and that is the prime rib.
For a place this old, it keeps a steady crowd. It holds a 4.5-star standing from more than 3,000 diners, a number that speaks to how many people walk through those wooden doors.
The story behind the name is just as colorful as the building, so it is worth a closer look.
A Name Borrowed From Robert Burns
Long before it named a restaurant, Tam O’Shanter was a character in an 18th century poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The tale follows a farmer riding home late at night after an evening at the pub.
On the way, Tam stumbles upon a strange gathering of witches and warlocks, with the Devil himself playing bagpipes. They give chase, and Tam escapes by crossing the River Doon, which evil creatures cannot cross.
It is a spooky, funny story, and the restaurant leans right into it. A painting of Tam O’Shanter himself hangs inside, so guests can put a face to the name.
The poem gives the whole place its Scottish spirit. Framed tartans hang next to their clan names, and crests and flags fill the walls.
Paintings and portraits of British folk add to the old-world feel. Long-stemmed pipes and tankards sit on display as part of the collection.
Fans of British history and literature tend to find plenty to study between courses. The walls work almost like a small museum, with something new to spot on every visit.
So the next time someone asks why a Los Angeles steakhouse has a Scottish name, the answer involves a farmer, a horse, and a very close call at a river.
Why the Prime Rib Keeps Them Coming
Prime rib is the dish that built this reputation. It comes up more than any other item when people talk about the restaurant.
That makes sense, since Lawry’s is known far and wide for its prime rib. Here, at the company’s first restaurant, the tradition started.
The signature order is the Tam O’Shanter cut. Diners often pair it with classic sides, and Yorkshire pudding is a popular partner on the plate.
Creamed spinach and creamed corn are favorites too. Mashed potatoes and gravy also get plenty of praise from the regulars.
Even people who are picky about steakhouse steaks often single out the prime rib. Some call it one of the better cuts they have had at a restaurant of this kind.
Medium rare is the common choice, and the meat is known for having just enough fat to carry flavor without going overboard. A few guests prefer to order it a bit more done, so it helps to speak up about preference.
Meals often start with bread brought to the table. Then the main event takes center stage.
Portions on the steak side can be generous enough that a to-go box is a likely outcome. Planning a light lunch the next day is not a bad idea.
Walt Disney’s Favorite Hangout
Back when the Disney studio sat just down the way, Walt Disney ate here often. Staff still share that he came in almost every day during those early years.
He often dined with his animators. Historians of the company love this detail, because the cottage look of the place may have inspired some of his work.
Many fans believe the interior helped shape the look of Disney films. One glance at the beams, gables, and storybook nooks makes that idea easy to accept.
His favorite booth carries a plaque today. Some guests also ask about other tables tied to Walt and his wife Lillian, where they reportedly had private dinners.
Other Hollywood names left their mark too. John Wayne is among the famous faces linked to the restaurant’s long list of stories.
The lobby holds photos and memorabilia from those days. Taking a few minutes there before being seated is a smart move, since it sets the scene for the whole meal.
For Disney fans, this is about as close as it gets to sitting where the magic started. And yes, the restaurant offers a special way to do exactly that.
Reserving Table 31 for a Taste of History
A prepaid reservation unlocks one of the most talked-about meals in town. The Table 31 Experience, also called Walt’s Table Experience, seats guests at the table tied to Walt Disney.
The meal follows a set menu with four courses. Both lunch and dinner versions have been offered.
Courses have included bacon-wrapped dates, deviled eggs, a wedge salad, and chili. Walt’s Favorite Burger with fries has appeared on the menu, along with a choice of desserts.
The chili can run a little spicy. Servers sometimes suggest having it on the side, which is a handy tip for milder palates.
Along the way, servers share trivia and history about Walt and the table. Many guests say this storytelling is the best part of the meal.
Small souvenirs and gifts are part of the package as well. Guests often leave with a keepsake in hand.
The amount of food is generous. Some diners say it was more than they could finish.
Special anniversary menus have also been offered during milestone celebrations. The regular menu stays available for anyone who simply walks in.
For a Disney lover’s birthday, few gifts top this one.
Beyond the Beef: Rarebit, Pies, and Pudding
Not everyone at the table has to order prime rib. The Scottish side of the menu has its own loyal fans.
Rarebit is a frequent favorite. Toad in the Hole also earns strong praise from people who want a classic British dish.
A Scottish shepherd’s pie made with beef comes in a puff pastry shell, with braised beef, kale, and vegetables. It is hearty comfort food in the truest sense.
Fish and chips show up on many tables too. Roast chicken, trout meunière, and burnt ends round out the variety.
The bar menu adds lighter bites like poutine and sweet and spicy duck wings. These work well for groups who want to share.
Dessert deserves a slot in the plan. English trifle has its fans, and bread pudding arrives warm with plenty of sauce.
Dessert portions tend to hit a sensible size. That leaves room to try more than one if the table splits them.
During the holidays, a seasonal prix fixe menu has featured a turkey platter with gravy, stuffing, and cranberry. Some diners add a slice of prime rib on the side, which feels like the right move here.
The Pub Side and Its Live Music
There are really two ways to experience the place. The main dining room is one, and the pub area is the other.
The bar area has its own smaller menu and open seating. That makes it a good choice for a quick bite without planning ahead.
The restaurant proper works best with a reservation. Groups of eight have been seated without trouble, but booking keeps things smooth.
The beverage list is a big draw for many guests. The Scotch selection in particular gets frequent mentions, which suits the Scottish theme.
Happy hour is offered as well. It is a handy way to try the pub menu at a friendlier cost.
Live music adds another layer on certain nights. A Friday night set from a local band, complete with original songs, is the kind of surprise regulars enjoy.
Even with music, the room tends to allow easy talk at the table. Many people appreciate that conversation does not have to compete with loud speakers.
Outdoor seating is also available. On a mild Los Angeles evening, that option is popular.
Between the bar, the dining room, and the patio, there is a seat for most moods.
Holiday Cheer and a Relaxed Pace
December brings a special charm to the old cottage. The restaurant dresses up for the holidays with lights and festive decor.
The decorations have stayed up into early January in past seasons. Late-season diners can still catch the holiday look.
Carolers have even visited tables during December dinners. It is a small touch that makes the season feel extra classic.
Year-round, the pace is unhurried. Staff do not rush guests in and out, so a long dinner never feels out of place.
Servers earn steady praise for being friendly, quick, and knowledgeable. Many enjoy sharing bits of history about the building.
Refills arrive without a wait, and orders often come out quickly. That balance of speed and patience is part of why people return.
The lighting stays soft, neither too dim nor too bright. It suits both date nights and family gatherings.
Kids are welcome, and families often bring younger diners along. Birthdays and anniversaries are common reasons for a visit, including big milestones like a 75th birthday.
A celebration here comes with a century of backstory at no extra charge.
Hours, Parking, and Budget Basics
Planning a trip is simple, since the schedule never changes. The restaurant is open every day of the week from 11 AM to 9 PM.
That steady timetable makes lunch an easy option. A midday meal is a good way to enjoy the building with a calmer crowd.
Parking is plentiful. Valet service has cost $9.50, so it helps to budget for that.
Reservations are the safest bet for the main dining room. The Table 31 Experience requires a prepaid booking, so plan that one well ahead.
The bar area offers open seating for those who prefer to walk in. It is a solid backup if the dining room is full.
As for cost, this is a classic sit-down steakhouse. One group paid about $65 per person, and many describe the meal as pricey.
Some feel the history and service justify the spend. Others wish the meat portions were larger for the price.
Happy hour can soften the bill for a casual visit. Ordering from the pub menu is another way to keep costs friendly.
Details like these may change, so checking the Lawry’s website before going is a wise step.
Is a Century-Old Steakhouse Worth the Trip?
A hundred-plus years is a long time to keep people happy. Few places in Los Angeles have pulled it off.
The prime rib is the clear star, and the Tam O’Shanter cut remains the order to beat. Sides like Yorkshire pudding and creamed corn make it a full classic plate.
The building itself is half the reason to go. Its storybook design, Scottish decor, and Disney ties turn dinner into a small history lesson.
Disney fans will want to book the Table 31 Experience at least once. History buffs will enjoy the lobby photos and the art on the walls.
Families, couples, and groups all find a fit here. The pub side suits a casual night, while the dining room suits a celebration.
Not every dish wins every heart, and the bill runs on the higher side. Still, the service and setting earn steady praise.
For a taste of old Los Angeles that still feels lively, this cottage on Los Feliz Boulevard delivers. Some places serve a meal, but this one serves a century of stories alongside it.
Tam rode home through a wild night and lived to tell the tale. Hungry diners can make a far calmer trip and leave with a tale of their own.
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