Welcome to the Sunset Diner. The goal is to visit, eat, photograph, and tell the tale of restaurants open during World War 2 or before and still operating today. Photography will be done with period film cameras and posted here with an accompanying article. Future plans include articles about retro food, testing vintage recipes, and potentially a vlog series.
the Tam O’Shanter
the Tam O’Shanter, shot with a Graflex Speed Graphic 4×5 on Kodak Tri-X 320
The Tam O’Shanter is the oldest restaurant owned and continually operated by the same family and in its original location in Los Angeles. Since 1922 on Los Feliz Boulevard, the restaurant situated in a Tudor-style roadhouse is still serving up hearty meals in the Scottish-styled Pub.
The menu at the Tam O’Shanter is decidedly Anglo-Scottish, featuring classics like Fish & Chips, as well as Toad in the Hole. However, even though Lawry’s Prime Rib is it’s own restaurant, all Lawry’s Restaurants owe the Tam for their start. So naturally the Sunset Diner enjoyed a lovely prime rib on their visit.
the Tam O’Shanter California Cut Prime Rib served with Mash, Gravy, Yorkshire Pudding, and Creamed Spinach (Photo curtesy of Josh Callahan)
The Tudor-styled roadhouse is eclectically appointed in a Scottish motif with large fireplaces in most dinning rooms and exposed wood beams throughout. There is a large bar with an impressive collection of single malt Scotch Whisky. At midday the bar doubles as a lunch counter. This long established restaurant is piece of LA history and a true experience in dinning.
Restaurant Quick Info:
- Opened: 1922
- Style: Scottish Pub, Anglo-Scot American
- Location: 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039
- Website: https://www.lawrysonline.com/tam-o-shanter/
- Cost: $$ to $$$
Greenblatt’s Delicatessen
Greenblatt’s Delicatessen, shot with a Graflex Speed Graphic 4×5 on Kodak Tri-X 320
Greenblatt’s Deli is a gem off of Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Calif. It is a great spot to grab a sandwich or other quick bite. However, the menu is much more extensive at this restaurant established in 1926.
Famous for their pastrami sandwiches, one will also find a number of chicken and turkey plates with an extensive selection of sides, soups, and desserts. The Sunset Diner had a number “3” on the menu, a classic pastrami with Swiss on rye with coleslaw. The sandwich was amazing, but a pleasant surprise was the pecan pie for dessert.
The #3 Pastrami with Swiss Cheese, Cole Slaw & Russian Dressing
The main level of the restaurant hosts a deli counter, wine shop, and some wood booths with wait service. Above the main level is a semi-mezzanine with more seating with wait service and stained glass to the front. One will be dining in Hollywood history.
Restaurant Quick Info:
- Opened: 1926
- Style: Jewish-American, New York Deli-Style
- Location: 8017 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (Los Angeles), Calif 90046
- Website: http://www.greenblattsdeli.com/
- Cost: $ to $$
Shilo’s Delicatessen
Shilo’s Delicatessen, shot with a Graflex Speed Graphic 4×5 on Kodak Tri-X 320
The oldest continuously operating restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. Opened in 1917, Shilo’s Delicatessen is 101 years old as the City of San Antonio celebrates 300 years. According to their website, Shilo’s has been in its East Commerce Street location since 1942; which is conveniently close to the Alamo and San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk.
Shilo’s serves a classic German and American menu, including schnitzels, wursts, sandwiches, meatloaf, desserts and their own root beer. Sunset Diner sampled their meatloaf and was not disappointed, their root beer is a must when visiting.
The building is appointed in neon signage; the interior has old style wooden booths and tables with a lovely mosaic tile floor, wood paneling, tin ceiling and a bar in the back.
Restaurant Quick Info:
- Opened: 1917
- Style: German-American, American Diner
- Location: 424 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205
- Website: www.schilos.com
- Cost: $
Sunset Diner 