Darby’s American Cantina takes over from Charlie Jewell’s

We definitely didn’t see this one coming.

Unbeknownst to us, downtown Redlands’ Charlie Jewell’s closed toward the end last year.

Shortly before the new year, Darby’s American Cantina opened in its place.

The new restaurant is designed to be more family-friendly than its former tenant.

Darby’s is co-owned by John Darby, who for 20 years owned Celebrities Sports Grill in San Bernardino.

One of the eatery’s signature items is a new twist on a patty melt, with an 80/20 beef/chorizo patty, topped with a fried egg, avocado slices, and slices of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.

Can’t wait to try it!

The Redlands Daily Facts’ Kristina Hernandez has done a writeup on Darby’s, which you can read here. To check out a photo gallery, click here.

Darby’s, 1 E. State St., is open from 11 a.m. daily and closes at 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and midnight the rest of the week.

For more information, including a full menu, click here.