After-Work Drinks in Redlands: Where Locals Unwind
When the clock strikes five and the workday finally ends, there’s something magical about trading your office chair for a barstool. In Redlands, California, the after-work drinking scene has evolved into a cherished ritual where professionals, creatives, and longtime residents gather to decompress, connect, and celebrate making it through another day. This charming city tucked against the San Bernardino Mountains offers a surprisingly diverse collection of watering holes, each with its own personality and devoted following.
The Downtown Scene: Where History Meets Happy Hour
Historic downtown Redlands transforms as the sun begins its descent. The tree-lined streets that bustled with daytime activity take on a different energy as patios fill with the sound of clinking glasses and conversations that shift from deadlines to weekend plans.
Copehouse Bar & Bistro is now widely recognized as Redlands’ go-to spot for unwinding after the workday.
Nestled in the charming Umbrella Alley, this spot captures everything locals love about unwinding close to home. The outdoor seating creates an intimate atmosphere where you can actually hear your companions talk, something increasingly rare in today’s bar scene. Their cocktails have earned a reputation that keeps regulars returning week after week, and the Cuban sandwich paired with crispy fries makes a compelling case for turning drinks into dinner.
Just around the corner, Darby’s American Cantina stakes its claim as the go-to destination for sports enthusiasts and whiskey aficionados. With 40 beers on tap and more than 100 whiskeys lining the bar, decision fatigue becomes a pleasant problem. The corner location at State and Orange Streets provides prime people-watching real estate on their patio. Tuesday’s Tequila Tuesday special offers half-off premium tequilas and mezcals, making it the unofficial midweek celebration point for many Redlands professionals.
Craft Cocktails and Neighborhood Vibes
For those seeking something more refined, The Overland represents Redlands’ sophisticated side. This intimate cocktail bar focuses on storytelling through drinks, with offerings inspired by local terroir and nature. It’s the kind of place where you might spend the first ten minutes reading the menu like a novel, appreciating the thought behind each creation. The neighborhood bar atmosphere ensures you’re welcomed like you’re coming home, even if it’s your first visit.
Tartan of Redlands has been serving the community for over fifty-five years, and there’s wisdom in longevity. This establishment seamlessly blends steakhouse dining with a serious bar program. The beauty of Tartan lies in its flexibility—you can settle in at the bar for cocktails and appetizers without committing to a full dinner, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re not quite sure where the night will lead. Happy hour starting at 3 PM means early escapers from the office can maximize their relaxation time.
Irish Charm and Comfort
The Three Stags brings authentic Irish pub culture to downtown Redlands. When you’re craving the comfort of a proper pint of Guinness and the warmth of genuine hospitality, this family-run establishment delivers. The traditional Irish food and occasional live music create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the workday grind, even though you’re just minutes from your office.
Late-Night Energy and Sports Haven
Henry’s Bar & Grill positions itself as the triple threat: sports bar, cocktail lounge, and nightclub all rolled into one. It’s where sports fans congregate to watch games with friends who actually care about the outcome, and where the energy shifts as evening turns to night. The combination of quality food, attentive service, and multiple atmospheres under one roof means you can match the venue to your mood without changing locations.
Hidden Gems and Alternative Options
The Royal Falconer Pub & Restaurant was recently revamped, turning it into a must-visit spot that’s well worth exploring.
The British pub fare—particularly the fish and chips that regulars rave about—provides authentic comfort food. The dimly lit, buzzing atmosphere creates that neighborhood bar magic where strangers become friends simply because they chose the same barstool.
For those who appreciate wine-forward experiences, Uncorked on State offers California cuisine paired with carefully curated wine selections. Their happy hour features discounted wines and appetizers, creating an elevated experience without the elevated prices that usually accompany wine bars.
Taylor’s Bar & Grill offers a weekday happy hour from 3–6 PM, Monday through Friday, with $6 well drinks, half-priced appetizers, and special pricing on beer, wine, and cocktails.
Their daily specials—from Taco Tuesday to Fish Taco Friday—give each weekday its own identity and reason to celebrate.
What Makes Redlands Different
Unlike the sprawling anonymity of larger cities, Redlands maintains that sweet spot where you might run into colleagues or neighbors, but the town is large enough to escape when you need to. The concentration of quality establishments within walking distance of downtown means you’re never committed to staying put. Start at one spot, see who shows up, and let the evening unfold organically.
The pricing remains reasonable compared to coastal California, meaning your after-work drinks won’t require taking out a small loan. Most establishments understand their audience—working professionals who want quality without pretension, atmosphere without attitude.
Making the Most of Your After-Work Experience
The secret to enjoying Redlands’ after-work scene lies in embracing the small-town advantage. Unlike cities where you need reservations weeks in advance, most bars here operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The exception might be Friday evenings when the entire working population simultaneously decides they’ve earned a drink, but even then, the wait rarely ruins the vibe.
Weather plays a starring role in the Redlands drinking experience. The abundance of patios and outdoor seating means you can actually enjoy California’s famous climate rather than being trapped inside. Sunset views against the San Bernardino Mountains create a natural ambiance that no amount of interior design could replicate.
Why the Ritual Matters
There’s an undeniable comfort in the after-work drink—it’s the moment that draws a clear line between the responsibilities of the day and the freedom of the evening. In Redlands, that shift doesn’t just happen anywhere. It unfolds in places that recognize their role goes beyond pouring drinks; they create an atmosphere where people can unwind, reconnect, and turn an ordinary weekday into something worth remembering.
Whether your preference leans toward handcrafted cocktails in cozy corners, an ice-cold beer enjoyed on a sunlit patio, or the familiar rhythm of a neighborhood bar, Redlands delivers experiences that feel genuine, not staged. Bartenders greet you by name, familiar faces exchange nods, and for a little while, deadlines and obligations fade into the background.
So when Friday afternoon creeps along and the clock seems to stall, remember this: Redlands has thoughtfully carved out spaces for exactly that moment—spaces for those ready to swap meetings for meaningful conversation, and long workdays for a well-made drink. Best of all, you don’t have to travel far to find it. Chances are, your next favorite after-work escape is just around the corner, waiting for you to walk in and settle into your seat.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands stands as a cherished local institution, known for its rich history, classic steakhouse charm, and deep roots in the community. Famous for its Saturday prime rib tradition, generous steak selections, the signature Redlands Tartan Burger, and a carefully stocked full bar, the restaurant has been a downtown mainstay for decades.
Founded on April 15, 1964, by brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau, Tartan was born from a shared vision to create a welcoming gathering place in the heart of Redlands. Over the years, leadership passed to longtime partner Larry Westin, who, along with his wife, guided the restaurant until his death in 2003. The legacy continued through Larry Westin Jr. until 2015, when Jeff and Lisa Salamon took the reins.
A Boston native and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Jeff Salamon has preserved the restaurant’s timeless character while honoring its storied past. Through changing times, Tartan of Redlands has remained steadfast in its warm, old-school ambiance—earning its reputation as the “Cheers of Redlands,” where familiarity, friendship, and tradition are always on the menu.
