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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown Riverside

Cool food spots

The city feels stagnant, and a meal in a space with a distinct energy is the only remedy.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Art's Bar & Grill image 1
Art's Bar & Grill image 2
Art's Bar & Grill image 3
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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.

Food offers great taste and consistently good service. The owner contributes to a welcoming atmosphere alongside the awesome dishes.

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."

"I thought the food here was great."

"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.

02
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen image 1

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.

Food here stands out with great tacos, chicken, and salads. The overall quality is consistently amazing and terrific across visits.

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."

"You have to see the Harry Potter themed mezzanine for the cocktails."

"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.

03
Arcade Downtown image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers stylish modern design with all-hard-surfaces creating an echoing atmosphere. It maintains a calm vibe on weekday middays but can be busy with loud music at other times. The space feels like a cozy European cafรฉ with outdoor seating available.

Offers excellent continental cuisine with standout steak and fish dishes. Combines great food and coffee at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and exciting."

"The coffee and cold brew here are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Arcade Downtown doesn't accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

They serve breakfast and lunch all day, making it a versatile dining option.

3

Parking can be tough, so plan to arrive early.

04
Stray Dogs Coffee image 1

Minimalist coffee shop with bright spacious interior and dog-friendly atmosphere welcomes both people and pets. Ample seating options include large tables, cozy corners, and outdoor spots, creating a relaxed vibe. Decor features Polaroids of visiting dogs and farm-style touches, adding charm to the space.

Coffee stands out with amazing flavor and the food presentation features cute packaging that reflects a dog-friendly theme.

A very cool vibe fills the space, enhanced by an acoustic guitar available for anyone to play. The atmosphere feels relaxed and inviting.

People are saying

"The corndog latte was heavenly and a great new flavor."

"The vibe here is so cool, with couches and a guitar to play."

"The matcha here tastes really good."

Good to know

1

Stray Dogs Coffee hosts worship nights monthly.

2

They cater parties and events with a coffee cart.

3

Parking can be challenging; street parking is available on 2nd Street.

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.

Food here is consistently perfectly cooked and outstanding. Every dish delivers great flavor and quality.

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.

06
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.

Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh, delicious flavors. Quick service keeps the food coming even during busy hours.

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."

"I thought the food here was delicious and did not disappoint."

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.

07
Riverside Game Lab image 1
Video arcade

Arcade space combines vintage pinball rooms, modern VR games, and a full bar for a lively mix. Atmosphere stays loud and dark, with a clean environment and an adult vibe. Visitors range from kids to adults, enjoying classic and cutting-edge games in private booths or open areas.

Food prices stay reasonable with a limited menu at the bar and Food Lab. Multiple food options exist but outside food or drinks are not allowed inside. Clean restrooms support the overall experience.

Retro arcade games create a cool vibe with old school gameplay and neat decor. It offers a fun spot to hang out, play games, and enjoy drinks.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with a great collection of pinball machines."

"The food and bar selection here is pretty good."

"It's a cool arcade with lots of retro games."

Good to know

1

Parking costs only $5 and is super close.

2

The policy change now excludes minors from visiting Riverside Game Lab.

3

They offered a Happy Hour when they opened, during which the credits to play were halved.

08
Killer Queens Social House image 1

Spacious cocktail bar with comfortable couches and low lighting creates an elegant yet chill vibe. Live music, DJ sets, and a stage for karaoke add lively energy without overwhelming noise. Games like pool upstairs offer relaxed entertainment alongside well-crafted cocktails.

Food offers a variety of dishes like chicken panini, flatbread pizzas, grilled cheese, and salads. Prices stay low compared to quality, and Tuesday nights feature food and drink specials with salsa and bachata lessons.

Vibes feel cool and relaxed with a good mix of music and people. It works well as a spot to grab a drink and hang out during nightlife.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is super welcoming and knows their stuff."

"The food here was really good."

"It's a cool spot to hang out with cool people."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Salsa and bachata lessons are held on Tuesday nights with food specials.

3

Thursday nights feature salsa dance classes and a lively atmosphere.

09
URBAN DRIPP image 1
Donut shop

Small donut shop with trendy decor and a large outdoor patio creates a vibrant atmosphere. Lighting and artsy donut displays set an inviting, upbeat vibe. The space blends nostalgic and contemporary elements, making it a lively spot for enjoying unique donuts and drinks.

Food quality varies, with some dishes being phenomenal and others like the ham and cheese croissant tasting bland and ordinary. Prices can feel steep compared to the food's impact.

Trendy decor and a cool patio set a fun, vibrant vibe. The spot also offers pretty cool T-shirts that add to its appeal.

People are saying

"I loved their vegan donuts; the vanilla cake was amazing."

"The coffee here is amazing and creative."

"The donuts here are good and large."

Good to know

1

Pre-ordering at Urban Dripp allows customers to avoid waiting in line.

2

The store often closes before their scheduled closing time.

3

Individual donuts cost $6 or more, making them pricier than average.

10
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.

Food here is delicious and authentic Mexican with a taste that satisfies. Service supports the experience well, and while food can take a bit longer, it is worth the wait.

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 tacos here are delicious and bursting with authentic flavors."

"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.

11
Club Riv image 1

Two floors with an outdoor patio and two bars create a spacious, lively setting. Music stays super great and energizes the crowd, especially near the second-floor DJ where the party feels hottest. Air conditioning and seating areas add comfort to the electric atmosphere.

Food features great taste and well-prepared dishes. Drinks complement the menu effectively.

Security is great and super cool. The club features a two-floor setup with two bars and an outdoor patio lounge for fresh air.

People are saying

"The nightclub staff, especially Bully, made my experience memorable and safe."

"I enjoyed the great food and drinks here."

"The music and vibes here are so cool and lively."

Good to know

1

Entry is free before 10 PM; after that, it's $15.

2

If you arrive after 10:30 PM, you can stay until 1 AM.

3

Expect long lines for the rooftop and second floor.

12
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.

Food features fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas. Dishes like wet burritos are large and packed with filling, while traditional options include Menudo and Pozole.

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."

"I thought the food here was delicious and full of great flavor."

"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.

13
Coffeecito House image 1
Coffee shop

Old-style historic home creates a charming and cozy atmosphere with light, airy spaces both inside and outside. The vibe is relaxing and calm, suitable for homework or casual chats. Seating spreads across upstairs, downstairs, and roomy outdoor areas, offering variety and comfort.

Food includes breakfast sandwiches and various pastries made with care. Drinks and meals come out without rushing, focusing on quality and taste.

Cozy and relaxed atmosphere makes it a cool spot for homework. The vibe stays consistently comfortable and inviting.

People are saying

"The coffee here is served with super friendly and helpful staff."

"The food here is great, especially the chorizo burritos."

"It's cool how much space there is inside and out."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult around here with no free options available.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

A latte costs $7, making it a bit pricey.

14
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.

Delicious Japanese food stands out with great flavors and interactive chef performances at the bar.

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."

"Jackie and Michelle's service made me feel like family."

"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.

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Downtown Riverside, Riverside

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