Family-Friendly Event Nights: Kids Menu + Early Dining at Tartan
Where Every Little Guest Feels Like a VIP
Picture this: the sun is still hanging lazily in the early evening sky, your kids are buzzing with excitement, and you’re seated at a beautifully set table — no rush, no chaos, just the kind of warm, unhurried dining experience that families actually deserve. That’s exactly what Tartan has crafted with its Family-Friendly Event Nights, and honestly? It’s the evening out that parents didn’t know they’d been waiting for.
Why Early Dining Is a Game-Changer for Families
If you’ve ever tried wrangling a hungry five-year-old at 8 PM in a dimly lit restaurant, you already understand the value of early dining. Tartan’s family seating begins at the golden hour — early enough that the little ones are still in good spirits, alert enough to enjoy the experience, and not yet running on fumes.
Early dining isn’t a compromise. At Tartan, it’s a deliberate design choice. The restaurant intentionally reserves its first evening seatings for families, meaning the atmosphere is lively but relaxed, the service is attentive without being rushed, and the energy in the room actually matches the energy your kids bring through the door.
No side-eye from neighboring tables. No hushed tones. Just families being families — and a restaurant fully prepared for that.
The Kids Menu: Thoughtfully Crafted, Not an Afterthought
Let’s be real: most kids’ menus are a sad parade of the same five beige foods. Tartan threw that playbook out entirely.
The children’s menu at Tartan was developed with the same culinary intention as the adult menu — just scaled for younger palates and smaller appetites. Here’s what makes it stand apart:
🍽️ Familiar Favorites, Elevated
Classic dishes that kids already love get a quiet upgrade here. Think golden mac and cheese made with a house-blend of aged cheeses, hand-breaded chicken strips with a light, crispy coating (not a frozen fryer situation), and mini sliders stacked with fresh, quality ingredients. The goal is food kids recognize and reach for — just made with care.
🥦 Sneaky Nutrition Done Right
Parents, this one’s for you. Tartan’s kitchen team cleverly incorporates vegetables and wholesome ingredients without turning mealtimes into a negotiation. Colorful roasted veggie sides, smoothie-style drinks packed with fruit, and broths made from real stock mean you’re not just filling little bellies — you’re actually nourishing them.
🎨 Presentation That Sparks Joy
Half the battle of feeding kids is winning the visual argument first. Tartan plates its children’s meals with playful arrangements — think smiley-face garnishes, dipping sauce served in tiny cups, and portions sized just right so the plate doesn’t feel overwhelming. Food should be fun, and here, it genuinely is.
🌱 Dietary Flexibility Without the Drama
Gluten-free? Nut allergy? Picky eater with a very specific list of grievances? Tartan’s staff is trained to handle dietary needs with patience and zero judgment. The kitchen accommodates with flexibility, and you can request modifications without feeling like you’re inconveniencing anyone.
What Happens at a Family Event Night?
Tartan’s Family Event Nights aren’t just a regular dinner with shorter opening hours. They’re a fully curated experience built around the rhythms of family life.
🎭 Interactive Entertainment for Kids
Depending on the night, Tartan brings in kid-friendly entertainment that runs parallel to dinner — so parents can actually eat a hot meal. From live storytelling sessions to magic performers, craft activity corners, and coloring kits at the table, there’s always something to keep young imaginations occupied between bites.
👨👩👧 Table Activities Built In
Every family table arrives pre-set with a small activity kit — seasonal coloring pages, trivia cards designed for all ages, and a little conversation starter game that’s genuinely fun for both kids and adults. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference when you’re waiting for food.
📸 Memory-Making Moments
Tartan sets up a casual, unobtrusive photo corner on event nights — a simple backdrop with props where families can snap their own pictures. No professional photographer required. Just a sweet little spot to remember the evening.
The Tartan Difference: An Atmosphere That Works for Everyone
What separates Tartan from a typical family restaurant is the refusal to choose between quality and comfort. You’re not sacrificing an elevated dining atmosphere just because you brought your seven-year-old along. The space is warm and well-designed, the lighting is bright enough for kids but still ambient enough for adults, and the noise level is managed thoughtfully so conversation is still possible even when things get lively.
The staff deserve a special mention here. Tartan trains its team specifically for family nights — meaning servers understand the pace of family dining, know when to check in and when to give space, and are genuinely good with kids. A friendly server who actually engages with your child (asking their name, asking what they’re drawing) can transform an ordinary meal into something a kid talks about for days.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Family Night at Tartan
Book Ahead: Family Event Nights fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Reserve your table at least a few days in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Arrive Early (Even for Early Dining): Give yourself a buffer so you’re not rushing. Arriving 5–10 minutes before your reservation means you can get settled calmly — which sets the tone for the whole evening.
Let Kids Order for Themselves: One of the best little confidence-builders is letting your child tell the server their own order. Tartan’s team is patient with this, and kids absolutely love the responsibility.
Use the Activity Kit Strategically: Saving the activity kit for when you’re waiting on food keeps it fresh and exciting right when you need it most.
Don’t Skip Dessert: The kids’ dessert options at Tartan are worth every single bite. Enough said.
A Word From Parents Who’ve Been There
Families who’ve attended Tartan’s event nights consistently highlight the same themes: they finally felt welcome at a quality restaurant, their kids were engaged and happy, and — perhaps most importantly — the parents actually got to enjoy their meal.
That last part matters more than it sounds. So much of family dining involves one parent hovering anxiously, eating cold food while managing small humans. Tartan’s model actively tries to solve that problem, giving the whole table — adults and children alike — a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts: Dinner That Brings Families Together
Family life moves fast. The evenings when everyone sits down together, laughs together, and eats good food together are worth protecting — and worth seeking out.
Tartan’s Family-Friendly Event Nights with Kids Menu and Early Dining aren’t just a scheduling convenience. They’re an invitation to slow down, be present, and share something genuinely lovely with the people who matter most.
So go ahead — make the reservation. Let someone else handle the cooking tonight.
Your family will thank you for it.
📍 Reserve Your Family Table at Tartan Early seatings available on select nights — check the current schedule and book your spot online or by phone.
About Tartan of Redlands
Established on April 15, 1964, Tartan of Redlands has become a beloved fixture in the local community, known for its traditional steakhouse cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant was founded by the Ctoteau brothers—Velmer, Al, and Art—with a clear vision of delivering quality food paired with exceptional hospitality.
While ownership has evolved over the years, the core values of the restaurant have remained unchanged. Larry Westin became an integral part of the business alongside the Ctoteau family and contributed significantly to its success. Following his passing in 2003, his son, Larry Westin Jr., continued the legacy until 2015. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by Jeff and Lisa Salamon.
Jeff Salamon, a Marine Corps veteran originally from Boston, carries forward the long-standing traditions of the establishment, emphasizing commitment, heritage, and a strong connection to the local community.
The menu features classic steakhouse favorites, including their popular Saturday prime rib, premium cuts of steak, and the signature Redlands Tartan Burger. A fully stocked bar complements the dining experience, adding to the restaurant’s inviting character.
Commonly known as the “Cheers of Redlands,” Tartan is appreciated for its laid-back ambiance, friendly service, and dedicated patrons. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, it continues to be a favorite gathering place for locals year-round.
