Back To The Grind

3575 University Ave, Riverside
(951) 784-0800

Recent Reviews

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Venny

Been coming here for 15 years. Love it

Joseph Caddell

This place has a vibe that is hard to match, a vibe and aesthetic that truly inspires. Classic for writers and artist. The owners got it right, and I'm glad they've been open for so long. The crowd is generally chill, and friendly if interaction takes place.

The atmosphere doesn't take all the heavy lifting. The food and drink options tie a nice bow around the perfectly wrapped gift. Sandwiches are made to order, and the pastries taste fresh and satisfying. I don't know if they're homemade or outsourced, either way, they chose quality.

The two primary men there always seem to be hustling. Treat them with human kindness, and they'll take care of you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lucy Blanks

I LOVE COMING HERE!! I frequent this place all the time for their low-price brunch, dessert, and milkshakes! I recommend this place to my friends often whenever we're around downtown. The music and events are a treat to see. Great place to study too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Leonard Serrano

1st time here. Got an afternoon sip and paint for my wife and I. Good food and drinks. Great Vibes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Marceline

Back to the Grind has always been my go to spot for a safe, welcoming, study spot with good food & drinks!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ja De

Good drinks, very friendly service, and cool historical building.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Alexis Steele

Love it here!

Rehan Alam

Awesome place. Great atmosphere, food, coffee and service. I was very surprised to find this. So glad I did.

Natalie Chavarria

Such a neat place, coffee was good and so was the food. Its a cool place to study or hangout and there is plenty of room.

Briana Lester

Im new to the area and I was excited to come , I got a coffee somewhere else but it was overpriced and so I decided to come here instead especially because it looked like a warm place to kick it . I ordered food and found a great spot took out my bible and journal and immediately the bar tender came over and said I had to throw my coffeee away or he had to pack up the food I ordered and I had to go because of strict license. I felt so embarrassed and unwelcome as other people were also around and I couldn’t even eat on the patio. I could have left the coffee in the car but the way I was thrown out didn’t feel like that was an option. I thought maybe I missed a sign and so I looked around the entrance and no sign. So strict I couldn’t bring my coffee in but not strict enough to put a sign outside . And to top it off … my coffee cup looked just like the establishment . So with the label peeled off , what was the harm if I stayed . The cups were exactly the same .

Jenni Ceja

Great vibe, yummy coffee, and fun music!

B Miramon

I recently visited and had an experience that left me quite taken aback. As soon as I walked in, I was met with an unexpected and unwelcome greeting from a staff member who seemed to have a chip on his shoulder.

Upon entering, I was holding a small box of leftovers from a nearby restaurant—my last bit of lunch that I was planning on taking home. Instead of a warm welcome or even a simple "hello," the barista, who had scruffy facial hair, immediately yelled at me about my food. His tone was aggressive and accusatory, as if I had committed a grave offense by bringing a small to-go box into the cafe.

I was taken aback by his reaction and quickly clarified that I had no intention of eating the food inside the box. However, he seemed incredulous and demanded that I promise not to eat it if I was to be permitted to place an order TO GO; I had not planned on drinking the coffee in the cafe.

This level of suspicion towards a customer is not only unnecessary but also incredibly off-putting and offensive. What kind of establishment treats potential patrons this way?

Feeling unwelcome and disrespected, I made the decision to leave immediately. It’s disheartening to think that a place meant for relaxation and enjoyment could be so uninviting. Customer service is crucial in the hospitality industry, and this encounter was a glaring example of how not to treat guests.

My experience at The Grind was far from pleasant. The rude behavior of the staff member not only ruined my visit but also left me questioning whether this coffee shop values its customers at all. I sincerely hope management addresses this issue, as no one should have to endure such treatment when simply trying to enjoy a cup of coffee TO GO.

Nick Robertson

Good vibes! The dive bar of coffee shops. Jazz on Friday nights is a good time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hector Becerra

Reforma night 10/26/24

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jeffrey

Took a little time to get the drinks, and I had some grounds in my coffee, but that happens sometimes. Staff was super friendly, and it was all and all a very cool coffee shop to visit. I highly recommend, I would love to check out one of the show they seem to have something going on every day of the week.

Vegetarian options: Cheese cake, cookies, alternative milk options, and more

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, they have ramps for wheelchair access.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

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