Tam O’Shanter: Walt’s Favorite Restaurant

A Disney History Dining Experience in Atwater Village
Nestled in the storybook neighborhood of Atwater Village stands one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most charming restaurants: The Tam O’Shanter Inn. It is located in Atwater Village at 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard at the corner of Boyce Avenue. Free valet parking. Opened in 1922, this cozy Scottish-inspired pub once served as a favorite haunt of none other than Walt Disney himself. With its Tudor-style exterior, whimsical roofline, and warm wooden interiors, it’s easy to see why Walt was drawn here—especially during the early days of building his studio just down the road.

On October 1, 2019, after spending the day at the Walt Disney Studios, I made dinner reservations at The Tam O’Shanter. Despite our reservation, we still waited about 20 minutes to be seated—just enough time to wander the charming exterior, snap a few photos of the vintage phone booth, and soak in the atmosphere that felt like something straight out of Snow White.

Inside, we were surrounded by dark wood, tartan fabric, vintage signage, and even a photo of Walt himself, seated at his favorite table alongside Tam founder Lawrence Frank and designer Harry Oliver in 1960. We dined on their famous prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, and it absolutely lived up to the legend.

Walt’s Table: Then and Now
Back in 2019, it was possible to request Table 31, Walt Disney’s favorite table near the fireplace, simply by asking. It wasn’t always guaranteed, but if the table was open, they’d happily seat you there. Sadly, we weren’t able to sit at it that evening—but we did peek at the golden plaque that reads: “This was Walt Disney’s favorite spot. He and his Imagineers dined here often.”

What I didn’t realize at the time was just how deeply etched—literally—Walt’s presence is into that table. 

2025 Update: The Table 31 Experience
Today, sitting at Table 31 has become a curated experience. You now need to book what’s called the “Table 31 Experience”—a prix-fixe lunch or dinner that offers a walk through Disney history with every course.

Lunch: $69 per guest
Dinner: $89 per guest

Reservations required (but same-day walk-ins may be accepted based on availability)
You’ll be treated to:
A three-course menu, including Walt’s favorite Tam’s Famous Chili (a recipe unchanged since 1927), prime rib, and decadent desserts like English trifle or a warm chocolate sauce sundae

Your choice of appetizers like deviled eggs & pickled vegetables or bacon-wrapped dates

A taste of Walt’s signature drink: the Scotch Mist (Glenmorangie, soda, crushed ice, lemon twist)

A limited-edition collector's pin

A print of the Mickey Mouse painting that hangs above Table 31—a gift from Walt’s Imagineers to the Tam during its 100th anniversary

A Table Etched with Disney History
Here’s where it gets magical. The surface of Table 31 is etched with sketches—originally drawn by Walt and his Imagineers on napkins during meals and now permanently engraved into the wood. You can make out names and even small dinosaurs, which were reportedly doodled during early brainstorming sessions for the Grand Circle Tour diorama on the Disneyland Railroad.

Seeing the table firsthand is like walking into a sacred creative space—one where chili and character designs went hand in hand.