Redlands’ Best Takeout Steak: Where Convenience Meets Top-Tier Flavor

Redlands’ Best Takeout Steak: Where Convenience Meets Top-Tier Flavor

There’s a persistent myth in the food world that steakhouse quality can’t survive the journey from kitchen to home. That a perfectly cooked ribeye becomes a disappointment once it’s boxed up and transported. That the magic of a great steak requires white tablecloths, ambient lighting, and immediate consumption. Tartan of Redlands is here to prove that myth wrong.

The Takeout Revolution Nobody Saw Coming

The past few years have fundamentally changed how we think about restaurant dining. What was once considered a compromise—ordering food to enjoy at home—has evolved into a legitimate dining choice with its own unique advantages. Tartan has embraced this shift, recognizing that sometimes the best meal is the one enjoyed in your own space, on your own terms.

This isn’t about settling for less. It’s about recognizing that life doesn’t always cooperate with dinner reservations. The baby who won’t sleep through a restaurant meal. The work deadline that makes getting dressed up feel impossible. The simple desire to enjoy restaurant-quality food while wearing sweatpants on your own couch. These are valid reasons to skip the dining room without sacrificing quality.

Tartan’s approach to takeout reflects the same philosophy that guides their dine-in service: never compromise on what matters. The steak that goes into a takeout container receives the same attention, the same quality ingredients, and the same expert preparation as one served on china in the dining room. The only difference is the setting, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

The Science of Steakhouse Takeout

Cooking a great steak is an art. Packaging that steak for transport without compromising its quality? That’s science. Temperature control, moisture management, timing—these technical challenges have solutions, but only if you understand what makes a steak excellent in the first place.

The journey from grill to your table matters more than most people realize. A steak continues cooking after it leaves the heat, meaning the kitchen must account for carryover cooking when preparing takeout orders. That perfect medium-rare in the dining room requires different timing when the steak will spend fifteen minutes in transit before being unwrapped.

Moisture is the enemy of crusty exteriors but essential for keeping meat tender. The packaging must strike a delicate balance—allowing enough airflow to preserve that coveted char while retaining sufficient steam to prevent the meat from drying out. Cheap containers turn steaks soggy. Overly ventilated ones let them cool too quickly. The right packaging is an investment in quality.

Resting time becomes even more critical with takeout. A steak pulled too early from the grill will continue cooking excessively during transport, arriving overcooked and disappointing. One rested properly redistributes its juices, resulting in meat that stays succulent even after the journey home. These details separate great takeout from mediocre compromises.

Prime Rib to Go: Saturday Night at Home

Tartan’s legendary Saturday Prime Rib tradition doesn’t require dining room attendance. You can experience the same slow-roasted perfection, the same rosy interior and caramelized crust, the same satisfaction that generations of Redlands residents have enjoyed—all from the comfort of your home.

Ordering Prime Rib for takeout opens up possibilities that dining in doesn’t offer. Create your own perfect atmosphere: your favorite music instead of ambient noise, your preferred wine from your own cellar, the ability to savor each bite without feeling rushed by nearby tables waiting for yours. Sometimes the best restaurant experience happens when you control every element except the food itself.

The logistics of Prime Rib takeout require planning. This isn’t a spontaneous twenty-minute pickup—it’s a Saturday evening tradition that demands advance ordering and precise timing. But that planning becomes part of the ritual, building anticipation throughout the week. You know that at a specific time, you’ll pick up a package containing something special, transforming an ordinary Saturday at home into an event.

Reheating instructions matter with Prime Rib, and Tartan provides guidance that preserves quality. A few minutes in a gentle oven brings the meat back to ideal temperature without overcooking. The result rivals what you’d experience in the dining room, with the added benefit of enjoying it however you choose—in front of a movie, on your patio, or at a family gathering in your own dining room.

The Famous Tartan Burger Travels Well

Some foods seem designed for takeout, and burgers rank high on that list. Tartan’s legendary burger makes the transition from kitchen to car to home with remarkable grace, arriving ready to deliver the same satisfaction that makes it famous among Redlands locals.

The burger’s construction reveals thoughtful design that serves both dine-in and takeout customers. The bun is sturdy enough to maintain integrity during transport while remaining soft enough to yield pleasantly when bitten. Toppings are arranged to prevent sliding and maintain even distribution. The patty’s thickness creates structural stability while ensuring thorough cooking.

Temperature retention works in the burger’s favor. Unlike steaks that have specific temperature requirements, a burger served hot or warm still delivers full flavor. The fifteen-minute ride home doesn’t diminish its appeal—if anything, the contained environment helps meld flavors together, creating harmony between beef, toppings, and bun.

Customization for takeout customers matches what’s available in the dining room. Add extra cheese, hold the onions, pile on the bacon—your burger arrives exactly as ordered. This personalization transforms takeout from generic convenience into tailored dining that respects individual preferences and dietary needs.

Steak Selection That Survives the Journey

Tartan’s diverse steak offerings translate remarkably well to takeout, though some cuts prove more forgiving travelers than others. Understanding which steaks handle transport best helps ensure your at-home experience matches or exceeds expectations.

Ribeyes, with their generous marbling, retain moisture and flavor during transport better than leaner cuts. The fat content that makes them so flavorful in the dining room also provides insurance against drying during the journey home. A ribeye can cool slightly and still deliver remarkable eating quality, making it an excellent takeout choice.

Filet mignon requires more careful handling due to its leanness, but Tartan’s preparation accounts for this. Proper resting and strategic packaging preserve the tenderness that defines this cut. The result is a filet that arrives home ready to provide the butter-soft texture that justifies its premium price, no compromises necessary.

New York strips occupy a middle ground—enough marbling to stay juicy, enough structure to maintain texture. They reheat beautifully if you prefer your steak warmer than it arrives, and they’re equally satisfying at slightly cooler temperatures. This versatility makes strips popular choices for takeout customers who want steakhouse quality without dining room constraints.

The kitchen adjusts cooking techniques subtly for takeout orders, accounting for the reality that your first bite will happen minutes after plating rather than seconds. These adjustments happen invisibly, requiring no input from customers but making significant differences in final quality. It’s the kind of professionalism that separates good restaurants from great ones.

Sides That Complete Your At-Home Steakhouse Experience

A steak alone doesn’t make a meal. Tartan’s sides travel alongside their star proteins, providing the variety and balance that transform takeout into a complete dining experience. These accompaniments receive the same attention to quality and transport-readiness as the main courses.

Baked potatoes make excellent travel companions, their structure naturally suited to containers and reheating. They arrive fluffy inside with skin that crisps back up beautifully with a quick trip through your oven. Load them with butter, sour cream, chives, and bacon—either at pickup or from your own refrigerator—creating exactly the loaded potato experience you crave.

Salads require different thinking. Tartan packages dressings separately, preventing that dreaded wilting that ruins so many takeout salads. Fresh greens arrive crisp, ready to be dressed at your convenience. This simple separation makes the difference between a sad, soggy salad and one that tastes garden-fresh.

Vegetable sides showcase seasonal produce prepared with care. Whether roasted, grilled, or sautéed, these accompaniments provide nutritional balance and flavor contrast to rich steaks. They reheat well or can be enjoyed at room temperature, depending on your preference and timing.

Starches beyond potatoes—rice, pasta, or other preparations—round out the menu with options that satisfy different taste preferences and dietary needs. These sides provide substance and comfort, the foundational elements that make a meal feel complete rather than just eating meat.

Timing Your Pickup for Maximum Quality

The coordination required for successful takeout dining begins with proper timing. Place your order with enough advance notice to allow careful preparation without rushing. Arrive at the specified pickup time—not significantly early or late—to receive food at its optimal quality point.

Communication with the restaurant smooths potential complications. Running a few minutes behind schedule? A quick call lets the kitchen adjust timing so your food isn’t sitting finished and cooling. Arriving earlier than expected? The staff can let you know whether your order is ready or provide a realistic wait time.

The drive home becomes part of the process. Most people underestimate how quickly they’ll travel from restaurant to table. Five minutes longer than you think is a good rule of thumb, accounting for parking, carrying food inside, and unpacking. This realistic assessment helps you time your pickup so food arrives home at ideal temperature.

Rush hour traffic deserves consideration in your planning. A pickup time that seems convenient might place you in the worst traffic of the day, adding unexpected delay between restaurant and home. Choosing slightly earlier or later timing can mean the difference between food arriving perfectly warm versus needing significant reheating.

Creating Restaurant Atmosphere at Home

Takeout from Tartan provides restaurant-quality food; creating restaurant-quality atmosphere becomes your responsibility and opportunity. This creative control lets you design an experience impossible in any public dining room, tailored perfectly to your preferences and companions.

Table setting makes a surprising difference. Transferring food from takeout containers to your own plates elevates the experience immediately. Use your good dishes, the ones that sit in the cabinet waiting for special occasions. Tonight is that occasion—you’re enjoying exceptional food, and the presentation should match.

Lighting sets mood as effectively at home as in restaurants. Dim harsh overhead lights. Light candles. Create ambiance that says this meal matters, even though it’s Tuesday and you’re wearing jeans. The sensory environment shapes how we experience food more than most people realize.

Music completes the atmosphere, and here you have total control. Create the perfect soundtrack for your meal—jazz, classical, classic rock, complete silence—whatever enhances your enjoyment. No compromising with a restaurant’s generic playlist or enduring nearby diners’ loud conversations.

Wine pairing follows your own preferences and budget. Open that special bottle you’ve been saving, or enjoy an everyday favorite that pairs perfectly with steak. Pour generously—you’re not driving anywhere. The freedom to enjoy wine without worrying about the drive home is one of takeout’s underappreciated advantages.

Family Dinner Elevated

Tartan takeout transforms family dinners from routine obligations into events worth anticipating. Children who struggle with restaurant behavior can enjoy steakhouse quality in the familiar comfort of home, where meltdowns don’t disturb other diners and parents can actually relax.

The cost calculation changes favorably for families when takeout replaces dining in. No babysitter expenses. No driving separately because car seats won’t all fit. No worrying about whether children will actually eat expensive meals or waste money. Takeout lets you invest in quality food while eliminating the logistical expenses and stress that often accompany family restaurant visits.

Timing flexibility benefits families enormously. Eat at six when children are hungry, not seven when you finally get a reservation. Start when everyone’s ready rather than waiting for a table. Accommodate one child’s earlier bedtime while letting others enjoy a more leisurely meal. These small flexibilities significantly reduce family dining stress.

Teaching opportunities emerge when dining at home with restaurant-quality food. Show children how to properly cut steak, discuss flavor profiles, explain cooking techniques. These lessons happen naturally in the relaxed home environment, building food literacy and appreciation without the pressure of public mistakes.

Date Night Without the Drive

Romantic dinners at home offer intimacy impossible in public restaurants. Tartan takeout provides the quality that makes the meal special while allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere for connection. No eavesdroppers at the next table, no rushing because the restaurant needs your spot for the next seating, no waiting for checks or worrying about timing.

The effort invested in creating a date night at home demonstrates thoughtfulness. Ordering quality food rather than cooking shows you value the evening. Setting the table nicely indicates care. Planning the whole experience reveals attention to detail—all qualities that strengthen romantic relationships.

Conversation flows more naturally in private spaces. Difficult topics, future planning, vulnerable sharing—these meaningful discussions happen more easily when you’re not wondering whether nearby tables can hear you. Home provides the privacy that deep connection requires.

The evening can extend beyond the meal in ways restaurant dining prohibits. Transition seamlessly from dinner to a movie, to stargazing on your patio, to whatever else the night inspires. You’ve created a complete experience on your own terms, with Tartan providing the culinary foundation.

Game Day Perfection

Major sporting events and steakhouse takeout form a natural partnership. Excellent food elevates the viewing experience while home-based watching provides comfort and flexibility impossible in public sports bars. Tartan’s takeout lets you enjoy restaurant-quality food without missing a single play.

The economics favor home viewing significantly when hosting groups. Order food for everyone at a fraction of what individual restaurant meals would cost. Add your own beverages at retail rather than restaurant prices. The savings multiply with each additional guest while the quality remains constant.

Control over the television becomes invaluable during close games. No fighting for sound, no dealing with whatever else the bar decides to show on surrounding screens, no missing crucial moments because you were in line for drinks. Your game, your volume, your focus.

Multiple food options satisfy diverse group preferences. Some want burgers, others want steaks, someone needs a salad—takeout accommodates these varied needs in ways that restaurant seating rarely can. Everyone gets exactly what they want, eaten at their preferred pace, without complicated bill-splitting.

Weeknight Luxury Without the Commitment

Tuesday evening doesn’t need to be leftover night. Tartan takeout brings steakhouse quality to ordinary weekdays, transforming routine dinners into small luxuries that make demanding schedules feel more manageable. It’s self-care through excellent food, enjoyed without the time investment of dining out.

The time calculation favors takeout significantly on busy weeknights. Pickup takes thirty minutes total—order online, quick drive, grab food, return home. Dining in requires an hour minimum, often more with wait times and full service. When time is your most limited resource, takeout delivers quality with efficiency.

Decision fatigue—the exhaustion of making countless small choices—plagues many professionals. Takeout eliminates numerous decisions: what to cook, whether ingredients are available, whether you have energy for preparation, cleanup responsibilities. One decision—what to order—replaces this entire chain, preserving mental energy for what matters.

The treat-yourself economy thrives on small indulgences that provide disproportionate psychological benefits. A Tuesday steak from Tartan costs money but delivers joy, relaxation, and the sense that you deserve good things even on ordinary days. This investment in your own wellbeing pays dividends in mood, energy, and resilience.

Office Catering That Impresses

Business lunches and working dinners benefit from Tartan’s takeout capabilities. Impress clients or reward employees with food that stands apart from typical catering options. The quality signals that you value the meeting and the people attending it.

Presentation matters in professional contexts, and Tartan’s packaging reflects the restaurant’s overall quality standards. Food arrives looking as good as it tastes, creating positive first impressions before anyone takes a bite. These visual cues communicate professionalism and attention to detail.

Variety accommodates diverse dietary needs within business groups. Vegetarians, those watching calories, red meat enthusiasts—everyone finds options that satisfy without making anyone feel like an afterthought. This inclusivity reflects well on whoever organized the meal.

The convenience of not leaving the office for important working meals cannot be overstated. Maintain momentum, protect confidential discussions, accommodate tight schedules—all while enjoying food that exceeds whatever delivery apps might provide. It’s the best of both worlds: productivity and quality.

Special Occasions Reimagined

Life’s milestones don’t always fit neatly into restaurant reservations. Tartan takeout lets you celebrate important moments in ways that honor their significance while accommodating real-world constraints. Whether it’s a birthday during flu season or an anniversary when childcare falls through, quality food keeps celebrations special.

Surprise celebrations become more feasible with takeout. Showing up at home with steakhouse dinner creates delight without the advance planning and hints that restaurant reservations require. The spontaneity adds its own element of joy to the celebration.

Milestone birthdays, promotions, graduations—these achievements deserve recognition with food that matches their importance. Tartan’s quality provides that gravitas, signaling this isn’t just another Tuesday but something worth marking with excellence.

The photographs and memories from these celebrations look different when taken at home, but they’re no less meaningful. Sometimes they’re more authentic, capturing genuine joy in comfortable environments rather than posed smiles in generic restaurant settings. The location matters less than the people and the food bringing them together.

Elderly and Mobility Considerations

For Redlands residents who can no longer easily dine out due to age, mobility limitations, or health concerns, Tartan takeout maintains connection to a beloved institution. The food they’ve enjoyed for decades remains accessible, bringing comfort and continuity when other aspects of life are changing.

Home delivery or pickup by family members extends Tartan’s community reach to those who can’t reach Tartan themselves. This accessibility ensures that everyone can continue participating in the traditions and flavors that define their community, regardless of physical limitations.

Familiar foods provide deep comfort, especially during difficult periods. When someone is recovering from illness, grieving a loss, or struggling with age-related changes, a meal from Tartan might offer more solace than well-meaning casseroles from neighbors. There’s healing in consistency and quality.

The Environmental Consideration

Conscious consumers often worry about takeout’s environmental impact. Tartan’s commitment to quality extends to packaging choices that balance practical necessity with environmental responsibility. While single-use containers can’t be eliminated entirely, thoughtful selection minimizes unnecessary waste.

Choosing takeout once weekly versus dining out reduces your overall carbon footprint when you factor in multiple cars driving to restaurants, parking lot energy use, and the building’s climate control serving dozens of diners. One efficient pickup trip generates less environmental impact than multiple dining visits.

Reusable container programs, while not universal, represent potential future directions. Imagine returning containers for cleaning and reuse, creating a closed loop that maintains convenience while minimizing waste. Forward-thinking restaurants are exploring these systems.

The food waste equation changes with takeout. Restaurants portion-control stringently, but at home you control leftovers. That extra steak becomes tomorrow’s lunch rather than scraped into restaurant trash. Home storage options extend food life, reducing the waste that restaurant timing necessitates.

Quality Control You Can Trust

Tartan’s reputation depends on consistency. A disappointing takeout experience damages trust more than a subpar dine-in meal because you’ve invested additional effort in creating the at-home experience. The restaurant understands these stakes and maintains standards accordingly.

Every order receives final quality checks before leaving the kitchen. Temperature verification, presentation inspection, order accuracy confirmation—these steps happen invisibly but significantly impact what arrives at your door. Professional standards don’t relax just because customers aren’t watching.

If something does go wrong, responsive customer service resolves issues promptly. A missing side, an incorrectly cooked steak, any problem—contact the restaurant and experience how seriously they take customer satisfaction. Quality establishments stand behind their food regardless of where it’s consumed.

Building trust takes time and consistency. Tartan’s decades-long reputation provides confidence that your takeout order will meet expectations. This reliability transforms occasional convenience into regular habit, knowing quality remains constant.

The Future of Fine Dining at Home

The relationship between restaurants and takeout continues evolving. What began as emergency response to pandemic restrictions has become a permanent expansion of how restaurants serve communities. Tartan’s embrace of high-quality takeout positions them at this evolution’s forefront.

Technology improvements streamline the ordering and pickup process. Online ordering eliminates phone miscommunications. Text alerts notify you when food is ready, optimizing timing. These small conveniences remove friction from the experience, making quality takeout increasingly accessible.

Packaging innovation continues advancing. Temperature-maintaining materials, moisture-controlling designs, sustainable alternatives to plastic—these developments promise even better takeout experiences in the coming years. Early adopters benefit from these improvements first.

The cultural acceptance of fine dining at home reflects broader changes in how we balance work, family, and self-care. Convenience need not mean compromise. Quality can travel. Excellence doesn’t require specific environments. Tartan exemplifies these truths, bringing restaurant standards to wherever you choose to enjoy them.

Making It Happen

Ready to experience Redlands’ best takeout steak for yourself? The process is straightforward but rewards some planning. Browse the menu online or call for recommendations based on your preferences. Place your order with realistic timing for preparation and your arrival.

Arrive at the specified pickup time and head to the designated takeout area. Staff will have your order ready, complete with any condiments, utensils, or napkins you might need. Confirm everything’s included before leaving—it’s easier to address missing items immediately than after you’re home.

The drive home demands attention. Secure containers so they don’t tip during transportation. Consider bringing a laundry basket or box to keep everything stable and level. These small precautions prevent spills and maintain presentation.

Once home, don’t leave food sitting in containers unnecessarily. Transfer to plates promptly if eating immediately, or package properly for later if your timing shifted. Food quality degrades when left in imperfect storage conditions, so treat it with the care it deserves.

Your Next Great Meal Awaits

The beauty of Tartan’s takeout program is its simplicity. You don’t need special equipment, advanced planning weeks ahead, or complicated coordination. You just need to decide that tonight deserves better than the usual weeknight routine.

Maybe it’s Friday and you’re too exhausted to cook but too invested in quality to settle for fast food. Maybe it’s Saturday and you want Prime Rib but also want to watch the game from your own couch. Maybe it’s Tuesday and you just deserve something excellent for no reason beyond wanting it.

Whatever brings you to consider takeout from Tartan, know that you’re not compromising. You’re making a different choice, one that prioritizes quality food in comfortable environments. You’re supporting a Redlands institution that’s been perfecting their craft since 1964. You’re treating yourself to excellence without the constraints of formal dining.

The steaks are ready, the kitchen is waiting, and your perfect at-home steakhouse experience is just one order away. Welcome to the future of fine dining—where convenience meets top-tier flavor, where quality travels, and where the best meal of your week might just be the one enjoyed in your own space.

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 the Ctoteau brothers. 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.