These days, the Scottish-themed steak house called the Tam O’Shanter Inn at 2980 Los Feliz Blvd in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles is famously known as one of LA’s longest running restaurants and is where Walt Disney often used to dine during his early days as a struggling animator. But back in 1924, when this photo was taken, the place had only been open for a couple of years, and was still the size of a house that looked like it had been plucked from a remote Scottish village and plopped into the middle of a rapidly growing town.
Lew I. says: “They’re actually located in Atwater Village, an elegant name for a town with this elegant restaurant.”
Edward V. says: “Founding owners were Lawrence Frank (Lawrys) and Van De Kamp families. Family operated still today along with Lawrys The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills”
This is how the Tam O’Shanter looked in December 2022.
WOW!!! It’s still there.
We lived in Glendale in the 50’s, we would pass the Inn on the way to L.A. and the SFV, there was nothing there, it was desolate except for the Inn and today well a completely different story.
Cool old Photo. I don’t think I ever heard of this place before. I will have to go there. I love going to old restaurants that have been around a long time. My favorite is the Smoke House in Burbank. They been there since the 40’s. Martin, I don’t know if you have posted an old photo of the Smoke House Yet?
You’re right about it being similar to the Smoke House (which I haven’t posted on) so if you like that place, you’ll enjoy the Tam.
The current photo does not resemble the original shape or anything from 1924. Was it remodeled? If so when? I like the way it looked in 1924 much better, I am happy it is still there but wish they would have left it alone.
From memory (it’s been a while since I’ve been there) the Tam is much bigger than the vintage photo above indicates, so I assumed it’s been extended over the years, possibly quite a bit. But it does, however, retain its original charm.
At the time of this image, it appears to still be the Chanticleer Inn as seen on the sign overhanging the frontage (above the auto). You may also notice some earlier features which disappear as Tam O’Shanter, and the lack of the streetside fire hydrant that will turn up soon. (Was there a fire which brought about changes to the look?)
You’re quite right, Al. It was first known as Montgomery’s Chanticleer Inn.