Redlands is such a great find in the San Bernardino area. It has a small town feel, with a great shopping area, surrounded by the gorgeous mountain landscape, called The Inland Empire. Batter Rebellion has a hipster vibe with a great break on traditional chicken and waffle establishments. Pretty much owner Steven Kramer said that their take is to use popular trending menu items and change their ingredients and presentation to make them edgier.
Steven Kramer saw many of this type of restaurants in Portland Oregon, the chicken and waffles fad has been played out and he wanted to turn it on its head. So he changed the actual recipes to make the whole movement more fun. His fare is not Southern influenced; it is full blown California inventive cuisine.
Here’s What I Tried:
Cocktails:
Forbidden Fruit, Diplomatic Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Orgeat, Passion Fruit Liqueur topped with Dark Spiced Rum. Garnished with Umbrella & Pineapple Wedge. So delicious, makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island.
Holywater, with Strawberry Sencha Green Tea Syrup, Honey Syrup, Lemon Juice. Choose your alcohol of choice. This is a tangier drink, so if you like something that is nit sweet then this one is for you!
Starters:
Upstream Poke, Poke Nachos – Ahi Poke, Edamame Puree, Sauteed Edamame, Pico De Gallo, Avocado, House Pickled Jalapeños and Fresnos, Siracha Aioli, Scallions, Sesame Seeds, Soy and Sesame Vinaigrette. Such an inventive take on both poke and nachos, the marriage of both of them makes for very amazing experience.
Obscene Poutine, Canadian Classic Poutine – Braised Beef Short Rib, Fries, Demi Glaze, Fried Cheese Curds, White Cheddar Mornay Sauce, Crispy Shallots, Rebel Sauce, Pickled Jalapeños and Fresnos, Minced Parsley, egg! I have never had poutine like this. Its got so many fantastic ingredients that all work so great together. This is a must try.
Mains:
Blacksheep Burger, Bacon Jam Burger – 6 oz. Angus Beef Patty, Monterey Cheese, Bacon Jam, Rebel Sauce, Homemade Onion Ring, Charcoal Infused Bun, Served with Fries. It’s the sweet sauce that puts this one over the top. I just could not get enough! Steven gets his bread from LA Artisan Bakery in Los Angeles; it really completes this astounding dish.
Fowl Mouth, with Southern Style Chicken & Waffles: Brined and Fried Chicken Thigh, Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Waffle, Roasted Corn Aioli, Spicy Maple Bourbon Syrup. I love the idea of mixing cornbread with waffles, and its works so great. My favorite food item here for sure.
Dessert:
Floor is Lava, with Chocolate Molten Lava Cake with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. If you have room this one it will make you extremely happy that you are alive!!!
Batter Rebellion was so excited to be just awarded best brunch in Redlands in 2022.
Steven’s brother owns Copehouse and The District in Redlands. Him and his brother are very close and used to be business partners; they are 18 months apart in age.
Batter Rebellion has been open for 2 years, during the pandemic they had to shut down twice in 2020. They rented more space, a common entranceway to put tables out there for outside dining during the pandemic. Steven had to cut 70 percent of his staff during these closures. Business is thriving now, due to locals and people that just love their delicious food.
Steven did the great mural on the wall, he is also a graphic designer, and he also has a degree in clinical psychology. His wife and partner – Jennifer was a massage therapist; she is so great with people and was delighted to start her endeavor with her husband.
When they decided to go into business they listened closely to their families advise; “A job that needs to be done, just buckle up and do it, enjoy the ride or bail.” Steven and Jennifer love theirs families strong will and determination, its what gives them their successful outlook.
There are lots of fun events at Batter Rebellion; they have Thursday trivia night and Karaoke on Saturday nights. They play 80’s rebellion type of music. Their customers are young, fun, creative types, as well as locals, people on dates, and families.
My server Marisa Franco, was their second employee, she was there from the start. During the Covid shutdown, she waited for the restaurant to re-open, didn’t take unemployment and was a true faithful employee.
This is a very fun, inventive new kind of dining experience. Their staff is super sweet and attentive, you can tell they all love their jobs. Truly a refection of their owner’s attitude.
Redlands is like downtown Santa Barbara’s State Street, lots of unique store and restaurants. Its just a no brainer when your in the area get down to this part of town, and try Batter Rebellion, you too will be so glad you did!
Batter Rebellion
5 EAST CITRUS AVE. STE 110, REDLANDS, CA.
HOURS:
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUES-WED: 11:30AM – 9:00PM
THURSDAY: 11:30AM – 10:0OPM
FRIDAY: 10:00AM – 12:00AM
SATURDAY: 10:00AM – 12:00AM
SUNDAY: 10:00AM – 9:00PM
