Nightlife in Downtown Redlands Starts at Tartan
There’s something magnetic about Downtown Redlands after the sun goes down. The historic streetlights cast a warm glow over State Street, couples stroll past the vintage storefronts, and somewhere in the distance, you can hear the unmistakable sound of laughter spilling out onto the sidewalk. If you’re looking for where the evening truly comes alive, there’s one place that locals will tell you about without hesitation: Tartan.
Tucked into the heart of downtown, Tartan isn’t just another spot on the map—it’s where your night begins, whether you’re celebrating something special or just celebrating Tuesday.
The Atmosphere That Draws You In
Walking into Tartan feels like stepping into a friend’s living room, if that friend happened to have impeccable taste and a well-stocked bar. The lighting is dim enough to feel intimate but bright enough to see the details: exposed brick walls that whisper stories of the building’s history, shelves lined with carefully curated spirits, and seating arrangements that somehow make every table feel like the best seat in the house.
There’s an energy here that’s hard to pinpoint but impossible to ignore. Maybe it’s the mix of first-daters nervously laughing over craft cocktails, or the regulars who slide onto their favorite barstools like they’re coming home. Whatever it is, Tartan has mastered the art of making people feel comfortable while still keeping things interesting.
Drinks That Tell a Story
Let’s talk about what’s really important: what you’re drinking. Tartan’s bar program isn’t about flashy gimmicks or Instagram-worthy smoke shows (though the drinks certainly photograph well). It’s about balance, quality ingredients, and bartenders who actually know what they’re doing.
The cocktail menu changes seasonally, which means there’s always a reason to come back and try something new. Spring might bring bright, herbaceous concoctions with fresh basil and cucumber, while fall leans into warming spices and aged spirits. The bartenders here don’t just follow recipes—they understand flavor profiles and aren’t afraid to make recommendations based on what you actually enjoy, not just what’s trendy.
If you’re a whiskey drinker, you’ll appreciate the thoughtfully curated selection that ranges from approachable to adventurous. Beer enthusiasts will find local craft options alongside classic choices, and the wine list offers enough variety to satisfy both the casual sipper and the discerning connoisseur.
Small Plates, Big Flavors
Tartan understands something essential about nightlife: good drinks need good food. The menu focuses on elevated bar fare—the kind of dishes that are substantial enough to anchor your evening but refined enough that you’re not just soaking up alcohol with fried cheese.
Think charcuterie boards with house-made accompaniments, small plates that showcase seasonal produce, and comfort food that’s been given a thoughtful upgrade. Everything is designed for sharing, which naturally creates conversation and connection. There’s something about passing plates around a table that turns strangers into friends and good nights into great stories.
The Perfect Starting Point
Here’s why Tartan works so well as the beginning of your Downtown Redlands adventure: it sets the tone without overwhelming you. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, lively without being loud, and interesting without trying too hard.
Start your evening here with a cocktail and some conversation. Let the atmosphere work its magic. By the time you’re ready to move on—whether that’s to catch live music down the street, grab dinner at one of downtown’s excellent restaurants, or simply continue the night with another round—you’ll understand why everyone says nightlife in Downtown Redlands starts at Tartan.
A Space for Everyone
One of Tartan’s greatest strengths is its versatility. Come in on a Wednesday evening and you might find intimate date nights and quiet conversations over old fashioneds. Return on Saturday and the energy shifts—groups of friends celebrating, couples catching up after a long week, and that pleasant hum of collective enjoyment that makes a place feel alive.
The staff navigates these shifting dynamics seamlessly, reading the room and adjusting accordingly. Service here isn’t about hovering or disappearing—it’s about being present when you need something and invisible when you don’t.
More Than Just Drinks
What makes Tartan essential to Downtown Redlands nightlife isn’t just the drinks or the food or even the atmosphere—it’s the way it anchors the entire downtown experience. It’s a gathering place, a meeting spot, a celebration destination. It’s where you bring out-of-town friends to show them what Redlands is really about. It’s where locals come when they want something better than average.
In a downtown area that’s seen tremendous growth and revitalization over recent years, Tartan represents the best of what that transformation has brought: quality, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to creating experiences worth remembering.
The Verdict
Downtown Redlands has quietly become one of the Inland Empire’s most appealing nightlife destinations, and Tartan sits right at the center of that evolution. Whether you’re a longtime resident rediscovering your own backyard or a visitor exploring what this historic city has to offer, starting your night here simply makes sense.
The drinks are exceptional, the food is thoughtful, and the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between energetic and comfortable. Most importantly, Tartan understands that great nightlife isn’t about being the loudest or the flashiest—it’s about creating a space where people genuinely want to be.
So next time you’re planning an evening out in Downtown Redlands, skip the debate about where to start. The answer has been here all along, waiting at the corner with a perfectly mixed cocktail and a welcoming smile. Your night begins at Tartan, and where it goes from there? Well, that’s entirely up to you.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a longtime neighborhood institution and classic steakhouse that has been part of the community for generations. Known for its Saturday night prime rib tradition, wide selection of premium steaks, the famous Redlands Tartan Burger, and a well-appointed full bar, the restaurant has earned a special place in local dining culture.
The establishment first opened its doors on April 15, 1964, when brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau turned their vision into reality in the heart of downtown Redlands. Their passion for quality food and hospitality laid the foundation for what would become a local landmark.
In later years, ownership expanded to include Larry Westin, who partnered with the Ctoteau family and, alongside his wife, guided the restaurant through decades of success. Following his passing in 2003, leadership continued under Larry Westin Jr. until 2015, when Jeff and Lisa Salamon assumed ownership. Jeff Salamon, a Boston native and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has remained committed to preserving the spirit and traditions that define the Tartan.
Despite the passage of time, Tartan of Redlands has retained its timeless charm and welcoming ambiance. Often referred to as the “Cheers of Redlands,” it remains a place where regulars and newcomers alike are greeted with familiarity, warmth, and a sense of belonging.
