The Menagerie

I love it here, everyone is so friendly! I feel so at home and comfortable here. It feels like heaven. Jelly made me the BEST non-alcoholic cherry lemonade I have ever tasted. It’s so tart and sour, I love it! 😍☺️ This is my first time here but I will definitely be coming back again ☺️☺️☺️

I went into this bar for the first time a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was pretty empty when I went in, but it definitely gets more packed as the night goes on. The drinks are delicious, I particularly like the white gummi bear (?) and the mai tai's. The prices are pretty good compared to any prices in LA or near there. The vibes are nice, and the atmosphere is energetic.

Was in from wi was at the bar for over 45 minutes. Not one bar tender asked what I wanted to drink. I had a twenty in my hand and on the bar .. I guess they only serve to the regulars. He waited on people both sides of me more than once.. I guess I'll go somewhere else to drink. I'll never come back..

The guy with the glasses is super unprofessional. I asked for a drink if he could switch it out because he didn’t make it right and he said “ Don’t order something that you don’t like” with a major attitude. He has no customer service experience. Super rude! I don’t know who hires these people, but they are not fully trained or good for business.

Drinks are expensive costed 18 for a tall drink, idk why but everytime i drink i get a weird cough for a week or 2, the music here is so boring always the same. Only positive thing is the vibes of the people mostly pretty cool to be around but very weird people too...

Bathrooms are always a problem. Last time I went, security named Eddie was blocking the bathroom, guy comes out and let's a girl in. I didn't know I had to wait in the girls line although I'm a guy.. I said what the heck to the security and he completly ignored me. He could have said that they are just trying to fasten up the girls line. But no, he acted like I was some drunk gay guy although I was not. Made me feel a type of way and security could have been more nicer and professional about it.

It's a great place for a few hours to hàng out at any hour.

This place is the worst LGBT bar in the IE. Went to use the restroom and the security blocking the door said that an employee was using it. What? There are 4 other stalls and your patrons are waiting. He stated that sometimes if the lines in the woman restroom are full they'll let woman in there too. I don't understand it but this place is gh3tto!

I've only been here twice and each time I've had a noteworthy negative experience. The ginger white guy security is a creep first and foremost. It's a GAY bar so why hit on women? Not even innocently, by touching my back and getting close to me. Very weird and inappropriate. This is not a safe place to drink too much. Be sure to always be aware and with people who you trust and can take care of you in case you happen to drink too much. Also there's hella people tweaking out on other drugs. It's a scary place so have good morals before going in lol. I've seen a lot of reviews regarding the bathroom and honestly I have to say as a cis woman I felt safe and protected by the security guards watching over the bathroom, they let you use the male one if there's no one else in line for it and they stand in front of it for your safety. Personally I think it makes sense to use the bathrooms according to the sex assigned at birth for everyone's safety. Or an additional gender neutral bathroom would be incredibly helpful and more inclusive. The drag is some of the best! I watch a lot of drag and their theatrical shows are impressive and super fun to watch.

This place is the worst LGBT bar in the IE. Went to use the restroom and the security blocking the door said that an employee was using it. What? There are 4 other stalls and your patrons are waiting. He stated that sometimes if the lines in the woman restroom are full they'll let woman in there too. I don't understand it but this place is gh3tto! Service here in general is very low bar. So many other places in the area that are lgbt friendly, and have the service to boot.

I'm not surprised the ratings are so low. It seems like a cool place but the bartender's are horrible. They treat me much better when I'm with my gay friend. They usually either skimp on alcohol or try to get you fucked up. The last encounter is why I will not be coming back. I was homeless and was waiting so that I could find a spot to sleep and not be caught so I was biding time while studying. I also had a sleep medication that I take every night to sleep. I've taken it with the drink or two before and it's never been a problem, but for some reason the bartender was extra nice this night and I believe it's only because he wanted me to get drunk so I would buy more from him. I kind of felt manipulated and realized if he actually was nice he would have asked me somewhat about my situation or anything about me but he decided that it was a good idea to give me free drinks that were completely different from the alcohol I had had before. And I'm not trying to say that this wasn't also my own responsibility, but I literally went back with the intention of having one beer just because I had nowhere else to go and he gave me a free shot and I pretty much blacked out after that and took my medication thinking it was fine. Again I know I have to take accountability, but I have never in my life been this stupid and I don't appreciate the one time that the bartender was supposedly nice it was not the time I needed to be getting drunk. After intentionally getting a lone female to mix liquor and black out, he sent me on my way. Because of my medication,which is supposed to take two hours, it took maybe 30 minutes and I was okay one second and then all of the sudden fell asleep while driving to where I could find a place to sleep and ended up losing my car and got robbed of almost 1,000 worth of possessions. I take responsibility but at the same time I couldn't have done it without them. I would never do this to someone as a bartender. Luckily the police didn't want to "ruin my career" before basically leaving me there alone to get mugged again without asking if I could call anyone, but if I had gotten in trouble, the bartender would have been charged with me. This place sucks.

We love the drag shows at The Menagerie!! They don't serve food but the drinks are good. The crowd is always super fun and eclectic. The show itself is always a fun time ! A must see if you're in downtown Riverside.

It's a big space. I came in on Labor Day 2024 and they were open and it was Karaoke Night with KarenB. Levi the bartender was super helpful in drink suggestions. I had a cider. Everyone was nice. Yes, the place is a dive with carpet in the front but the tables are clean. The bar is big as in plenty of security. The decor is cool.

Been there once and the service was great. We walked in and ordered right away even in a massive crowed. The bartender did a great job. The price of the drinks was very reasonable. The building it self was very cute. I have never seen a club like this before will be back next time i'm there.

We stumbled upon this place after our picnic in the park. Noticed the flags and my wife noticed the name and we saw that it was open for business. Upon entering the bartender was setting up and was eager to take our drink order. After about five rounds we decided it was time to get home. The space was vibrant and the music system was great. Anticipating coming here when the dance floor is crowded and the Queens are doing their thing.

This place does not cater to the gay men community. The restroom situation is a mess. The men's restroom has a line waiting over 15 mins for a female to come out. This place is not what it used to be. The DJ only caters to female requests. This place is not what it used to be. Better off going to Palm Springs where the lgbt community will acknowledged.

Had the worst service in this DIRTY STINKY DRUG INFUSED hole in the wall place. Floors were dirty, bar was sticky, stage was being used for storage, and bathrooms were horrific! To disclose my friend and I are trans women - very beautiful and passable if you ask anyone. First, we were not greeted when we walked in, ID's were not being checked, and there was no bouncer at the door. On top of that, the gay tattoo bartender is definitely doing drugs in the bathroom. Second, we're immediately given dirty looks & looked up and down by STAFF when we approached the bar to sit. We're from San Diego so we definitely didn't look like the dumpster rats that are normally crawling through there apparently. Took almost 15 mins to get 1 round of drinks which was incredibly watered down & not made correctly. Then another bartender's boyfriend (who was off work and at the bar drinking) approached us asking us very inappropriate things and using derogatory terms with us. We asked him to leave numerous times and he wouldn't, the girlfriend and bartender on duty could hear us asking him to leave but didn't do anything. Very very inappropriate especially from a significant other who is tied to someone that works there and for someone who is on the clock. The bartender on duty was listening the whole time laughing and smirking until I noticed. I asked the tweaker bartender his name he refused to give it to me. I asked if "The Menagerie" discriminated agents trans people and he just looked at me and smiled proudly. He then has the bouncer who is apparently hiding in the shadows waiting to be called on by this tweaker to finally do his job to came up and was escorting us out. Didn't leave with out throwing my drink and glass in his face and completely wiping all the drinks off the bar and I'd do it again. If you are trans stay CLEAR from this DISGUSTING DIRTY DRUG INFESTED place. Keep driving don't stop through, they discriminate against trans people. There are way cleaner more classier trans friendly places in San Diego and Los Angeles. Leave the roaches where they belong.

If I could leave a 0 I would, annoying bar tenders try to say I didn't pay for my drinks and wanted to charge me twice. Look at my credit card statement to see they did charge me and changed it to give themselves a tip. Broke looks dumb on old men and that's why yall look like that.

Didn't think a gay bar can be homophobic. Me and my boyfriend got engaged here and they completely shut it down. We were disrespected, spit on, and humiliated. Stay away from this bar it is horrible!

The service was adequate but not great, but I will say that this place deserves no stars because they go against federal ADA laws and prohibit service dogs from entering the business. Not only is this illegal but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I do not recommend anyone support this business. Also the ambiance was dismal at best. If you are looking for a gay club in or near riverside, I recommend VIP nightclub.

I've been here more than a few times but the bartender, BRYAN, last night was infuriating! My friend asked for water and was offered a water bottle for $2, she mentioned that we've gotten free tap water here before but he said it was against the rules and with a huge ass smile said that if she wanted free water she should go get it at the bathroom while he laughed with his coworker. We were really thirsty so we went back to pay for the water anyway but were then informed there was a $10 charge for cards so... that makes a water $12 :/ she confronted him about his rude comment and he honestly just looked like he was LOOKING for an argument. I gave 3 stars because I've had a great experience here in the past and for the most part the rest of the staff is really friendly but fuck Bryan. The security at the front informed us he was the acting manager... why?? There are so many other KIND staff members that would do a much better job.... We left thirsty and pissed off and got free water right next door

The Service was quick! This place is so cool, I had a girls night here and I loved that the dance floor was not only fully mirrored but well lit. The music was "themed" but still very hip and recent! I will 10/10 come back again! Very welcoming and friendly, THE ART ON THE WALLS Love love love ty

This place is so awesome and unique! Got the 40 and fabulous drinks for me and my friends... forgot my souvenir glass cup, and I came back the next day to see if I could get them and they still let me get it!!! Super nice of them!! I absolutely love the vibes of the all the staff and everyone around... this community is beautiful and I love being an ally! I've never fit in anywhere and have ALWAYS felt like an outcast! Everyone here is so accepting and I can't wait to come back again!!! I loved reading about the history about this place and how it opened up and the story how about the unique artwork! Definitely worth more than five stars! Plus the drinks are amazing I also love that they don't have a cover charge! You are welcome to walk in and just be yourself at no cost and there's no pressure Brian (hope I spelled it right) was ABSOLUTELY the best bartender and all the right vibes!!! We also met the new guy MANNY who did some great popes for us during happy hour!!

to be honest i love it but honestly the restroom issue is a problem. we women need like 3 stalls and theres only one.

I give this place no stars for the simple reason the two bartenders last night on Thursday night were horrible they charged my card multiple times do not leave your credit card or your debit card with them they will make false charges I had over $200 in fake charges that I have to dispute this place is horrible management needs to deal with their bartenders making fake charges if you go to this place pay with cash do not and I repeat do not leave your credit card or your debit card they will literally charge your card multiple times this is fraud and I did send a request to them don't do a guys I'm telling you horrible

As a bartender, I understand how busy things get. But what I don't like is being completely ignored when sitting at the bar top. I asked if I could order a drink and the bar back looks at me with a dull face and says "not from me" and points at the bartenders. So then when the bartender looks over i get his attention to order a drink, he says "sorry" and point at his service well line. The way I (and probably many bartenders) was trained is that a good bartender knows how to handle a bar top and line because 7/10 times the people sitting at the bar are gonna order way more and rack up bigger tabs than a line. Plus like I said, every bartender should know how to handle a line along with a bar too if they really wanna make money

I've become kind of a regular since my last review so I thought I'd provide an update. All the bartenders here are really cool. On fridays and Saturdays it usually doesn't start to get busy until a little after 9pm. I saw another review of somebody complaining about being told they need to get in line to get a drink.. lol, well yes once it gets super busy, you need to get in one of the lines at the bar where the registers are located (both ends), otherwise I've been able to walk up to any part of the bar and get service. Also, if you're a female, there can sometimes be a bit of a wait for the restroom on the busier nights. Overall I love coming here and have had no issues ever.

Historical landmark. Spent the first day I met my future husband here. We Vibed. Drank. Loved. Married. Best bar in dtr. And shoutout to the best bartender ! We'll always be back to visit

My future wife decided to love me here. Here I am married and at the same bar. Shout out to the bartender!

I give this place 5 stars just because when i went their the other night & last night i had a really good time just dancing n listening to the music plus everyone their is super friendly & you could just be yourself around everybody & have a good time & I'll definitely be going back so if anyone sees me say "Hi " I'm super friendly as well

Was there for on Sunday for Drag Yourself to Brunch. What fun! Good fun, bottomless mimosas, and a great show. Hostess Rusty Waters was engaging and funny. The queens were very entertaining. Also fun to chat with the performers after the show. I can't speak to what the bar is like at night but I recommend it if you want to have a dragtastic Sunday

Love the show, love the drinks. Good outdoor area and friendly staff. Halloween party was a blast!

Best bar in DTR, no cover fee drinks are a great price. However the performance stage is in a weird spot so performers always have to make it all the way around the bar, on the dance floor and it's a tight squeeze between patrons and the wide square of a bar. Music seems to be a youtube mix or something because it's not great but if you find yourself in DTR the Menagerie is a fun experience

So the line was long to get drinks on a Friday night (only 3 bartenders) I was sober by the time I got to the front, space is super small to dance and really do anything and even tho they say they close at 2AM they start shutting things off around 1:30am so FYI, they don't even let you use the bathrooms! We had this security guard tell us we couldn't but she let other people in while keeping us out! So they pick and choose type club. So honestly it's ain't it go spend your money somewhere els that's not here cause this ain't it!

Very chill bar, the bartenders are amazing! I've been coming here for 6 years and tony is by far my favorite bartender! Always have a good time here! Also the vibes here are amazing! Everyone is welcome here!

If you're trans, especially trans-masculine, do not go here. The bathroom situation is entirely transphobic! There are no gender neutral bathrooms and the mens room has NO STALLS. Not a single one, even for cis guys who want to go #2. This also means that the line for the women's room is always crazy long and you'll be waiting probably at least 30 min just to go pee. How can you call yourself a queer bar when you're clearly exclusionary?

Got assaulted here and security threw me to the ground and held me back; leaving me defenseless and unable to protect myself from the assailant who repeatedly struck me, entirely unprovoked. + Bartenders here will open a tab and tip themselves as they see fit. Nightmare of an experience. I pray this place gets run out of business.

This is quite possibly the worst bar, gay or otherwise. Let's start with the bartenders specifically the day time bartender. I don't know anything about them since I've never been before and visiting but my assumption based on his attitude is he's bitter, been there forever and doesn't care or desire to give qood service, exhibits zero friendliness. The bar had 2 I presumed regulars that perch themselves near the computer. I sat there and I waited several long minutes to be approached because he had to finish his nasty gossiping about the owner or manager. Pretty terrible things we're said.. When i was finally approached big snotty attitude. Waited and waited for a second drink, I gave up and left. Again, there were 3 customers and two appeared to be well known. I was essentially invisible. When in town a week later stopped in weekday evening. Different bartender who was cute but very irritated at something and was nicer but unwelcomed personality. Very unfortunate. I was nervous to ask for another drink as I felt I was inconvenience to him. Finally in comes the barback. The best way to describe was a young person who hates his job and would rather be anywhere else on the planet. To top it all off the customers were fist fighting each other on the patio and no one intervenes to stop it because from what I gathered they were locals. It turns into a group shouting and hitting each other and it's left unresolved. Unbelievable. It's nice looking bar but that's it. There is nothing sexy fun or enjoyable at this place just a collection of unhappy bitter employees who treat customers like their annoying to them who have no personality. Their efforts are gossiping and don't interact with anyone else. If you're looking for a fun place to meet fun guys don't come here. I really mean it. It's unbelievable the owners allow this. Im in disbelief they're open . It appears to be a hang for drunk locals who have big issues. I'm just reading the pattern of similar experiences of other customers since 2018. So clearly they condone this behavior. You'll regret going here and be prepared to ripped off with over priced watered down drinks. Sorry guys but it's absolutely true.

The security with the weak a$$ beard has nothing positive to say or influence onto anyone here. I was crouched down because my feet hurt due to my heels and he commented negatively on my outfit and told me to drink water even though I'm sober. he can kiss this a$$ for real and y'all can hire a new security hopefully with a better attitude

As someone who comes here weekly and saw it before and after renovations, all I have to say is AMAZING!! Staff is great, unbeatable cocktail prices, and they never have a cover. Be patient cuz sometimes they are slammed but wave a $20 in the air and see how fast you are attended to. Great Latin vibes thanks to staff and DJ. Treat staff with respect and they will treat you with the same. Remember STRAIGHT PEOPLE...check and leave your privilege at the door. PERIODTTTT!!!!

Liked this location and environment very much , not a dive bar in the bad way. Very clean with yesterday's charms! Will definitely return !

The reviewer before me stated that a bartender said something rude regarding tipping.. I'm sure the same bartender gave my wife and I a smart ass remark when we asked if they were open yet or not. Not to mention, we were never greeted or asked what we would like to drink. Old white guy was the bartender or at least behind the bar preparing the garnishments. Mind you, we were the only two people inside at the time. Choose somewhere else that appreciates your business because they obviously don't, or at least this asshole doesn't.

Had a great time.. however, the bartender spilled an entire glass of red wine all over my brand new white pants .. (accidents happen, I get it) ., I left three messages with the manager, to see how they wanted to deal with this... these aren't $200 pants, they are $79 pants from White House Black Market.. regardless, no one has called me back regarding this matter. We left messages regarding calling me back.. no response??? Whether they want to accept responsibility or not is one thing, but to have three messages ignored, makes me wonder if whether or not they care about you and your experience. Disappointing. Furthermore.. just called again for the fourth time, only to be told to leave a response on their Facebook page. Seriously??? This is absolutely incredulous.

Here we are 2 years later, and still the same Bull$XXT! Only 1 restroom for ladies, toilets always stopped up, the owner a complete prick! The show sucks and the drinks are to expensive and service too slow. Hell, we went to the straight bars and had a better time than the places we call our fam and will continue to do so, because dancing/drinking is universal! Don't waste your time at this DUMP!!

Super fun place to hangout with your friends. Great atmosphere. Amazing drinks and really nice staff.

I love coming here but the bathroom situation is insane! the guards are trying their best to get the girls through the line but it doesn't help when the guards are surrounded by aggressive drunk people and have to stand their ground. I see so many people disrespecting the guards when they keep the place safe and running as smoothly as they can. Every single guard there has been nice and helpful, if you push them and feel they're being some type of way take into consideration they have rules to follow. The owner (Peggy) should really do something about the bathroom situation. It's crazy to wait 30+ minutes for the bathroom with one stall. People leave to Pixels to use the restroom because it's bigger. I wonder how staff is able to use the restroom when needed when customers can't even get through. The problem is the bathrooms and compact space constantly overflowing not the guards. I always bring friends here but we end up leaving to Pixels or Lake Alice for more space and better bathrooms + music.

If I could give this place a zero rating...I would. I've been coming here for several years thinking that each time would be different. This place has not changed one bit. The service from bartenders is horrible. The bathroom situation is ridiculous. I asked the bartender if they make bloody Mary's. One said yes and made me one. However, when I went back for another round, I asked a different bartender (because the last one was busy), and he said we don't make those at night time. He also said that it's too much work. Why become a bartender if you cannot make a basic drink? Honestly the worst gay bar I've ever been too. I'm surprised this place is still up and running considering how horrible this bar is. The woman's bathroom line is always long around 10pm-closing, (only one stall). I would consider checking out other bars and staying away from this one. Read the reviews. They are not lying about the horrible service!

Definitely my favorite bar in town. The security is super great when dudes creep on me. You can just be you here and it's just fine. Pablo is the best bartender I've ever met. So sweet.. Deve, Johnny and Brian are great dudes too. Thank you for making a safe place for this Lil bi girl. Come here if you want to escape the mess that is the downtown bar scene and be your own mess in a safe, supportive environment.

Really just the worst service. Stopped in today after IE pride thinking maybe something going on seeing as it's right down the street. Nope, mostly empty and the bleach blonde bartender had the worst attitude. Despite the place being mostly empty, it took us 20 minutes to flag him down from our barstools. When he did eventually acknowledge we were one of the 10 people at the bar, he said he "would be right with" us. Fast forward to 15 minutes later, still no acknowledgement, no drinks, nothing. So we just left.

There is a definite North Carolina bathroom law-feel about their bathroom policy that is just so out of place at a California gay bar, and seems extremely hurtful to gender non-binary folks. They not only have a sign saying women will be kicked out for using the men's room, they also literally have a security guy watching the bathrooms! I understand if in the past you've had problems with sex in the bathrooms, but there seems like much more sensitive ways to fix this, for example by making both single stall bathrooms into Universal Gender bathrooms (as even not-very-progressive institutions around the country including the UC system and even the White House are doing), and then strictly enforce one person entering at a time. This would also solve the issue of the line for the women's bathroom being ridiculous and people just wanting to use the men's because it is shorter. The bathroom policeman who was there last night ended up being very offensive and exhibited no awareness of transgender rights. Are you really escorting people out because people you perceive as women go into the men's room? How are you supposed to verify if a woman is a woman or a man is a man, and what if they refuse to be either? Are you checking licenses, are you following people into bathrooms? Side note: the bathrooms were also filthy

Thank you Tony the Tiger for your expertise and happy spirit! I will always return to see your happy face and beautiful being!! Thank you Baby!!!!

Fabulaus. LOL. I love this neon signage as it is obviously spelled incorrectly. There is a history to the story of this sign. The original owner purchased the sign but as it was installed, it was not working, so she returned it for another one. She got replacement sign but it didn't work again. So finally after the third try, the sign works. There is just one problem, it is misspelled and she just said screw it and put it up. I love the music videos to this place as it seems to be European inspired. The interior has some historical character to it. I came here on a Tuesday night, but it seemed to be quite dead. The bartender told me that the best night to come here was on a Thursday when Raven the drag queen is performing. Raven was on RuPaul's Drag Race and also on Drag U. I could imagine this place being really busy during the weekends, but even with it being dead on a Tuesday night, I was content with watching music videos, drinking, and talking with the people at the bar.

I really enjoyed the drag show Thursday night! The drinks were tasty and the bartenders were friendly and quick. The show was absolutely hilarious and had amazing performances! We got there around 10 and the show stared at 11, but there was plenty of seats and different areas for everyone to be comfortable.

kianna was a very cute sexy professional friendly you all will love her come by and say hi to kianna

I walked by this business while the bartender (Pablo) posted a sign outside that listed all domestic 20 oz drafts to be $5 between 2-7p.  I walked inside and order two 20 oz domestic drafts, and the same bartender charge me $15.25. I told him about the sign posted outside.  He just smirked and briefly waived his hand as if the sign was just a joke and told me that the promotion doesn't start until 9p when the sign clearly says between 2-7p.  What can I say? Well, let's see: false advertisement, bait and switch, unethical, etc. I will never visit this bar again. I can't believe businesses are willing to lose customers over a few dollars, to me is like shooting yourself in the foot. It doesn't make sense at all.

The prices are really ridiculous. . Waaayy overpriced. It's always been dumpy. Same decor for the past 10 plus years. Bathrooms are never clean when I've been. Whole place needs a re-vamp badly. Tony the bartender is a cool guy. Always good service. The owner is not friendly at all. The bar would be much busier if the high spenders and tippers were treated with some gratitude and kindness. I'd go more often, and bring big spenders, but due to the owner, I hardly ever go anymore. Try buying your patrons a drink sometime. Especially the ones that have spent tons of money in the past 20 years. I'd have this place jamming in no time if I was running it.

Ended up here after a Christmas party at the Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown. It was the only bar/club without a line. We go in & I didn't immediately notice it was a gay bar. Once I did, everything made sense lol. It was a little hot, a little smelly, super cramped & half of the people looked like they were on something other than alcohol... but it was cool. Definitely a different experience for me. I wish we could've went for one of the drag shows...