Back To The Grind

Coffee shop · Riverside

Back To The Grind

Coffee shop · Riverside

1

3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501

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Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
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Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
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Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
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Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
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Back To The Grind by null
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Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
Back To The Grind by null
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Highlights

Hip, airy coffeehouse with concerts, art, open mic, vegan grub  

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3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501 Get directions

facebook.com
@backtothegrind

$1–10 · Menu

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3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501 Get directions

+1 951 784 0800
facebook.com
@backtothegrind

$1–10 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 28, 2025

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An indie coffeehouse and arts hub since the 1990s, hosting open mics, jazz, comedy, and author talks. Highlighted by the Los Angeles Times, it’s where students, musicians, and neighborhood regulars mingle over espresso and vegan-friendly bites.

https://www.latimes.com/travel/list/riverside-things-to-do-restaurants
Things to Do in Riverside (2025)
View Postcard for Back To The Grind

Jennifer Velez

Google
Thanks Backtothegrind for having us and for having so many things for me to look at and observe. We found this place on accident on a late Sunday afternoon while traveling back from a road trip. Our vanilla latte's were top notch and staff were gems. This place gives you the cool, relaxed, everyone is welcome and curious, college-like vibes we could all use more of in our daily lives. Especially in this late stage capitalism, fall of the mask, hellscape we are living in. They also have some killer events. We are about 1 hour away but plan to travel back and checkout open mic night for my musician partner and maybe even science night for my nerdy sociologist marketer brain. This place is really the bees knees. Check it out, I promise you'll love it! 🖤

Sai Doddi

Google
Bagel with cream cheese is $2 on their menu but I was charged $3.75? I had to wait for 10 min even though the place seemed empty. Update: Downgrading the review to 1 after seeing the owner's response. An honest mistake would have given you a 4 or 5, but the owner is trying to cover up. From your own menu, see the snapshot I added, a bagel with cream cheese is $2, not $3. There is no confusion there. A 4% charge on $3.50 is not $0.25. It is 14 cents. You also added tax on my bagel which is not allowed in California since it is just a take out and no utensilils were provided . I included a snapshot of my credit card statement showing that I was billed $3.96. Certainly do not appreciate a cover up from the management as a matter of principle.

Jennifer Turiace

Google
Loved the atmosphere of this shop. Reminded me of what old school coffee shops used to be. Went on an open mic night which was also really fun . The customer service though was not it and it's major downfall was the matcha. DO NOT ORDER THAT. I don't know why they even offer it instead of just sticking to coffee. It was literally just slightly green tinted milk.

D S

Google
I really don't wanna be a Karen but here we go. Used to love this place so much and would come here pretty avidly about 10 years ago. There was a sense of warmth back then and nostalgia associated with this cafe. I would also perform downstairs since my old music teacher would rent it out for performances. I have such a connection to this place and my family would come here often. Decided to go in today to check out the place after so long and was greeted by an extremely rude employee who told me I could not bring my drink from outside that I was sipping on earlier in the day into the store. It is COMPLETELY UNDERSTANDABLE that the business has strict policies and may have to pay a fine if they were caught with outside drinks/food but the sense of urgency and the way in which that was communicated was completely uncalled for. He was extremely rude. I would have bought a drink and the ice cream like I used to but decided not to because of his rude behavior. A simple "hey guys really sorry to do this to you but we are not allowed to have outside foods and drinks in this store due to business policy and potential fines" would have sufficed. These things can be communicated in a kind way and if the customer does not comply it is understandable to take it to the next level. But to start it right off the bat with some accusatory tone and attitude isn't the best if someone is walking into your business with the intent of purchasing an item or at least scoping it out to come back later. They really have to work on their communication and customer service here. We were allowed to go see the inside of the cafe and the outside area and when we thanked the same barista he just rolled his eyes and didn't say anything. While I am appreciative of that I am not fully comfortable coming back here at least in the near future. Still hope this business does well in the long run and glad to see that they're still up and running since I have not been here since before COVID, but I am just a bit taken aback by my experience today. Hope that employee is doing okay or maybe he's just taking his job a bit too seriously to the point its scaring customers off because it seems like I was not the only one who has had an experience like this here in the past year.

Cory Ray Puryear

Google
I went in here with my family after breakfast to grab a cup of coffee and I gotta say that everybody was really happy with their drinks. The staff was super cool and the atmosphere was amazing cruise in on Sunday morning. Just really had a nice time here I think the cup of coffee I ordered was called the back to the grind The same as the store. And it was absolutely delicious. So highly recommended check it out. The scene is cool. Staff is cool. The coffee is great. I don’t know what else you’re looking for. That should be about it.

D “Wåtts” W

Google
I've loved this place forever and a day. The ambience, the people, the area and the history of the building. It's all great. The food is perfect, the coffees are grand. Sometimes the baristas can be a little moody, but everyone has their days. The one thing I'd love to see done, is if the owner would have the floors redone, sanded, and sealed. The wood floors are in dire need of some love and attention, as they sit, it's looking more like Calico Ghost town, than a 1900 Historical establishment. Come on they for the wood floors refinishing.

Bianca M

Google
I absolutely love the ambiance, and environment here. The staff are always so sweet and they get busy so please keep that in mind! I love ordering a Hazelnut flavored Mocha and a turkey and Swiss sandwich when I go. Love it here <3

Destiny Hernández

Google
This coffee shop transported me to a different state! The atmosphere is a completely different feel for SoCal! I love the personal touches of this shop! The owners are very friendly, and art is everywhere! Great place to enjoy!

Aum J.

Yelp
Good tasting food with a lot of vegan and vegetarian options at a very affordable price. The coffee is really great as well. And a very classy ambiance.
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Johnny G.

Yelp
Great service stopped in between appointments...picked up a watermelon protien smoothy....knocked it out the park. Well done
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Jessica S.

Yelp
Beautiful inside. My drink was also really good, and top quality. I went during open mic night and it was a mood. Now the downside - I came to this place because I saw a lot of people complain that this place has horrible customer service and I always like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt... but the people online were truly correct. The person I dealt with (and I assume from descriptions, is the same Person I dealt with), had a horrible attitude. I can only speculate that this is a part owner or at least a very needed employee. I went in and stood by the counter patiently waiting when he saw me he pointed me to the cash register and i waited a few, which I really didn't mind. I literally started with "hi.. can I get a sandwich..." and he immediately scoffed and sighed, I just said you know what never mind, and he responded "it's just that I've made a lot today..." Idk just kind of hit me the wrong way, I understand everyone has tough days, but the fact that (I assume) this person is the person who everyone complains about, does it so blatantly, just rubbed me the wrong way. But that being said, this establishment is a hidden gem and I will be back.
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Jennifer V.

Yelp
Thanks Back to the Grind for having us and for having so many things for me to look at and observe. We found this place on accident on a late Sunday afternoon while traveling back from a road trip. Our vanilla latte's were top notch and staff were gems. This place gives you the cool, relaxed, everyone is welcome and curious, college-like vibes we could all use more of in our daily lives. Especially in this late stage capitalism, fall of the mask, hellscape we are living in. They also have some killer events. We are about 1 hour away but plan to travel back and checkout open mic night for my musician partner and maybe even science night for my nerdy sociologist marketer brain. This place is really the bees knees. Check it out, I promise you'll love it!
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Ken H.

Yelp
Before reading my review, please imagine that I am a beautiful woman or handsome man who meets all of your visual criteria. This way my review will get more likes & reactions. See also: The Halo effect. Speaking of the effects of beauty, Back to the Grind is a palatial coffee house loaded with rococo furniture & sturdy wooden chairs. The walls are adorned with bookshelves full of trendy books that people pretend to have read to impress a date like The Alchemist, Harry Potter, The Stranger, etc. The rules at Back to the Grind, albeit few, do not cohere or make sense just like most places. For example, the staff will not allow people to put their feet up on any of the coffee tables. However, people are permitted to bring in dogs of any size. The tables are spotless at Back to the Grind. Unfortunately, the wooden flooring & some of the couches are redolent of kennels and dog food breath. I ordered a large hot chocolate. When I got my order, I was pleased to notice the barista properly prepared a large hot chocolate. The large here is much cheaper than a Starbucks because price gouging is not pervasive in Riverside. 5 stars for being the biggest dog shelter in the city of Riverside that also sells coffee. I would suggest that anyone who brings in a dog heavier than 60 lbs. should receive a free bagel, and one of those hand sized plastic bags for throwing away dog crap. Thank you Back to the Grind for being you in the most offbeat, passe way possible.
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Tumbeler C.

Yelp
Great stop just off the 91 freeway, it made it easy to reenter the freeway. My friend and I enjoyed mochas and we were thrilled with the high quality ingredients used. We also bought some tarts. Looking forward to visiting again. .
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Kelaia F.

Yelp
From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and exciting. I've never been in a place like this before. The ambiance blends the charm of an old school library-like scene in perfect combination with a cozy feel and eclectic decor. I chose to browse the menu and instantly the Caribbean smoothie caught my eye. The menu provided the fresh ingredients being used which were: Banana Pineapple chunks Crushed ice Orange Juice I then swiftly made my way over to the pastry section where I was greeted by a cashier who promptly informed me there were other pastries on the other side of the bar area. My eyes scanned for a potential (unneeded) pastry to purchase when my eyes met a delightful, glazy cheesecake like pastry that included fruits such as kiwi, blueberry, strawberries and even raspberries!​​ The visual appeal of this dainty pastry was absolutely heavenly. Fortunately for my vegans out there they have incredibly diverse vegan options to choose from as well. For those of you who prefer a night with a bit more of a buzz they have options for customers 21+ And to address the eager coffee enthusiasts... there are over 10 different otions to choose from including their signature back to the grind coffee! I on the other hand, am not a coffee enthusiast so please refer to other reviews for more in depth thoughts and descriptions on coffee served here :) I cannot forget to mention the phenomenal jazz music being played by the college students at RCC. The vocals, the strumming of chords, the passion, the music... WOW. They all performed with heart and did not miss a single beat. My heart was full of joy watching fellow college students perform with love and undoubted elegance. It was quite the sight to see and one must be watching live to truly understand the effect the music they play has on your mind, body and soul. What a life changing experience! I will without a doubt be back to enjoy another pastry, try a new beer, and listen to some tunes! Overall dope vibes, unforgettable pastries, entertaining live music and absolutely recommend to creatives or students!
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Norman R.

Yelp
During a recent visit to downtown Riverside in the university area I discovered "Back To The Grind" coffee shop. It would appear to be a local hangout for college students, coffee affancianados, and tourists due to the diverse collection of patrons enjoying a cup-of-joe while chatting or studying. The establishment has a library or den decor with various artifacts and artwork adorning the walls as well as the random furniture which resides within. Offering the usual iced or hot beverages in various flavors and sizes, the shop further offers some delicious doughnuts, pastries, pies, cookies and sandwiches to enjoy. My iced coffee with a dash of cream was perfect! Flavorful dark roast, with the perfect amount of cream over solid ice cubes. The atmosphere is typical for a college study spot with a noise level that is tolerable. Outdoor seating in the rear and as well as curbside in front. Highly recommended.

Desiree A.

Yelp
Stepping into this place felt like walking into a live art installation called How to Disappoint a Customer in 10 Minutes or Less. The bathroom? An aromatic horror show -- no soap, stench for days. The staff? Olympic-level coldness, with extra points for making every customer feel like an unwelcome houseguest. No AC, because apparently suffering builds character. And my coffee? A tall glass of "meh" -- mostly water with a whisper of caffeine. LA spoiled me, and this place just reminded me why.
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Keilani O.

Yelp
Good study spot, kinda busy though. You have to make a purchase for the WiFi code lol. Bought a bagel and later an ice cream. Their ice cream was very yummy and the perfect study pick me up.
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Paco C.

Yelp
Server was rude. I came in was very nice and said hello, while I was looking at the menu he came around and asked "are u ready yet?" I said yes and said I wanted to order a sandwich. He sighed loud as hell and asked if that's all I said a water bottle too and he sighed AGAIN. Unprofessional and rude I wanted to come in today (Wednesday) to sing for open night but just the interaction I had with them made me not want to sing anymore and go home.
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Cass F.

Yelp
when i walked in here i was so excited to try this place bc the pictures looked cool. i should've looked at the reviews bc i wouldn't have driven up here knowing id experience what a lot of other people were experiencing. When i walked up to order i asked if i could have oat milk in my latte. they said they didn't have it so i said okay that's fine i'll do a little bit of whole milk and extra ice. i had specifically asked for a short latte with less milk and extra ice. i get my drink back and it was made with a regular amount of milk and light ice. so when i went back up to politely ask if they can remake my drink i was told that "they can try to make it with less ice but that's not how they usually make it". i stood there trying to understand what he meant bc i just asked for extra ice and less milk. the employee with the tattoos and blue tank top was truthfully dismissive and made me feel like an inconvenience for asking to remake my drink. i then notice that there was oat milk this whole time and the other employee didn't even bother to check. i was hesitant to leave a review because i didn't know if maybe they were having a bad day and they just needed some grace but as i see other reviews and how other people stated how they were treated i can see it clearly now experiencing it. regardless, i still didn't get what i ordered as i said less milk but i did get extra ice. i unfortunately had to throw out my drink bc the thought of being another inconvenience to the employees was not even worth it anymore. update the man in the blue tank, his name is Max i believe.
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Brianna D.

Yelp
Worst attitude ever :( love this place dislike the workers The girl in the bun was the only sweetest person might want to change the team with less attitude if this is a constant complaint ! I can only say karma to the attitude because they dropped my drink on the way from removing it from me when they made a mistake they did it so rudely , I only hope this business makes better profit that way they can change the team asap
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Flor M.

Yelp
Great ambiance and the coffees are delicious. They also have great pastries and the gentleman working here is so kind and friendly. Definitely coming back!
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Oliver M.

Yelp
This place is a special vibe at any time. It's so cozy. Staff is wonderful and the coffee is great. Lots of activities throughout the day. Saw some ppl play dnd once. That was awesome
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Karla M.

Yelp
Came with my friends after a morning hike , we loved it . They were low staff and it was super busy but overall great staff.. we tried the champagne smoothie lol Will be back !
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Dan B.

Yelp
The best vibe of any coffee shop in Riverside. Great drinks, cool regulars, a great hang.
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Lacey C.

Yelp
I came here last week. I would come here years ago (like in the 1990's) and I remember it being very charming and relaxing. I cane here with a few friends and it was still charming and relaxing. I noticed the back yard area was much cooler and very clean and cute. Cooler like it was such a hot day and the back yard area was very cool and shaded. I love the plants and lots of places to sit. Okay so for the drinks, two of us got an iced americano and two of us got the Chai iced tea. All our drinks were SO good. And OMG the lemon tart thing was Delicious and the fruit tart. Everything was really good and the customer service was great too. I appreciate the cafe feel with so many drink options from coffee, tea- hot or iced, smoothies, italian sodas and the option for different caffeine levels. I really appreciate that! The offer snacks and yummy desserts. It's a cute place to meet up or read your book or study. I know they do poetry readings and art shows here as well. It's definitely a cool place to come and very charming still. Thank you Back to the Grind
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M M.

Yelp
Easily my favorite coffee shop in Riverside located right downtown. Staff are friendly and not pretensious. The place has a positive, friendly vibe. Food is affordable and they have lots of vegan options (sometimes vegan donuts, vegan cheesecake, vegan cookies, hummus and crackers, vegan sandwiches...). They also serve beer and cider. They have different events in the evenings so check their FB site for info.
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Elizabeth M.

Yelp
Stumbled into this little gem by complete accident while running an errand in downtown Riverside. Was just looking for a much needed coffee and maybe a muffin but this place exceeded my expectations. Such a cozy, eclectic, and fun place. Love, love, love. Extra brownie points for great service, food options and ambiance. The brew of the day is sure not to disappoint.
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Kimberly P.

Yelp
A nice little coffee shop if you need to get some work done or need to wait for your event at the nearby theater. I got an oatmilk chai and it was good. Wish it was more concentrated though. They also have a 2 bathrooms,which is great if you're spending a lot of time there. However, the bathroom is pretty dirty and the toilet is suuuper slow to flush, so def keep that in mind. The ambiance is cozy and pretty quiet. I would stop by again if I was ever in the area.
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Desire S.

Yelp
The menu read that a small Matcha is $4.50, she charged me $6.75...unfortunately I didn't say anything because I was in a rush and thought maybe I read something wrong. So heads up, eye how much they charge you. Other than that the ambiance is pretty cool, looks cozy on a rainy day. They have scheduled events throughout the week, lots of seating. They even sell beers which is a cool addition to a coffee shop. Kind of leery on going back to purchase since it came out so expensive but I'd go back for a place to hang out.
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Briana V.

Yelp
Back to the grind was very unique , that is what I loved the most. They had alot of random, old items with an array of books on their shelves. The coffee tasted great and the barista was helpful when choosing a coffee since it was my first time. The building seems like it's a bit on the older side , you can definitely smell that as you walk in. I would give them an opportunity to see how unique their shop is in downtown riverside
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Danielle S.

Yelp
Cute establishment. I came for poetry night which is held in the basement. I wish there was more ventilation down there, it would definitely make the space more comfortable, airy, and smell better. Parking is an absolute nightmare but this can probably be said for many establishmentsin the area.

Toi T.

Yelp
This place has such a cool vibe, I could hang out here all day. The staff is super friendly and helpful, which makes it even better. Seriously good energy, I felt so comfortable right away. Definitely coming back here again soon. Highly recommend checking it out! This place is my go-to, haven't found anywhere better. Been coming here for over two decades, crazy to think about. Always a good time and consistently great. Definitely recommend checking it out if you haven't already. A+ experience every single time.
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Audrey X.

Yelp
Coffee 2/5. Coffee is not good here tbh. Long wait. Ambiance is nice. High ceilings and a lot of tables. Seems to serve as a gathering place for the community, which is important.

X T.

Yelp
They wouldn't let me order a coffee to go because I had a sandwich with me that I was not planning on eating there. Didn't even give me the time of day. She said they'd lose their liquor license. Really? over me carrying a sandwich? I was on my lunch break and was short on time, so I was trying to grab a coffee. Pretty disappointing cause I wanted to try this place as I'm new to the area, and as a Trans queer poc, there aren't a lot of welcoming places in the area. Saw they had a rainbow flag outside but I guess there aren't as welcoming as I assumed. Definitely take your money else where. She could've been nice about it, asked me to put it away, or wait outside on the sidewalk. Nope just ask that I leave... It literally is not that serious, girl, acted like I walked in with a gun.
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Jacqueline S.

Yelp
Back to the Grind coffee shop is a chill downtown hang out spot. I find myself grooving in my seat while sipping on a perfectly crafted latte. Simple drinks and music make Back to the Grind special. The food choices are limited and basic but I am okay with that. Because the place is like being wrapped in a warm coffee-scented hug. The cozy seating, the friendly staff, and the eclectic decor create a happy place.
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Dania L.

Yelp
Found a good place in dtr to chill and "study" before class! Coffee (iced americano) was great; strong as i like it. The employees are lovely and real friendly. I came early in the morning (~9am) so noise was minimal with only background conversations and music. Perfect environment for college students in the area! I will be visiting every week before my classes :)
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Morris C.

Yelp
Great place to get some work done, or read a book. It can get a bit noisy in here, also people tend to bring dogs frequently. If you have allergies this may be an issue. The coffee is great, and the pastries are also pretty good. The ambiance is awesome, very cool decor and design. You really don't find places like this, it's a hidden gem.

Beatrice M.

Yelp
Worst customer service ever. It was my first time there and immediately started getting attitude by the cashier. Had to cancel our order because of how rude he was. Plus... it wasn't like there was a rush of customers.
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Jas S.

Yelp
Cool chill spot with affordable coffee. Great space to read a book, sip on a coffee or study.

Lizzie M.

Yelp
I was so excited to try this coffee spot. I work from home and am constantly driving around to different cities to find a nice spot to hang out in while I do work. I drove out from Long Beach today to finally get to experience "Back to the Grind". It takes a lot for me to end up leaving a spot with a sour taste in my mouth. By reviewing the low scoring comments on here, I am seeing a pattern that coincide with my own experience. It is not the atmosphere.. it is the service and first impressions are important. I walked in and the decor and ambiance of this place are amazing. I walk up to the counter and say hello, ready to ask him how the man with the beanie was doing. I didnt even get a chance ..when he walked up to the register with a pout and said they were backed up because the coworkers from the shift before left them with work. I said I was sorry and he took my order. He asked if there was anything else that would be added to my order and when I said yes, I heard a sigh under his breath. I was taken back but thought it was my imagination. I asked what the vegetarian sandwich included and he sighed louder, reinforcing what I had heard before. He sped through the ingredients and I said I would have the sandwich. He made a face and said it would take a while for the sandwich to come out and I told him i was okay with that. I used to work for Starbucks so I understand and empathize with baristas. I sat down and the man with tattoos mentioned an iced tea at the pick up table. I looked around and didnt see anyone get up so I assumed it was mine and grabbed it. After several minutes someone yelled out a different iced tea. I embarrassingly walked up and let him know that I had accidently taken the wrong tea and he asked if I didnt noticed that I was drinking a specific tea with however specific amounts of honey. He rolled his eyes, sighed and told me to take my order too. When the right person, who was sitting in front of where you pick up the order, got up to get his tea.. the man with the tattoos told him to hurry and take his order because "someone" had already taken a drink that didnt belong to them (paraphrasing here). When my sandwich finally arrived.. I took a bite and began to cough. When I lifted up the bread of the sandwich, it was covered in what could have been rosemary. I stepped outside with my tea to attempt to regulate my airway. I came back in and saw that the man with tattoos had turned on the fan (i dont blame him) but it made me feel embarrassed for coughing up a handful of that herb splashed on my sandwich. I grabbed my items and threw away the sandwich and teas because I was very dissapointed in the service and it did not make me feel welcomed. I drove out an hour and a half just to leave after 30 min.
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Liv M.

Yelp
It's a great spot here in dtriv! Local shows from local bands and plenty of options from the menu to choose from. Service is great they are super sweet and accommodating. The seating and space is beautiful with indoor, outdoor and upstairs seating. Can't go wrong here
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Mary J.

Yelp
The iced mocha latte and matcha were so delicious i practically INHALED them! As a vegetarian (i love animals, especially cats), they had a plethora of mouth watering options. I settled on the hummus veggie sandwich which was very filling surprisingly. Service was great, and i waited a very short time for my food. I completely fell utterly in love with the atmosphere in there! The eclectic decorations and trinkets had me staring around in wonder for hours. There was something captivating in every corner you turn! This place is great for studying and i will be wandering through these doors again. P.S. The music was also #fire as you can say

Michele C.

Yelp
Super cool place to find after our tour of UC Riverside! The staff were so friendly and the drinks yummy. I only wish we were able to stay to watch a poetry night.

X Z.

Yelp
Extremely disappointing first visit. We came in with an open mind and the intention of leaving all labels at the door -- exactly what this place claims to encourage. But from the moment we walked in, it was clear customers were an inconvenience. We arrived on Sunday at 10am (April 6th), were the only ones in line, and still were treated with dismissiveness and rudeness. I had seen this spot on Instagram and was excited to try a local place, but every server working (except Tamia) that morning could benefit from a serious refresher in customer service. When we mentioned it was our first time and asked for a recommendation, the response we got was flat, uninterested, and frankly, a little cold. Do NOT recommend. First impressions matter -- especially when your brand is built on community, warmth, and inclusivity. Sadly, none of that was felt. We won't be coming back.

Taylor G.

Yelp
the place was nice and eccentric. i had a bagel sandwich and it was pretty lackluster but okay. the people were friendly.
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JR L.

Yelp
Took a break from a long drive to take a break from the heat and grab something cold. The space is huge and with such an eclectic decor and taste. I enjoyed the random items and antiques on the wall. As well as the various painted tables and art! This time around I enjoyed a couple cold draft beers - a honey blonde and a hazy IPA. Very refreshing on this hot day. While I appreciate the high ceilings and the various fans, it definitely would be nice to have A/C on such a sweltering day. Nevertheless, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Pretty chill on a Friday, but people continued to come in and grab coffees, smoothies and sammies. What was so nice to see was how the staff knew many of the customers. I saw that they host various events throughout the week - would definitely love to come back for the music.
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Jason S.

Yelp
Real coffee, cool atmosphere, friendly employees. I've been a semi-regular here for a while and have never had a negative experience.
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Nataliia V.

Yelp
Enjoyed their services and beautiful atmosphere with my toddler. I like selection of coffee bar and pastries for desert
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Betsabe T.

Yelp
Ok, I haven't been to Back to the Grind in a looong time but I'm glad I'm Back to the Grind Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon for some weekend work and was pleasantly surprised to see it was so lively, there were 3 people behind the bar AND THEY HAVE BEER AND WINE NOW! The service was so friendly and they genuinely looked like they were having fun working there. I am coming back here more often!
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Dalia D.

Yelp
I really liked this place when I walked in. I visited it for the first time just to sit and study it was such a vibe, I left talking to my wife about it this place. The next time i visited I brought my wife and she loved it too until we was ordering from there, the gay dude with the hat is so rude he killed our vibe honestly though because we're a gay couple we was about to vibe you know but no he gave an attitude to me and my wife making us feel uncomfortable and left that place feeling bad. They definitely need better staff because that guy was not it. Worst experience ever !!!
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Miangel W.

Yelp
Not sure why they don't have 5 stars?! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! Great options, Amazing drinks, Great atmosphere and affordable! It's a cute vintage looking cafe, with alot of events that they host. It's my new study place but in the afternoon it gets busier and the vibe is still great! Just not as quiet as the mornings here. The staff is very welcoming and so is the atmosphere and furniture! There's days I've spent 5hrs here and nobody bothers you at all. You start to feel like you're studying in your own home after awhile lol The Matcha Latte with Amaretto is amazing!
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Anastasia M.

Yelp
Great atmosphere and ambience. They had an open mic when we were there. The coffee was okay. The service was fast.

Vada S.

Yelp
I live in Fontana that lacks any kind of social gathering spots and while searching for something to eat we found this place. When you walk in you are met with an abundance of eye capturing novelty items , colorful items and the sweet sound of 80's and 90s RB musics. We passed on some typical places like Starbucks. The cashier was the sweetest young lady ever that greeted us and took our order We walked the place while food was prepared. There's different levels of seating and she shared information on calendar events. While sitting I read past reviews and noted there is a male employee who should be avoided at all cost. Thankful he wasn't working. His lack of customer service is certainly hurting reviews. However bases on my personal experience this is 5 stars and I'll be back over the summer.
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Azucena P.

Yelp
Wow. It's definitely a vibe here. Not mine but probably someone else's. We came in on a random Friday afternoon and it was hot. They don't have AC which in riverside it's a must. The coffee was not good the ice cream tasted old. All in all not my cup of tea.

Perla O.

Yelp
First time here and was left with a bad taste in my mouth. The guy with the beret was passive aggressive and acted like I was an inconvenience so I decided not to tip the poor service I received. He got upset and under his breath he said "Dumb Motherfuckers". Don't know how he still has his job after all the reviews I read. My experience discouraged me from coming again and I will be telling others not to as well.
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S G.

Yelp
I LOVE this place, the vibe, the service, the location, and the owner! I am so grateful Darren has kept this place open & available for all to enjoy. It's my favorite place to come get coffee when I'm visiting Riverside. It is such a special place! Visit and you'll understand why!!!