Charles Dickens and Tam O'Shanter

Every Christmas, I try to do something festive, and this time I ended up at the Tam O'Shanter. This place has been around for more than 100 years. There is a ton of history behind it which I will not get into here, but if you're interested, you can find more info at Discover Los Angeles. They used to have a neon Christmas sign, but for some odd reason, they have taken it down, and so, it's easy to miss this place as you drive or walk on by.

The story behind the lightening bolt is based on a Scottish poem by Robert Burns, titled Tam O'Shanter. This poem is about the dangers of overdrinking. Tam was a Scottish farmer who would go out with his friends, and get drunk. One night on his way home, he runs into witches and warlocks dancing around the fire. He watches them from a distance, but when they spot him, they come after him. As he tries to run away with his horse,

 

"The lightening flash from pole to pole, 

Near and more near the thunders roll,"

 

And so, several years after the restaurant was established, the owner added the lightening bolt logo.

The décor of this place creates a warm ambience for the patrons who want to hangout for hours, but I think that they only give you an hour and-a-half table time during the holidays, We had no problem because we got in two hours before closing, and were able to sit for a longer period.

Walt Disney and his staff were regulars here, and they usually sat at table 31 by the fire.

There is a cozy bar area where people have meals at lunchtime. Someone told me that the sandwiches are tasty.

They get busy this time of year, but even so, the service is great, the tea is perfectly hot, just the way I like it, and the crème brûlée is pretty good.

The quartet of Dickens Carolers (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), take a request of your favorite Christmas song when they come to your table. They have a hat where you can drop in your tip. I asked them if it was okay to film them, and they said yes. They asked if I would give them credit for their singing, and handed me their card. There were two different websites on the card: Voices of Christmas, and Wonderelles Music. Apparently you can book them for various events.

They have outside seating as well. I'm not sure if the carolers come outside to sing. So, before you reserve a table, call ahead to find out. Below are more pix. It's a nice place, and puts you in a holiday mood. I wanted to come here last year, but the inside was completely booked. If you plan to go during the holidays, reserve your table at least two months ahead.