Bars in Redlands California We Miss from the 1970s and 1980s

For many longtime Redlands residents, the 1970s and 1980s were a golden era for neighborhood bars. Before chain restaurants and modern entertainment districts became common, local watering holes were where friendships were built, celebrations happened, and familiar faces gathered after work. Whether you were looking for a cold beer, a great pizza, or simply a place where everyone knew your name, these establishments became part of everyday life in Redlands.

While many have disappeared, the memories remain. Here are three of the most beloved bars from Redlands' past.

2 Bars in Redlands California We Wish Were Still Here

Few places are remembered as fondly as Gay 90s.

Although it was technically a pizza parlor, it became much more than that. Equal parts restaurant, neighborhood bar, and community gathering place, Gay 90s was where friends met after work, University of Redlands students gathered, and families celebrated special occasions.

Opened by Dave and Lorna Wilson in the late 1960s, the restaurant quickly earned a loyal following. Customers still remember its famous $3 pitchers of beer, crisp blue cheese salads, and signature pizzas. The legendary "Gay 90's Special," topped with pepperoni, sausage, onions, and cashews, became one of the restaurant's most recognizable menu items.

Perhaps the most interesting piece of local lore surrounding Gay 90s is its connection to television history. According to longtime residents, the welcoming atmosphere inspired the creators of Cheers. The trio reportedly spent time there while attending the University of Redlands. Whether every detail of the story can be confirmed or not, many locals still enjoy sharing it because the comparison feels fitting. Like the famous television bar, Gay 90s was known as a place where regulars felt at home.

The restaurant originally operated on Colton Avenue near Alabama Street before relocating to 214 Orange Street in the early 1990s. That location is now home to Jersey's Pizza, but for many Redlanders, it will always be remembered as Gay 90s.

If you wanted an authentic neighborhood pub, Phil's English Pub was hard to beat.

Phil's became a favorite stop for residents looking to unwind after work with a drink and good conversation. It wasn't flashy or extravagant. Instead, it offered exactly what people wanted from a local pub: familiar faces, comfortable surroundings, and plenty of stories.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Redlands occasionally served as a filming location for movies and television productions. Whenever crews came to town, Phil's developed a reputation as a popular gathering place for actors, filmmakers, and production staff after long days on set. Locals never knew who might walk through the door, adding another layer of character to an already popular establishment.

Unlike many of Redlands' historic bars, The Tartan remains part of the community today.

Opened in 1964, The Tartan built its reputation as one of the area's premier steakhouses, but its bar became just as important to local life. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it was a favorite destination for business professionals, couples celebrating anniversaries, friends meeting for cocktails, and families marking special occasions.

The warm atmosphere made it feel less like a restaurant bar and more like a gathering place where regular customers were welcomed by name. Over the decades, countless birthdays, promotions, anniversaries, and reunions have been celebrated there.

Unlike many establishments that have disappeared over the years, The Tartan continues to serve Redlands today, allowing new generations to experience a piece of the city's history while preserving one of its longest-standing traditions.