Rocco
Riverside, California, is an excellent town to both live in and visit, and its best known for its citrus industry, railroad innovations, and cutting-edge irrigation systems.
But the innovation that has made Riverside one of the wealthiest cities in California doesn’t stop at railroads and irrigation but can be seen in the nightlife as well!
Check out my list of the best bars in Riverside, California, so you know where to go when you’re in the “next Napa Valley.”
Lake Alice Trading Co.
3616 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 686-7343
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Lake Alice Trading Co. is my favorite bar in Riverside when I want good drinks and good food simultaneously.
Right next to the UCR ARTS and Riverside Art museums, I like coming here after walking around all afternoon and gawking at new installations.
It’s fun to eat tacos and wings, drink a bloody mary, and enjoy live music here after a day of urban exploration.
The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
3660 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 686-0950
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best bar
The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge, also near the Riverside Art Museum, is one of the best bars in Riverside, California, for its design.
There’s a funky, lit-up tree positioned right in the center of the bar, and that alone draws people in. I like ordering their French Dip sandwich and a beer, especially during their hilarious comedy nights.
Duke’s Bar & Grill
3221 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507
Phone: (951) 248-1143
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Duke’s Bar & Grill is a friendly karaoke bar near the University of California. During the day, it serves as a chill hangout; at night, it becomes a boisterous and ultra-fun place to dance and sing.
It’s one of the most fun places to get drinks because of its karaoke nights, ladies’ nights, and Taco Tuesdays. I enjoy ordering their Margaritas every single time!
Events Sports Grill
10560 Magnolia Ave A, Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: (951) 352-2693
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One of my favorite sports bars in the La Sierra South neighborhood is Events Sports Grill. They have plenty of TVs and screens, so you can always watch your favorite team, and multiple pool tables so you can participate in some friendly competition yourself.
Plus, they’re among the best bars for daily food specials, like Friday Fish and Wednesday Wings.
The Brickwood
3653 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 250-2712
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The Brickwood is a casual bar Downtown known for its craft beer flights. I love a place that serves flights, especially when I’m feeling indecisive and want to try various flavors and styles of beer.
They have an extensive list of wine and ciders, but their IPAs are usually my favorite choices.
Shooters Sports & Grill Riverside
10226 Indiana Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (951) 785-9588
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If you’re a pool table expert, head to Shooters Sports & Grill in the Arlington Area near the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre if you want a challenge.
Shooters is one of the most fun places to go out because they host pool tournaments. You can participate if you’re up for some competition, or watch if you love to cheer people on!
The music, pizza, and beer are all additional highlights of this bar.
The Concert Lounge
3557 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 780-6000
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The Concert Lounge is a live music venue Downtown with a casual, friendly bar that’s much more affordable than other music venues.
The sound quality at this venue is outstanding, but watching a show here is even better with a cold drink in hand.
The Salted Pig
3750 Main St STE 103, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 742-5664
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Another downtown favorite is The Salted Pig, a bar and restaurant serving New American bites, beer flights, mimosas, and much more.
Their brisket sandwich paired with a beer flight is never a bad idea, but it’s hard to go wrong here. If you’re looking for something less typical from a restaurant, don’t hesitate to order the bacon fat popcorn!
ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen
3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 222-2110
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The prohibition era of America inspires both the name and the style of ProAbition.
This speakeasy is a favorite Downtown bar for whiskey lovers and jazz music lovers alike because they have biweekly jazz performances and an extensive whiskey list.
Beach Sports Grill & Bar
8022 Limonite Ave Suite 113, Riverside, CA 92509
Phone: (951) 360-4700
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Beach Sports Grill & Bar, near Jurupa 14 Cinemas and the Riverside Airport, is a casual bar with a familiar chain-restaurant feel.
I like going for Taco Tuesday when they have both food and drink specials, but the service here is exceptional every night of the week.
Thompson Brewing Company
9900 Indiana Ave #7, Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (951) 956-0480
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Thompson Brewing Company is undoubtedly my favorite microbrewery in town. It has a convenient location near the APE ARENA in Arlington and always has an impressive beer list.
Plus, it’s a fun place to go with friends and family because of games like ping pong and board games.
Locals Public House
191 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92508
Phone: (951) 780-1800
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Locals Public House, near Galaxy Theatres Mission Grove, is a simple, straightforward pub with tasty bar food, reasonable prices, and a family-like atmosphere.
I love coming here for karaoke nights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays because it’s always a lively time.
Brooks Bar
Van Buren, 6720 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (951) 406-1114
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Brooks Bar is a small yet super inviting and upbeat bar with one of the best environments of any bar in town. There’s an attached golf course which provides some additional beer-drinking entertainment.
It’s an unassuming bar, but once you’re in, it’s so hard to leave!
Final Thoughts
When I’m in Riverside, I like to visit the Riverside Art Museum, walk around the Citrus State Historic Park, or simply grab a drink with friends at one of the best bars in town.
Have I left any of your favorites off this list of the best bars in Riverside, California? Let us know where to get a drink in the comments below!
Best Bars in Riverside
- Lake Alice Trading Co.
- The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
- Duke’s Bar & Grill
- Events Sports Grill
- The Brickwood
- Shooters Sports & Grill Riverside
- The Concert Lounge
- The Salted Pig
- ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen
- Beach Sports Grill & Bar
- Thompson Brewing Company
- Locals Public House
- Brooks Bar
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