Best Steakhouse for Anniversaries in Redlands
Celebrating an anniversary deserves something special. When you’re looking for that perfect combination of exceptional food, intimate atmosphere, and memorable service in Redlands, a classic steakhouse often hits all the right notes. Whether you’re marking your first year together or your fiftieth, choosing the right restaurant can transform an ordinary evening into an unforgettable milestone celebration.
Why Choose a Steakhouse for Your Anniversary?
There’s something inherently celebratory about a steakhouse dinner. The rich aromas, the sizzle of perfectly seared meat, and the unhurried pace of a multi-course meal create an experience that feels genuinely special. Steakhouses typically offer the kind of refined yet comfortable atmosphere that makes couples feel pampered without being overly formal or stuffy.
The beauty of a steakhouse anniversary dinner lies in its versatility. If you’re both meat lovers, you’ll find cuts prepared to perfection. If one of you prefers seafood or has different tastes, quality steakhouses always offer outstanding alternatives like fresh fish, lobster, or creative vegetarian options.
What Makes a Steakhouse Anniversary-Worthy?
Not every steakhouse is created equal when it comes to romantic celebrations. The best anniversary spots share several key qualities that elevate them beyond just serving good food.
Ambiance matters tremendously. You want lighting that’s soft enough to feel intimate but bright enough to actually see your meal and your partner. Look for restaurants with well-spaced tables that allow for private conversation without feeling isolated. Many couples appreciate fireplaces, subtle background music, or views that add to the romantic setting.
Service should be attentive without being intrusive. Your server should anticipate your needs, offer thoughtful wine pairings, and make you feel genuinely welcomed. The best anniversary restaurants train their staff to recognize special occasions and add those small touches that make the evening memorable.
Menu quality and variety demonstrate a restaurant’s commitment to excellence. Prime cuts aged properly, fresh seasonal sides, and a wine list that complements the food all signal a steakhouse that takes its craft seriously.
Finding Your Perfect Redlands Steakhouse
Redlands offers a charming backdrop for anniversary celebrations, with its historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and nearby mountain views. When searching for the ideal steakhouse here, consider what matters most to you as a couple.
Do you prefer a classic, timeless atmosphere with traditional steakhouse staples, or are you drawn to more contemporary interpretations of steakhouse dining? Some couples love the nostalgia of red leather booths and dark wood paneling, while others appreciate modern design with an updated approach to classic dishes.
Location plays a role too. Downtown Redlands provides walkable charm if you want to stroll before or after dinner. Other areas might offer easier parking or quieter settings if you’re driving in from nearby communities.
Making Your Reservation Special
Once you’ve selected your steakhouse, a few thoughtful steps can enhance your anniversary experience. Call ahead to let the restaurant know you’re celebrating. Many establishments will offer complimentary dessert, a special table, or other anniversary touches when they know in advance.
Consider requesting a specific table if you’ve dined there before and have a favorite spot. Window seats, corner booths, or tables near a fireplace can add extra romance to your evening.
Timing your reservation thoughtfully also matters. Earlier reservations around six or six-thirty often mean a quieter dining room and more attentive service. Later reservations allow you to arrive after the initial rush and enjoy a more leisurely pace.
Beyond the Steak: Complete Your Experience
While the steak is obviously central, don’t overlook the supporting elements that create a complete anniversary dinner. Start with an appetizer to share, something indulgent like shrimp cocktail, oysters, or a rich French onion soup. This slows down the meal and gives you more time together.
Consider exploring the wine list or asking your server for pairing recommendations. A good bottle shared over dinner adds celebration and gives you something to toast with throughout the evening.
Save room for dessert. Even if you’re full, splitting something decadent like molten chocolate cake or crème brûlée provides a sweet ending to your celebration and prolongs your time together.
What to Expect from Your Anniversary Dinner
Plan for your steakhouse anniversary dinner to last at least two hours, possibly longer if you’re enjoying multiple courses and good conversation. Quality steakhouses don’t rush you, especially on special occasions.
Dress codes vary by establishment. While most Redlands restaurants maintain a smart casual standard, some steakhouses prefer business casual or dressy attire for evening service. When in doubt, dress up slightly. You’ll feel more festive, and it signals to staff that this is indeed a special occasion.
Budget appropriately for the experience you want. Quality steakhouses represent an investment, with entrees typically ranging from moderate to premium pricing. Factor in appetizers, sides (often served family-style), drinks, dessert, and gratuity when planning your budget.
Creating Lasting Memories
The best anniversary dinners become part of your shared story as a couple. Some couples return to the same restaurant year after year, creating a tradition that grows more meaningful with time. Others enjoy exploring new spots each anniversary, collecting memories across different restaurants.
Consider capturing a photo during your dinner, either a selfie or asking your server to take one. These moments become treasured reminders of your celebrations together.
Planning Ahead for Popular Dates
If your anniversary falls on or near a major holiday like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or New Year’s Eve, book your reservation well in advance. Popular steakhouses fill up weeks ahead for these dates. Weekend evenings also book faster than weeknights, so plan accordingly.
Some couples choose to celebrate a few days before or after their actual anniversary to avoid crowds and secure better reservations. The date on the calendar matters less than the quality of time you spend together.
Why This Celebration Matters
In our busy lives, setting aside dedicated time to celebrate your relationship makes a powerful statement. Choosing a special restaurant, dressing up, and sharing an unhurried meal together reminds you both why you fell in love in the first place.
A steakhouse anniversary dinner provides that rare combination of sophistication and comfort that makes couples feel celebrated. It’s a chance to look across the table at your partner, raise a glass, and acknowledge the journey you’ve shared and the future you’re building together.
Whether you’re marking one year or fifty, choosing the right Redlands steakhouse for your anniversary creates an evening you’ll both remember. The perfect cut of steak, the warm ambiance, the excellent service, and most importantly, the time spent together all combine to make your celebration truly special.
Discover Tartan of Redlands: A Legacy of Excellence
When searching for that perfect anniversary steakhouse in Redlands, one name consistently rises to the top among locals and visitors alike: Tartan of Redlands. This isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a cornerstone of the community with a story spanning six decades.
A Rich History Rooted in Family and Tradition
The story begins on April 15, 1964, when three brothers—Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau—opened the restaurant’s doors in downtown Redlands. Their shared vision was straightforward yet powerful: serve exceptional food with genuine hospitality. That simple philosophy took root and flourished, transforming the Tartan into something more than a business. It became a gathering place woven into the fabric of Redlands itself.
As the restaurant matured, Larry Westin joined the founding family as a partner, bringing fresh energy while honoring the establishment’s core values. Working alongside his wife, Westin helped guide the Tartan through decades of growth and change. When he passed away in 2003, his son Larry Westin Jr. stepped forward to carry the torch, maintaining the traditions his father had helped build until 2015.
That year marked a new chapter when Jeff and Lisa Salamon assumed ownership. Jeff, a Boston native and United States Marine Corps veteran, brought with him the values instilled through military service: discipline, honor, and an unwavering commitment to community. These principles aligned perfectly with everything the Tartan had always represented, ensuring that the transition preserved rather than altered the restaurant’s beloved character.
What Makes Tartan Special
Step inside today, and you’ll understand why generations of couples have chosen the Tartan for their anniversary celebrations. The restaurant has earned its reputation through consistency—consistently excellent food, consistently warm service, and a consistently inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel special.
The Saturday night prime rib has achieved near-legendary status among regulars. Slow-roasted to tender perfection, seasoned expertly, and carved to order, this signature dish represents everything a steakhouse should deliver. It’s the kind of meal that creates traditions, with couples returning year after year to celebrate over the same beloved entrée.
Beyond the prime rib, the Tartan offers premium steak cuts prepared with the care and attention that only decades of experience can provide. Each steak is selected for quality and cooked precisely to your preference, whether you favor a butter-tender filet or a richly marbled ribeye.
The iconic Redlands Tartan Burger deserves special mention. While you might think of burgers as casual fare, the Tartan elevates this American classic into something worthy of celebration. It’s become such a staple that many locals consider it essential Redlands dining.
The Full Experience
A well-appointed full bar complements the dining experience, offering everything from classic cocktails to carefully selected wines that pair beautifully with your meal. Whether you prefer a bold cabernet with your steak or a celebratory champagne toast, the bar staff knows how to enhance your anniversary evening.
The atmosphere strikes that difficult balance between refined and relaxed. You’ll feel the specialness of the occasion without any stuffiness or pretension. Tables are thoughtfully spaced to allow intimate conversation, and the décor creates warmth without overwhelming the senses. It’s an environment designed for connection—with your partner, with your meal, and with the sense of history that permeates the space.
“The Cheers of Redlands”
Locals affectionately call the Tartan “the Cheers of Redlands,” and once you visit, you’ll understand why. Like the famous television bar where everybody knows your name, the Tartan cultivates that same sense of belonging and community. Regular patrons are greeted like old friends, while first-time visitors are welcomed as honored guests.
This welcoming spirit makes it equally perfect for celebrating a first anniversary or a golden jubilee. Whether you’re creating new memories or honoring decades together, the Tartan provides the ideal backdrop.
A Living Legacy
What truly distinguishes the Tartan from other dining establishments is how it has evolved while remaining fundamentally unchanged. The faces behind the scenes have shifted across generations, yet the commitment to quality and hospitality has never wavered. This continuity is rare in the restaurant industry, where trends come and go and businesses frequently reinvent themselves.
At the Tartan, reinvention isn’t necessary because the original vision remains as relevant today as it was in 1964. Great food, honest service, and a space where people feel genuinely welcome—these principles never go out of style.
Planning Your Anniversary at the Tartan
When you choose the Tartan for your anniversary celebration, you’re not just selecting a restaurant. You’re stepping into a piece of Redlands history and joining the countless couples who have marked their special moments within these walls.
The restaurant welcomes anniversary reservations and takes pride in making these occasions memorable. Their experienced staff understands that your evening matters, and they work to ensure every detail contributes to a celebration you’ll cherish.
From the moment you arrive until your final bite of dessert, you’ll experience the kind of attentive, genuine service that can only come from a team that truly cares about their guests and takes pride in their work.
Where Tradition Meets Celebration
For over sixty years, the Tartan of Redlands has been helping couples celebrate their love stories. In an era when restaurants come and go with alarming frequency, this longevity speaks volumes about quality, consistency, and the deep connections formed between a restaurant and its community.
Your anniversary deserves a setting with substance and soul—a place where the food is exceptional, the atmosphere is genuinely inviting, and the experience feels both special and comfortable. The Tartan delivers all of this and more, backed by decades of making celebrations memorable.
Here’s to your anniversary and to many more celebrations ahead. May your evening at this storied Redlands institution be filled with great food, wonderful wine, and the joy of celebrating your love story in a place where tradition, quality, and hospitality have thrived for generations.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a beloved neighborhood classic and one of the city’s iconic steakhouses, celebrated for its rich history and exceptional dining. Famous for its Saturday night prime rib, an array of premium steaks, the legendary Redlands Tartan Burger, and a fully stocked bar, the restaurant has earned a permanent place in the hearts of locals.
The story began on April 15, 1964, when brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau brought their vision to life in downtown Redlands. Their dedication to outstanding food and warm hospitality laid the foundation for a landmark that would endure for decades.
Later, Larry Westin joined forces with the Ctoteau family, guiding the restaurant alongside his wife through years of growth. Following his passing in 2003, leadership passed to Larry Westin Jr., and in 2015, Jeff and Lisa Salamon took the reins. Jeff, a Boston native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, remains committed to honoring the traditions and spirit that define the Tartan experience.
Over the years, Tartan of Redlands has maintained its unique charm and welcoming atmosphere. Often called the “Cheers of Redlands,” it’s a place where familiar faces greet you, new guests feel at home, and everyone leaves with a sense of belonging.
