Get the Insider's Scoop on Where to Eat and Enjoy Drinks in Redlands
While this special slice of So Cal may be known for its orange orchards, it has a lot more to offer than citrus. So don’t let the small town charm fool you. Redlands has become a Mecca for restaurateurs and entrepreneurs.
Farm-to-table cuisine has become a staple. Microbreweries are popping up. And, quaint boutiques abound. But don’t take our word for it. It’s locals who know the best places to eat and the best things to do. That’s why we went right to the source.
The following 25 destinations were recommended by Redlands residents. We asked 200 Redlanders where they would take visiting family and friends if they were in town for only one day. These are the places recommended. The order doesn't reflect any rating scale – it's just an easy way to reference each place.
Wanna see this list as an interactive map? Go here to explore.
P.S. Don’t forget your appetite and sense of adventure.
25 Redlands Restaurants, Breweries and Cafes Locals Love
From formal date nights in Redlands, CA, and casual coffee shops to downhome breweries, can’t-miss tacos and fabulous cocktails, this list is sure to deliver. A HUGE shoutout to all those who helped us curate their favorite spots.
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Ritual Brewing Co.
Ritual is putting Redlands on the map, most recently winning gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival. They also medaled in the California State Festival Craft Beer Competition. Their tables are former bowling lanes and guests can play cornhole or giant Jenga. Dogs are welcome. Bring your own food.
- Locals' favorites:
- Fat Hog Barley Wine
- Extra Red
- Giant Jenga
Ritual is at 1315 Research Drive. They're open from 1 to 10 p.m. on most days and closed on Mondays. A list of their beers is online.
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Escape Craft Brewery
Escape is a microbrewery that offers sports viewing, board games and a play area for the kids. Dogs are welcome too.
- Locals' favorites:
- Redlands Nights
- Shreddin the Gnar IPA
Escape is at 721 Nevada St. It's open from 2 to 9:30 p.m. most days and is closed on Mondays.
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The Thai House
The Thai House prepares traditional Thai food to the customer's spiciness preference for lunch and dinner. Or just go for drinks — there's a martini bar. It's a casual, family-style restaurant. There's indoor and outdoor seating and they're open late.
The Thai House is at 1824 W. Redlands Boulevard. They are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days.
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Taylor's
Taylor's opened in 1934, making it the oldest restaurant in Redlands. It's a full cocktail bar on the edge of town against the canyon, with a limited grill menu. There's karaoke Thursday through Saturday.
- Locals' favorites:
- Tacos on Tuesdays
Taylor's is at 26787 Barton Road. They're open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. most days.
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Carolyn's Cafe
Carolyn's Cafe offers good old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts and traditional lunches -- just a notch yummier than you expect. There are gluten-free and vegan options. Be prepared to wait in a long line unless you're really early.
- Locals' favorites:
- The coffee cake. Do not miss the coffee cake.
Carolyn's Cafe is at 1150 Brookside Ave. They're open from 6:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. most days.
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Rosa Maria's
Rosa Maria's, (called "Rosie's" by the locals), makes burritos with tender, saucy pork meat that will bring you back for more. Call in your order before heading over.
- Locals' favorites:
- The Garbage Burrito
Rosa Maria's is at 1154 Brookside Ave. They're open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Saturdays and Sundays when they close at 6 p.m.
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Benjarong Thai Cuisine
Every seat has atmosphere at Benjarong – in the bar, in the main dining room (originally built as a piano showroom) or on the patio, which is strung with tiny white lights. Meats, seafood, noodles and soup are made to order from mild to spicy.
- Locals' favorites:
- Yellow curry
- Drunken noodles
Benjarong is at 1001 W. Park Ave. They're open from 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. on most days but not between 2:30 and 5 p.m.
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Saverino's Italian Deli
Saverino's has Italian meats and cheeses for sandwiches, and also offers ravioli and a soup of the day. There is a small market inside, so if you need a box of ladyfingers to make your own tiramisu, swing by.
- Locals' favorites:
- Pastrami sandwich
- The Saverino
Saverino's is at 617 W. State St. They're open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days and are closed Sundays.
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Eureka!
This Redlands grill serves burgers and more and offers craft beers on tap. Sports fans will be delighted by the big screens that surround the eatery, each airing a different event.
- Locals' favorites:
- Fresno Fig Burger
- Truffle Cheese Fries
Eureka! is at 345 W. Pearl Ave. They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Citrone
If you're on a date or your friend is impressed by a quality chef, Citrone is your place. They specialize in fresh California and Mediterranean cuisine, including pastas, salads and grilled fish. There is an extensive bar and fine wine selection, and this is one of the best places in town to stop for evening dessert and a fancy coffee.
- Locals' favorites:
- Gorgonzola
- Vodka Smoked Salmon
Citrone is at 328 Orange St. They're open most days from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. but not from 2 to 5 p.m.
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Jersey's Pizza
This Redlands’ pizza joint is a small pizza parlor that carries on the tradition started in Redlands by the iconic Gay '90s: putting cashews on pizza. Get a pitcher of beer or coke from the bar and have a slice or two.
- Locals' favorites:
- Traditional pepperoni pizza
Jersey's Pizza is at 214 Orange St. They're open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. except Fridays and Saturdays, when they are open until 11 p.m.
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Sugarbee Cafe and Bake Shop
Sugarbee opened with a bang, when it was featured on "Cake Wars" on the Food Network. The cafe serves breakfasts and lunches, and has fresh pastries daily.
- Locals' favorites:
- Brownies
- The Queen Bee
Sugarbee is at 721 Nevada St. Suite 404. It's open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days.
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The Vault
The Vault is a hip place to hang out and be served by bartenders that know their stuff. There are rooms with tables and some with couches, and there is outdoor space where sometimes there is live music.
It's a full bar, so if martinis aren't your thing, you can order your thing.
The Vault is at 20 E. Vine St. It's open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. most days.
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a la Minute
a la Minute is a creamery that uses organic, local ingredients and liquid nitrogen to make your ice cream fresh when you order it. There is usually a special flavor of the day, and the staples include orange honey, salted caramel and chocolate lavender.
a la Minute is at 19 E Citrus Ave. They are open from noon to 10 p.m. most days.
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Crepes of Wrath
Crepes of Wrath is a walk-up window type eatery that offers both sweet and savory crepes stuffed with the ingredients of your choice. There is a park around the corner with picnic tables, and shaded seating across the street, too.
Crepes of Wrath is at 31 E. Citrus Ave. They are open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days.
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Oscar's Mexican Restaurant
Oscar's, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Redlands, has been run by the Cisneros Famiy in Downtown Redlands for almost 40 years. All of the food is made fresh from scratch, including their menudo and tamales. They have 52 kinds of tequila.
- Locals' favorites:
- Chili verde with pork
Oscar's is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Fridays, when they are open until 10 p.m.
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Dhat Island
Dhat Island serves Caribbean Creole cuisine influenced by the American South. You get red beans and rice, plantains, oxtail stew or blackened steak, and follow it with their peach cobbler, you'll remember it as one of the best meals you've had.
- Locals' favorites:
- Bourbon Chicken
- Beignets
They're open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days, closing from 3 to 5 p.m. They do not open for dinner Sundays and on Mondays they are closed.
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Martha Green's Eating Room
Martha Green's Eating Room serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea. The produce and meats are sourced locally.
- Locals' favorites:
- Orange Cupcakes
- Elvis French Toast
- Cranberry Mandarin Orange Salad
Martha Green's Eating Room is at 107 E. Citrus Ave. It's open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days, but opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
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The State
The State is a whiskey bar and pub with an extensive craft beer selection. They serve thick, juicy burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and, on the weekends, brunch.
- Locals' favorites:
- Poutine
- Basil bourbon lemonade
The State is at 22 E. State St., open 11 a.m. to midnight, except Friday and Saturday when they close at 1 a.m.
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Caprice Cafe
Caprice Cafe is in the heart of historic Downtown Redlands. They serve salads, pasta and fresh grilled seafood. There is indoor and outdoor dining, and an extensive wine selection.
Caprice Cafe is at 104 E. State St. They are open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. They are closed Sundays.
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La Volata Pizzeria
La Volata is a high-end pizzeria that serves wood fired pizza and is open for lunch and dinner. The produce is sourced locally and the meat is organic and from humane farms. They also serve beer and wine. If you want a Redlands’ pizza restaurant worthy of a date-night, this is it.
La Volata is at 1453 Ford St. It's open 11:30 a.m to 9 p.m. most days but not between 3 and 5 p.m.
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Hangar 24 Brewery
This is a tasting room only. There are picnic tables on the patio and guests are welcome to bring food with them. There is live music weekly.
They are at 1710 Sessums Drive. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., except Friday and Saturday when they are open until midnight.
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Cuca's Mexican Food
This dine-in Cuca's serves burritos, enchiladas and fajitas and has a full bar. They also offer house made tamales and are open for breakfast.
Cuca's is at 1752 E. Lugonia Ave. The hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days.
The Tartan
The Tartan is a steakhouse with a full bar in historic Downtown Redlands. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and they accept reservations.
They are at 24 E. Redlands Boulevard. They are open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. most days. They are closed on Sundays.
McDuff's
McDuff's is a traditional breakfast and brunch restaurant tucked in Downtown Redlands. If you're spending the day strolling and shopping, a stop here first will set you off with a full belly.
McDuff's is at 233 E. State St,. They are open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. most days.
Redlands Restaurant Challenge
Take the Redlands restaurant challenge and visit every destination on our list. Then, report back with your favorites or any spots we missed. There are 25 restaurants, bars, breweries, and cafes on this list. And, there are 52 weeks in a year.
Visit one new spot every two weeks and you’ll have explored the town in one calendar year!
There's Still More to See
With a list of restaurants and activities this long and good, you might need to visit Redlands more than once.
Stumble across a place we missed you think should be added? Shoot us a note!
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About the author
Toni Momberger is a freelance journalist and co-owner of Shoulder to Shoulder Communications. She did not accept payment from any of the establishments featured in her story.