Estrella Taqueria Lounge

3635 University Ave, Riverside
(951) 999-4323

Recent Reviews

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Nicole

Awesome vibe for date night. I didn't expect the food to be so good. The ribeye tacos are amazing! We also got the camarones de ... and my husband had three crunchy tacos with rice and beans. We went on Valentines and the drinks were great too!

A.C.1218

Smelly place, there’s some type of funk, like a recent roach bombing. Dj mixes were awful and playing at the same time as a live band with opposite music genres. The food was ok, not good though. The water head an odd taste, rubber-like or chemical. Tables and seats were dirty and wobbly given the uneven floor, had to step on base the entire time so the drinks would not spill when the table teetered.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Rick Romero

Ordered chilaquiles. Both the eggs and chilaquiles were cold. I ate them cause it took a while to get my order. There 25 in our party and only 1 server assigned. 🤷🏾‍♂️🙅🏿‍♂️

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Gabriel

Food at this restaurant was really good. Only downside is that it was really loud as if it was nightclub hours at 11 in the morning blasting hip-hop at a Mexican establishment restaurant thought it would've been more settled for the morning with elder family service is good however food took quite a bit to come out and getting assistance at our table took quite a bit as well, but that was only due to large parties being there that morning

Leah E.

The service was good but slow. As far as the food goes I would give it 1 star. Extremely bland and I could only eat 2 bites of my shredded beef taco. There were 3 with the plate. Isn't this a taco place?? Anyway I'll never come back. And i hope they get the message from people that actually know what food should taste like. This is a cash grab

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 4

Christopher Gallaway

So update...
Since first walking up on an amazing bad on a Tuesday...i have stopped in on every 21st since and a few times to grub....NEVER has my belly been npt so darn happy and the beer is ALWAYS finger tingling cold.
I noticed that they also listentened to others commwnts about noise during afternoons...respect for that but i myself Love the Volume at the right times.
I have been familiar with this place but it had been a different name and i needed to . I worked on the building for folks i Love so I have stopped in. This stop was my first time since it changed from the eye of the water. It was on the night my service pup passed and man i got what i was needed that night. Real respectful...they were jamming and having a great time. The beer was cold the atmosphere was electric and it helped my soul. Respect for what they turned it into. I had so wished I could have gotten Senorita Mariposa to be played..next time.been 9 times now

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Gisell Gomez

We were a party of 8:
The place is cool
Service was 5/10 they took forever at 11:30 am but the food and drink were delicious…vibes 8/10 on a regular day no live music

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Priscilla Palomo

The vibe & drinks are amazing, ask for the strawberry martini, highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Victory ED Services

The food was satisfactory, the service fell short of expectations (I ordered a mocktail and received an alcoholic beverage, although it tasted like a mocktail. The waiter insisted it contained liquor, but I only found out when I received the bill and saw it was a real cocktail). The ambiance was pleasant. Would I return? Most likely not.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Heather

Waitress was very nice, food was good. DJ was crazy loud for only a couple of tables had to yell to hear. It is brunch not a night club. Would not go back. 😕

Lee

We had a wonderful New Year's evening at Estrella! Thank you for helping us ring in 2026 in style!!!

Reyna Elizabeth Fonseca

If you just want to get drunk and sing without able to listening to your voice or your friends, then this is the place. Food was insipid, the adobada pollo tacos tasted like they just sauté the chicken in tomato’s sauce, not worth $9 for two, with the tortilla falling apart before you take the bite. Street vendors’ tacos are better on Arlington and Van Buren. Wings were not cooked to perfection and very little fries. McDonald’s happy meal has more fries than that. Music so loud that is going to hurt your ear drums, so just heads up. The place is nice but gives wanna be Narco vibes with buchones and buchonas all over. Server was alright even though he got our order wrong. I don’t recommend this place unless Buchón is your style.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

K Cristal Bonilla

Estrella Taqueria and Bar in Downtown Riverside is such a great spot if you’re looking for really good Mexican food in a fun, welcoming setting. From the moment you walk in, the environment stands out—it’s vibrant, charming, and absolutely perfect for taking pictures. The décor has a warm, modern feel while still honoring traditional Mexican style, making it a great place to enjoy a meal and soak in the atmosphere.
The food was excellent. I ordered the chilaquiles plate, and it did not disappoint at all. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Everything tasted fresh, and the portion size was just right—filling without being overwhelming. It’s one of those dishes you keep thinking about after you leave.
I also had the café de la olla, and it was really delicious. It had that perfect blend of warmth, spice, and sweetness that makes it so comforting. It paired beautifully with the meal and felt like an authentic touch that elevated the entire experience.
Another thing I really appreciated was the pricing. For the quality of food, the presentation, and the overall experience, the prices are very fair. It’s refreshing to find a downtown restaurant that delivers great food and atmosphere without feeling overpriced.
Overall, Estrella Taqueria and Bar is a wonderful addition to Downtown Riverside. Great food, a cute and photo-worthy environment, and fair pricing make it a place I’d happily return to and recommend to others. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, coffee, or a casual meal, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bonnie Gonzalez

The workers are friendly and attentive. The music is great and the food is scrumptious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stephanie Alvidres

Food was delicious, had the shrimp enchiladas, shrimp were huge. Plate wise smaller portions which is fine. Hubby had the tacos, crispy and tasty. Oyster shots, very bland not much flavor, need different sauces because those don’t go well together. Also shouldn’t charge customers an unexpected service fee for entertainment when it was only holiday music playing and no entertainment live. We ate on the patio, beautiful Christmas atmosphere and walking distance to see mission inn lights!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Taco Trio

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