06/03/2026
If you ask longtime Redlanders about the bars they miss from the 1970s and 1980s, a few names come up again and again.
Gay 90s: Part pizza parlor, part bar, and part social hub, Gay 90s was one of the most beloved gathering places in town. According to local history, it was so memorable that it has been cited as an inspiration for the television show Cheers because future creators of the show spent time there while attending the University of Redlands. Longtime residents remember the lively atmosphere, pitchers of beer, and unique pizzas.
Phil's English Pub: Phil's was a true neighborhood pub and one of the places where locals gathered after work. It developed a reputation as a hangout for visiting actors and film crews when movies were being shot in Redlands. For many residents, it represented the classic pub culture that has largely disappeared.
The Tartan: While primarily known as a steakhouse, the Tartan's bar has been a Redlands institution since 1964. During the 1970s and 1980s it was a popular place for cocktails, business meetings, celebrations, and catching up with friends. Its reputation as the place "where everybody knows your name" has endured for decades. The Tartan is still in operation today!
Places That Capture Some of That Old-School Spirit Today
If you're looking for establishments that feel reminiscent of classic Redlands watering holes, locals often point to:
-The Three Stags Irish Pub and Restaurant
-The Pink Flamingo
-Henry's Bar and Grill
-Falconer of Redlands
These aren't from the 70s and 80s, but they carry some of the neighborhood-bar atmosphere that longtime residents appreciate.
What Made Those Old Bars Special?
Redlands in the 70s and 80s was still very much a citrus town. Many regulars knew one another, local business owners gathered after work, University of Redlands students mixed with longtime residents, and bartenders often knew customers by name. The bars weren't just places to drink—they were community gathering spots where friendships, business deals, and local stories were shared.
https://aboutredlands.com/categories/301-bars-gastropubs-pubs-lounges
