Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Lunch bars in Riverside

Made for those who prefer the relaxed atmosphere of a bar even when they are just stopping in for lunch.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 1
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 2
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 3
View all
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant blends modern and cozy elements with chill sushi bar vibes and festive patio feeling indoors from big windows and sunlight. Atmosphere ranges from undisturbed and relaxing to fun, vibrant, and energetic during busy hours. Music varies from classic plays to old school reggaeton, enhancing the welcoming mood.

Small sushi bar offers a chill vibe with friendly staff ready to help. The spot serves fruity cocktails in a trendy, well air-conditioned setting inside a food hall.

Offers fast lunch options with a focus on custom poke bowls and sushi. Consistently reliable for a quick, satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best I have ever had."

"This lunch spot has phenomenal rolls and amazing poke bowls."

"The sushi bar vibes here are chill and the fish is so fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day every day with drinks priced at $7.

2

A special happy hour menu is available throughout the day.

3

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes during peak hours.

02
Tacos al Fuego image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a lively vibe with Mexican-inspired decor and a front patio. Music plays at a balanced volume, often featuring a DJ that keeps energy high. An extensive tequila selection and a salsa bar provide distinctive drink and food options.

A full bar complements the dining experience with a vibrant bar scene. The salsa bar offers multiple tasty options, including a flavorful house salsa.

Lunch specials include two crunchy tacos, beans, and rice for $9.99. Salsa comes with the meal, and Modelo Negra is available to drink.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be awesome."

"The bar has a really nice, trendy vibe."

"The Lunch Spot salsas are among the best I have ever had."

Good to know

1

The $9.99 lunch special includes 2 tacos with rice and beans.

2

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

3

Taco Tuesday is a popular event worth planning for.

03
Dapper Dine & Lounge image 1

Restaurant offers an intimate setting with live jazz performances and an open kitchen. Atmosphere ranges from festive and joyful to loud, especially in the lounge area. Decor features green and gold accents with a beautifully remodeled interior and outdoor patio seating.

A full, beautiful bar offers a wide selection of drinks with professional staff who are helpful and accommodating. The team running the bar and kitchen shows strong expertise and attentiveness.

Lunch offers top quality service and a fantastic experience. Meals come with consistent enjoyment during weekday and weekend hours.

People are saying

"The food here tasted amazing and was perfectly cooked."

"The food and drinks here are amazing."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is hot, fresh, and well-seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are available on their website and OpenTable.

2

The restaurant offers steak specials on Monday and Tuesday.

3

Parking is easy and dedicated, which is rare in downtown.

04
Mariposas image 1
Latin American restaurant

Latin American restaurant combines urban and greenery decor with a cozy, spacious layout suited for events. Atmosphere carries great vibes and a lively energy, attracting a diverse crowd. Multiple food stations offer varied choices, creating a dynamic dining experience.

Toppings and salsa bar offer a variety of choices. Bar stools feel tall with foam padding that lacks support.

Lunch features a Birria option that stands out. Regular visits confirm it as a solid choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is amazing, especially the churros."

"I loved the fresh and flavorful tacos here."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted, but it's first come, first serve for the buffet.

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and happy hour from 3-7 PM, Monday through Friday.

3

The buffet costs $27 and is available without reservations.

05
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines dark, lively interior with two dance floors and a central bar. Music energizes the space, creating a family-friendly yet vibrant atmosphere. Colored lighting and Mexican art add to the trendy, festive vibe.

A lively bar sits at the center with a dark interior that sets the mood. Bartenders like Vic and Hayle deliver exceptional service, making it easy to enjoy good conversation and music.

Lunch menu satisfies most people here. The spot feels cozy and servers provide friendly service during lunch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"The bartenders here make great drinks and are really friendly."

"This Lunch Spot has delicious tacos and fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

06
La Cruda Mariscos image 1

Casual seafood restaurant with loud northern Mexican music and a laid-back vibe. The atmosphere feels welcoming and homey, with patrons enjoying seafood cocktails and micheladas. Clean and unpretentious, it draws people looking for fresh mariscos and a relaxed setting.

Busy bartenders often make it hard to get attention. Staff sometimes give out free shots to tables but may skip some despite eye contact. The spot feels more like a bar than a restaurant.

Quick lunches feature yummy ceviche and amazing food that satisfies well. The spot works for working lunches with tasty options that leave a strong impression.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with staff who anticipate your needs."

"The bar staff here are so nice and cool."

"The ceviche at this Lunch Spot is incredible."

Good to know

1

The shrimp cocktail costs $27.00, which some may find overpriced.

2

Waiting times are longer on weekends, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking can be difficult, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

07
Pepitos Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rustic furniture and traditional colors create an authentic Mission-style design with original artwork that offers a cultural snapshot. The atmosphere feels homely and lively without being noisy, complemented by music and a relaxing patio with a beautiful view. A bar, cantina, and outdoor seating add variety to the space's cool vibe.

Bar service runs smoothly with Orion managing the entire show and delivering great service. Raul, the bar back, works seamlessly behind the scenes to keep everything flowing.

Lunch features a fajitas lunch special that stands out. Shrimp cocktail and a jalapeno cucumber Margarita complement the meal well. The spot suits casual lunches with friends or dates.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh, creative, and always delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has the best food and service."

"The bar service was incredible, with perfect drinks made by Orion."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features margaritas for $12.99 and $15.00 for mega size.

2

Taco Tuesday offers special pricing on tacos, but details are not specified.

3

The restaurant has a vegan menu available for those with dietary restrictions.

08
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station-themed Mexican restaurant offers an open outdoor area with a large patio and outside bar featuring live music and a massive drink selection. Atmosphere is fun and inviting, with heaters and misters making it comfortable year-round. Vintage gas pumps and car-shaped topiary add unique charm to the setting.

An outside bar area offers a fun, inviting spot with plenty of seating. The full bar serves a variety of mixed drinks and beers, complemented by a salsa bar with six spicy options.

Lunch offers tasty and filling meals that satisfy well. Frequent visits show it serves as a reliable go-to spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has a cool vintage service station theme."

"They added a new bar with an inviting, open-air vibe."

"I found the lunch spot food to be delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

09
Rodrigo's Mexican Grill - Riverside image 1

Cozy dining room with comfortable booths and low lighting creates a pleasant, lively atmosphere. Different sections offer privacy for groups and a chill vibe for casual hangouts. Bar area serves a variety of drinks including margaritas and Pacifico beer.

Offers a nice bar area ideal for stopping by for a quick drink.

Lunch specials come with lunch express deals and margaritas priced at six dollars each. The spot serves consistently good lunch options that make it a reliable choice for midday meals.

People are saying

"I always found the Mexican food here to be amazing."

"I found the chips and salsa to be so fresh and delicious."

"The food at this lunch spot is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations require a 20% tip upfront for large groups.

3

Expect to pay around $130 for a meal for four.

10
Law's Restaurant image 1

Restaurant combines two distinct areas: a lively honky tonk bar with pool tables and karaoke, and a quiet dining room with booths and a big screen. Atmosphere shifts from casual and energetic with live music and dancing to calm and inviting in the back room. Entertainment options and a diverse crowd create a versatile experience.

Live music, dancing, and karaoke create a lively atmosphere. The bar stays hopping and welcomes kids until 10, making it a great spot to sit alone or hang out with locals.

Lunch features special menus for holidays like Saint Patrick's Day and Thanksgiving. The food tastes delicious and invites spontaneous stops when passing by.

People are saying

"The wagyu sirloin steak was cooked perfectly and had amazing flavor."

"The food here is fantastic; I loved their lamb chops."

"The lunch here is delicious, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every night, making it a fun spot for singing enthusiasts.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Children are welcome until 10pm, making it family-friendly during earlier hours.

11
Flat Top Bar and Grill image 1

Outdoor seating offers comfortable shaded areas with fans and heaters, creating a pleasant environment. Live bands provide energetic music, though volume can be intense. Interior design impresses with a beautiful, clean space that balances high-top and regular tables.

Cozy atmosphere makes it easy to relax. Bartenders serve drinks quickly and handle orders with care. Food and drinks come with consistent quality and good value.

Offers a quick and satisfying lunch option with great food. Suitable for business lunches and casual family meals.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and fresh."

"This lunch spot has amazing food that's worth every penny."

"The drinks at the bar were refreshing and unique."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

3

Live Latin music event occurs every Tuesday evening.

12
Cactus Cantina image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant with a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and a noisy environment featuring distant jukebox music. It offers well-made margaritas with rim options and a fish tank that appeals to children. The layout feels dated and odd, but the place maintains a welcoming vibe.

Full service bar offers a variety of drinks and has televisions to watch sports. The bar area serves as a solid spot to grab a beer or relax with a drink.

Lunch specials include soups and sandwiches that taste fresh and delicious. Options cover both lunch specials and full courses, offering variety at midday.

People are saying

"I found the carne asada fajitas to have great texture and taste."

"It's a kid-friendly place with crayons and a fish tank."

"The bar staff are super friendly and always smiling."

Good to know

1

Prime Rib Saturdays feature special pricing and limited availability.

2

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos, making it a popular choice.

3

Happy hour runs on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

13
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Warm and cozy setting with soft low lighting creates a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The atmosphere ranges from quiet to loud, depending on the time. Strong, flavorful cocktails and consistently good steaks stand out among menu options.

Bar staff like Anastasia and Johnny create a fun atmosphere with great service. Seating at the bar is easy to get, especially during happy hour or late hours, making it a relaxed spot to enjoy drinks.

Lunch specials come at very affordable prices with a focus on hearty options. The Riblet's plate stands out as a solid choice among the offerings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and flavorful."

"The bartenders here are great and fun to be around."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 3-6 pm and 9 pm to closing.

2

Half off appetizers during happy hour from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and 9 to close.

3

The all-you-can-eat deal is $15.99.

14
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Restaurant offers spacious seating with many small TVs showing the same program, creating a loud atmosphere that can be challenging for conversation. Frequent busy environment with quick service and generous portions. Bar area draws attention for watching sports and enjoying margaritas.

The bar area features about 12 TVs showing every game, making it a hub for watching football and NFL Sundays. It offers a full bar with a great variety of beer and serves wings and bar food. Seating at the bar is available but can be loud and tables may be sticky.

Ordering online and quick pickup make lunch convenient. The menu leans toward dinner-style dishes with fewer unique lunch options. Food arrives hot and wait times stay reasonable even during busy periods.

People are saying

"I thought the food was exactly what it needed to be."

"I had an excellent lunch here; the food was good."

"I loved watching football in the bar area with all the TVs."

Good to know

1

The parking lot has plenty of parking available.

2

Online ordering is easy and food is ready on time.

3

Expect a 10-minute wait for larger parties during busy times.

15
Shindigs Country Kitchen Bar & Stage image 1

Bar with live music and DJ, featuring a large dance floor and country-style decor. Atmosphere shifts from friendly and lively during the day to energetic with line dancing and performances in the evening. Crowd enjoys interactive entertainment and a well-stocked bar with distinctive cocktails.

A lively spot with a country-style bar and a social atmosphere that draws crowds for food and dancing. The bar serves great bar food and encourages mingling, making it popular and family-friendly.

Lunch here involves a long wait, sometimes up to three hours. Meals arrive cold, which affects the overall experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing with phenomenal taste and portions."

"The bar food, especially the burgers and fries, is fantastic."

"The Shindig Spicy Chicken Sandwich is freakin delicious."

Good to know

1

Making reservations is advised because the restaurant is new and popular.

2

Expect long wait times for tables on weekends, especially near the dance floor.

3

Line dancing happens on Wednesday nights starting at 9pm.

Discover more

Riverside, California

Area guide
Loading Map...