The October/November issue of The Riversider Magazine by Montage Visual Communication

October/November 2026

PAGE 28

THE GUIDE TO MIDTOWN

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Inland Exposures The Riversider | October/November 2026

Moonrise over Fairmount Park's historic boat house. Photo by Julian Jolliffe

The Riversider Magazine

Volume 6 Issue 5

October/November 2026

D E PA R T M E N T S 4 Inland Exposures Moonrise over Fairmount Park 10 Love Letter To Riverside Ol’ times at the Magnolia Center

Restaurant Review 42 Midtown The Sire Bar & Grill 44 60 Miles East Thunderclap: Six Months

14 Riverside's Finest Rafa Martinez

46 Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider’s guide to all the best bars and eateries

18 L ocal Retailer Fret’s Music

54 Postcards from Yesterday Rouse's Department Store, 1895

20 H idden Gem Espumita House of Cuban Coffee 22 Arts The Garden Behind the Gate 26 Eastside Arthouse Meet Your Local Artist Esmeralda Garcia

F E AT U R E S 28 The Guide to Midtown Visit our favorite spots in Midtown, especially the locally owned ones! 36 The Strange Things Spied in the Skies Over Riverside And why the White House’s UFO records releases may not be too surprising

Two Midtown staples: Tuxie's and La Reyna's. Photo by Julian Jolliffe

Blumenthal & Moore, Inland Southern California’s pre-eminent criminal defense firm, is devoted exclusively to the defense of the accused. The firm’s trial-tested attorneys handle a range of criminal matters, from simple to complex. They are often retained in difficult cases, and defend people from all walks of the community. In every case, the client benefits from a team approach. By combining their expertise, the attorneys at Blumenthal & Moore bring more than 100 years of legal experience to every case, providing each client with the best possible defense. Virginia Blumenthal, Jeff Moore, Brent Romney and Heather Green all contribute unique strengths and perspectives, along with thorough knowledge of the court system in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Mr. Moore and Mr. Romney are tough former prosecutors who put their experience to work in defending cases, while Ms. Green has a passion for defending those with mental health disorders – prioritizing justice for everyone, regardless of mental health status.

Founding attorney Virginia Blumenthal, known for opening the first female-owned law firm in the region, has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers. Over time, she has received a long list of awards for her courtroom excellence and volunteer service in the community. Most recently, Ms. Blumenthal was named Best Lawyer in the Inland Empire by Inland Empire Magazine (2024); received a Champions for Justice Award from the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (2023); received the Civil Rights Law Giant Award from the Riverside County NAACP Youth Council (2023); and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Corona Chamber of Commerce (2023). Also in 2023, the team at Blumenthal & Moore received the Small Business Eagle Award from the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce – an honor that reflects a culture of excellence, experience and nearly five decades of commitment to clients.

(951) 682-5110 3993 Market Street Riverside, CA 92501 blumenthallawoffices.com

ALTURA CREDIT UNION IS PROUD TO BE

This giant mural at the corner of Central & De Anza depicts mid-century Midtown landmarks. It was painted by Riversider Editor and artist, Mano Mirandé. ZACH CORDNER

Love Letter to Riverside Whether you call it Magnolia Center or Midtown, it’s still the heartbeat of the city. Growing up in Riverside in the 80s and 90s, this part of town always felt like the hub for local businesses and restaurants. Zach has memories of going to Ski & Sport at the Brockton Arcade to stock up on skateboarding and snowboarding gear. He remembers going with his mom to get specialty meats and treats at Uli’s Gourmet Market then grabbing ice cream cones at one of the oldest Baskin Robbins locations. Always picking out his birthday party themed goods at Alin Party Supply then ordering sandwiches at Antone’s or grabbing Jackson Guitars off the wall to play some riffs at Lier’s Music. We loved shopping for gear at Harris’ Underground, and Alondra’s brother even worked there! All of those places are now gone, but the fond memories will always be close to our hearts. The Riversider Magazine

Over the years Midtown has gone through a lot of changes, but many businesses have stuck it out and continue to thrive. That’s why we’re doing this Midtown Guide—to highlight these older businesses along with the new ones that make this unique neighborhood an attraction in itself. Classic spots like Backstreet Cafe, Pietro’s Italian, Soup Shoppe, Tuxie’s, and The Sire have been holding it down for decades. Newer businesses like Hologram House, Ursie’s Apothecary, and Vixen & Beard are breathing new life into Midtown. This mix of old and new businesses is what makes Midtown so special and nostalgic for many Riversiders. We couldn’t dream of doing this feature without spotlighting one of Riverside’s oldest bars and restaurants, The Sire. Opened in 1955, this legendary bar has been the meeting place for generations of Riversiders. Walking into the bar is like a 1950s time capsule but better. Those

vintage red booths just beckon you to sit down and have some cocktails with your friends, and their food is great, too! Our goal at The Riversider is to make the community aware of these great businesses and restaurants. We hope this guide will be helpful to our readers by giving you the opportunity to check out many unique places without leaving town. Thank you to all of our advertisers and partners that make this magazine possible. Stay safe and cool in this hot fall we are all sweltering in!

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Volume 6 Issue 5

October/November 2026

Co-Publisher Alondra Figueroa alondra@theriversider.com

Co-Publisher Zach Cordner zach@theriversider.com

Design Director/Co-Founder

To advertise in

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Editor at Large Ken Crawford ken@theriversider.com

Associate Editor

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Advertising Please contact: advertising@theriversider.com

Contributors Philip Falcone, Jesse Lopez, Maxwell Porter, Paul Jarod Young

Special Thanks: Kaitlin Bilhartz, Patricia Lock Dawson, Evelyn Cordner, Jack Amarillas, The Standerfer Family, H. Vincent Moses, PHD, Lucia Winsor, Riverside Museum, Mark from Riverside and all of our advertisers.

Distribution Kimo Figueroa, Abijah Hensley Dedicated to the memory of Aaron Schmidt 1972-2022

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Published by: Riversider Media, Inc. ©2026 The Riversider Magazine 17130 Van Buren Blvd. #595 Riverside, CA 92504 On the Cover: One of the most distinct landmarks in Riverside is the Sire's neon sign on Magnolia Avenue. Disclaimer: We had to touch up the neon with a little photoshop to bring it back to it's glory days. Photo by Julian Jolliffe The Riversider Magazine

October 3, 2026 – February 14, 2027

3581 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 riversideartmuseum.org

Riverside's Finest Rafa Martinez WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD

ZACH CORDNER

Rafa Martinez did not play water polo until he was fourteen. This fall he is the starting center at California Baptist University (CBU), a program ranked fifteenth in the country, and he spent his summer winning a bronze medal with the Mexican national team in the Dominican Republic. The late start is the part he brings up first. “I started playing water polo my freshman year of high school. I was fourteen years old,” he said. “I was introduced to it by my mom.” It was 2021, the COVID season at Riverside Poly. He made varsity as a beginner and does not pretend it went well. “I ended up making varsity when I tried it brand new,” he said. “But I did not do very well.” So he kept playing. He joined Riverside Water Polo Club in the offseason and came back a different player. The Riversider Magazine

“From there I started to develop,” he said. By his sophomore year he was starting on the varsity team, and he stayed on that schedule for the rest of high school, club every offseason and Poly every fall. He left with a single-season school record of 169 goals and two Iv y League MVP awards. What made the conversion possible was everything he had already been doing. Martinez and his younger brother, Beppe, grew up inside a year-round rotation of sports. “Sports have always been the main thing for me and my little brother,” he said. “It was always baseball in the spring and summer, basketball in the winter and then soccer in the fall.” Add swimming, which he started at seven, plus piano lessons and ballet folklorico. “So, we stayed very well rounded,” he said.

He can account for what each one gave him. The swimming meant he already knew how to move in the water. Baseball, which he started at four and assumed would be his sport, gave him the arm. “I’ve been able to throw the ball very well,” he said. “And then having game sense from soccer and basketball, just knowing where to find the open guy, where you have space.” His father, Gerardo Martinez, was on the deck for most of it. He coached his son’s baseball teams from T-ball at age four through the twelveyear-old all-star team that won district and sectional titles. He coached a couple of basketball teams. He coached every one of Rafa’s AYSO soccer teams, right up until Rafa quit soccer at ten. “I give so much credit to my dad when it comes to athletics,” he said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CBU ATHLETICS

The sport his father never coached is the one he plays now. His parents still make most of his games, which usually means a 6pm start on a weeknight or 1pm on a Saturday. “They’re able to go to most of them,” he said. In July, Martinez traveled with the Mexican national team to Santo Domingo for the Central American and Caribbean Games. He holds dual citizenship and had trained with the program for a few weeks in June before returning for the tournament. Mexico beat Cuba 17-13 for the bronze medal. He played, and he is direct about how much. “I started and I got lots and lots of minutes. I rarely sat the bench,” he said. “I was probably second leading scorer on the team.” The week also gave him something besides minutes. Martinez has spoken Spanish since kindergarten, through Riverside Unified’s dual language immersion program and at home with his family. “It was a chance to improve my Spanish, keep working on it,” he said.

He came back to the CBU team that had moved into the Big West and opened the season 7-1. Through fourteen games, he is in the top ten in the conference in goals and the top five in field blocks, which is a fair description of the job. The center sits in front of the cage at both ends. “I’m the starter for the CBU team this year,” he said. The schedule stiffens from here. Conference play runs through the fall and ends at the Big West Championships at Long Beach State, November 20-22, the weekend before Thanksgiving. He is not worried about it yet. “I would say I’m more excited about the season,” he said. “These upcoming games right now, they’re tough, but most of all they’re just learning experiences for our team. We just need more experience playing good teams.” The conference tournament is different. “Those are the most important games of the year,” he said. “Super duper exciting, but you do get a bit nervous for those.” He has three seasons left at CBU under the

fifth-year rule, and he already knows what he wants after them. There is no professional water polo in the United States, so the players who want to keep going leave. “I want to go play pro in Europe,” he said. “There’s no pro water polo in the US.” The plan runs about four years, long enough to develop and see what he is. Beyond that is a number he says out loud and then immediately puts in its place. He has trained with the U.S. national team, four weeks of it this summer, though he has not played in an official match. “That would be a lofty dream,” he said of the 2032 Olympics. CBU water polo games are open to the public and tickets are available on the CBU athletics website. You can also check the television schedule, some games will be broadcast live on ESPN Plus.

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Local Business The Riversider | October/November 2026

Fret’s Music Riverside's DIY Music Hub WORDS: MAXWELL PORTER PHOTOS: JESSE LOPEZ

Since opening their doors in August 2024, Fret’s Music in Riverside has served as a pillar to the local music community. By day, the shop serves as a one-stop shop for any musician's needs. Offering instruments from guitars and drums to horns and violins, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Fret’s. Recording booths, repairs, buying and trading, and lessons are also a few of the ways the shop serves Riversiders. By night, however, the music The Riversider Magazine

s tore, located of f of Arlington and Van Buren, frequently turns into a bustling community of local artists. To Riversiders that frequent the store, it's an epicenter that keeps the local music culture alive. However, being there for the community hasn't always been easy. In fact, competing with corporations like Guitar Center and Music & Arts has been a challenge. Despite the obstacles at hand, the shop remains relentless in cultivating a creative space for musicians. “I grew up in the music scene and I know how great the community is,” Jordan Segura, co-owner and manager of Frets, said. “ The people have a hunger for a place to share their music and the community comes back.” Hosting a space for local talent introduced new challenges for the shop while simultaneously proving the impact that community can have. The following months after the shop's opening and local show hosting, local zoning restrictions

prohibited the live events. With local shows drawing in talent and business alike, this was a huge blow to the shop's potential survivability. With criticism from the local government and consistent visits from local police, the future of the shop looked uncertain. That was until local musicians and Fret’s supporters came together and organized a petition to keep the shows alive. In less than a month, the petition was filed, giving the shop a lifeline and solidifying the shop as an important music staple within the community. “Our numbers are not based on the nation. They are based on the community. This is all based in Riverside,” Jordan said. While operating a business poses frustrations and uncertainty, the local feedback and drive to take action has flung the shop onto the pedestal of what it means to serve a community. Today, the shop still fights constantly to be there for Riversiders. In true “do-it-yourself ” fashion, Jordan and co-owner Forest are constantly searching for new ways to drive the shop into tomorrow, while working hand in hand with the community that cultivates the shop.

Fret’s Music 7207 Arlington Ave, Suite E (951) 299-8081 fretsmusic.com @frets.music

Hidden Gem The Riversider | October/November 2026

Espumita House of Cuban Coffee Within the bright blue windows of the commercial building at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Van Buren is the home of one of Riverside’s newest and most unique coffee shops, Espumita House of Cuban Coffee. Opened in July 2025, Espumita not only offers a signature coffee brewed in the traditional “Moka Pot” style authentic to Cuba, it also provides a welcoming environment and vibrant atmosphere to its guests. Owners Alfred and Yvette Ramirez met in middle school after their families moved to Fontana from Los Angeles. It was then that they learned they had grown up across the street from each other in East LA. They began dating in ninth grade at fourteen years old and married in 1991 before making Riverside their permanent home in 1994. Alfred worked in sales and Yvette as a hygienist while they raised their three kids, until the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 gave them an opportunity to pursue their dream of opening a business of their own. Alfred is half Cuban on his father’s side, but it wasn’t until his mother remarried when he was eight years old that he was introduced to Cuban culture by his stepfather, Tony, who was also of Cuban descent. Tony brewed coffee daily using the traditional Cuban moka pot method and eventually The Riversider Magazine

WORDS: MANO MIRANDÉ PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

taught Yvette how to brew it on her own. The couple began making it regularly at home and Yvette quickly fell in love with both the coffee and the tradition behind it. When they decided it was time to share that experience with their local community, they began searching for potential locations throughout Riverside. They signed the lease in 2024 and after eight months of transforming what was essentially four walls into their own space, Espumita opened its doors. The interior offers a glimpse of old Havana, including a large print of the cit y ’s colonial architecture, framed photos of Cuban beaches, and a couch converted from a classic car iconic to the island’s culture which provides an ideal photo op. Yvette develops the recipes for their signature coffees and runs the shop’s social media, while both she and Alfred can be found working behind the counter on a daily basis. For the couple, keeping the coffee culturally authentic was important from the beginning, and each cup is brewed by hand rather than using a commercial espresso machine. The name “Espumita” translates to “little foam,” referring to the sweet, frothy layer created by whipping the first dark drops of Cuban coffee

Owners Alfred and Yvette Ramirez

with sugar. The shop builds on the classic recipe with its own creations, including varieties topped with cold foam, while maintaining the distinct flavor and preparation at the heart of Cuban coffee. That same attention to community carries throughout Espumita, with board games and other details intended to make guests feel at home. A growing board of photographs features many of the neighbors, families, and regulars who have become part of the Espumita family since opening. The couple also hosts special events and collaborations as an opportunity to highlight and support other local businesses and vendors. For Alfred and Yvette, family, faith, and love remain the foundation of the business. While they hope to eventually expand Espumita and possibly introduce Cuban cuisine to the menu, their focus remains on sharing a small piece of Cuban culture with the city they love and proudly call home.

Espumita House of Cuban Coffee 9496 Magnolia Ave., Ste 104 (951) 373-8000 espumitacubancoffee.com @espumitariverside

45 so

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Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is dedicated to combating hunger in the Inland Empire. Each month, we distribute more than 3.3 million pounds of food and collaborate with nearly 250 local nonprofit organizations. Our goal is to ensure that every individual in our community has access to nutritious food. We invite you to join us in our fight against hunger!

Give Funds. Consider making a monetary donation where your dollar is most impactful! Every $25 helps to provide up to 100 meals.

Give Food. Food drives make a lasting impact on the lives of those most in need. We also welcome food donations from manufacturers.

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Arts The Riversider | October/November 2026

The Garden Behind the Gate WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD ZACH CORDNER

Riverside has become known for its public art. A mural movement has swept the city, and murals cover walls in some of its most conspicuous places. They greet us as we enter neighborhoods. One covers a crosswalk by the Main Library, at one of the busiest intersections in town. Drive down Lincoln Avenue and you pass the historic block-long dragon at Washington Street. Ken Stansbury was once downtown’s mural king. Only a tiny remnant of his work remains. The movement has spread. Murals now reach Magnolia Center and out to Hole Avenue and Tyler Street. The current mural residency continues the commitment. More impressive, maybe, is that La Sierra University’s Visual Art Center, anchored by the Brandstater Gallery, has kept its mural garden a secret. It sits about as far from downtown as you can get and still be in Riverside. It takes some effort. Call it a pilgrimage. It is a half-hour drive from the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, but it is worth the trip. The university sits in the sunset shadow of the hills on the Riverside-Corona border. The guards at the entrance are always friendly. Tell them you want to go to the Brandstater Gallery, and they will The Riversider Magazine

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

ZACH CORDNER

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

The Riversider Magazine

ZACH CORDNER ZACH CORDNER

help you find the way. It is not easy to find even once you are on campus, so take advantage of the kindness and get directions. Tim Musso, director of the Brandstater Gallery, is the caretaker of this sanctuary, hidden behind a gate, beyond winding roads, up against the mountains in the western hinterland of Riverside. He is a printmaker. His woodcuts coax something light and nimble out of a block of wood, and his first picture book, “Chasing the Sun,” won the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s 2024 Bull-Bransom Award. Until 2016, the Visual Art Center was beige stucco. That year Musso and his friend Torrey Cook, a gallery owner, invited eight women artists from around the country to paint the art and design department’s exterior walls. Velia De Iuliis painted a rabbit bound in the coils of a rattlesnake. “Seeing the mural location for the first time typically evokes a particular inspiration that cannot be accounted for prior to arrival,” she told La Sierra University Magazine while painting it. Martha Rich covered a studio wall in thought bubbles

filled with quotes from La Sierra students. The current suite features local and national artists. Pável Acevedo, the Oaxaca-born printmaker, has become one of the Inland Empire’s bestknown artists. His towering portrait of a woman in a gray dress, on the front wall of the gallery, is among his best work. Elizabeth Jean Younce finished “Two Bit,” a 40-foot mural on the printshop wall, in March 2023. Student Blake Walker covered another building in dots. Addeline Griswold currently displays her whimsical, illustrative style on another wall. “Each year one of the murals gets updated by a new artist, so that there is always something new to see,” Musso said.

La Sierra University’s Brandstater Gallery is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway. It’s open Monday through Thursday from noon – 5pm. For more info please visit: lasierra.edu/centers/ brandstater-gallery/

Meet Your Local Artist

Kimberly Ontiveros

The Riversider Magazine

Presented by Eastside Arthouse Written by Chris Menezes Photos by Juan Navarro

Kimberly Ontiveros

The Color of Belonging In Kimberly Ontiveros’s work, blue carries the weight of shadow. It deepens the night around an escaramuza riding an alebrije, cools the slopes of a smoking volcano and streams through a tearful woman’s hair on a Fender guitar— drawing everyday life, Mexican tradition and myth into one radiant world.

That instinct extends to people and to parts of Kimberly’s identity that took longer to recognize as beautiful. A first-generation American whose parents came from Mexico, she grew up immersed in cartoons and Japanese animation but rarely saw faces that resembled hers. For years, she wondered why she did not look “American.” As she approached high school, she began exploring her Aztec ancestry and confronting the shame that can surround darker skin.

Kimberly’s eye and palette reorder what deserves attention. “I am drawn to those small moments when you Today, as she feels the fear stop and realize, ‘This is and anxiety surrounding beautiful,” she says. In a “I AM DRAWN TO immigrant communities, high school painting that THOSE SMALL Kimberly’s art offers a she and her sister jokingly MOMENTS WHEN counterweight. It places call her “magnum opus,” a YOU STOP AND brown skin, Mexican shopping cart peeks from REALIZE, ‘THIS IS traditions and family stories behind a tree like a shy BEAUTIFUL,” within images of fantasy, animal. “The mundane ceremony and light. beauty of that everyday scene spoke to me,” she says. “I want whatever I’m painting to look beautiful, Blue gives that intention an emotional language. Kimberly avoids black when even if it’s just a shopping cart.” possible, using deep blue to build shadow and depth. “Blue makes me feel calm and serene,” she says. “In a world so chaotic, it’s comforting and peaceful, like a beautiful day or night.” Largely self-taught through library books, Kimberly stepped away from art after high school to work and help support her family. She joined Fender in 2023 and now paints guitar necks. After moving from Corona to Riverside in 2025, she found Eastside Arthouse, where a dedicated space and community drew her back into a more serious practice. When asked about her plans for the future, she says she wants to paint relatives in quinceañera dresses with the formality of old-fashioned portraits

and the fantasy of a storybook princess. “I want people who look like me to feel proud of their skin and their culture and recognize how magical it can feel,” she says.

Connect with Kimberly on Instagram: @k.ontiveros.art

EASTSIDE ARTHOUSE 4177 Park Avenue www.eastsidearthouse.studio @eastsidearthouse

THE GUIDE TO MIDTOWN WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER & JULIAN JOLLIFFE

The Riversider's guide to Midtown features some of our favorites and a sampling of places that capture the spirit of the area. It is not meant to be comprehensive. Midtown is rapidly growing and frequently changing. Take time to explore on your own and support the businesses here, especially the small, locally owned ones. Most of us know it as Magnolia Center, and many longtime residents mean to keep it that way. Midtown is a new designation for the neighborhood's business corridors, including the Brockton Arcade, Sunnyside Drive, Elizabeth Street, and the Riverside Plaza. The rename has met strong resistance, and the argument is not over. Still, Midtown is here. It's on the light poles, on the maps, and on the city's website. Midtown leans into being “not downtown.” Parking is easier, the mix of businesses is wider, and the midcentury character remains. One freeway exit away, Midtown has more traditional grocery options than the city center, including Ralphs, Vons, and Trader Joe's. It also has longtime favorites such as the Sire, the Soup Shoppe and Kraemer's, and newer ones such as Mikey G's coffee, Condron Coffee, and the Outpost. Midtown occupies a special place for Riversiders. It represents the Riverside many people moved into during the suburban sprawl of the 50s and 60s while offering the next generation a neighborhood to make their mark on the city. That balance between history and progress defines Midtown and us as Riversiders.

Elliott's For Pets 6744 Brockton Avenue | @elliottsforpets Elliott's For Pets has served Riverside's best animal pals for more than 40 years. The store is always well-staffed and well-stocked. The convenient location, ample parking, and quick service make it an anchor of the Brockton Arcade.

Condron Coffee 3696 Sunnyside Drive | @condroncoffee Condron is one of the first of the new generation of Midtown businesses. It has thrived in its Sunnyside Drive location since 2020. Stop by here for delicious craft coffee drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that’ll make you want to stay while.

Elizabeth St. Tattoo 3730 Elizabeth Street | @estriverside Owner Brian Foster has run Elizabeth St. Tattoo since 1997, and the shop offers highquality work by some of the best tattoo artists in the Inland Empire. The artists fill their own schedules, and some are booked months in advance. They cover every style from traditional to realistic portraits. If you're looking for a shop in town or have an itch for some ink, stop by, talk to an artist, and make an appointment.

The Riversider Magazine

Dairy Queen 6665 Magnolia Avenue Standing in line at the Dairy Queen on Magnolia Avenue on a warm summer night is quintessential Riverside. Generations of Riversiders gather for a Mr. Misty, a Blizzard, or a classic soft-serve cone. Treat the kids. Treat yourself. Dairy Queen is a true favorite.

Ursie's Apothecary 3730 Nelson Street, Suite A | @ursies_apothecary Ursie's Apothecary is your local smell-good, feel-good supply shop. Ursie Candelario mixes up all-natural, plant-based soaps, lotions, oils, and more in small batches. It's a great local Midtown business and a great place to buy a quick gift.

The Hologram House 6709 Brockton Avenue | @thehologramhouse The Hologram House has had several locations around town, but there's something about the Brockton Arcade that just fits. The midcentury charm of Midtown is the perfect container for its original and restored midcentury pieces. You can get a sofa, a coffee table, or something to hang on the wall. The service is incredible, and there's always something new. Hours are limited, so check before you go or make an appointment.

Backstreet 3735 Nelson Street | @backstreetcafe67 It feels like a hidden gem, but the constant crowd tells you Backstreet is no secret. It has been a Riverside institution since 1967, tucked away on Nelson Street and beloved by generations of regulars. The formula for success at Backstreet is no secret, either. They make a simple sandwich with the highestquality ingredients, served quickly and with a smile. The beautiful garden patio keeps the regulars coming and new customers feeling like they found something special.

Vixen & Beard 6412 Magnolia Avenue | @vixenbeard Vixen & Beard is a family-owned, full-service barbershop. After several years at the Galleria at Tyler, the family moved to Midtown and has created something special in the new space. Along with cuts and trims, Vixen & Beard is the only Pendleton dealer in Riverside and offers a full line of men's clothing, accessories, and grooming supplies.

Shipwreck Barbershop 6708 Magnolia Avenue | @shipwreckbarbershop Jake and the crew at Shipwreck Barbershop will get you looking right. From a traditional trim to punky plumes, they can do it. Jake has built a friends-and-family culture around his shops and sells grooming supplies and merchandise that reinforce what has become a local lifestyle brand.

The Riversider Magazine

Mikey G's 3780 Elizabeth Street | @bigmikeygs Brand-new to Elizabeth Street, Mikey G's is catching on. Its strongest points are a creative beverage menu and the best bagels in town. Free parking close to the shop is also a Midtown benefit downtown can't match.

Pietro's Italian Cuisine 6788 Brockton Avenue | @pietros_italiancuisine Pietro's is the classic Italian restaurant that has served excellent pizza and pasta for decades. The Brockton Arcade staple has one of the best lunch specials in town and dresses up nicely for a family dinner or a date. There's something to be said for a restaurant that looks like the food it serves, and Pietro's looks the old-school Italian American part.

Soup Shoppe 6712 Magnolia Avenue The Soup Shoppe is a classic breakfast and lunch diner in the Brockton Arcade. Homemade soups and fresh-baked goods make its menu even stronger. Where else are you going to get a turkey and gravy lunch in Riverside? The service is great, the menu is incredible, and the regulars are friendly.

Riverside Cookie Shoppe 6737 Brockton Avenue | @riversidecookieshoppe The cookie baker is a noble member of any community. The Riverside Cookie Shoppe has been in the Brockton Arcade a long time, selling cookies one at a time or as many as you need. The selection is always changing, and ordering a few dozen for your holiday party will make you a popular host indeed.

La Bomba Vintage Clothing 6500 Magnolia Avenue | @labombariverside La Bomba is a classic, curated thrift store at Sunnyside Drive and Magnolia Avenue. If you're looking for that perfect party shirt or a leather belt that feels like it's been around a while, you will find it here.

Cellar Door Books 6675 Magnolia Avenue | @cellardoorbookstoreofficial Cellar Door Books has bounced around town the past few years, but its spot next to the Dairy Queen on Magnolia Avenue feels like home. Linda stocks major and independently published books, is happy to help with special orders, and hosts literary and community events. Make sure you say hi to Nya, the shop pup, while you're there.

The Riversider Magazine

La Bodega Wine & Spirits 3512 Central Avenue | @labodega.wine.spirits La Bodega is one of the oldest retail businesses in town. Riversiders have bought their wine, beer and spirits there since 1964. Knowledgeable staff and a top-shelf selection explain the longevity of this Central Avenue institution.

Honorable Mentions Restaurants & Counters

Bars & Nightlife

• A nimal House Fitness 3987 Merrill Ave.

• A ngel Thai Cuisine 6736 Brockton Ave.

• V IP Nightclub & Restaurant 3673 Merrill Ave.

• A lloy Personal Training 6426 Magnolia Ave.

• Nice Guys Halal Burgers 6749 Brockton Ave.

• D evereaux House 3739 Nelson St.

Personal Services

• T he Outpost 3692 Sunnyside Dr.

Shops

• T he Electric Beauty Lab 6681 Magnolia Ave.

• Tacos Tacos y Antojitos 6461 Brockton Ave. • Sire Restaurant 6440 Magnolia Ave. • B arbacoa El Jefe 6490 Magnolia Ave. • Restaurante Yesenia & Vane Las Chapinas, 6539 Magnolia Ave. • Tuxies Juices 6030 Magnolia Ave. • Crust Toast and Sandwich 3678 Central Ave. • Z en Street 3600 Central Ave.

Coffee & Sweets • K raemer's Koffee Bistro 6734 Brockton Ave. • U S Donuts 3720 Sunnyside Dr. • B aker's Dozen Donuts 6100 Magnolia Ave.

• A ssistance League of Riverside Thrift Store, 3707 Sunnyside Dr. • R iverside Bouquet Floris 6732 Magnolia Ave. • West Coast Luxuries 6617 Magnolia Ave. • Charlie's Thrift Shop 6512 Magnolia Ave. • Renaissance Book Shop 3772 Elizabeth St. • F orget Me Not Antiques 3774 Elizabeth St. • G uerrero's Treasures & Collectibles Antique Mall, 6062 Magnolia Ave.

Markets • A K Market 6411 Brockton Ave.

Fitness • T 3 Fitness 6720 Brockton Ave. • T he Refinery Pilates Studio 3674 Sunnyside Dr. • T he ZHU 3987 Merrill Ave.

• Snips Hair Salon 6716 Magnolia Ave. • Pretty Little Parlor 6773 Brockton Ave. • L ucy Nails & Spa 6734 Brockton Ave. • Edgy Nails & Spa 6507 Brockton Ave. • Top Hair & Nails 6141 Magnolia Ave. • T he Barber District 6677 Magnolia Ave. • West Coast Blends 6613 Magnolia Ave. • T imeout Barber Shop 6637 Magnolia Ave. • Robot Atomico Tattoo 6639 Magnolia Ave. • Fade Junkys 6701 Brockton Ave.

THE STRANGE THINGS SPIED IN THE SKIES OVER RIVERSIDE And Why the White House’s UFO Records Releases May Not be Too Surprising FBI Rendering of a reported UFO sighting. Courtesy of MUFON

The Trump administration’s release this year of materials connected with Unidentified Flying Objects—or as they’re more popularly known nowadays, Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP)—covers sightings going back decades, but the federal records so far haven’t mentioned Riverside and its neighbors, where strange objects in the sky have left lasting impressions. In early May, the White House began its “ transparenc y ” mission in the realm of UAP documents, pictures and videos, distributing previously classified materials to the public via war.gov/ufo/. There have been five informational rollouts—May 8 and 22, June 12, July 10 and Aug. 7. Additional releases are expected. The data, originating from multiple agencies, including all branches of the U.S. military and the FBI, depict rapid-motion orbs, hovering lighted craft with unconventional configurations and aerial movements over open spaces that don’t appear to have easy explanations. The federal provisos appended to each video and picture insist that readers “should not interpret any part of this description as reflecting analytical judgment … or factual determination.” In other words, individuals must decide for themselves—a contrast from the “Project Blue Book” era of 194769, when the U.S. Air Force seemed to be routinely skeptical about those bizarre sightings all around the country, including Riverside. One of the wildest otherwordly events locally happened on Oct. 13, 1958, as reported in the San Bernardino Sun. The paper said that shortly after 6pm, numerous people witnessed “a brilliant light that flashed high across … the skies” over March Air Force Base. The Riversider Magazine

WORDS: PAUL JAROD YOUNG

“The bright flash was … variously described as two blocks long” and lasted 20 to 30 seconds, according to the report. No midair collision occurred, and no missile tests had been scheduled that day, baffling March authorities and officials from the Civil Aeronautics Authorit y (precursor to the Federal Aviation Administration).No one ever came up with a conclusive answer for what happened. Less than seven years later—in the summer of 1965—a dramatic cluster of unexplained celestial events grabbed headlines worldwide. For Riverside, as reported by United Press International, the unusual activity began on Aug. 3, when five residents, including a minister, looked into the night sky and spied “a fiery red ball.” “The five said they observed the object for about 15 minutes through high-powered binoculars,” according to the news wire report, carried in the Desert Sun. The Reverend Arthur Brooks was quoted as saying he initially mistook the thing as an airplane, “but there was a bright streak behind it.” “Suddenly, the streak and object came together, changing color from red to amber,” he said. The witnesses watched the UFO rotate below the horizon until it was out of sight. According to UPI, sightings “on four continents” propelled UFO mania that summer. Along with the U.S., objects were seen in “Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, France, Antarctica and Australia,” UPI said at the time. Amid the upsurge, Riversiders, Coachella Valley residents and others throughout Southern California shared in a regionally spellbinding development. On Aug. 10, 1965, a fiery object was

spotted on an eastbound course that began at the seashore near Los Angeles, traversed the skies over Riverside and ended in the desert. The Desert Sun interviewed one witness, Jean Steiner of Palm Springs, who said the UFO “streaked a long tail and headed straight across the sky.” Because of the way it faded from view, there were suggestions it might have been a meteorite or disintegrating satellite. But no one could ever say with absolute certainty. A year later, on the evening of Aug. 27, 1966, in the area of what is now Riverside’s Hunter Park, as well as the northern edge of March AFB, two separate UFO sightings were reported around the same time. According to the San Bernardino Sun, in the first case, witnesses said a “white glowing disc hovered” over a particular spot briefly, then moved over Highgrove toward San Bernardino before disappearing from view. That same evening, the Riverside County Sheriff ’s Department received a report of an “object that resembled a star split up, then come together again” just north of March. Air Force officials told the newspaper at the time they had not been alerted to a UFO sighting and didn’t plan to investigate the sheriff’s report. Sightings continued throughout the Inland Empire in the 1960s, with perhaps the most jarring event in Redlands on Feb. 4, 1968, which has been well documented and is beyond the scope of this article. The impacts and effects of UFO encounters prompted UC Riverside physicist Frederick Cummings to convene a nine-lecture series at UCR Extension that ran for several months, beginning on April 3, 1968. Area newspapers announced the series, titled “Fact & Fantasy in Space,” which featured

speakers from NASA, the defense industry and at least one other university. Later that year, eminent astronomers Dr. Carl Sagan of Cornell University and Dr. J. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University testified before Congress, with Sagan saying it was not implausible that some of the billions of stars in our Milky Way galaxy may be inhabited, and Hynek declaring his belief there was “pay dirt in the UFO phenomenon.” While the inland region remained a locus of UFO activity in the 1970s, the one standout event in Riverside was on March 22, 1977. The sighting

occurred between 3 and 4am in the area around Alessandro Boulevard and what is now Interstate 215, separating Riverside and Moreno Valley. The Desert Sun chronicled what happened, saying t wo sherif f ’s deputies, Jim Evans and Bob Boytor, were sitting in their patrol unit when they noticed “a cigar with a light on each end.” March securit y of f icers, California Highway Patrol officers and, later, a deputy in Palm Desert spotted the same UFO, which ended up being one of a half-dozen seen throughout Southern California—the highest concentration around

Long Beach and Los Angeles—that morning, according to the report. Sightings continued in the ensuing years, and it’s difficult to know how much of past reported UFO ac tivit y may have been a byproduc t or consequence of military operations around March, as well as then-active Norton and George Air Force bases nearby. (It ’s also important to note the 1960s and 70s were heady times for the American space program. Not only were there moon shots, but frequent missions involving space probes, including Mariner, Pioneer, Viking and Voyager. JULIAN JOLLIFFE

Not a UFO, but a common sight in Riverside's sky are the rocket launches from Vandenberg AFB.

" It was the evening of March 17, 2012, just northwest of March Air Reserve Base. Three people reported “strange white lights,” possibly up to 35 and orb-like in shape, hovering above a tree line."

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

The Riversider Magazine

San Bernardino Sun, Volume 65, October 15, 1958.

ZACH CORDNER

The latter carried a greeting to prospective galactic recipients from then-President Jimmy Carter, who himself had reported seeing a UFO while governor of Georgia.) Some sightings have tied in with explainable events, such as missile launches from Vandenberg AFB, drifting weather balloons, Venus at peak illumination, or conjunctions of Mars and Jupiter. And there were hoaxes. The Mutual UFO Network tries to decipher between the most and least credible reports. MUFON has maintained a digital archive going back to August 2001, and the Riverside County tally—to August of this year—is 858 sightings. Southern California MUFON Director Mike Riso looked at some of the more impressive incidents

over the last 25 years, and for the Riverside area, it was the evening of March 17, 2012, just northwest of March Air Reserve Base. Three people reported “strange white lights,” possibly up to 35 and orblike in shape, hovering above a tree line. “The lights drifted over the trees and out of sight,” Riso told The Riversider. “The episode lasted less than a minute. The lights made no sound.” Even space “experts” admit there’s far more out there than we Earth-bound mortals may ever realize. In his book The Cosmic Connection, Sagan wrote there could be intelligent life on numerous planets in the Milky Way, where he said the Blue Planet sits on the rim—“in the galactic boondocks.” Some of the more advanced civilizations may be

so far “beyond our present capabilities [on Earth] as to be indistinguishable from magic.” Perhaps the acceptance of that, or the conditioning from decades of alleged happenings (crop circles, alien abductions, flying saucers) demonstrates why the White House’s release of UAP files hasn’t really shaken the public. May b e t he mos t r i vet ing de clas si f ie d material—or event—is yet to come.

Paul Jarod Young is a veteran SoCal journalist, licensed commercial pilot and author of the book 7 Down: Air Losses & Lesson Across The Inland Empire.

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Dining: Midtown The Riversider | October/November 2026

The Granddaddy of Riverside’s Watering Holes How The Sire Bar & Grill has been serving up good times since 1955 WORDS: PHILIP FALCONE PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

The Riversider Magazine

In midcentury Riverside, towering roadside neon signs lighting the way to kitschy themed hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars were the norm. The De Anza Theater, Farmhouse Motel, Skylark Motel, D’Elia’s Grinders, George’s Drive-In, Duke’s Bar & Grill, and perhaps the longest consecutively lighted neon beacon—The Sire Bar & Grill’s iconic golden horseshoe. The Sire Bar & Grill is believed to be Riverside's longest-running bar and restaurant, having been serving up good times since 1955. There is likely no place that is more down-home Riverside than this local legend of an establishment, although this author is biased having patronized The Sire hundreds of times—sometimes more than four times a week—since stepping across its threshold into its dark, well-loved interior and smokey patio in January 2021. But what’s so great about this hole-in-thewall establishment on Magnolia Avenue between Sunnyside and Beatty Drives? Let’s go back to the beginning. Harvey Mandel was the mastermind behind The Sire and central to shaping its identity and

Sire Club Sandwich

long-term character. Beyond his role as a restaurateur a n d b a r o w n e r, M a n d e l h a d i n t e r e s t s i n entertainment and horse racing. His involvement with racehorses ultimately became the inspiration for The Sire's distinctive horse-racing theme. A “sire” is a male parent of a horse. Throughout his life, Mandel owned racehorses, and this personal connection to the sport became deeply embedded in the establishment's atmosphere. Historical accounts and newspaper advertisements from the late 1950s describe the interior as featuring photographs of famous horses and jockeys, while Mandel's own horses were also represented in the restaurant's menu through the naming of specialty cocktails and dishes. T he eques trian imager y and décor adorned the wood-paneled walls, stone fireplace and bar, and complimented the red Naugahyde booth seating and roller chairs—much of which remain today. The horse racing identity extended beyond the interior décor. Opening day advertisements identified the monumental horseshoe neon sign as the work of multiple local companies including Riverside Neon Sign Co. The continued presence of the sign and the business's longstanding visual identity connect the establishment to an era when

dis tinc ti ve roadside signage played an important role in defining local commercial corridors. The Sire’s opening coincided with the midcentury commercial boom of the Magnolia Center neighborhood, having opened just months before—and footsteps away from—the Riverside Plaza. A s Riversiders fled downtown for Magnolia Center in that era, The Sire benef it ted from the bustling activity in the area. A s the decades galloped on, Mandel remained the owner for over fifty years. “Satellite” Sires were born in Sire East and Sire III—on University Avenue and across Riverside. Despite changes in shopping and dining habits of patrons, The Sire remained a recognizable and longstanding fixture of the Magnolia Center neighborhood—from the Riverside Plaza being open-aired, to becoming a closed interior mall, to be open-aired again, and with the renaissance of Downtown Riverside drawing patrons back to the city’s historic core. A m o n g i t s b e s t- k n o w n t ra di t i o n s are “Wednesday Taco Night,” which became a recurring part of the establishment's identity and attracted weekly patrons. Since every other restaurant did “Taco Tuesday,” this Wednesday tradition did not have to compete with all the others vying for the Taco Tuesday trophy. For longtime patrons, these recurring traditions helped create a sense of continuity. They also contributed to The Sire's reputation as a place where generations of Riversiders could return and recognize familiar customs and experiences. Their heavy pours and tall “Sire shots” make this a great spot for a night out in the 21-yearsand-older age ranges. A robust food menu provides great pairings with your adult beverage—options for everyone from shrimp cocktail to salmon, to

North Atlantic Salmon

club sandwiches and pork chops. And the signature meatloaf on Tuesday night feels like a step back in time to an episode of The Brady Bunch! (Are Alice and Mrs. Brady in The Sire’s kitchen?) Perhaps the most important aspect of The Sire's historical significance is its role as a community gathering place. The establishment has historically occupied a unique position in Riverside's social landscape, bringing together people from different professions, generations, and backgrounds in a familiar and informal setting. Patrons might encounter everyone from construction workers, to teachers, to city councilmembers all dining alongside each other. For many longtime residents, The Sire represents a connection to earlier periods of Riverside history. Its continued operation has allowed the business to serve multiple generations of families, longtime residents, and newcomers while maintaining these beloved traditions. To showcase how much Riverside loves The Sire, in 2022, in partnership with Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson’s Beautify Riverside initiative, a giant horseshoe and jockey mural was painted on the exterior of the restaurant by local artist Juan Navarro. For more than seven decades, The Sire Bar & Grill has remained one of Riverside's most distinc tive and recognizable neighborhood establishments. Harvey Mandel's vision in 1955 marked the beginning of an era that would define its identity through horse racing, community traditions, and decades of continuous operation. Today, its significance extends beyond its role as a restaurant or bar. The Sire represents a surviving piece of Riverside's midcentury history, a longstanding gathering place for generations of residents, and an institution whose stories are closely intertwined with the broader history of Riverside and its people.

The Sire Bar & Grill 6440 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-7473 @sirebarandgrill

60 Miles East The Riversider | October/November 2026

Thunderclap: Six Months WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER & JULIAN JOLLIFFE

October marks six months of Thunderclap, our monthly music event held at Brüe Crüe. Embarc and Sixty Miles East have put together something unlike anything in the area. August brought the first live musician to the Thunderclap stage. Veteran ska songster, Chris Murray, brought his good vibes and had the crowd dancing and singing along to a great mix of his own music and popular ska and reggae covers. Murray stays busy playing some of the biggest ska festivals across the country and abroad, and to see him in a venue this size was truly special. In September, our friends at Mucho Gusto took over Brüe Crüe. Patacore, a Colombian band booked at the Mucho Gusto festival, had the Thunderclap regulars and plenty of new friends dancing on Sterling Avenue. The pulsating drums and shimmering marimba left the crowd wanting more. October’s Thunderclap may be our most exciting night so far. Former Debonaires frontman Tony Green and Malik Moore of the Los Angeles ska band Mobtown, will bring their new project, The Trojanites to the Thunderclap stage on October 15. The band plays traditional rocksteady rhythms and tight vocal harmonies, with an all-star roster drawn from some of the best-known reggae and ska bands, including The Untouchables and The Aggrolites. If you show up, a strict “no wallflowers” rule will be enforced, though I’m pretty sure getting the crowd moving won’t be an issue.

Sixty Miles East is proud of what we have accomplished since the Sixty Miles East exhibition closed at the Riverside Art Museum this spring. We expect our ability to bring quality entertainment to all of Riverside to grow. More events are in the works. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop @sixtymileseast

Santo G

Chris Murray The Riversider Magazine

Patacoré

Brüe Crüe 11626 Sterling Ave STE G (951) 299-8860 bruecrue.com @bruecrueinc

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Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider | October/November 2026

AMERICAN (NEW) Batter Rebellion

1393 University Ave (951) 901-9357

Bushfire Kitchen

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 92 (951) 534-0697

ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen 3597 Main St (951) 222-2110

The Rustik Fork Eatery

1355 E Alessandro Blvd Ste 101 (951) 656-3555

The State

3800 Main St (951) 728-3330

Yard House

3775 Tyler St (951) 688-9273

BAKERIES/DONUTS American Donuts 3355 Iowa Ave (951) 329-3238

Baguette Bakery & Café 767 W Blaine St B (951) 788-5300

Baker’s Dozen Donuts 6100 Magnolia Ave (951) 369-0198

Better-Be Donuts Café 1015 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 653-0166

Cakebox

3557 Main St A (951) 660-4179

Casey’s Cupcakes

3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 328-6908

Chela’s Panadería 4022 Park Ave (951) 680-9983

Christy’s Donuts 8151 Arlington Ave (951) 977-8166

Wonderland Bake Shop 3569 Main St (951) 452-6271

Delicias del Horno Bakery 3969 Chicago Ave (951) 456-9448

Donut Cravings

7132 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8324

Donut Tyme

5225 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 788-5043 The Riversider Magazine

Donut Queen

5501 Mission Blvd (951) 369-8797

Dunkin’ Donuts

18641 Van Buren Blvd (951) 384-2882

Dunkin’ Donuts 4922 La Sierra Ave (951) 777-8377

Freshh Donuts 781 W Blaine St (951) 682-5648

P.S. I Crepe You

6095 Magnolia Ave (951) 742-5167

Isabella’s Cupcakes & More 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #28 (951) 782-9200

Linda’s Donuts 3950 Pierce St (951) 351-8288

Lindmair Bakery 9230 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-2131

Lola’s Bakery

4026 Chicago Ave (951) 683-1219

Miss Donuts & Bagel 3962 University Ave (951) 787-0193

Mochi Lion

Riverside Cookie Shoppe

Sire Restaurant

Buenos Dias Cafe

6440 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-7473

2790 14th St (951) 405-8031

Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro

BARS/LOUNGES

Crest Cafe

6737 Brockton Ave (951) 686-6374

3639 Main St (951) 369-6030

Star Donut

5145 Jurupa Ave #H (951) 530-8006

Steve’s Donuts

7201 Arlington Ave Ste C (951) 323-7153

Uncle Chuang’s Bakery 3740 Iowa Ave #109 (951) 275-8800

Urban Dripp

3750 University Ave #175 (951) 742-5949

US Donuts

4786 La Sierra Ave (951) 352-1893 3720 Sunnyside Dr (951) 823-0797

Winchell’s Donut House 1705 University Ave (951) 682-8834

Woodcrest Donuts

19510 Van Buren Blvd Ste F7 (951) 653-5054

Yvette’s Bakery 6729 Indiana Ave (951) 742-5541

Yum Yum Donuts 3247 Arlington Ave (951) 683-5489

1242 University Ave (951) 534-0756

BAR & GRILLS

Mr. Blue’s Donuts

Art’s Bar & Grill

19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 123 (951) 780-3188

Mr. Baker

10466 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-8932

Nothing Bundt Cakes

3357 University Ave (951) 683-9520

Duke’s Bar & Grill 3221 Iowa Ave (951) 248-1143

Events Sports Grill

3639 Riverside Plaza Dr #502 (951) 787-1885

10560 Magnolia Ave #A (951) 352-2693

Ochoa’s Mexican Bakery

Fire Up Grill

10330 Arlington Ave #3 (951) 359-8128

3750 University Ave (951) 289-9071

Ortiz Bakery

Flat Top Bar & Grill

421 Iowa Ave #A (951) 787-9138

Pepe’s Panaderia

17960 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0114

Joe’s Bar & Grill

3511 Madison St (951) 353-8801

10909 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-3931

Rainbow Donuts

Law’s Restaurant

3758 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-7889

9640 Indiana Ave (951) 354-7021

Randy's Donuts

Shooters Sports & Grill

3519 Van Buren Blvd (951) 588-5678

10226 Indiana Ave (951) 785-9588

Dapper Dine & Lounge 3203 Mission Inn Ave (951) 620-0004

Downtown Experiment 3601 University Ave (951) 355-2606

Lake Alice Trading Co 3616 University Ave (951) 686-7343

Locals Public House 285 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 780-1800

Mezcal Ultra Lounge 3737 Main St Ste 100 (951) 333-8558

The Brickwood 3653 Main St (951) 352-2739

The Menagerie

3581 University Ave (951) 788-8000

The Presidential Lounge 3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 784-0300

VIP Nightclub & Restaurant 3673 Merrill Ave (951) 784-2370

W. Wolfskill

4281 Main St (951) 374-1176

BBQ Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 314 (951) 683-9700

Gram’s BBQ

3527 Main St (951) 782-8219

Mongolian BBQ

1242 University Ave STE 7 (951) 686-0702

Smoke & Fire Social Eatery 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #9 (909) 542-9054

Spirit of Texas BBQ

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 40 (951) 784-2233

Flabob Airport Cafe 4130 Mennes Ave (951) 213-6030

Flo’s Farmhouse Cafe 5620 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-2690

Joanna’s Cafe

17950 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8843

Kountry Folks

3653 La Sierra Ave (951) 354-0437

Soup Shoppe

6712 Magnolia Ave (951) 781-4710

The Riverside Airport Cafe 6951 Flight Rd (951) 688-3337

Riviera Family Restaurant 5633 Mission Blvd (951) 274-9509

Rodeo Cafe

17136 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0388

BREWERIES/TAP ROOMS All Points Brewing Co. 2023 Chicago Ave Unit B8 (951) 213-6258

Brüe Crüe

11626 Sterling Ave, STE G (951) 299-8860

Carbon Nation Brewing 9860 Indiana Ave, Unit 19

Hangar 24

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Unit 58 (951) 213-4777

Packinghouse Brewing Company 6421 Central Ave Ste 101-A (951) 333-9261

Route 30 Brewing Company

3965 Market St (951) 462-1117

9860 Indiana Ave Ste 19 (951) 776-7083

BREAKFAST DINERS & CAFES

Thompson Brewing

Amy’s

9900 Indiana Ave (951) 289-7533

10635 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-0296

BURGERS

Brandon’s Diner

2221 Main St (909) 884-5233

10246 Indiana Ave Ste A (951) 359-3617

Brandon’s Diner 9646 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-2782

Baker’s Drive Thru

Baker’s Drive Thru 6686 Indiana Ave (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 1300 Blaine St (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 10225 Magnolia Ave (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 5396 Mission Blvd (909) 884-5233

Boys Burgers

10737 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-1294

Chris’ Burgers 407 Iowa Ave (951) 781-8542

Dairy Queen

8610 California Ave, Suite 101 (951) 343-4075

Farmer Boys

3400 University Ave (951) 680-0900

Farmer Boys

2901 Iowa Ave (951) 782-9003

Farmer Boys

3303 Madison St (951) 351-9700

George’s Drive-In 9910 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-2471

Johnny’s Burgers 4825 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-1000

Johnny’s Burgers 3394 Madison St (951) 687-3599

Mission Burgers 4606 Pine St (951) 682-7272

MGM Burgers 1691 Main St (951) 276-1744

Nikko’s Burgers

9295 Magnolia Ave STE 112 (951) 352-7290

Original Tommy’s

Zorba’s Restaurant 450 Iowa Ave (951) 686-5830

Zorba’s Express

CHINESE

COFFEE/TEA/JUICE

Kung Fu Tea

European Intl Market &Deli

Canton Chinese Food

7 Leaves Cafe

Kraemer’s Coffee Bistro

M & M Deli

Lift Coffee Roasters

My Hero Subs

2060 Chicago Ave Ste A10 (951) 742-7413

355 Iowa Ave A (951) 784-7370

Molinos Coffee

RiverCrust Deli

1756 University Ave (951) 684-6126

Changan Kitchen 1299 University Ave (951) 213-6790

Chen Ling Palace 9856 Magnolia Ave (951) 351-8511

Chinatown

10935 Magnolia Ave (951) 785-6197

Greedy Cat

1400 University Ave Ste 108 (909) 655-7235

HK BBQ House

3740 Iowa Ave #102 (951) 777-1368

Ho Choy’s

10352 Arlington Ave (951) 785-1188

Ho Ho

3511 Madison St (951) 637-2411

Hong Kong Express 1490 University Ave (951) 686-2223

Jade China

2712 Canyon Springs Pkwy (951) 653-9200

LOC Chinese Kitchen

1223 University Ave, Ste 130 (951) 204-1521

Little Beijing Chinese Fast Food 5800 Van Buren Blvd (951) 509-1188

Lucky Wok

5980 Van Buren Blvd (951) 358-9203

R Burgers

5225 Canyon Crest Dr #64 (951) 683-1073

Star Burgers

7207 Arlington Ave (951) 689-5050

2093 University Ave (951) 683-7380

D’Elia’s Grinders

1299 Galleria at Tyler

3605 Market St

D’Elia’s Grinders

19040 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0224

Master Gan

Smash Papas

191 W Big Springs Rd (951) 682-2667

JUJUBAR

R Burgers

1223 University Ave, Ste 150 (951) 213-1760

Goodwin’s Organics Cafe

5050 Arlington Ave #101 (951) 343-7888

2995 Van Buren Blvd (951) 688-2888

Urban Skillet

4069 Chicago Ave, Ste 100 (951) 584-3645

Wok In Kitchen

770 University Ave (951) 787-0094

7504 Mission Grove Pkwy S (951) 780-4201

1666 University Ave (951) 784-4350

Red Chilli Noodle Star

Monark Asian Bistro

Mr. China Express

8451 Colorado Ave #8301 (951) 687-8967

Mr. You

19530 Van Buren Blvd G7 (951) 653-1740

Peking Restaurant 11170 Magnolia Ave (951) 687-4822

1201 University Ave Ste 101 (951) 530-8666

Arcade Downtown 3870 Main Street (951) 266-6839

Arcade Coffee Roasters 3672 Chicago Ave Ste A (951) 266-6839

Arcade Coffee Roasters

5225 Canyon Crest Dr. Ste 17A (951) 266-6839

3678 Central Ave Ste 102 (951) 254-9609 6734 Brockton Ave (951) 686-4400

3660 Mission Inn Ave (951) 276-7147

Mundial Coffee

9009 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-3354 7120 Indiana Ave G (951) 274-9100

1960 Chicago Ave #D1 (951) 684-6861

6235 River Crest Dr Ste F (951) 656-8145

Subs & Spuds

Back to the Grind

1725 Spruce St (951) 777-1225

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste #83a (951) 369-1491

Nekter Juice Bar

Tummy Stuffer

Boba Fiend Tea House

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 7B (951) 224-9842

1159 Iowa Ave O (951) 369-1266

R&B Tea

The Upper Crust Sandwich Shoppe

3575 University Ave (951) 784-0800 3375 Iowa Ave (951) 823-0700

Bobaloca

19009 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8646

Bolcupop

3605 Market Street (951) 595-4513

The California Lounge 3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 784-0300

Cafe Oro Dos Aztecas 3521 Main St (657) 933-1685

Coffeecito House 3882 12th St (951) 405-4599

Condron Coffee

3696 Sunnyside Dr (951) 880-3354

Copper Goat Coffee 3563 Main St (951) 744-4364

Crave Coffee & Tea 3590 Central Ave (951) 289-9436

Daily Brew Coffee House 2955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-7477

Ding Tea

1575 University Ave Ste E (951) 429-9706

Earth Cafe

10051 Magnolia Ave, Ste B4 (951) 406-1001

Flavor Theory

11090 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-9698

1889 University Ave Unit 105 (951) 462-4142

Sharetea

3573 Main St (951) 784-3149

10920 Magnolia Ave Ste 103 (951) 406-5165

ETHIOPIAN

TRA Boba & Snack

Sekela Ethiopian Restaurant

3740 Iowa Ave Ste 103 (951) 530-8536

Tastea

11130 Magnolia Ave Unit C (951) 588-8138

Tim Boba

1450 University Ave Ste N (951) 462-1929

Toasted

6160 Arlington Ave Ste C9 (951) 977-9847

Twee Coffee

9344 Magnolia Ave (951) 335-0599

Krak Boba

3907 Chicago Ave Ste B (951) 742-5341

DELI/SANDWICHES Backstreet Restaurant 3735 Nelson St (951) 683-6650

Butch’s Grinders 4602 Pine St (951) 781-8511

Cheba Hut

12702 Magnolia Ave UNIT 22 (951) 407-1021

FILIPINO Sarap Social

1393 University Ave, Ste 109 (657) 272-1186

Nanay Gloria

10959 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-8831

FRENCH Le Chat Noir

3790 9th St (951) 786-9266

GERMAN European International Market & Deli 7120 Indiana Ave G (951) 274-9100

HAWAIIAN Kaua Hawaiian BBQ 10949 Magnolia Ave (951) 624-3900

Ohana Cravings

3505 Market Street Ste 101 (951) 777-1117

3740 Iowa Ave, Ste 104 (951) 742-5555

Diane’s Deli

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

2900 Adams St #B1 (951) 689-2900

3531 Madison St (951) 351-0888

Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider | October/November 2026

Bricks & Birch

3605 Market Street #5 (951) 500-7776

10555 Indiana Ave (951) 688-1188

Papa Joe’s Pizza

Oishii Sushi

Bricks & Birch

Pietro’s Italian Cuisine

Ooka Sushi & Hibachi Steak House

1393 University Ave

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr #324 (951) 328-1988

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

2721 Canyon Springs Pkwy #101 (951) 656-6188

Park Ave Polynesian Restaurant 4038 Park Ave (951) 344-1090

ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT Afters Ice Cream 1201 University Ave

Baskin-Robbins

7024 Magnolia Ave (951) 682-3131

Benedetto Gelato

1393 University Ave, #112 (951) 213-6984

Canyon Crest Ice Cream & Water 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #27 (951) 675-7385

Cherry On Top

3560 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 213-6018

Cherry On Top

19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 125 (951) 780-0800

Cold Stone Creamery 9867 Magnolia Ave Ste C (951) 637-0920

Dairy Queen

8610 California Ave, Ste 101 (951) 343-4075

Dairy Queen

6665 Magnolia Ave (951) 684-6280

Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights 10347 Magnolia Ave (951) 352-4903

Handel's Ice Cream 5225 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 742-5013

La Michoacana

Yogurtland

1242 University Ave Ste A (951) 683-1950

Yogurtland

3510 Tyler St #104 (951) 772-0229

INDIAN Azaad Indian Cuisine

4290 Riverwalk Pkwy, Ste 306 (951) 299-8307

Bombay Stores 1385 W Blaine St (951) 788-3042

Cali Tardka

9212 Sunridge Drive (951) 376-0566

Gandhi Indian Cuisine

1355 E Alessandro Blvd #205 (951) 653-4147

India Sweets & Groceries 779 W Blaine St (951) 784-7400

Mantra Indian Cuisine 10359 Magnolia Ave (951) 417-4539

Namaste Indian Kitchen 6061 Magnolia Ave (951) 275-5316

Punjab Palace Cuisine of India

1766 University Ave (951) 686-9968

ITALIAN/PIZZA Aloha Pizza & Pasta 755 W Blaine St (951) 788-8830

Antone’s Italian Food 4125 Sunnyside Dr (951) 682-5900

Antonio Pizza

195 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 776-1888

Antonious Pizza Cafe 3737 Main St (951) 682-9100

Bella’s Pizza

3961 Chicago Ave 951) 248-9142

5196 Arlington Ave (951) 351-3131

Mixies Ice Cream & Cookies

Blaze Pizza

3605 Market St (951) 595-4520

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 789-3212

Toi Moi Italian Ice & Juice Shop

Blaze Pizza

10181 Hole Ave (951) 343-4146

The Riversider Magazine

10920 Magnolia Ave Suite 107 (951) 474-5855

Capone’s Pizza

7207 Arlington Ave F (951) 689-3520

Dave’s New York Style Pizza

1490 University Ave #102 (951) 787-9900

DeMatteo’s Pizza 7030 Magnolia Ave (951) 682-6198

Dematteo’s Woodcrest

18590 Van Buren Boulevard (951) 429-7317

D’Caesaro Pizza & Italian 6160 Arlington Avenue C4 (951) 687-0777

Enzo’s Pizza

10170 Indiana Ave (951) 351-2375

Farfalla’s Cucina Italiana 5250 Arlington Ave (951) 354-5100

Dough Bros

5300 Arlington Ave (951) 977-9090

Dough Bros

1889 University Ave #108 (951) 781-3838

Fiesta Pizza

6110 Van Buren Blvd (951) 353-8007

Mamma Mia Restaurant and Bar 10971 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-5555

Marcello’s Pizza & Pasta 783 W Blaine St (951) 781-9996

Marcello’s Pizza & Pasta 6519 Clay St A (951) 681-9797

Mario’s Place

3646 Mission Inn Avenue (951) 684-7755

MOD Pizza

3444 Arlington Ave (951) 374-5255

New York Pizza Co 3570 Van Buren Blvd (951) 688-4000

The Old Spaghetti Factory 3191 Mission Inn Avenue (951) 784-4417

Papa Joe’s Pizza

5115 Jurupa Ave B3 (951) 680-9090

6788 Brockton Ave (951) 784-1310

The Pizza Place

18955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-5588

Romano’s Chicago Pizzeria 285 Alessandro Blvd (951) 780-7399

SF Hole In The Wall Pizza 1725 Spruce Street (951) 215-4444

Scratch Pizza

4950 La Sierra Ave #8 (951) 359-2023

Tower Pizza

3375 Iowa Ave (951) 518-4300

Tommy Salami's

17040 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-6000

The Outpost

3692 Sunnyside Dr

Slasher Pizza

1201 University Ave #116 (951) 823-0630

Viano’s Restaurant 16810 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-3000

JAPANESE/POKE RAMEN/SUSHI AhiPoki

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr STE 310 (951) 530-8255

Amagi Sushi

19510 Van Buren Blvd Unit F6 (951) 656-8144

Dada Kitchen

1393 University Ave STE 113 (951) 213-6253

Fuego Hibachi 3750 Main St (951) 742-5039

Ichi Sushi & K-Food 9555 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-1929

Kotsu Ramen & Gyoza 3522 Madison St Ste 101 (951) 299-8889

The Lowkey Poke Joint 11860 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-7699

Momo Sushi

9844 Magnolia Ave (951) 999-9123

Ohana Sushi

195 Alessandro Blvd Ste 8A (951) 789-0443

6133 Magnolia Ave (951) 784-2550

3525 Riverside Plaza Dr #200 (951) 779-0099

Poke Bistro

3375 Iowa Ave Ste K (951) 394-8580

Ramen Okawari

3740 Iowa Ave #104 (951) 680-9411

Rohey’s Wok & Grill

4294 Riverwalk Pkwy (951) 359-5272

Saku Ramen 3643 Main St (951) 742-5849

Shabu Garden

11120 Magnolia Ave (951) 373-4727

Silverlake Ramen 3775 Tyler St (951) 934-9160

Soho Ramen Riverside 3605 Market St (951) 595-4528

Sushi Asahi

2955 Van Buren Blvd Suite #D2 (951) 637-1313

Sushi Ok

5228 Arlington Ave (951) 689-8054

Sushi Okoku

10380 Magnolia Ave (951) 343-2225

Sushi R91

1630 Spruce St (951) 682-1323

Sushi Station

19029 Van Buren Blvd #115 (951) 789-0068

Sushi Times

1400 University Ave Ste A101 (951) 777-1037

Sushingon

6060 Magnolia Ave (951) 224-9590

Taiyos Sushi & Poki 11120 Magnolia Ave (951) 343-1112

Teriyaki Plus

7120 Indiana Ave (951) 788-8337

Tomo 7 Sushi

5519 Van Buren Blvd (951) 343-5991

Top Grill

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 94 (951) 530-8668

Zen Street

3600 Central Ave #1 (951) 683-3648

KOREAN bb.q Chicken 3770 9th St (951) 534-0254

Chimak House

11120 Magnolia Ave, Unit A (951) 343-1120

Manna Grill

Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar 10773 Hole Ave (951) 352-0240

Antojitos Mexicanos La Ribera 4773 Tyler St Ste 2d (951) 353-1852

Armando’s Mexican Food 4294 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 200 (951) 343-5896

Ay Mi Pa

1201 University Ave #110B (951) 530-8033

3775 Tyler St #1B (951) 729-6174

Koreana Grill

Azteca Market

10051 Magnolia Ave Ste A1 (951) 688-9000

Ok Tofu House

10560 Magnolia Ave, Ste D (951) 509-0808

Saet Byul Asian Market 9555 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-5652

Wang Cho Korean BBQ 3639 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 788-8889

MEDITERRANEAN Elias Pita

1490 University Ave Ste 103 (951) 686-6800

Fufu’s Mideast Grill 3605 Market Street (951) 595-4527

Georgie's Mediterranean 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 57 (951) 823-0440

Greek Street Grill

3312 La Sierra Ave Ste 103 (951) 352-0801

The Halal Guys

1201 University Ave, Ste 102 (951) 742-7656

Kabob House

10901 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-9711

Lucky Greek

3887 Merrill Ave (951) 686-2621

Mandi Express

3940 University Ave (951) 777-1043

Panini Kabob Grill 1298 Galleria at Tyler (951) 352-6318

Sam’s Pita & Kabab 9799 Magnolia Ave (951) 376-1269

MEXICAN Ahumadas Mexican Grill 7614 Evans St (951) 368-4583

5125 Jurupa Ave A2 (951) 530-8791

Blue Burro

1201 University Ave Ste 109B (951) 742-5353

Birrieria Little Tijuana

12702 Magnolia Ave Unit 25 (951) 268-6895

Birrieria Xolos

9696 Magnolia Ave (951) 376-1226

El Trigo

4155 Park Ave (951) 787-6937

Fire Up Bar & Grill

Mezcal Cantina Y Cocina

Tacos Y Más

Fish Taco Xtreme

Miches De La Baja

Fuego 360 Rotisserie Chicken

Mi Lindo Apatzingan

3750 University Ave (951) 289-9071

16960 Van Buren Blvd Ste D (951) 800-9061

3866 La Sierra Ave (951) 456-3705

Green Taco

3812 Pierce St (951) 353-2272

Habanero Mexican Grill 2472 University Ave (951) 224-9145

Ixtapa

4093 University Ave (951) 777-1132

Juan Pollo

6751 Indiana Ave (951) 786-0996

Castañeda’s Mexican Food 1450 P University Ave (951) 786-0996

Chilitos Mexican Grill 3847 S Pierce St Ste F (951) 509-1002

Cielito Lindo

10277 Arlington Ave (951) 352-3214

El Chapala Seafood Restaurant 8201 Arlington Ave (951) 359-7560

El Fogon Mexican Grill 765 Blaine St (951) 782-8959

El Habanero

6160 Arlington Ave (951) 343-5868

El Ojo De Agua

2115 University Ave (951) 779-6293

El Patron

3204 Mission Inn Ave (951) 777-1131

El Torito

3639 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 526 (951) 684-6816

1393 University Ave (951) 266-6295

Tacos La Piedad

Casa Mota

Castaneda’s Mexican Food

The Taco Stand

Mariscos El Camaron Loco

3635 University Ave (951) 999-4323

Cactus Cantina

8151 Arlington Ave (951) 352-7383

17028 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-2034

Estrella Taqueria Lounge

Joe Aguilar’s Templo Del Sol

151 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 789-0211

Maria’s Mexican Kitchen

1365 University Ave (951) 682-6562 6055 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-3513

Mariposas

1690 Spruce St (951) 742-5761

La Bufadora Baja Grill

497 E Alessandro Blvd Ste B (951) 776-2881

La Bufadora Baja Grill 5650-52 Van Buren Blvd (951) 687-7237

La Cruda Mariscos 6733 Indiana Ave (951) 777-0862

Las Campanas

3649 Mission Inn Ave (888) 326-4448

Las Nuevas Islas 4920 Jackson St (951) 772-0020

Los Cabos Tacos

11840 Magnolia Ave (951) 352-2653

Los Fredo’s Mexican Food 9111 Magnolia Ave (951) 525-3411

Los Novillos Market 2650 Main St (951) 530-8893

M Taco

4111 Main St (951) 784-7135

3340 Mary St (951) 682-3882

3737 Main St Ste 100 (951) 888-2240

1242 University Ave Ste 5 (951) 742-5633 9948 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-0908

Morena's Mexican Cuisine 3457 Arlington Ave Ste 106 (951) 266-6333

3522 Madison St Ste 104 (951) 578-0892 10203 Hole Ave (951) 687-1344

Taqueria Azteca

5959 Arlington Ave Ste E (951) 509-3670

Taqueria 2 Potrillos 10088 Magnolia Ave (951) 588-8772

Taqueria Tomateros 9164 Magnolia Ave (909) 257-1545

Mr. Taco

The Tamale Factory

Mr. Taco

Tijuana’s Tacos

Olivia’s Mexican Restaurant

Tina’s Mexican Food

2435 Main St (951) 682-4020 18590 Van Buren Blvd (951) 776-9900

9447 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-2131

Palenque

3737 Main St (951) 888-2240

Pepitos Mexican Restaurant

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 42 (951) 783-9444

Ramiro’s Cocina 9418 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-6146

Ranchito Tacos Al Carbon 2995 Van Buren Blvd Ste A1 (951) 359-8646

Rancho La Perla

3700 Van Buren Blvd Ste 109 (951) 688-8682

Rico’s Tacos El Primo

1788 University Ave Ste 102 (951) 782-9610

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill 3848 La Sierra Ave (951) 687-2280

El GoGo's Taco Shop

19530 Van Buren Blvd Ste G6 (951) 656-0304

3663 Main St (951) 342-3023

8151 Arlington Ave (951) 343-7777 2421 University Ave (951) 686-1524

Tio’s Mexican Food

19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 124 (951) 780-7776

Tio’s Tacos

3948 Mission Inn Ave (951) 788-0230

Tony’s Mexican Food 3870 Chicago Ave (951) 788-4410

Tony’s Mexican Grill 9670 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-6141

Tuxies Juices

6030 Magnolia Ave Ste 3 (951) 781-1048

Yeye's Kitchen

18181 Van Buren Blvd, Ste 103 (951) 398-7075

Yoli’s Mexican Grill 3225 Market St (951) 801-7104

Zacatecas Cafe 3767 Iowa Ave (951) 683-3939

PAKISTANI

Señor Baja

Al-Karam Pakistani Cuisine

Sushingon

Mirchi Restaurant

6033 Magnolia Ave (951) 369-5720 6060 Magnolia Ave (951) 224-9590

Taco Station

4088 Mission Inn Ave (951) 782-8226

3457 Arlington Ave Ste 101 (951) 742-5610 1385 W Blaine St (951) 400-2825

Bar & Restaurant Guide SEAFOOD

STEAKHOUSES

California Fish Grill

Steakhouse at Mission Inn

10920 Magnolia Ave Suite 101 (951) 405-6880

Market Broiler 3525 Merrill Ave (951) 276-9007

Pier 76 Fish Grill

3555 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 108 (951) 341-9297

Rockstar Shrimp 767 W Blaine St (951) 530-8620

Shrimp Shack Cajun Fusion

3605 Market St, Ste 9 (951) 742-5558

Seafood & Crawfish 10173 Magnolia Ave (951) 359-5999

Star Crab

10051 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-9440

3649 Mission Inn Ave (888) 326-4448

Flat Top Bar & Grill

17960 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0114

Riverside Thai Kitchen 7755 California Ave (951) 729-6675

Royal Orchid Restaurant

9791 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-6100

TK Thai Cuisine

THAI

11860 Magnolia Ave Ste T (951) 509-3701

Angel Thai Cuisine

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

6736 Brockton Ave (951) 788-1995

Best Thai Cuisine 1735 Spruce St F (951) 682-4251

Gra Pow

497 E Alessandro Blvd #D (951) 780-1132

Monark Asian Bistro

5225 Canyon Crest Dr #64 (951) 683-1073

Chaam Eatery

2955 Van Buren Blvd #F1 (951) 359-1331

Blue Bowl Superfoods 1393 University Ave Ste 108

Goodwin’s Organic 91 W Big Springs Rd (951) 682-2667

La Sierra Natural Foods 11550 Pierce St (951) 785-2563

Oasis Vegetarian Café

1201 University Ave Ste #115 (951) 213-6233

VIETNAMESE/PHO 5 Stars Pho Restaurant

4950 La Sierra Ave (951) 772-0700

Pho 81

Pho Anh Hot Pot & Crayfish

231 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 215-0585

Pho DJ

5180 Arlington Ave (951) 354-2799

Pho Ha

10185 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-8918

2995 Van Buren Blvd Ste A13 (951) 977-8869

Pho Ha #7

Phở 99

Pho Star Bowl

Pho Anh

Phở Vinam Restaurant

4557 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-2671 5646 Van Buren Blvd (951) 977-9889

Pho Anh Hot Pot & Crayfish

WINE BARS/WINERIES The Brickwood 3653 Main St (951) 352-2739

Canyon Crest Winery 301 E Alessandro Blvd #3A (951) 369-9463

Mario’s Place

3646 Mission Inn Ave (951) 684-7755

1820 University Ave #101 (951) 680-0790 10051 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-8130

1201 University Ave #107 (951) 784-4290

10271 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-6668

11550 Pierce St (951) 688-5423

Baba's Hot Chicken Beer Farm

Fred's Red Tacos Smash Papas

ZACH CORDNER

Can’t find our latest issue? Grab one at The Food Lab! Riverside Food Lab 3605 Market St.

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Veg & Go

Brass Monkey Social

Mixies Ice Cream & Cookies

Bricks & Birch

Shrimp Shack Cajun Fusion

Fufu’s GreenShack Maki Sushi & Cocktails

SoHo Ramen Tasa

ENDORSED BY FIREFIGHTERS, TEACHERS, AND NURSES

CLARISSA CERVANTES

TAKING ACTION AND DELIVERING RESULTS FOR US I’m running for Assembly because we need leaders who will put the Inland Empire first. I’ve stood up to Trump’s attacks on California and fought to lower costs, protect our neighborhoods, and deliver real results. Now, I’m ready to take on the special interests in Sacramento and put people first. — Clarissa Cervantes

Clarissa will take on corporate special interests and data centers.

Clarissa is working to expand affordable housing and make childcare more affordable.

Clarissa voted to strengthen wages and support the creation of goodpaying local jobs.

VOTE

CLARISSA CERVANTES FOR ASSEMBLY BY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 ClarissaCervantes.com

Ad paid for by Clarissa Cervantes for Assembly 2026 FPPC ID #1478397

@CervantesForAssembly

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Postcards from Yesterday The Riversider | October/November 2026

Rouse's Department Store, 1895

The Riversider Magazine

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

UCR Culver Center of the Arts, 2026

ATTENTION RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES’ CUSTOMERS

Embrace the spirit of giving this season, it’s the perfect time to support our community. By donating to RPU’s SHARE Program Fund, you can help provide vital utility bill assistance to households in need and help local families stay connected to essential services. Together, we can brighten the season for our neighbors.

HERE ARE THREE SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN HELP: Make a

1 One-Time Donation

Opt to round up the cents on your utility bill each month

Set Up a Recurring Donation added to your monthly bill automatically

RiversidePublicUtilities.com/Assistance (951) 782-0330

For those facing challenges with their utility bills, monthly assistance is available for electric, water, and trash services, with support offered for up to 12 months for incomequalified households.

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