How to Reserve the Best Table for an Event Night at Tartan
There’s a certain kind of electricity in the air on event nights. The music is louder, the crowd is more alive, and the energy wraps around you the moment you walk through the door. But here’s the truth that most first-timers learn the hard way — showing up without a reservation on event night at Tartan is a gamble you really don’t want to take.
Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, a date night, a corporate outing, or just a long-overdue reunion with your crew, knowing how to secure the right table can make the difference between an unforgettable evening and a frustrating one spent standing near the back trying to flag down a server.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from timing your reservation to choosing the perfect table location — so you can walk in like you own the place.
Why Table Reservations at Tartan Are More Competitive Than You Think
Tartan isn’t your average venue. On event nights, it transforms into one of the most sought-after social destinations in the city. Live performances, DJ sets, themed evenings, and private showcases draw in crowds from across the region — and everyone wants a good seat.
Here’s the reality:
- Prime tables fill up days — sometimes weeks — in advance for headline events.
- Walk-in availability on event nights is extremely limited and usually involves longer wait times.
- The best seats in the house aren’t just about proximity to the stage — they’re about sightlines, service access, ambient volume, and social visibility.
If you want the best, you have to plan for the best.
Step 1: Know the Venue Layout Before You Book
One of the most overlooked steps in securing a great table is understanding the floor plan before you make the call or click “reserve.” Not all tables are created equal, and at a venue like Tartan, placement matters enormously.
Here’s a general breakdown of table zones and what each offers:
Front-Center Tables (VIP/Premium Zone)
- Best for: Immersive experience, artist interaction, social visibility
- Trade-off: Can get loud; conversation may be challenging
- Ideal for: Birthday groups, milestone celebrations, music lovers
Side-Stage Tables (Mid-Tier, High Value)
- Best for: Clear sightlines without being directly in the noise funnel
- Trade-off: Slight angle on performances
- Ideal for: Couples, small groups who want both visibility and conversation
Bar-Adjacent Tables (Social Hub Zone)
- Best for: Quick drink access, people-watching, high-energy vibe
- Trade-off: Heavy foot traffic; can feel crowded
- Ideal for: Groups who are more focused on socializing than the performance
Back-Lounge / Elevated Seating
- Best for: Privacy, comfort, full view of the room
- Trade-off: Slightly removed from the main energy
- Ideal for: Corporate groups, intimate gatherings, guests who want comfort with visibility
Pro Tip: Call the venue directly and ask a staff member to describe the table layout for the specific event you’re attending. Event setups can vary — a live band night may reconfigure the floor differently than a DJ set.
Step 2: Book Early — But Know How Early
Timing is everything when it comes to Tartan reservations. The rule of thumb depends on the type of event:
| Event Type | Recommended Booking Window |
| Regular Weekend Night | 3–5 days in advance |
| Special Theme Night | 1–2 weeks in advance |
| Headline Live Act / Artist | 2–4 weeks in advance |
| New Year’s Eve / Major Holidays | 4–6 weeks in advance |
| Private Event Night | As soon as the event is announced |
Don’t wait for a reminder. The moment you see an event on Tartan’s calendar that excites you, treat securing that reservation like buying a concert ticket — hesitation costs you the best seats.
Step 3: Choose the Right Reservation Channel
Not all booking methods give you the same access or flexibility. Here’s a breakdown:
Online Reservation Platform
Most venues use a dedicated booking system (OpenTable, Resy, SevenRooms, or a proprietary portal). This is convenient, but it may not always show premium tables — those are often held back for direct inquiries.
Best for: Standard tables, quick bookings, last-minute availability checks.
Direct Phone Call
This is arguably the most powerful tool in your reservation arsenal. When you call directly:
- You can ask about table placement specifically
- You can mention your occasion (birthday, anniversary, corporate event)
- The host can flag your booking for extra attention
- You may access tables not listed online
Best for: Special occasions, group bookings, VIP table requests.
Email / Concierge Request
For large groups or premium packages, reaching out via email with full details — group size, occasion, preferred table zone, dietary needs, and budget — gives the venue time to prepare something truly tailored.
Best for: Groups of 8+, corporate bookings, curated experiences.
Step 4: Know What to Say When You Book
Your reservation request isn’t just a name and a time — it’s a conversation starter with the venue. The more context you provide, the better they can serve you.
Here’s a simple script you can adapt:
“Hi, I’d like to make a reservation for [X guests] on [date] for the [event name]. It’s a special occasion — [brief context: birthday/anniversary/etc.]. We’re hoping for a table with a good view of the stage but not directly in front of the speakers. Is there anything available in the side or mid-section? We’re also planning on ordering a full dinner and cocktails. Is there a minimum spend for event nights?”
This kind of call signals that you’re a committed, prepared guest — and staff will treat your booking accordingly.
Step 5: Understand Minimum Spend Requirements
Event nights often come with minimum spend policies, especially for premium tables. This isn’t a trap — it’s a trade-off for securing real estate in a high-demand venue.
What to expect:
- Front-row/VIP tables typically carry the highest minimums
- Minimums usually cover food, bottles, and cocktails — not the cover charge
- Group minimums are often negotiable depending on party size and day of week
Ask about the minimum upfront. A good venue will be transparent about this. If the minimum feels steep, ask about other table options that suit your budget while still offering a great experience.
Step 6: Arrive On Time — Or Early
This one sounds obvious, but it’s violated constantly. On event nights, your table is typically held for 15–30 minutes after your reservation time. After that, the venue may release it to walk-ins or the waitlist.
Even more importantly, arriving early allows you to:
- Get settled before the main crowd rushes in
- Have a relaxed drink and browse the menu
- Interact with staff and ensure your setup is right
- Claim your table before the floor becomes chaotic
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes before your reservation, especially on big event nights.
Step 7: Build a Relationship with the Venue
This is the long game, and it pays off better than any hack or shortcut.
Regulars at Tartan — people who visit consistently, treat staff with respect, and become familiar faces — often find that reservations come with invisible upgrades: better table placement, a complimentary drink to celebrate a special occasion, a heads-up before a big event goes public.
Here’s how to build that relationship:
- Follow Tartan on social media and engage with their content
- Sign up for their newsletter to get early-bird event announcements
- Leave a thoughtful review after a great night
- Tip well and be kind to the staff — they remember names and faces
- Mention your appreciation the next time you book: “We had a fantastic time last month — we’d love to come back for this event.”
These small gestures build social capital with the venue that money alone can’t buy.
Step 8: Group Bookings — Special Considerations
Planning to bring a squad? Group reservations come with their own dynamics. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Lock in headcount early. Fluctuating numbers cause seating headaches for the venue and can result in table reassignment.
- Designate one point of contact. Multiple people calling with changes creates confusion and may flag your booking as disorganized.
- Discuss pre-ordering. For larger groups, venues often appreciate (and sometimes require) advance food or bottle orders. It streamlines service and ensures your group gets everything in sync.
- Ask about semi-private arrangements. Some venues offer partitioned areas or reserved sections for larger groups that offer both community and some degree of separation from the general floor.
Step 9: What to Do If Your First Choice Is Fully Booked
Even with the best planning, sometimes an event sells out before you get there. Don’t panic — here’s your action plan:
- Ask to be placed on the waitlist. Cancellations happen, often in the 24–48 hours before an event.
- Check back the morning of the event. Last-minute cancellations often free up tables that never make it back online.
- Ask about bar seating or standing room. If a table isn’t available, you may still be able to enjoy the event in a different capacity.
- Follow up via social media DM. Sometimes reaching out directly on Instagram or Facebook yields faster responses than standard booking channels.
- Ask about future event dates. If this month is booked, get ahead of next month right now.
Final Checklist Before Event Night at Tartan
Before you head out the door, run through this quick checklist:
- ✅ Reservation confirmed (name, date, time, party size)
- ✅ Table zone preference communicated
- ✅ Minimum spend noted and budget planned
- ✅ Occasion flagged with the venue if applicable
- ✅ Arrival plan set for 10–15 minutes early
- ✅ Group headcount finalized and shared with everyone
- ✅ Dress code (if any) reviewed and sorted
- ✅ Transportation arranged — no one’s scrambling for a ride at midnight
The Bottom Line
Reserving the best table at Tartan on event night isn’t just about luck — it’s about strategy, timing, and communication. The guests who walk in to the prime spots aren’t always the ones who spent the most. They’re the ones who planned ahead, asked the right questions, and treated the reservation process as seriously as the night itself.
Do it right, and Tartan doesn’t just become a place you visit — it becomes a place you belong.
Now go book that table. The best seat in the house is waiting for someone smart enough to claim it.
About Tartan of Redlands
Founded on April 15, 1964, Tartan of Redlands has been a longtime local favorite, known for classic steakhouse meals and a welcoming atmosphere. It was originally opened by the Ctoteau brothers—Velmer, Al, and Art—with a focus on great food and friendly service.
While ownership has changed over the years, Tartan’s core values have remained the same. Larry Westin helped lead the restaurant for many years, followed by Larry Westin Jr. until 2015, when Jeff and Lisa Salamon became the owners.
Today, Jeff Salamon, a Marine Corps veteran from Boston, continues the tradition by emphasizing loyalty, heritage, and community.
Tartan is known for favorites like Saturday prime rib, quality steaks, the Redlands Tartan Burger, and a full bar. Often called the “Cheers of Redlands,” it remains a popular spot for locals, offering both indoor and outdoor dining in a relaxed setting.
