Century-Old Tam O'Shanter Set to Expand With All-New English Garden Patio

Not much has changed inside the whimsical Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village over the years. The iconic prime rib restaurant is closing in on a century of business, and has in that time hosted the likes of Walt Disney and various over entertainment luminaries without so much as updating the finish on the wood. Now, after decades away, the restaurant has decided to bring back its once-beloved patio by taking over a bit of prime parking real estate, and they’ll even be bringing out a fireplace, just like the one inside.

The news comes via The Eastsider, who spoke to manager John Lindquist about the upcoming expansion. The plan, says Lindquist, is to craft a 40-seat patio out of existing parking lot space, giving the whole thing an English garden vibe. That will include said working fireplace, as well as a wishing well (don’t worry, collected coins will go to AbilityFirst, a disabilities-focused charity).

Per the report, the expansion could arrive as soon as this fall, though there’s no official timetable. The move to grow is certainly a big one for Tam O’Shanter, as the ninety-plus year old restaurant has mostly flown under the modern radar save for an update to its neon signage out front. Long owned by the Lawry’s family of restaurants, the only thing to get much media attention from the place in the past few years was a chef who went on an expletive-laced rant online against an animal rights activist.

Other than that, Tam O’Shanter has been reliably serving up huge cuts of meat and beers galore to old timers, locals, and anyone looking to dine with the ghost of Walt Disney.