Inside Tartan’s Bar: The Secret Behind Redlands’ Favorite Cocktail & Social Scene
More Than Just a Place to Drink
The bar at Tartan occupies a unique space in Redlands’ social landscape. It’s simultaneously a destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts and a comfortable gathering spot for neighbors catching up over cold beers. This duality—sophistication without pretension—defines everything that happens behind that polished wood counter.
Unlike the impersonal bars of chain restaurants or the exclusivity of trendy cocktail lounges, Tartan’s bar strikes a rare balance. You can order a meticulously crafted Old Fashioned or simply ask for your favorite draft beer, and both choices receive equal respect and attention. The bartenders aren’t performing for Instagram; they’re serving their community with skill, care, and genuine interest in making your evening memorable.
What makes this bar special isn’t just what’s in the glasses—it’s who’s holding them. On any given evening, you’ll find a cross-section of Redlands life: young professionals unwinding after work, longtime residents maintaining decades-old happy hour traditions, couples on date nights, and out-of-town visitors discovering why locals are so passionate about this place.
The Craft Behind Classic Cocktails
There’s a philosophy at work behind Tartan’s bar that prioritizes execution over experimentation. While molecular mixology and elaborate garnishes have their place, the bartenders here understand that most people simply want a drink that tastes exceptional and delivers exactly what they expect from their chosen cocktail.
Take the martini, that most divisive and personal of drinks. Some bars treat it as a blank canvas for creative reinterpretation. At Tartan, the approach is different: learn how you like it, remember it, and make it perfectly every single time. Gin or vodka? Dirty or dry? Twist or olives? These aren’t just questions—they’re the beginning of a relationship.
The Manhattan receives similar respect. The proper ratio of whiskey to vermouth, the right bitters, the ideal garnish—these details matter. A rushed or carelessly made Manhattan tastes entirely different from one prepared with attention and care. The difference between good and great often comes down to patience, precision, and using quality ingredients.
Even something as straightforward as a margarita becomes an experience when made correctly. Fresh ingredients, proper proportions, and the right balance of sweet, sour, and spirit create a drink that refreshes rather than overwhelms. No neon colors, no excessive sugar, just a well-made cocktail that tastes like the sum of its quality parts.
Beer Selection That Respects All Preferences
Not everyone wants a cocktail, and Tartan’s bar program acknowledges this with a beer selection that satisfies both craft enthusiasts and those who prefer familiar favorites. The tap list includes local and regional craft beers that showcase Southern California’s thriving brewing scene alongside reliable domestic and imported options that have earned their place through decades of drinkability.
This inclusive approach to beer mirrors the bar’s overall philosophy. There’s no judgment for ordering a simple domestic lager any more than there is for choosing an obscure IPA. The goal isn’t to educate or convert—it’s to provide what you want to drink in the best possible condition.
Temperature matters more than most people realize. A beer served too cold loses flavor; too warm and it becomes unpleasant. The bartenders at Tartan understand these nuances, ensuring that each pour is properly chilled and served in clean glassware that enhances rather than detracts from the drinking experience.
Rotating taps keep the selection fresh for regulars while maintaining core options that loyal customers count on. This balance between novelty and reliability defines much of what makes Tartan’s bar work so well. You can try something new knowing that if it doesn’t suit your taste, your old favorite is right there waiting.
Wine Program Designed for Steak Lovers
A steakhouse bar needs a wine list that complements what’s coming from the kitchen, and Tartan delivers with selections chosen specifically to pair beautifully with beef. From bold Cabernet Sauvignons that stand up to a perfectly charred ribeye to softer Pinot Noirs that enhance the nuances of filet mignon, the wine program demonstrates thoughtful curation.
The list isn’t intimidating or pretentious. You won’t find pages of obscure regions or bottles priced to impress rather than enjoy. Instead, the focus is on quality wines at fair prices, with options available by both the glass and bottle to accommodate solo diners and groups alike.
For those less familiar with wine pairing, the staff provides guidance without condescension. They can suggest complementary options based on your meal choice, or simply recommend something approachable if you’re looking to explore beyond your usual selection. Wine should enhance your dining experience, not create anxiety or confusion.
Special occasions call for special bottles, and Tartan’s selection includes options worthy of celebrations and milestones. Whether you’re toasting an anniversary, closing a business deal, or simply treating yourself after a long week, there’s a wine that matches the moment and the budget.
The Social Hub of Downtown Redlands
Beyond the drinks themselves, Tartan’s bar functions as a vital community gathering space. It’s where locals meet before dinner, where visiting relatives get a taste of Redlands life, and where spontaneous conversations between strangers often lead to lasting friendships.
Happy hour transforms the bar into its own distinct experience. The energy shifts as people transition from their workday into evening mode. Loosened ties, kicked-off heels, and the collective exhale of another week navigated create an atmosphere of shared relief and camaraderie. These aren’t just customers—they’re neighbors, colleagues, and friends who’ve chosen this specific spot to mark the day’s end.
The bar’s layout encourages interaction while still allowing for intimate conversations. Whether you’re perched on a barstool ready to chat with whoever sits beside you or tucked into a corner table maintaining your own bubble, the space accommodates different social needs without feeling segmented or exclusive.
Regular patrons develop rhythms and rituals around the bar. Thursday evening drinks with coworkers. Sunday afternoon pre-dinner cocktails. Saturday night celebrations after the Prime Rib. These personal traditions within the larger tradition create layers of meaning that transform a simple bar visit into something more significant.
Bartenders Who Remember
Perhaps the most crucial element of Tartan’s bar success is the people behind it. The bartenders here aren’t just skilled technicians—they’re relationship builders who transform one-time visitors into regulars through genuine interest and attentive service.
They remember your drink, yes, but they also remember your story. How work is going, whether your daughter got into her first-choice college, if the vacation to Hawaii lived up to expectations. These aren’t just small talk topics—they’re the threads that weave customers into the fabric of the place.
This institutional memory creates efficiency alongside warmth. A regular can walk in, receive a nod of recognition, and have their usual drink waiting by the time they reach their favorite stool. New visitors benefit from bartenders who can read the room, offering recommendations based on quick assessments of preferences and moods.
The skill level behind the bar ensures consistency across shifts and seasons. No matter if it’s a laid-back Tuesday afternoon or a lively Saturday night, the experience is consistently top-tier. Your Old Fashioned tastes the same because the same standards are maintained regardless of who’s pouring or how busy the evening gets.
Perfect Pairings: Bar Bites and Small Plates
While Tartan excels at full dining room meals, the bar area offers its own culinary rewards. Bar-friendly portions of menu favorites allow you to snack while you sip, creating a more casual dining experience perfect for those evenings when you want great food without the formality of a sit-down dinner.
The famous Tartan Burger makes regular appearances at the bar, where it pairs perfectly with a cold beer and the game on television. There’s something particularly satisfying about enjoying a quality burger in a bar setting—the informality heightens the comfort food appeal while the quality ingredients keep it from feeling like a compromise.
Other menu items translate beautifully to bar dining. Appetizers meant for sharing encourage group ordering and communal eating. Salads provide lighter options for those watching the clock or their appetite. The flexibility to order as much or as little as you want, served at the bar’s more relaxed pace, gives you control over your evening’s trajectory.
Timing matters in bar dining, and the kitchen understands this. Food emerges when you’re ready for it, not according to some predetermined schedule. Another round? No problem—your next course will appear when it makes sense. Ready to wrap up? The check comes promptly without feeling rushed.
Game Day Central
When major sporting events roll around, Tartan’s bar becomes Redlands’ unofficial headquarters for fans. Multiple screens ensure everyone can follow their preferred game, while the convivial atmosphere transforms watching sports from a solitary couch activity into a communal celebration.
The energy during big games is electric yet welcoming. Die-hard fans get their intensity fix while more casual observers can enjoy the excitement without feeling excluded or overwhelmed. Shared groans at missed field goals and collective cheers for touchdowns create temporary bonds between strangers united by the drama unfolding on screen.
Unlike sports bars where the athletics dominate everything else, Tartan maintains its primary identity as a restaurant and bar that happens to show games. This means better food, better drinks, and a crowd that’s there for the complete experience rather than just the final score. You can have meaningful conversations during commercial breaks rather than shouting over constant sports commentary.
The bar’s game day appeal extends beyond football season. Baseball’s long season, basketball playoffs, major golf tournaments—whatever the sport, Tartan provides a comfortable venue for watching with good company and even better refreshments. It’s the antidote to crowded chain sports bars where you’re just another face in an anonymous crowd.
The Art of Conversation
In our increasingly digital world, Tartan’s bar offers something increasingly rare: a space designed for actual human interaction. Phones stay in pockets more here than in many modern bars. People make eye contact. Conversations flow naturally without the constant interruption of notification pings and social media checks.
This isn’t enforced through rules or technology-shaming—it happens organically because the environment encourages presence and engagement. When the person next to you is genuinely interesting, when the bartender tells a story worth hearing, when the atmosphere itself invites you to be fully present, the digital world’s pull weakens naturally.
Bar conversation is its own art form, and Tartan provides the perfect studio. The topics range widely: local politics and national news, travel stories and restaurant recommendations, family updates and professional challenges. These exchanges rarely reach the depth of intimate friendships, but they satisfy a different social need—the pleasure of connection without commitment, stimulation without obligation.
Solo diners at the bar never feel lonely because isolation isn’t part of the culture. Strike up a chat with your neighbor about the game, the wine, the weather, or nothing in particular. Or sit quietly with your thoughts and your drink, confident that your preference for solitude will be respected. The flexibility to be social or solitary as mood dictates is part of what makes the bar so welcoming.
Date Night at the Bar
Couples discovering each other often choose Tartan’s bar for early-stage dates. The environment offers conversation-friendly noise levels—lively enough to feel energetic, quiet enough to actually hear each other. Bar seating places you side by side, removing the confrontational aspect of direct face-to-face positioning while still allowing easy interaction.
The setting provides natural conversation starters when early-date awkwardness threatens. Comment on the drink menu, ask your date’s opinion on the game, share reactions to overheard conversations. The bar gives you the world to discuss, reducing pressure to be constantly fascinating through your own efforts alone.
For established couples, bar dates offer different pleasures. The casual atmosphere removes pressure for major romantic gestures while still providing quality time together. You’re out and doing something, checking the box of “date night,” without the expense or formality of a full dining room experience. Sometimes the best dates are the unplanned ones that start with “should we just grab a drink?”
Anniversary celebrations often begin or end at Tartan’s bar. A pre-dinner cocktail while you wait for your table, toasting the occasion with champagne, or a nightcap after your meal extends the celebration and adds layers to the evening. These bookends transform dinner from an isolated event into part of a larger romantic narrative.
After-Work Refuge
For Redlands professionals, Tartan’s bar serves as a crucial decompression chamber between work and home. The transition from professional obligations to personal time benefits from a buffer zone, and the bar provides exactly that—a neutral space where you can shed the day’s stress before carrying any residual tension home.
The weekday early evening crowd has its own character. Ties get loosened, dress shoes get slipped off under the bar, and shoulders visibly drop as people order their first drink. Conversations often start with work venting that gradually transitions into more pleasant topics as the alcohol and atmosphere work their magic.
Group happy hours foster team bonding outside the office hierarchy. When the manager and the intern are both just people enjoying a beer, professional barriers soften. These informal interactions often build stronger working relationships than any trust-fall exercise or corporate retreat could achieve.
Solo after-work visits satisfy different needs. Some people want to talk, processing their day with the bartender or friendly neighbors. Others prefer quiet contemplation, using the drink and the atmosphere to create mental space between their work identity and personal self. Tartan accommodates both impulses without judgment.
Seasonal Specials and Holiday Spirit
Throughout the year, the bar program evolves to reflect seasons and celebrations. Summer brings refreshing cocktails perfect for patio sipping. Fall introduces richer, spiced drinks that pair with cooler evening temperatures. Winter holidays inspire festive creations that feel celebratory without being gimmicky.
These seasonal offerings prevent the menu from becoming stale for regulars while showcasing the bartenders’ creativity and skill. A well-executed seasonal cocktail demonstrates technical proficiency and understanding of flavor profiles—how to balance autumnal spices without overwhelming the palate, or create summer refreshment without resorting to sugar bombs.
Holiday periods transform the bar’s energy. Pre-Thanksgiving gatherings with friends before family obligations begin. Post-Christmas celebrations when out-of-town relatives want to see where you spend your time. New Year’s Eve toasts and resolutions made half-seriously over champagne. The bar serves as a stage for these annual rituals, providing consistency across years of change.
Valentine’s Day, while primarily a dining room holiday, spills into the bar area with couples enjoying cocktails while waiting for tables or nightcaps after romantic meals. The bar staff handles the romantic pressure with humor and grace, mixing aphrodisiac-free drinks that somehow still feel appropriately special for the occasion.
The Whiskey Wall
Serious spirits enthusiasts find much to admire in Tartan’s whiskey selection. From approachable bourbons perfect for newcomers to rare bottles that collectors appreciate, the back bar showcases respect for American whiskey culture without devolving into snobbery or exclusivity.
A well-curated whiskey selection tells you about a bar’s priorities. Tartan’s collection balances variety with quality—enough options to keep things interesting, but not so many that choice becomes paralyzing. Whether you’re a bourbon loyalist, a rye enthusiast, or still discovering your preference, there’s a pour waiting that will satisfy.
For those looking to expand their whiskey knowledge, the bartenders provide education without lecture. They can explain the difference between bourbon and rye, discuss how barrel aging affects flavor, or simply recommend something based on your preferred taste profile. Learning becomes natural rather than forced.
Whiskey flights occasionally appear as specials, offering structured tasting experiences that let you compare and contrast styles or distilleries. These flights transform the bar into a classroom where the lesson is always enjoyable and the homework is drinking good whiskey with friends.
Building Community One Pour at a Time
The true secret behind Tartan’s bar success isn’t any single element—not the cocktails, the bartenders, the atmosphere, or the location. It’s how all these components work together to create space for community, connection, and genuine human interaction in an age when such spaces are increasingly rare.
Modern life atomizes us. We work remotely, shop online, and socialize through screens. Tartan’s bar offers the antidote: a physical space where being present matters, where face-to-face interaction is the point, and where community forms organically through shared experience rather than algorithm-driven connection.
The bar succeeds because it understands that people need third places—locations beyond home and work where they can simply exist as themselves. Not performing for social media, not optimizing productivity, not fulfilling obligations. Just being human among other humans, sharing drinks and conversation and the simple pleasure of good company.
This community-building happens gradually, almost imperceptibly. One visit becomes two, two become ten, and suddenly you realize you’ve become part of something larger than yourself. You know people’s names and stories. The bartender has your drink ready. You feel a sense of belonging that’s increasingly precious in our transient, digital world.
More Than a Bar—A Redlands Institution
After six decades of operation, Tartan’s bar has earned its status as a Redlands institution. It’s where proposals have been celebrated, promotions toasted, sorrows drowned, and friendships forged. The stories embedded in that space could fill volumes—tales of romance and heartbreak, success and failure, ordinary evenings that became extraordinary memories.
This institutional status brings responsibility. People count on Tartan remaining true to what makes it special. They trust that when they return after months or years away, the bar will still feel like home. That trust, earned through consistency and care, is perhaps the most valuable asset any establishment can possess.
Future generations will discover Tartan’s bar the way current regulars did—through word of mouth, happy accidents, or deliberate exploration of downtown Redlands. They’ll find the same warm welcome, the same quality drinks, and the same sense of belonging that has defined this space for decades.
The bar’s future seems secure not despite its traditional approach but because of it. In a world of constant disruption and change, there’s profound value in places that remain steadfastly themselves. Tartan’s bar understands this, continuing to serve its community with the same care and quality that founded its reputation more than sixty years ago.
Your Seat Awaits
Whether you’re seeking a perfectly crafted cocktail, a cold beer with friends, a place to watch the game, or simply a welcoming space to unwind, Tartan’s bar stands ready. The bartenders are preparing for the evening rush, polishing glassware and checking their setup with the practiced precision of professionals who take pride in their craft.
The beauty of this bar is that it doesn’t require special occasions or advance planning. You can decide on a Tuesday afternoon that you’d like a drink, walk through those doors, and immediately feel welcome. No reservations necessary, no dress code to stress about, no sense that you’re imposing or interrupting. Just good drinks, warm service, and the comfortable atmosphere of a place that’s been perfecting its craft since 1964.
So next time you’re in downtown Redlands, whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, make your way to Tartan. Pull up a barstool, order something that sounds good, and experience what makes this bar more than just a place to drink. Experience the secret ingredient that no recipe can capture: genuine hospitality combined with quality craftsmanship in service of community and connection.
Your favorite cocktail is waiting. The bartender is ready to welcome you. And who knows—tonight might be the beginning of your own Tartan tradition, the first chapter in your personal story of this remarkable place. Welcome to Redlands’ social heart, where every pour tells a story and every visit creates memories.
The bar is open. The conversation is flowing. Your seat at Tartan awaits.
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.
