What Makes a Great Steakhouse? Inside Tartan of Redlands
The sizzle of a perfectly seared ribeye. The warm glow of ambient lighting reflecting off polished wood. The unmistakable aroma of beef meeting flame. A truly exceptional steakhouse engages all your senses before you even take the first bite. But what separates a memorable dining experience from just another meal out? Let’s explore the essential elements that define steakhouse excellence, with a closer look at how Tartan of Redlands embodies these principles.
The Foundation: Quality Meets Craft
At the heart of every distinguished steakhouse lies an unwavering commitment to sourcing premium beef. The difference between good and extraordinary starts long before the kitchen—it begins with relationships with trusted suppliers, careful selection of USDA Prime or high-grade Choice cuts, and proper aging techniques that develop the deep, complex flavors steak enthusiasts crave.
Tartan of Redlands understands this fundamental truth. Their dedication to procuring only the finest cuts ensures that each steak arrives at your table with the marbling, tenderness, and rich taste that defines excellence. But quality ingredients are only half the equation. The real magic happens when skilled hands apply time-honored cooking techniques, respecting the meat while coaxing out its full potential.
The Art of Preparation
Anyone can cook a steak, but mastering the craft requires years of experience and genuine passion. The perfect steakhouse employs chefs who understand the subtle science behind different cuts—knowing that a filet mignon demands a different approach than a bone-in ribeye or a thick porterhouse.
Temperature control becomes an art form in itself. Whether using traditional broilers, open flames, or cast-iron searing, the goal remains consistent: developing a caramelized crust that locks in juices while achieving the precise internal temperature requested. At Tartan of Redlands, this expertise shows in every perfectly executed order, from a ruby-rare center to a well-done edge that still retains moisture and flavor.
Beyond the Beef: A Complete Experience
While the steak serves as the star attraction, supporting players elevate the entire performance. Thoughtfully crafted sides transform a meal into an experience. Classic steakhouse accompaniments—creamy mashed potatoes, butter-drenched vegetables, crispy onion rings, or fresh salads—should complement rather than compete with the main event.
The beverage program matters equally. A carefully curated wine list featuring bold reds that stand up to rich, savory beef, alongside craft cocktails and premium spirits, allows guests to personalize their experience. Knowledgeable staff who can guide selections based on individual preferences and menu choices add another layer of sophistication.
Atmosphere: Where Comfort Meets Elegance
Step into Tartan of Redlands, and you’ll immediately sense the balance they’ve struck between refined elegance and genuine warmth. The best steakhouses create spaces that feel both special and welcoming—where you might celebrate a milestone anniversary or simply enjoy a Tuesday evening with equal comfort.
Lighting sets the mood, neither too dim nor too bright. The acoustics allow conversation to flow naturally without battling neighboring tables. Comfortable seating invites guests to linger over dessert and a final glass of wine. These seemingly small details combine to create an environment where the focus remains on the food, the company, and the moment.
Service That Anticipates
Exceptional service in a steakhouse walks a delicate line. Staff should be knowledgeable about cuts, preparation methods, and wine pairings, ready to offer guidance without presumption. They read tables intuitively—knowing when to check in and when to step back, when guests need recommendations and when they’ve already decided.
At Tartan of Redlands, this philosophy of attentive yet unobtrusive service ensures that every guest feels valued. Servers who remember returning customers, accommodate special requests gracefully, and maintain genuine enthusiasm create connections that transform first-time visitors into loyal regulars.
The Details That Distinguish
What truly separates an exceptional steakhouse from the rest often lies in unexpected touches. Perhaps it’s the complimentary bread service with compound butter that’s clearly made in-house. Maybe it’s the willingness to prepare a cut exactly as requested, even if it’s unconventional. It could be the way management takes time to visit tables, ensuring satisfaction without seeming intrusive.
These details reflect a deeper philosophy—that every guest deserves an experience tailored to their preferences. Tartan of Redlands demonstrates this mindset through consistent attention to the small things that collectively create something remarkable.
Local Character, Timeless Appeal
Great steakhouses often reflect their communities while maintaining the timeless qualities that define the genre. Tartan of Redlands embodies this balance beautifully, serving as both a neighborhood gathering place and a destination worthy of a special trip. The restaurant honors classic steakhouse traditions while infusing them with local character and contemporary sensibility.
This connection to place matters. When a restaurant becomes woven into its community’s fabric—hosting celebrations, business dinners, family traditions, and impromptu gatherings—it transcends the purely transactional and becomes something more meaningful.
The Verdict on the Plate
Ultimately, a great steakhouse proves itself with every order. When the server sets down that perfectly cooked steak, the moment of truth arrives. Does the first cut reveal the requested doneness throughout? Does the flavor justify the anticipation? Does the overall experience feel worth the investment of time and resources?
At Tartan of Redlands, the answer consistently comes back affirmative. By honoring the fundamentals while adding their own distinctive touches, they’ve created something both familiar and unique—a place where the promise of an exceptional steakhouse meal is reliably fulfilled.
Final Thoughts
The elements that make a great steakhouse aren’t mysterious, but executing them consistently requires dedication, expertise, and genuine care. From sourcing to preparation, from atmosphere to service, every component must work in harmony. Tartan of Redlands demonstrates that when these elements align, the result transcends simple dining and becomes an experience worth savoring, remembering, and repeating.
Whether you’re a devoted steakhouse enthusiast or someone seeking that perfect celebratory meal, understanding what separates the exceptional from the ordinary helps you appreciate the craft behind every perfectly charred exterior and tender, juicy interior. And in Redlands, those seeking this level of excellence know exactly where to find it.
About the Restaurant
Tartan of Redlands is a long-standing local steakhouse known for its Saturday prime rib tradition, wide selection of steaks, the famous Redlands Tartan Burger, and a well-appointed full bar. The restaurant first opened its doors on April 15, 1964, founded by three brothers—Velmer, Al, and Art Ctoteau—who brought their shared vision to life in the heart of Redlands.
Management later passed to Larry Westin, who eventually became a partner with the Ctoteau family. Alongside his wife, Mr. Westin guided the restaurant for many years until his passing in 2003. Leadership then transitioned to Larry Westin Jr., who carried forward the family legacy until 2015, when ownership was transferred to Jeff and Lisa Salamon.
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Jeff Salamon is a proud United States Marine Corps veteran. Despite changes over the years, Tartan of Redlands has preserved its timeless, old-school charm and continues to be affectionately known as the “Cheers of Redlands”—a welcoming place where familiar faces and friendly service make everyone feel at home.
