Patio Nights & Elevated Bites: Discover Tartan in Downtown Redlands
There’s something magical about dining under the stars with a perfectly grilled steak in front of you and the gentle California breeze in the air. In downtown Redlands, this isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a regular evening at Tartan of Redlands, where outdoor dining meets culinary excellence in a setting that feels like coming home.
More Than Six Decades of Downtown Dining
Since April 15, 1964, Tartan of Redlands has been the beating heart of the city’s dining scene. What started as a dream shared by three brothers—Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau—has blossomed into an institution that’s witnessed countless celebrations, first dates, anniversary dinners, and simple Tuesday night gatherings that turned into cherished memories.
The journey from those early days to today tells a story of dedication and community. Larry Westin, who began as the restaurant’s manager, eventually became a partner and steward of the Tartan legacy. After his passing in 2003, Larry Westin Jr. carried the torch forward, maintaining the warmth and excellence that regulars had come to expect. In 2015, Jeff and Lisa Salamon became the newest chapter in this ongoing story, bringing their own passion while honoring everything that made Tartan special.
Jeff’s background—born in Boston and shaped by his service in the Marine Corps—brings a unique perspective to the restaurant’s continued evolution. Yet through all these transitions, one thing remains constant: Tartan still feels like the Cheers of Redlands, where familiar faces greet you and new visitors quickly become part of the family.
The Allure of Alfresco Dining
Step onto Tartan’s patio, and you’ll understand why outdoor dining in Redlands has become such a draw. The Inland Empire’s enviable weather creates the perfect backdrop for evening meals that extend long past dessert, where conversations flow as freely as the wine and nobody’s in a hurry to leave.
The patio setting transforms an ordinary dinner into something more—an experience that engages all your senses. The sizzle of steaks on the grill mingles with laughter from nearby tables. String lights twinkle overhead as the sun sets behind the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s the kind of atmosphere you can’t manufacture; it has to be cultivated over time, meal by meal, season by season.
Downtown Redlands itself adds to the charm. The historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and walkable neighborhoods mean your dinner at Tartan can be part of a larger evening out—a stroll through downtown boutiques, a pre-dinner drink at a local wine bar, or a post-meal gelato as you window shop under vintage streetlamps.
Saturday Nights Are for Prime Rib
If you know, you know. Saturdays at Tartan mean one thing: Prime Rib. This isn’t just any prime rib—it’s the kind that locals plan their weekends around, the dish that’s been drawing crowds for decades.
Perfectly seasoned, slow-roasted, and carved to order, Tartan’s Prime Rib represents everything a signature dish should be. Each slice showcases the beautiful gradient from caramelized exterior to rosy, tender center. It’s served with all the classic accompaniments, but the star needs no supporting cast to shine.
The Saturday Prime Rib tradition has become woven into Redlands culture. Families make reservations weeks in advance. Out-of-town visitors time their trips to coincide with the weekend. First-timers are initiated by enthusiastic regulars who insist, “You haven’t experienced Tartan until you’ve tried the Saturday Prime Rib.”
Steak Selection That Satisfies Every Craving
While Prime Rib may rule Saturdays, the rest of the week showcases an impressive array of steaks that would make any carnivore’s mouth water. From buttery filet mignon to richly marbled ribeyes, each cut is sourced with care and prepared with precision.
The chefs at Tartan understand that cooking steak is both science and art. Temperature control, timing, seasoning—every element matters. Whether you prefer your steak Pittsburgh rare or well-done (no judgment here), the kitchen delivers exactly what you ordered with consistency that builds trust over repeated visits.
Beyond traditional cuts, the menu explores creative territory while staying true to steakhouse roots. Each preparation method honors the quality of the beef while adding layers of flavor that elevate the entire experience. This is food that satisfies on a primal level while delighting more refined palates.
The Legend of the Tartan Burger
Some dishes transcend their humble origins to achieve legendary status. The Redlands Famous Tartan Burger has earned that distinction, becoming the kind of menu item that inspires fierce loyalty and friendly debates about what makes it so special.
What elevates this burger beyond the ordinary? Start with quality beef, grilled to perfection with those coveted char marks that add smoky depth. Add thoughtfully chosen toppings that complement rather than overwhelm. Nestle everything in a bun that’s sturdy enough to hold it all together but soft enough to yield with each bite.
The result is a burger that satisfies both steakhouse standards and casual comfort food cravings. It’s the perfect choice for those nights when you want something familiar yet exceptional, or when you’re introducing someone to Tartan and want to show them why locals rave about this place.
Regulars have their own Tartan Burger rituals—particular toppings they always add, specific sides they always order, the exact way they like it cooked. These personal traditions within the larger tradition speak to how a great burger becomes more than food; it becomes part of your story.
The Full Bar Experience
No steakhouse is complete without a well-stocked bar, and Tartan delivers with a beverage program that complements the food perfectly. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, wine connoisseur, or cocktail lover, you’ll find options that enhance your meal and elevate your evening.
The bar serves as both a social hub and a destination in its own right. Stop in for happy hour and you’ll find neighbors catching up over cold drinks. Settle into the dining room and you’ll discover wines selected to pair beautifully with beef, bringing out subtle flavors and creating harmony on your palate.
Classic cocktails are executed with care—a proper Old Fashioned, a crisp martini, a refreshing margarita. These aren’t fussy craft creations that require a mixology degree to appreciate; they’re well-made drinks that hit the spot, prepared by bartenders who know their regulars’ orders by heart.
The full bar adds versatility to Tartan’s appeal. It’s equally appropriate for a romantic dinner for two, a guys’ night out catching the game, or a family celebration where everyone from grandparents to adult children can find something they enjoy.
Old-School Atmosphere, Timeless Appeal
Walk through Tartan’s doors and you’re transported to an era when steakhouses were neighborhood gathering places rather than cookie-cutter chains. The décor evokes classic American dining without feeling dated or stuffy. It’s comfortable in the best sense—the kind of place where you can dress up or dress down and feel equally at ease.
This old-school atmosphere isn’t an affectation or a theme. It’s authentic, earned through decades of serving the same community with consistency and care. The photos on the walls tell stories. The bar shows the patina of countless conversations. Even the booths seem to hold memories of celebrations past.
Yet there’s nothing dusty or dated about the experience. The kitchen produces contemporary flavors while honoring tradition. The service balances professionalism with genuine warmth. The energy feels vibrant, proof that classic doesn’t mean stuck in the past—it means building on a foundation strong enough to support constant evolution.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
The “Cheers of Redlands” nickname isn’t marketing hyperbole—it’s the lived reality of Tartan’s daily operation. Regular patrons are greeted by name. Their usual orders are remembered. Servers check in on their families and remember details from previous conversations.
This sense of community extends beyond just staff-customer relationships. Regulars know other regulars. Tables full of strangers become acquainted over shared appreciation of the Prime Rib. First-time visitors are welcomed into the fold with genuine enthusiasm rather than polite indifference.
For newcomers to Redlands, Tartan offers an entry point into the community. Dining here a few times, you start recognizing faces.The team welcomes you with the kind of warmth that feels like you’ve been a regular forever.
Before long, you realize you’ve found your spot—that rare restaurant that becomes part of your routine and your identity.
In an era of increasing anonymity and digital distance, there’s profound value in a place that makes you feel known and valued. Tartan provides that increasingly rare commodity: genuine human connection over great food.
Beyond Steak: A Menu for Everyone
While steaks and Prime Rib anchor the menu, Tartan recognizes that not every meal calls for beef. The diverse offerings ensure that groups with varying tastes and dietary preferences can all find something to love.
Fresh seafood options provide lighter alternatives without sacrificing quality. Chicken preparations offer familiar comfort. The menu walks the line between specialization and accessibility, maintaining its steakhouse identity while welcoming all appetites.
This inclusive approach makes Tartan ideal for group dining where preferences vary. The vegetarian at the table won’t feel like an afterthought. The seafood lover has genuine choices, not just token options. Everyone leaves satisfied, which is why the restaurant has become a go-to for family gatherings and friend reunions.
Elevated Sides That Complete the Plate
A great steak deserves great accompaniments, and Tartan’s side dishes deliver supporting performances worthy of the main attraction. These aren’t afterthoughts thrown on the plate to fill space—they’re carefully prepared dishes that add variety, texture, and complementary flavors to your meal.
Classic steakhouse sides receive the attention they deserve. Perfectly crisp salads with fresh ingredients provide refreshing contrast to rich meats. Starches are prepared with care, whether you opt for traditional baked potato or something more adventurous. Vegetables actually taste like vegetables, celebrating seasonal produce rather than serving as obligatory garnishes.
The side menu also ventures into more creative territory when appropriate, offering preparations that surprise and delight without straying too far from the comfort zone. This balance—respecting tradition while embracing quality and creativity—defines Tartan’s culinary philosophy.
Smart diners know to save room for sides. They’re integral to the experience, not optional additions. A well-rounded plate showcases different flavors and textures, turning a simple steak dinner into a complete culinary journey.
The Value of Local Dining
Choosing Tartan means more than just selecting where to eat—it’s supporting local business, investing in community, and avoiding the hassles that come with dining in larger cities. No fighting traffic on the 10 freeway. No circling for parking or paying exorbitant garage fees. No feeling like just another transaction in a busy urban restaurant.
Downtown Redlands offers the sophistication of city dining with the convenience and charm of a smaller community. You can actually find parking. Reservations are accessible, not requiring weeks of advance planning. The staff has time to engage with you as a person, not just a table number.
The value proposition extends beyond price point to encompass the entire experience. Quality food, genuine service, memorable atmosphere, and community connection—these elements combine to create value that transcends what you see on the check.
Perfect for Every Occasion
One of Tartan’s greatest strengths is its versatility. This is a restaurant that adapts to your needs rather than forcing you to adapt to its concept.
Planning a romantic date night? The patio offers intimate ambiance perfect for meaningful conversations and shared desserts. Celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary? The dining room accommodates larger groups with grace. Need a reliable spot for a business dinner? The professional atmosphere and quality offerings make the right impression. Just want a casual Wednesday burger and beer? You’re welcome here too.
This flexibility comes from decades of serving a community through countless occasions and life stages. Tartan has hosted first dates that led to marriages, celebrated those weddings, welcomed the resulting children for family dinners, and continued through graduations, retirements, and everything in between.
The Redlands Difference
Dining in Redlands offers distinct advantages that even longtime Southern California residents sometimes overlook. This foothill community provides an escape from the intensity of larger cities without sacrificing quality or sophistication.
The downtown district maintains its historic character while supporting modern businesses. The pace feels more relaxed, yet the energy remains vibrant. You can build an entire evening around dinner at Tartan—arrive early to explore galleries and shops, enjoy a leisurely meal, then stroll through the neighborhood taking in the architecture and atmosphere.
For visitors, Redlands makes an excellent base for exploring the Inland Empire. After a day touring local attractions like the Lincoln Memorial Shrine or Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, Tartan provides the perfect ending to your adventure. For residents, it’s a reminder that exceptional experiences don’t require leaving your own backyard.
Making Memories, One Meal at a Time
Ultimately, what distinguishes Tartan from countless other restaurants is its role in people’s lives. This isn’t just where you go to eat—it’s where you celebrate, commiserate, reconnect, and create the moments that become cherished memories.
The server who remembers your anniversary. The bartender who knows your drink. The perfectly cooked steak that marks your promotion. The patio evening with old friends that turns into an annual tradition. These experiences accumulate over time, building a relationship with a place that becomes part of your personal geography.
Restaurants come and go, but institutions endure. Six decades of operation represents thousands of meals served, countless relationships built, and an unwavering commitment to quality and community. That longevity isn’t accidental—it’s earned through consistent excellence and genuine care for the people you serve.
Your Table Is Waiting
Whether you’re a longtime Tartan devotee or someone who’s never experienced downtown Redlands dining, there’s a seat with your name on it. Maybe it’s a spot on the patio where you can enjoy the evening air. Perhaps it’s a comfortable booth in the dining room where you can settle in for the duration. Or maybe it’s a barstool where you can watch the game while savoring that famous burger.
The next time you’re craving expertly prepared steak, yearning for that legendary Prime Rib, or simply wanting an evening where great food meets genuine hospitality, head to downtown Redlands. Tartan has been creating perfect patio nights and elevated bites since 1964, and they’re just getting started.
Come for the food. Stay for the atmosphere. Return for the feeling of being somewhere you truly belong. That’s the Tartan experience—where every meal is an opportunity to create something memorable, and where you’re not just a customer, you’re family.
Your next great meal awaits in downtown Redlands. The grill is hot, the bar is open, and the patio beckons. Welcome to Tartan, where tradition meets excellence and every night is a good night for elevated bites under the California sky.
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 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.
