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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Riverside's best

Cool dinner spots

The evening calls for a meal in a space that feels different from the usual routine.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated April 2026
01
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen image 1
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen image 2
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen image 3
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Chic cocktail bar with an open-air patio and an upstairs lounge that feels like a Traphouse. Atmosphere stays lively with live DJs from midweek through the weekend, blending club energy without dancing. Crowd enjoys carefully crafted specialty cocktails and a comfortable space for conversation.

Dinner features a Mac and short rib dish that stands out for its flavor. The spot pairs well with drinks for a relaxed evening.

Creative cocktails stand out with unique flavors and presentation. The owner brings passion and a cool vibe that shows in the attentive service and overall atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the appetizers and pasta."

"The service at dinner spots is so welcoming and pleasant."

"I thought the drinks here were super cool and quality."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is drinks only, running from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The comedy club hosts live shows on the last Wednesday of each month.

3

Bottomless mimosas are $25 per person for 90 minutes.

02
Art's Bar & Grill image 1

Dive bar with old-fashioned vibes and a smoking patio offers a family atmosphere and a locals' bar feel. Live music plays on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere filled with conversations and games. Interior is dated but the place remains a beloved staple with a **heartwarming dive-bar charm.

Prime rib stands out as a delicious dinner option. Dinner specials rotate, and the menu includes steak and shrimp choices with sides like salad or garlic bread. A typical dinner with drinks costs around $44.

A cool old school Hollywood vibe sets the tone here. This local bar keeps things simple with a classic old-style feel.

People are saying

"I loved the live music on the weekends."

"The prime rib dinner here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"It's a cool little old-school establishment with a Hollywood vibe."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night with a supportive crowd.

2

Live music features local bands on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every week.

03
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.

Dinner here features great food and careful drink recommendations. Staff stay patient with large groups and help create memorable birthday dinners.

A cool vibe fills the space with a pretty cool atmosphere. Salsa and bachata dancing on Tuesday nights add a unique energy to the place.

People are saying

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

"Our server Eddie kept checking in and made sure we had everything."

"I loved the cool vibe and atmosphere here."

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.

04
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.

Dinner here is tasty and filling with options that satisfy after events. Expect to spend around $65 per person for dinner with drinks. It works well for family dinners and casual nights out.

An Automotive Service Shop theme sets a unique and cool atmosphere. The building and vibe stand out as a cool taco spot with a distinct style.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating has a fun, funky decor with old gas pumps."

"It's my go-to spot for dinner, and the food is very good."

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.

05
Estrella Taqueria Lounge image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant blends traditional and modern decor with an upscale Tulum vibe and intimate, family-style seating. Atmosphere features loud live music that energizes the space but can make conversation difficult. Tables are close together, and dancing happens between them rather than on a dance floor.

Cool vibe fills the space with a relaxed energy. A spot in the back offers Instagram-worthy photos and adds to the ambiance.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and delicious."

"The dinner here is delicious; I couldn't resist coming back."

"The vibes here are so cool, it's got great ambiance."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until closing with great prices on drinks.

2

Karaoke takes place every Thursday from 7 to 11 PM.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music on Tuesday nights.

06
Fuego Hibachi image 1
Japanese restaurant

Indoor space combines cherry blossoms and wooden accents with lively, loud music creating an energetic atmosphere. Seating includes both inside and outside options with interactive chef bar adding entertainment. The vibe feels more like a club than a typical restaurant.

Steak hibachi dinner bowls offer a delicious and satisfying meal option. The dinner setting focuses on flavorful grilled dishes served in a casual style.

A friendly atmosphere sets a cool vibe here, blending good food with live music for a lively experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The dinner spots here have delicious food and generous portions."

"It's a cool spot with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

A 3% surcharge is added to the bill without prior notice.

3

Expect an 18% large party fee, even for small groups.

07
Yoli's Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with authentic decor and Catrina theme creates a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Loud jukebox music adds energy while tables remain intimate and cozy. Strong, varied margaritas and Paloma flights stand out as signature drinks.

Dinner here involves Mexican grill dishes served in a casual setting. Meals suit family dining with straightforward options.

Cool decor sets the tone with unique decorations. The overall vibe feels enjoyable and the ambience stays consistently great.

People are saying

"Their homemade salsas are an absolute must-try."

"The mole sauce at these dinner spots tastes like candy."

"The mole sauce here is so sweet and flavorful, it tastes like candy."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of two hours during busy lunch hours, especially after church.

2

Chips and salsa are not complimentary and must be paid for.

3

A mandatory gratuity charge applies for parties of 5 or more.

08
Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Tequila Bar image 1

Outdoor patio offers shaded seating with misters and heat lamps to adjust comfort in warm or cool weather. Live Spanish guitar music adds a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere complemented by sounds of water and birds. Drinks, especially margaritas, receive consistent praise for quality and flavor.

Relaxing environment suits meetings, family dinners, and dinner dates. Outdoor seating works well for dinner before walking to the Fox theater.

Outdoor seating features misters that cool the patio during warm weather. Walls display nostalgic art that adds a unique vibe. The spot works well for a quick outdoor bite with a relaxed feel.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is gorgeous and beautiful with lots of greenery."

"The outdoor patio is a lovely spot for dinner."

"The atmosphere is cool, beautiful, and captivating with lush greenery."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy events like the Christmas Light festival.

2

The restaurant has only outdoor seating, which may be uncomfortable in cold or rainy weather.

3

Valet parking costs $20, which is on the higher side.

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