This Beloved Restaurant, with Old-World Charm, Celebrates 100 Years in LA

Old-World Charm, Whisky Events and Craft Cocktails in the Speakeasy Await at the Tam O’Shanter

In 1922, the Tam O’Shanter set up shop in Los Angeles as a roadside stand selling hot dogs, hamburgers and potato chips. Since then, the family-owned restaurant has evolved into a Scottish pub and restaurant, now celebrating 100 years of service! When you walk through the doors of this iconic eatery, you can feel the Old World charm. From its world-famous prime rib and notable whisky selection to the tartan collection decorating the walls, the Tam O’Shanter is a special place families have enjoyed for generations. Tam O’Shanter Los Angeles

Credit: Stefanie Parkinson

Credit: Stefanie Parkinson // Model: Brand Talent: Sarah Erickson

Credit: Stefanie Parkinson

If you’ve yet to experience the legendary location, this is the year to come see it for yourself. In honor of 100 years, the Tam O’Shanter will be celebrating in style with whisky events every third Thursday of the month. “The first one that we kicked off was Independent bottlers. It was a collection of five different independent bottlings of whisky from people who buy up casks and bottle them on their own. Each one of them represents a little time capsule, just like the restaurant; they’re all one-of-a-kind, just like the Tam,” explains Managing Partner John Lindquist.

@localemag Have you been? #tamoshanter #lafoodie #scottishrestaurants #lafoodie #localemagazine 🎥: @Gennah ♬ Full Version In My Bio – Micky

For $100 per person, you can try selections from the Tam O’Shanter’s World Class Whisky Collection and learn about the art of whisky in a private and personal setting. But out of all the whiskys from their impressive collection, their 100th year anniversary whisky is a must-try! They’ve teamed up with Benromach to create an 11-year, single-cask whisky. “We chose Benromach because they are owned by Gordon & Macphail, the independent bottler, and they are making whisky the way speyside whisky was made 100 years ago, just like the restaurant,” says Lindquist. Tam O’Shanter Los Angeles

Credit: Stefanie Parkinson // Model: Brand Talent: Ryan Martin

Credit: Stefanie Parkinson

Only 300 bottles of this special-edition whisky were made, so this exclusive and rare spirit is perfect to add to your own liquor collection. They also use it in their signature cocktail, The Royal Archer made with Tam O’Shanter Benromach single cask, Scotch Monkey 47 Black Forest gin, Cocchi Americano, Lillet rosé, bianco vermouth, black lime, housemade macadamia nut and Tahitian vanilla bean bitters, is served in a Nick and Nora crystal glass etched with “Tam 100!” for you to take home.

That’s just one of the many craft cocktails the Tam O’Shanter has to offer. Not only is their drink menu classic and timeless, it’s also innovative with its own unique recipes. The best time to try these unique creations is by making a reservation for the Speakeasy, which is open the last Friday of every month. “The speakeasy is a time for us to be creative with our cocktail program. We make our own bitters, our own syrups and do a tableside presentation of the cocktails with the guests one-on-one, so it’s an intimate and cool evening,” explains Lindquist. Tam O’Shanter Los Angeles

Credit: Stefanie Parkinson

Guests are taken through the back of the restaurant, where they enter the dimly lit room decorated in candles and accompanied by a live jazz band. It’s everything you’d expect a speakeasy to be while staying true to the restaurant’s rich history.

For the last 100 years, families and even high-profile celebrities have enjoyed gathering at the Tam O’Shanter—the most notable one being Walt Disney. In the early days, his studio was a mile away from the Tam, so he would come in for lunch and business meetings. As a matter of fact, Disney favored the Tam O’Shanter so much that their quaint restaurant was actually the inspiration behind Snow White’s house! Tam O’Shanter Los Angeles

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Since opening in 1922, the restaurant has been a staple in the Los Angeles community, and there are plans to expand its impact in the future. “We want to continue to build our cocktail program, expand our menu and expand our reach here in Los Angeles. We’ve anchored this corner of Los Angeles for the last 100 years; I’d like to see that continue for the next 100,” shares Lindquist.