April Event Guide at Tartan of Redlands: Live Music, Event Nights, and More
Your go-to guide for every unforgettable evening happening this April at Redlands’ most beloved community gathering place
Welcome to April at Tartan of Redlands
Spring has fully arrived in the Inland Empire, and with it comes one of the most vibrant and event-packed months on the Tartan of Redlands calendar. The days are growing longer, the air is warm with possibility, and there is truly no better place to soak in the season than inside — or outside — one of Redlands’ most iconic establishments.
April at Tartan is a month defined by celebration, connection, and the kind of authentic good times that only a place with deep community roots can deliver. Whether you’re drawn in by the promise of exceptional live music, an evening of competitive trivia, a themed night out with friends, or simply the comfort of a legendary meal in a room full of familiar faces, this month has been thoughtfully designed with you in mind.
Pull up a seat, settle in, and let this guide walk you through everything April has in store at Tartan of Redlands.
About Tartan of Redlands: A Legacy That Makes Every Visit Meaningful
To truly appreciate what makes an April evening at Tartan special, it helps to understand the remarkable story behind this place — because few restaurants anywhere carry the kind of history, heart, and hometown pride that Tartan of Redlands has accumulated over more than six decades.
The doors first opened on April 15, 1964, a date that makes this April an occasion worth raising a glass to. Founded by the Ctoteau brothers — Velmer, Al, and Art — Tartan was built around a refreshingly simple mission: offer genuinely flavorful food, treat every guest like a neighbor, and create a space where community could naturally take root and flourish. That mission, humble as it sounds, turned out to be the foundation of something truly lasting.
Over the decades, ownership evolved while the spirit remained unchanged. Larry Westin became a cornerstone of the Tartan family, working alongside the Ctoteaus and pouring his own passion into the restaurant’s continued success. After his passing in 2003, his son Larry Westin Jr. stepped forward to carry that torch with equal dedication, keeping the restaurant’s standards and warmth intact through 2015.
The current chapter of Tartan’s story began when Jeff and Lisa Salamon took ownership that same year. Jeff, a proud Marine Corps veteran with Boston roots, arrived with a value system forged in service — loyalty, perseverance, tradition, and an uncompromising commitment to the people around him. Those qualities didn’t just fit the Tartan culture; they deepened it. Under the Salamons’ ownership, the restaurant has continued to grow as a cherished institution while never losing sight of what made it special in the first place.
Locals have long called Tartan the “Cheers of Redlands” — a nickname earned honestly through generations of loyal guests, familiar faces behind the bar, and an atmosphere that makes everyone feel genuinely welcome the moment they walk through the door. That feeling doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of over sixty years of intentional hospitality.
The Food and Drink Experience Worth Celebrating This April
Before the music starts and the event nights kick into gear, there’s the matter of the food and drinks — and at Tartan, that’s always a conversation worth having.
The menu is a love letter to the classic American steakhouse tradition, executed with the kind of consistency that only comes from decades of care and craftsmanship. The Saturday Prime Rib remains one of the most celebrated offerings in all of Redlands — slow-roasted to perfection and drawing devoted fans week after week. The premium steak selections represent the menu’s backbone, offering cuts prepared with skill and served with the quiet confidence of a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing.
For something more casual but equally iconic, the signature Redlands Tartan Burger continues to hold court as one of the most talked-about items in the building. It’s the kind of burger that has turned first-timers into regulars and regulars into lifelong devotees.
The full bar rounds out the experience beautifully. April calls for drinks that match the season’s energy — refreshing, well-crafted, and enjoyed in good company. Ask your bartender about what’s new or rotating this month; the team at Tartan takes genuine pride in keeping things interesting behind the bar.
With both indoor and outdoor seating available, April is an ideal time to take advantage of the al fresco experience. As spring temperatures settle into that perfect Inland Empire sweet spot, the outdoor area becomes one of the most pleasant places in Redlands to enjoy a meal, a drink, and a conversation with someone you genuinely like.
Live Music in April: Evenings That Stay With You
There is something about live music in a warm, welcoming room that no playlist or streaming service can replicate — and Tartan of Redlands knows how to deliver that experience with consistency and soul. April’s live music lineup continues the venue’s proud tradition of pairing great performances with great company.
Weekend Acoustic Sets The heart of Tartan’s April music schedule beats loudest on the weekends, when acoustic performers take the stage and transform the atmosphere into something genuinely special. These aren’t background sets — they’re front-and-center performances by artists who command your attention and reward it generously. Expect heartfelt songwriting, rich vocal harmonies, and the kind of musical storytelling that pairs naturally with a good drink and good conversation. Arrive early, because the seats closest to the stage have a way of disappearing quickly.
Celebrating Local Talent April continues Tartan’s longstanding commitment to platforming artists from the Redlands area and the broader Inland Empire music community. These local spotlights are among the most meaningful nights on the calendar — not just because the talent is genuinely impressive, but because supporting a local artist at a local venue in your own community is one of the most tangible ways to invest in the place you call home. These are the performances that get people talking.
A Genre Rotation Built for Every Taste No two music nights in April will sound alike. From the rich, unhurried elegance of jazz to the honest emotional directness of blues, from indie folk that fills the room with warmth to Americana rock that makes you want to stay for one more round — the variety is intentional. Tartan curates its music programming with the same care it applies to the menu: something for everyone, executed at a high level every single time.
April Event Nights: Themed, Fun, and Unforgettable
Beyond the live music, April at Tartan is packed with event nights designed to give you and your people a reason to get out, get together, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
Spring Kickoff Celebration April marks the true arrival of spring, and Tartan knows how to welcome a new season in style. Expect a festive atmosphere, seasonal drink specials, and the kind of infectious energy that comes when a community gathers to celebrate something as simple — and as wonderful — as warmer days ahead. This is a night to dress up a little, order something celebratory, and remind yourself that life is pretty good.
Trivia Nights One of the most beloved recurring events on the Tartan calendar, trivia nights continue in April with the same winning formula: rotating categories, friendly competition, and the undeniable pleasure of discovering that your table actually does know the answer to that one impossibly specific geography question. Assemble your most well-rounded group of friends — the more diverse the knowledge base, the better your chances — and come ready to compete, laugh, and maybe argue just a little. It’s always in good spirit.
Easter Weekend Special Events With Easter falling in April, Tartan is the kind of place that knows how to mark the occasion without overdoing it. Whether it’s a special menu feature, a themed drink, or simply the warm buzz of a holiday weekend crowd, spending part of your Easter celebration at Tartan has become a tradition for many Redlands families. There’s something fitting about gathering at a place that has been part of this community for over sixty years when the season calls for reflection, renewal, and good food shared with people you love.
Game Nights and Social Mixers April’s social mixer evenings offer a more free-form, unstructured way to enjoy everything Tartan has to offer. These nights are perfect for newcomers looking to get a feel for the venue’s personality, for regulars who want to expand their social circle, and for anyone who simply enjoys the organic energy of a room full of people who are all genuinely happy to be there. No agenda, no pressure — just good vibes and great company in one of Redlands’ favorite rooms.
Live Music Happy Hour Events April introduces a few special early-evening sets that combine Tartan’s happy hour offerings with live musical accompaniment. These events are a fantastic way to ease into the weekend, particularly for those who prefer a slightly earlier start to the night. Discounted drinks, fresh food, and a performer setting the perfect tone — it’s the kind of after-work transition that makes Friday feel like the gift it’s supposed to be.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of April at Tartan
Plan Around the Saturday Prime Rib If you haven’t experienced the legendary Saturday prime rib yet, April is the perfect time to make it a priority. Come hungry, come with people who appreciate the finer things, and come ready to understand why it has been drawing crowds for decades.
Show Up Early on Live Music Nights The best spots in the house fill up fast when there’s a performer on stage. Getting there 20 to 30 minutes before showtime is a smart move — especially on weekends when the combination of great music and perfect spring weather draws a fuller house.
Take Advantage of the Outdoor Seating April weather in Redlands is genuinely some of the best of the year. If you haven’t sat outside at Tartan before, this month gives you the ideal conditions to try it. It’s a different kind of comfortable — open air, the sounds of the evening, and a drink in hand.
Stay Connected on Social Media Tartan’s social platforms are the fastest way to stay up to date on performer announcements, event additions, and any special April surprises the team has in store. A quick follow is all it takes to make sure nothing slips past you.
Make a Reservation for Busy Nights Easter weekend and any Saturday with a featured performer tend to draw larger crowds. Calling ahead to check on availability — or securing a reservation if offered — can make the difference between a seamless evening and a longer-than-expected wait.
Let the Team Guide Your Experience The staff at Tartan are genuinely knowledgeable and proud of what they serve. Whether you’re looking for a food recommendation, a drink pairing, or simply want to know which upcoming event is generating the most excitement, don’t hesitate to ask. The hospitality here is the real deal.
April at Tartan: More Than a Night Out — It’s a Community Tradition
As April unfolds and spring settles fully into the Inland Empire, Tartan of Redlands stands once again as the place where the season is best experienced. This is a venue that has earned its place in the fabric of this community not through flashy reinvention, but through something far more enduring — decades of consistent quality, genuine warmth, and an authentic belief that a great neighborhood restaurant can be a cornerstone of the life people build together.
From the Ctoteau brothers’ founding dream in 1964, through Larry Westin’s dedicated years of service, to Jeff and Lisa Salamon’s present-day stewardship, every generation of Tartan’s story has been told in the same language — the language of good food, live music, community spirit, and a door that is always open.
April gives you sixty days of spring beauty, holiday moments, weekend celebrations, and the kind of quiet Tuesday evenings that somehow turn into the nights you remember most. Spend some of them at Tartan of Redlands. The food is outstanding, the music is live, the bar is well-stocked, and the welcome has never wavered in over six decades.
Come as a stranger. Leave as a regular. That’s the Tartan way.
About Tartan of Redlands
Established in 1964, Tartan of Redlands is a local favorite known for its classic steakhouse dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Originally founded by the Ctoteau brothers, the restaurant was built on a commitment to great food and friendly service.
Over the years, ownership has changed, but its core values have remained the same. Today, Jeff and Lisa Salamon continue the tradition, with Jeff—a Marine Corps veteran—bringing a strong focus on community and hospitality.
The menu features steakhouse favorites like prime rib, quality steaks, and the signature Tartan Burger, along with a full bar. Often called the “Cheers of Redlands,” it remains a go-to spot for locals seeking a relaxed and friendly dining experience.rience.
