Cool ambiance, but mediocre drinks. The Nara Sour was outright bad. Cool to see a speakeasy in the area. The yellowtail crudo was good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Deryke R.
Super rad place! Definitely recommend for a night out with friends or on a date. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of their drinks
Doug Waters
I’ve had the privilege of trying some of the best bars across 6 continents. I’m a bit of a craft cocktail enthusiast (read: pretentious snob) when it comes to good bars. In all seriousness, this is UNBELIEVABLY out of character from what you’d expect in Redlands. This easily ties the cocktail bars tied to many two star Michelin restaurants such as Providence in LA. I may even go so far as to say that this ties Death & Company in the Arts District, the Dead Rabbit in FiDi (Lower Manhattan), and Hatchet Hall in Culver City. This is the first place - bar or restaurant - in Redlands that I’ve been legitimately proud to showcase to people. If Redlands can have more establishments like this, then maybe the city is well on its way to catching up on a 70-year blown lead to the likes of Pasadena.Lastly, do not be put off by cost. They use quality ingredients. Of course the drinks are going to be more expensive. If you want a cheaper drink, get a Jack & Coke from a sports bar. These cocktails are not anything more than what you’d expect from a very high quality place in Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach. Very proud of Redlands for finally having a high-quality venue!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JakeA
This is a really wonderful place, and we love going here. Great food, fantastic service, and very clean. The only small criticism i have is that the seats are a little bit uncomfortable, especially for older people. Maybe that's by design and they only want people in their twenties here, but i'll keep going because its a great place!
MaryM
This place was so much fun! Ambiance was great. Drinks were good and waitress was sweet. Definitely would recommend! I didn't give it all 5 stars because they only have 3 types of tacos for food. The pictures of the venue showed different types of food, so we expected to have dinner. But, we were told that they will eventually have a full kitchen (which is being remodeled), so can't wait for that! We will definitely be back soon!
Brittney S.
Rose drink was amazing. The inside is fun and music is funky. Overall I would recommend but it doesn't feel like a speakeasy, just an add on to Don Orange. Usually you walk through a hidden door but this one you just walk up stairs and it doesn't give a hidden spot like it should. That's why I give it 4 stars.
Gus L.
Illegal 1895 in Redlands, CA, isn't just a spot to dine--it's an experience. Their meticulously crafted cocktails, particularly the old fashion, paired with the unique blend of jalapenos and pomegranates in their guacamole, set the stage for a delightful evening. But what truly elevates this place is its ambiance. From the tastefully curated paintings to the intricate decorations, every corner invites you to relax and soak in the atmosphere. And during a sweltering heat wave, the cool blast of AC was a much-appreciated refuge. The friendly and professional staff round out the experience, making Illegal 1895 an undeniable must-visit in Redlands.
pablo a.
great drinks made by effy she has refined her craft beyond comparison, amazing drinks and brings a great atmosphere together
Bailey R.
Wish they had more food options but if you are looking for a nice drink & date night spot this is the one. Ask for an expresso martini sun tequila!!!!
Definitely eclectic and serene, when you go out don’t look for silence look for a happy place where all is calm and peaceful like ILEGAL 1895!! Great drinks, food, and service!! Remember, you are the captain of your own vessel enjoy, love, and live. Thank you all for a great Friday night with my wife.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abby M.
The venue itself is located inside Don Orange. You can check in with the hostess and they will direct you to the side of the building down the hallway.There is another bar on the way back to this one, but I'm not sure if that's part of the same business or something separate. When you enter, it is directly lit, and there are seats at the bar to the right, and then small tables in the booth that goes all the way around three walls. It is very dimly lit. We had several servers check in on us throughout the experience. We ordered the sliders, a gin martini from the menu, and a Sazerac. The appetizer came with two sliders, which were OK. The drinks were fairly unremarkable as well. We intended to go in and have a few drinks but ended up just ordering the one round and left. This place looks pretty cool, but I'm not sure we would feel the need to go back.
Roger C.
Been here a few times now. It is a very cool and modern speakeasy with lots of little seating areas.SERVICE: We have always had great service, the servers are pretty quick to get your drink order and will have just the right amount of conversation with you.FOOD: (and drink) They make a really good old fashioned and a super-yummy espresso martini. Oh, and their water is good too (hydrate!). As for food, the beef sliders are very flavorful...and their grilled cheese? My wife said is one of the best grilled cheese she has ever had (it comes with a fruit jam - Yummerz). Also don't leave without trying the chocolate cake!Dress nice and bring some money...little pricey (but tasty)
Daniel Bravo
The bartender had a special list of her own custom drinks this mixologist was cute friendly and told us exactly what she was making as she did it .i loved her colored hair.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Heidi Gregg
A fabulous Espresso Martini.We didnt eat anything, but service was great and atmosphere was exotic.
The best place I’ve been too in a long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cool ambiance, but mediocre drinks. The Nara Sour was outright bad. Cool to see a speakeasy in the area. The yellowtail crudo was good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Super rad place! Definitely recommend for a night out with friends or on a date. Can't wait to come back and try the rest of their drinks
I’ve had the privilege of trying some of the best bars across 6 continents. I’m a bit of a craft cocktail enthusiast (read: pretentious snob) when it comes to good bars. In all seriousness, this is UNBELIEVABLY out of character from what you’d expect in Redlands. This easily ties the cocktail bars tied to many two star Michelin restaurants such as Providence in LA. I may even go so far as to say that this ties Death & Company in the Arts District, the Dead Rabbit in FiDi (Lower Manhattan), and Hatchet Hall in Culver City. This is the first place - bar or restaurant - in Redlands that I’ve been legitimately proud to showcase to people. If Redlands can have more establishments like this, then maybe the city is well on its way to catching up on a 70-year blown lead to the likes of Pasadena.Lastly, do not be put off by cost. They use quality ingredients. Of course the drinks are going to be more expensive. If you want a cheaper drink, get a Jack & Coke from a sports bar. These cocktails are not anything more than what you’d expect from a very high quality place in Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach. Very proud of Redlands for finally having a high-quality venue!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a really wonderful place, and we love going here. Great food, fantastic service, and very clean. The only small criticism i have is that the seats are a little bit uncomfortable, especially for older people. Maybe that's by design and they only want people in their twenties here, but i'll keep going because its a great place!
This place was so much fun! Ambiance was great. Drinks were good and waitress was sweet. Definitely would recommend! I didn't give it all 5 stars because they only have 3 types of tacos for food. The pictures of the venue showed different types of food, so we expected to have dinner. But, we were told that they will eventually have a full kitchen (which is being remodeled), so can't wait for that! We will definitely be back soon!
Rose drink was amazing. The inside is fun and music is funky. Overall I would recommend but it doesn't feel like a speakeasy, just an add on to Don Orange. Usually you walk through a hidden door but this one you just walk up stairs and it doesn't give a hidden spot like it should. That's why I give it 4 stars.
Illegal 1895 in Redlands, CA, isn't just a spot to dine--it's an experience. Their meticulously crafted cocktails, particularly the old fashion, paired with the unique blend of jalapenos and pomegranates in their guacamole, set the stage for a delightful evening. But what truly elevates this place is its ambiance. From the tastefully curated paintings to the intricate decorations, every corner invites you to relax and soak in the atmosphere. And during a sweltering heat wave, the cool blast of AC was a much-appreciated refuge. The friendly and professional staff round out the experience, making Illegal 1895 an undeniable must-visit in Redlands.
great drinks made by effy she has refined her craft beyond comparison, amazing drinks and brings a great atmosphere together
Wish they had more food options but if you are looking for a nice drink & date night spot this is the one. Ask for an expresso martini sun tequila!!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Definitely eclectic and serene, when you go out don’t look for silence look for a happy place where all is calm and peaceful like ILEGAL 1895!! Great drinks, food, and service!! Remember, you are the captain of your own vessel enjoy, love, and live. Thank you all for a great Friday night with my wife.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The venue itself is located inside Don Orange. You can check in with the hostess and they will direct you to the side of the building down the hallway.There is another bar on the way back to this one, but I'm not sure if that's part of the same business or something separate. When you enter, it is directly lit, and there are seats at the bar to the right, and then small tables in the booth that goes all the way around three walls. It is very dimly lit. We had several servers check in on us throughout the experience. We ordered the sliders, a gin martini from the menu, and a Sazerac. The appetizer came with two sliders, which were OK. The drinks were fairly unremarkable as well. We intended to go in and have a few drinks but ended up just ordering the one round and left. This place looks pretty cool, but I'm not sure we would feel the need to go back.
Been here a few times now. It is a very cool and modern speakeasy with lots of little seating areas.SERVICE: We have always had great service, the servers are pretty quick to get your drink order and will have just the right amount of conversation with you.FOOD: (and drink) They make a really good old fashioned and a super-yummy espresso martini. Oh, and their water is good too (hydrate!). As for food, the beef sliders are very flavorful...and their grilled cheese? My wife said is one of the best grilled cheese she has ever had (it comes with a fruit jam - Yummerz). Also don't leave without trying the chocolate cake!Dress nice and bring some money...little pricey (but tasty)
The bartender had a special list of her own custom drinks this mixologist was cute friendly and told us exactly what she was making as she did it .i loved her colored hair.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
A fabulous Espresso Martini.We didnt eat anything, but service was great and atmosphere was exotic.