Weekend Brunch or Dinner? Why Tartan in Redlands Is the Steak Lover’s Answer
When the weekend rolls around and you’re craving something extraordinary, the age-old question emerges: brunch or dinner? For steak enthusiasts in Redlands, California, the answer isn’t choosing between the two—it’s heading straight to Tartan, where prime cuts and timeless hospitality create an experience worth savoring any time of day.
The Saturday Prime Rib Tradition That Defines Weekends
There’s something sacred about Saturday at Tartan. While other establishments debate between eggs benedict and filet mignon, this legendary steakhouse has perfected the art of the Saturday Prime Rib—a tradition that transforms an ordinary weekend into a culinary celebration. The slow-roasted, perfectly seasoned prime rib arrives at your table with a crust that crackles under your knife and an interior so tender it practically melts on your tongue.
This isn’t just dinner; it’s a Redlands institution that locals plan their weekends around. The anticipation builds throughout the week, and when Saturday finally arrives, there’s no better destination for those who take their beef seriously.
Beyond Prime Rib: A Carnivore’s Paradise
While the Saturday special steals the spotlight, Tartan’s diverse steak selections prove this establishment understands that steak lovers have varying tastes. From perfectly marbled ribeyes to buttery filet mignons, each cut receives the attention and expertise it deserves. The kitchen team knows that cooking steak is both art and science—understanding temperatures, resting times, and the delicate balance between char and juice.
Whether you prefer your steak Pittsburgh-style with a charred exterior or cooked to a precise medium-rare, the consistency here rivals what you’d find in big-city steakhouses, minus the pretension and inflated prices.
The Redlands Tartan Burger: When Casual Meets Exceptional
Not every weekend meal demands white tablecloths and perfectly aged beef. Sometimes, you want something equally satisfying but wonderfully unpretentious. Enter the Redlands Tartan Burger—an iconic creation that proves this steakhouse doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering serious flavor.
This isn’t your average burger. Built with the same quality standards that guide every dish at Tartan, it’s become a local legend in its own right. The combination of fresh ingredients, expert seasoning, and that indefinable quality that makes certain burgers unforgettable has earned this menu item a devoted following. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual weekend lunch or prefer your Saturday meal on a bun rather than a plate, the Tartan Burger delivers satisfaction in every bite.
The Fully Stocked Bar: Where Conversations Flow
Great steak deserves great company, and the fully stocked bar at Tartan provides the perfect complement to your meal. This isn’t a modern craft cocktail laboratory where bartenders wear suspenders and use eyedroppers—it’s a classic bar where drinks are made with skill and served with warmth.
The selection caters to traditional tastes: robust reds that pair beautifully with ribeye, cold beers that cut through the richness of prime rib, and classic cocktails mixed without fuss or fanfare. The bar area itself serves as the social heart of the restaurant, where regulars gather, stories are exchanged, and newcomers quickly feel like part of the family.
The “Cheers of Redlands” Atmosphere
Walk into Tartan, and you’ll immediately understand why it’s earned the reputation as the Cheers of Redlands. There’s a warmth here that can’t be manufactured or faked—it’s the result of decades of genuine hospitality and a commitment to making every guest feel valued.
The old-school atmosphere isn’t a marketing gimmick or trendy throwback aesthetic. It’s authentic, preserved through generations because it works. Dark wood, comfortable seating, and unpretentious décor create an environment where you can relax completely. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, gathering with friends after a long work week, or simply treating yourself to an excellent meal, Tartan provides the kind of welcoming ambiance that modern restaurants struggle to replicate.
Regular patrons will greet you with nods, the staff remembers faces and preferences, and there’s a genuine sense of community that makes solo diners feel just as comfortable as large groups. In an era of impersonal dining chains and constantly rotating restaurant concepts, this consistency feels like coming home.
Why Steak Lovers Choose Tartan for Weekends
The weekend represents freedom from routine, a chance to indulge and enjoy life’s pleasures without rushing. Tartan understands this implicitly. They’re not trying to revolutionize dining or chase fleeting food trends.They’ve chosen to focus on what truly lasts—serving outstanding steaks in a warm, inviting setting, all delivered by a team that sincerely values every guest’s experience.
For steak lovers specifically, Tartan checks every box. Quality meat prepared with expertise? Absolutely. Fair prices that respect your wallet? Without question. An atmosphere where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over pounding music? Definitely. The flexibility to enjoy everything from an elegant prime rib dinner to a satisfying burger lunch? That’s what makes this place special.
Weekend dining should feel special without feeling stressful. You shouldn’t need a reservation made weeks in advance or worry about whether your attire meets some unspoken dress code. Tartan welcomes you as you are, serves you food that exceeds expectations, and sends you home satisfied—which is exactly what weekend dining should accomplish.
The Verdict: Brunch, Dinner, or Both?
So back to the original question: weekend brunch or dinner? At Tartan in Redlands, the answer is simple—whenever you’re hungry for exceptional steak and genuine hospitality. The Saturday Prime Rib makes for an unforgettable dinner tradition, the Redlands Tartan Burger satisfies midday cravings beautifully, and the welcoming atmosphere makes any visit feel like an occasion worth celebrating.
In a world of fleeting restaurant concepts and trendy eateries that disappear as quickly as they arrive, Tartan stands as a testament to what happens when quality, consistency, and authentic hospitality remain the priority. For steak lovers in Redlands and beyond, this isn’t just a restaurant—it’s the answer to what makes weekends truly satisfying.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a classic local steakhouse celebrated for its Saturday Prime Rib, diverse steak selections, the iconic Redlands Tartan Burger, and a fully stocked bar. This iconic spot first welcomed guests on April 15, 1964, thanks to the vision of three brothers—Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau.
Larry Westin took over managing the restaurant and later became a partner alongside the Ctoteau brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Westin remained at the helm until his passing in 2003, after which the restaurant was entrusted to Larry Westin Jr. He upheld the family tradition until 2015, when Tartan of Redlands was sold to its current owners, Jeff and Lisa Salamon.
Jeff hails from Boston, Massachusetts, and is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Even with the changes in ownership, you will find that the old-school atmosphere has remained and the reputation of being the Cheers of Redlands where everybody knows your name remains strong.
