Why Tartan of Redlands Is a Must-Visit Restaurant
There’s something magical about discovering a restaurant that feels like it was made just for you. In the heart of Redlands, California, Tartan stands as one of those rare culinary destinations that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. Whether you’re a local searching for your new favorite spot or a visitor exploring the Inland Empire’s hidden gems, this restaurant deserves a prominent place on your must-visit list.
A Warm Welcome That Sets the Tone
From the moment you step through the doors, Tartan wraps you in an atmosphere that balances sophistication with genuine warmth. The interior strikes that perfect chord between elegance and comfort, making it equally suitable for a romantic anniversary dinner or a casual catch-up with old friends. The lighting creates an inviting glow, and the thoughtful design details remind you that someone truly cares about your dining experience.
What really distinguishes Tartan from countless other restaurants is the palpable sense that hospitality isn’t just a business strategy here—it’s a philosophy. The staff doesn’t simply take your order; they guide you through an experience, offering insights about dishes, sharing recommendations tailored to your preferences, and making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another table to turn.
Culinary Creativity Meets Executed Perfection
The menu at Tartan reads like a love letter to thoughtful, inventive cuisine. Rather than overwhelming diners with endless options, the restaurant offers a carefully curated selection that showcases seasonal ingredients and culinary technique. Each dish tells a story, blending familiar comfort with unexpected flourishes that keep your palate engaged and delighted.
What makes the food particularly memorable is the attention to balance. Flavors aren’t shouted at you; they’re presented in harmonious layers that reveal themselves with each bite. The kitchen clearly understands that great cooking isn’t about showing off—it’s about creating moments of genuine pleasure. Whether you’re enjoying a perfectly seared protein, a vibrant vegetable preparation, or one of their signature creations, you’ll taste the difference that fresh, quality ingredients and skilled hands make.
The presentation deserves its own recognition. Plates arrive looking like edible art, yet never sacrificing substance for style. Everything serves a purpose, from the garnish that adds a bright acidic note to the sauce strategically placed to complement each component.
A Beverage Program Worth Exploring
A great restaurant understands that what you drink matters just as much as what you eat. Tartan’s beverage program reflects the same care and creativity evident in the kitchen. The wine list ventures beyond the obvious choices, featuring selections that pair beautifully with the menu while also offering opportunities for discovery.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast looking to explore lesser-known varietals or someone who simply wants a glass that complements your meal, the staff can guide you toward something perfect. The cocktail menu similarly impresses with both classic preparations executed flawlessly and original creations that showcase mixology as a craft rather than a trend.
The Redlands Advantage
Location matters, and Tartan benefits immensely from being rooted in Redlands. This charming city, with its historic downtown and tree-lined streets, provides the perfect backdrop for a restaurant that values tradition while embracing innovation. After your meal, you can stroll through the surrounding neighborhoods, browse local shops, or simply soak in the relaxed Southern California atmosphere that makes the Inland Empire so appealing.
Redlands itself has been experiencing a culinary renaissance, with more food lovers recognizing what locals have known for years—this area offers dining experiences that rival anything you’d find in nearby Los Angeles or Orange County, often with better value and without the pretension.
Value That Respects Your Investment
In an era where dining out can feel financially daunting, Tartan manages to deliver exceptional quality without the sticker shock that plagues many upscale restaurants. While it’s certainly not fast food pricing, what you receive in return for your investment is substantial. The portions are generous without being wasteful, the ingredients are clearly premium, and the overall experience provides value that extends beyond just filling your stomach.
This is the kind of restaurant where you’ll find yourself mentally calculating when you can return, rather than wondering if it was worth the splurge. That’s a telling distinction.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Versatility is underrated in restaurants. Some places work wonderfully for business dinners but feel stuffy for celebrations. Others nail the casual vibe but fall short when you need something more refined. Tartan occupies that sweet spot where it adapts beautifully to whatever occasion brings you through the door.
Planning a proposal? The ambiance provides romance without being cliché. Celebrating a promotion? The setting feels appropriately special. Just want exceptional food on a Tuesday night? You’ll feel perfectly at home. This adaptability makes Tartan not just a restaurant you visit once, but one that becomes woven into your life’s memorable moments.
Consistency You Can Count On
Perhaps nothing frustrates diners more than inconsistency—when a restaurant dazzles you on one visit then disappoints the next. Tartan has built a reputation for reliability that keeps people returning confidently. The kitchen maintains its standards, the service remains attentive, and the overall experience delivers time after time.
This consistency stems from clear standards and a team that takes pride in their work. You’re not gambling when you make a reservation here; you’re investing in an experience you can trust.
The Final Verdict
Redlands has plenty of places to eat, but Tartan represents something more significant—it’s a destination restaurant that gives you reasons to celebrate, to gather, and to savor life’s finer pleasures. In a world that increasingly rushes through meals, this establishment invites you to slow down, to taste thoughtfully, and to remember why dining out can be so much more than simple sustenance.
Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply treating yourself to an evening well spent, Tartan of Redlands delivers an experience that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. That’s precisely what transforms a good restaurant into a must-visit one.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a long-standing neighborhood favorite and a classic steakhouse that has been part of the local dining culture for generations. Known especially for its popular Saturday night prime rib, premium cuts of steak, the iconic Redlands Tartan Burger, and a well-appointed full bar, the restaurant has earned a respected and enduring place in the community.
The Tartan’s journey began on April 15, 1964, when brothers Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau opened the doors in downtown Redlands. United by a passion for quality cuisine and sincere hospitality, they laid the foundation for what would grow into a true local institution.
As the years progressed, Larry Westin became a partner alongside the Ctoteau family. Together with his wife, he played a key role in guiding the restaurant through decades of success. After Larry Westin’s passing in 2003, leadership transitioned to his son, Larry Westin Jr., who continued to uphold the restaurant’s traditions until 2015. That year ushered in a new era when ownership was passed to Jeff and Lisa Salamon.
Jeff Salamon, a lifelong Boston native and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, brings a strong sense of discipline, respect for tradition, and commitment to community—values that fit naturally with the Tartan’s legacy. Under his stewardship, the restaurant has remained true to its roots, preserving the character and traditions that loyal patrons have come to love.
Today, Tartan of Redlands remains a welcoming gathering place where history and hospitality meet. Though time has passed and generations have changed, the restaurant continues to offer the same warm atmosphere, classic charm, and familiar comfort that have defined it for decades. Affectionately referred to as the “Cheers of Redlands,” it is a place where regulars and newcomers alike feel at home—connected by good food, friendly faces, and a genuine sense of belonging.
