Arcade Downtown

Delicious drinks and great atmosphere. Would recommend the Dulcelia smoothie…read more Great views of mission Inn too.

So if you get a large ceremonial matcha with cold foam, expect to pay $14.00 each. Two matchas with…read morecold foam? $28... The coffee shop itself is perfect for downtown Riverside--very fitting with the vibe and style. The lady working was very friendly. However, the menu is extremely busy, and you practically need a key to understand what's what or even how to order. Once we ordered, I noticed the ceremonial matcha is made with a handheld electric frother, and the cold foams are premade in jars and simply added on top (not made fresh). When we received our matchas, let's just say it tasted exactly like it looked: mostly milk with very little matcha flavor, topped with subpar cold foam. This is by far the most expensive, worst-tasting matcha I've ever had. I can usually find a way to justify things or give a place some grace, but this was beyond help.

Blueberry muffin so good

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Back to the Grind

3.7(764 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$

Back to the Grind is one of those Riverside spots that actually has personality. Good vibes, good…read morefood, great service, and classic music that somehow makes you feel cooler than you really are. What I liked most is that they kept the nostalgic feel of the 1920s building instead of turning it into another place that looks like it was designed by the same person who decorates every new apartment complex in California. The old-school character is still there, and it works. It's laid-back, comfortable, and just a good place to grab some food or coffee and hang out for a while. Basically, if the 1920s had Wi-Fi and better coffee, this is probably what it would feel like.

The ambiance is absolutely amazing. Lots of seating, coaches, standing tables and more. they have…read moreweekly events so if you want a quiet place to study, watch out (open mic nights etc). Our orders were made fast, the service we received was not subpar or bad, I am unsure why there's a lot of negative reviews. The only con is having to pay for parking in the area unless you park further in the free zones. We ordered the croissants and I will say, they are on the smaller side but they are also priced reasonably. Overall we really enjoyed it and will be back.

Inside

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Tonight's entertainment

Buenos Dias Cafe

4.1(268 reviews)

0.8 mi

The corn tamale was delicious,the matcha was very good i know the milk looks like alot but the…read morematcha is very pure so it mixes well with the milk. Service was okay ,it's hot i get it we won't have the best attuide in the heat. Ambiance was very laid back and a great place to catch up w friends etc. I got to witness a fight in the parking lot lol.

I found this place a few weeks ago and was impressed with coffee and the loaded breakfast burrito…read more I came back again today hoping that they could duplicate the quality and quantity of both. They did. Ordered the loaded burrito with sausage and bacon. It was in fact loaded. There was not a single bite that did not have sausage, bacon, crispy potato, cheese, avocado, AND sour cream. Wrapped all nice and pretty like a burrito present. You literally cannot go wrong with this breakfast burrito. The salsas are good. Green has a little kick to it in spice and tanginess. Red is really mild, almost like a pico. Ordered the Morenita with 2 added shots of espresso (yes, I'm a caffeine addict, lol!). It was delicious, the espresso was rich and flavorful. I have a feeling that every time I come here in the future, my order will stay exactly the same. Keep in mind, the food is made fresh to order, so you can wait for a minute especially if there is a few people already enjoying this place. The inside is a nice little set up, but I always enjoy sitting outside. Highly recommend this place.

Absolutely love the murals

Buenos Dias Cafe - They also have a cute little section to buy from. I bought some shot glasses & a heart mug. Pricing on those are pretty reasonable as well.

They also have a cute little section to buy from. I bought some shot glasses & a heart mug. Pricing on those are pretty reasonable as well.

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Dulce de leche latte

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee

4.8(422 reviews)

2.2 mi

The iced Qamaria latte was delicious! The espresso itself was super smooth, and the…read morecardamom-cinnamon syrup added just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. The baristas were friendly, and overall, it seemed like everyone there was genuinely enjoying themselves. I also appreciated that it didn't feel like a rushed environment. Everyone was able to take their time, relax, and enjoy their drinks. Definitely a great spot to sit and hang out for a while.

Beautiful ambience, kind and quick service, delicious coffee! I got the pistachio latte, which I…read morewas expecting to only have a pistachio syrup/milk; I was pleasantly surprised to taste a delicious pistachio spread at the bottom of the coffee. It was so silky, nutty, and sweet. The actual roast was amazing, too. My only qualm is the steep price point. This place definitely is somewhere where I'd go to treat myself rather than as a daily coffee. It was ~$9 (an extra dollar for oat milk substitute, which honestly still bothers me that so many coffee places do that haha). HOWEVER...the price definitely represents the level of quality and care in the product. I will definitely be back. I look forward to trying a pastry next!

Pistachio Latte

Outdoor seating!

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Inside Seating Area

Mundial Coffee

4.5(423 reviews)

1.6 mi

•$

One of my fav cafes for the drinks and that says a lot! I'd like to think I've been to a handful…read moregreat cafes, and the drinks here are delicious. I had the mango sticky rice matcha and loveeddd it. Be sure to mix your drinks well!! My friend had the lemonade and others had more of their regular menu. As far as I'm aware, we loved the drinks Just wish there was better seating like outdoor seating! There was no more seating so we ended up leaving after we got our drinks. If I am passing by, I will come back for more delicious refreshments

LGBTQ flag displayed out front was enough to earn 5 stars! I did order a Wildflower Honey iced…read morelatte that was perfectly balanced between the taste of the coffee and the syrup. I'm not a huge fan of super sweet things though. The place has an extremely peaceful vibe going on. There are lots of plants! The service was spectacular. They asked if I wanted the garnish on top and gave recommendations on other drinks. It was a mix of flora that some might find bitter but I felt they were little magical strips of added happiness. Great place!

Banana Nut Loaf

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Spanish Latte

Lift Coffee Roasters

4.2(891 reviews)

1.7 mi

Excellent coffee spot with delicious drinks! I tried their seasonal mango sticky rice matcha and…read morefell in love!! The service here is top notch with the friendliest employees who make this cafe so welcoming! This is a popular study cafe with plenty of seats, outlets, WiFi, and a clean bathroom although the lighting is pretty dim! Overall, I highly recommend checking this place out!!

I hate when a coffee shop I love engages in shady business practices by not posting their prices on…read moretheir menu. Please be transparent with your customers! You are such a good coffee shop with reasonable prices considering the consistent quality of your drinks and yet you're shady. Only the pastry items are posted for some reason but none of the drink items or other food items have prices posted next to them. Should I ask the barista what the price of every item on the menu is and write it down on the menu myself? If the line is long and you want to know how much an item is you can't! You will just have to go in line and waste your time if you don't get the item after all. In what world is that normal or reasonable. I hate it here. (capitalism not the ambiance of the coffee shop, it really is quite lovely) Also different rant on the drink I ordered today. IF YOU OFFER A CINNAMON ROLL LATTE THEN D O N ' T MAKE THE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING AN EXTRA CHARGE. Have you ever seen a cinnamon roll in the wild being priced that way? Whoever came up with that you're wicked and evil. I hope you never have a good cinnamon roll ever again, unless!* your heart suddenly grows three sizes and you take it all back and post your prices like a normal business and don't price things stupid. BTW You could have literally done a snickerdoodle cookie latte and then you don't have to charge someone for a creamy topper that should be included in the price of the drink. Yk if you wanted to maintain the cinnamon essence of the drink.

Inside seating

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Inside mural

Copper Goat Coffee

4.6(150 reviews)

0.2 mi

This was our first time here, and we had a great experience! It's right in the heart of downtown…read moreRiverside. Parking wasn't too bad, and it was an easy walk from the parking lot or nearby side streets. To get inside, you walk through a cute little plaza with other shops and restaurants, which makes the location feel a little tucked away. Once we got inside, the baristas were super welcoming and took the time to walk us through the shop before we ordered. I really appreciated how they explained the way they carefully source and roast their coffee beans to bring out the best flavors. We ordered a shaken espresso and a vanilla latte, and both were fantastic! The espresso was incredibly smooth, and neither drink was overly sweet, so you could actually taste the espresso instead of it being covered up by syrup. There was also plenty of seating, which was a nice plus. Overall, great coffee, friendly service, and a really nice atmosphere!

It's a pretty nice and relax coffee shop…read more... Once you enter, it's a pretty relaxed vibe... nice place to have coffee and some pastries.... The staff is nice and I saw probably the owner helping out... and a cute doggie to boot. I got their reco of maple boutbon vanilla cinnamon latte.... the cinnamon didnt overpower it... pretty nice since i did lower the sweetness a bit and also chose oatmilk... Very nice. In anycase, would definitely be back here

Ordering counter

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Cafe de fleur

4.7(12 reviews)

0.5 mi

The menu is small. They do serve tasty food and coffee. Their dining area is small but cute…read more Service is great.

I love my ham sandwich with pesto . And my vanilla latte! Service is great!…read more Love the ambiance ! Great to hangout after long hard work, very relaxing!

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The Cafe

Condron Coffee

4.0(449 reviews)

2.2 mi

Me and my boyfriend been hunting alll over Riverside and Fontana for the best ice coffees. I would…read morehave to say this is the best in Riverside so far! The service was amazing and the coffee was amazing.

Loved the coffee and service I received! The barista (Tamia) was so friendly and recommended me the…read moredrink below, I get it every time I come here now :) Highly recommend!!

Iced Vanilla Latte

Unfriendly staff at this location.

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Beignet Spot

4.3(674 reviews)

0.1 mi

The beignets were delicious! In fact, all the food was delicious, the customer service was great…read more Everyone was very friendly and nice. They answered questions and helped with recommendations. This place is a cute casual spot with tasty bites and good customer service it's welcoming, and I appreciated what they had to offer.

Legit 5 star beignet spot! The beignets are freshly made…read moreand taste amazing, they had great texture. We did have to shake off some of the powdered sugar but not a big deal. We also got the chicken and fries to try, it was also very good. Service was super friendly, and attentive. We felt welcomed and taken cared of. The restaurant was super clean and had lots of seating.

Beignet Combo Scrambled eggs , andouille sausage , grits ,beignets.

B spot loaded fries Fries, cheese , house slaw , pickles , jerk aioli, house sauce .

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Banana foster beignets Our 6 beignets topped with homemade banana foster whipped cream and Nilla wafers crumble.

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12 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Kenny T.

117

219

2 years ago

I decided to stop by here before checking out the Festival of Lights in Downtown Riverside, and I'm surprised with the experience. I believe the drink I ordered was seasonal or limited. It was the ambrosia matcha with oat milk. Honestly, I didn't have high expectations going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. The matcha itself was decent, not too bold or standout, but what really blew me away was the cherry flavor. I never imagined cherry could pair so well with matcha, but they nailed it! The drink starts with a subtle matcha taste, followed by a refreshing hint of cherry that's light and not overpowering. It's a unique and super-refreshing combo. The interior is spacious and modern, with clean wood and white walls complemented by plants, giving it a cozy and study-friendly vibe. It's definitely a great spot to hang out or get some work done. The staff were incredibly kind, even though I came in just minutes before closing. They remained patient, friendly, and accommodating, and even let me wait a little after closing to finish preparing my drink. Their customer service was top-notch. I'll definitely be back to try more drinks next time I'm in DTR! read more

Messy P.

2 years ago

I recently visited this cafe and tried the steak, eggs, and potato breakfast. The steak was perfectly cooked, bursting with savory flavor, and the potatoes were incredibly crispy, just how I like them. I also had their unique take on French toast. The fluffy bread paired with a touch of jam and cream made for a delightful and refreshing twist. The atmosphere was relaxing and inviting. The open space allowed me to see the coffee being made and the chefs cooking, which added a special touch to the experience. They also had plants throughout the restaurant, which added to the ambiance, but I did notice that some of them could use a little watering. Other than that, it was an excellent experience. Highly recommend trying this place out! read more

Victoria G.

Elite 26

121

6 months ago

Arcade Coffee in Riverside has quickly become one of my favorite spots. I've tried several of their holiday drinks, and every single one has been delicious--flavorful, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Their pastries are also really good and pair perfectly with a coffee or seasonal drink. The space itself is clean, modern, and has a really trendy, inviting vibe. It's the kind of place you actually want to sit and stay awhile, whether you're catching up with someone or just enjoying some time to yourself. Every visit has been consistently great--nothing has ever disappointed. Overall, Arcade Coffee is a solid go-to in Riverside if you want good drinks, good pastries, and a nice atmosphere. read more

Tbd N.

105

109

3 years ago

While the food was truly delicious, the overall experience was slightly dampened by the restaurant's limitations. The space is quite small and didn't seem equipped to handle larger parties comfortably. Additionally, during our visit a week ago, we encountered a hostess with a rather unfriendly demeanor. She was making snide remarks to those waiting for tables and even requesting some to stand outside on a cold day. The vibe she created wasn't the best, but luckily our waitress was an absolute gem - incredibly friendly and attentive. Her excellent service really helped redeem the experience. read more

Tamra N.

3 years ago

A very well designed cafe with the best matcha latte I've had in a while! The staff were so friendly and conversational. I like my prosciutto and burrata tartine. If you eat meat and cheese-go for it, you won't regret it! My girlfriend enjoyed her veggie sandwich as well. This is my go to recommendation for anyone looking to discover great brunch in Riverside. read more

Will R.

4 years ago

Awesome food. Awesome coffee. Love coming here for breakfast on the weekends with the wife and kids. Always a good experience.

Abby P.

2 years ago

Bring back the spring pea grilled cheese!!! I try to recreate it all the time but something about it just isnt the same!!!

Toya R.

3 years ago

Fun upbeat place for family or friends to hang out n have fun. Great food variety and good cudtomer service throughout.

marilyn c.

2 years ago

While on my jury duty long break, I stopped by this place and didn't regret. This was tasty . It had which made it

Maggie T.

479

4 years ago

incredibly homophobic and racist place. was openly homophobic towards me and my partner there.

Mehwish E.

2 years ago

Can't get over matcha latte I love quality of their food, and service is always on point read more

Devin L.

123

3 years ago

Great time whenever we go. I would definitely recommend going if you're ever in the area.

Arcade Downtown - cafes - Updated October 2026

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Toasted

4.5

(609 reviews)

First time here with a buddy of mine and my initial impressions were this: line was kinda crazy for…read morea weekday. The space inside is cute and has a relaxed ambiance and I appreciate being able to see the food prepped. That said it is very crowded and can't accommodate large parties/ number of people. After waiting in a semi-long line for about like 20/25 mins--we truly expected the service to be okay. Were well prepared or wait 20+ mins again which was a bummer except-- they shocked us! They had our food and coffee items out in under 5 mins I want to say. Me and my friend both loved what we bought. Would definitely recommend

Great find. Highly recommend. It was busy!!!! The line was long and the cashier was real busy but…read morealways politely gave customers an apology and did her best not to keep people waiting. Chai Latte I would give a 4 stars out of a 5 star. We all got breakfast sandwiches that were good. The sourdough bread deserves a 5/5 but the ingredients to the sandwich is like what you would get any other place but rest assured they bake their own bacon and use fresh eggs out of the shell. So that's as authentic you can get. We would go back and check other items on the menu. Recommend this new find ya'll.

The Notebook Cafe

3.8

(91 reviews)

The Notebook Cafe is such a cute little gem! I stopped by with my bestie and we both loved it. I…read moreordered the Butterscotch Latte and she got the Pistachio Latte... both were absolutely delicious! The atmosphere is cozy, cute, and inviting, making it the perfect spot to grab a coffee, catch up with your bestie, or just relax for a bit. I love discovering local coffee shops with their own unique vibe, and The Notebook Cafe definitely did not disappoint! Definitely adding this one to my favorites. Can't wait to come back and try more from their menu!

Yes yes yes Riverside has really stepped up their coffee…read moregame in the last few years and The Notebook Cafe is an excellent addition! I am honestly shocked to see some of the negative reviews here! Drink- I got their Brown Sugar shaken espresso and I thought it was delicious! Pricey @ $8.40 for 16oz (I think), but a good balance of coffee flavor to sweet. Because of the price point, I probably won't be back often... it will definitely be a special treat situation, and I do have to say it's probably at least a dollar more than a lot of of the other shops around town but it was really really freaking good! Service - the barista who rang me up was super nice, and after receiving my beverage, my toddler asked if she could have a "coffee". We went back up to the register so I can order her a milk and they were so nice, they gave it to me on the house for her in a short little cup and even cut the straw short enough for her to be able to use. I really appreciate little things like that! Ambiance - I think they for sure have the best ambience out of all the coffee shops in town! I kind of hate the minimalist, sterile, light wood/all white/potted plants vibe so many coffee shops seem to go for and the ambiance here is COZY and moody, I love it! If I could decorate my house the way they decorated the shop, I hands-down would. I love the touch of the old books they have displayed as well. It is a little small inside but they had probably 4-5 tables out front as well. We arrived probably around 9 AM, or shortly before that on a Sunday morning and we were able to walk right up and order and find a seat easily but by the time we left, maybe 30-45 minutes later, there was a line out the door so I would recommend getting there early on the weekend.

Daily Brew Coffee House Bakery & Roastery

(917 reviews)

•$

I consumed EIGHT Daily Brew Coffee House scones in 2.5 days…read more Iced or hot, a large, black Daily Brew Eye Opener is good workout fuel. Service great. Ambiance great. If I ever find myself in CM Punk press scrum-like situation, I'll be sure to shout this place out. https://youtu.be/Xx3tlW0e3Pk?si=bL--cB7hTAHCNMnT https://youtu.be/Ex4ln1MQcNM?si=mnp4-T45oV4mkZOG

This is my favorite coffee shop in Riverside. I've gone here for over a decade and it's about time…read moreI write a review. Their coffee, tea, and baked goods are fantastic, but the main reason I love this place is because it's very cozy and the perfect place to read, study, catch up with a friend, or go on a date. They have a special, themed menu that changes every month. There is almost always seating available. They have a small book exchange, often sell local art, have cute merch, and just opened up a bakery right next door with extra seating. I'm kind of a snobbish third-wave coffee person and although this place isn't trying to be that way, it still is my favorite spot because of the overall vibe, how genuinely kind and down to earth the baristas are, and how comfortable it is. A lot of coffee shops are so brightly lit and trying to be hipster still in 2026, but this place is just kind of homey and the classic cozy coffee shop we all want to go to. So if you're a hardcore coffee connoisseur and are looking for the highest quality coffee, this might not be your spot. If you're looking for something with yummy drinks and baked goods with a chill environment you'll be very comfortable in, this is 100% your spot.

Cafe Oro Dos Aztecas

(103 reviews)

Today was my first time visiting Cafe Oro Dos Aztecas, and I really enjoyed it! We ordered a…read moreSpanish latte and a matcha, and both were really good. The food was delicious as well. We waited about 15 minutes for our food, which I thought was completely reasonable. I also loved the atmosphere. They have a photo booth inside, so of course we had to take some cute pictures! They were playing music, and there's also some really cool artwork throughout the cafe that you can actually purchase, which makes the place feel unique and creative. Overall, it's a great little spot to grab coffee, enjoy some food, take pictures, and hang out. Definitely a place I'd come back to

I kept seeing Cafe Oro Dos Aztecas recommended to me online, so obviously I had to come over and…read morecheck it out for myself! I really liked how cute and on theme everything was decorated inside, very aesthetic! I ended up ordering the Oro de Mexico, while my friend got the Mazapan Latte. It was also really cool to see that they had a photo booth inside the coffee shop, so obviously we had to go in and take some pics! It definitely added to the vibe and made our experience even more enjoyable :)

Luxuriant Coffee

(132 reviews)

Came to Luxuriant Coffee for the first time & could say I am bound impressed. The service was great…read moreand the place inside looks lovely. Would definitely recommend trying out this spot !

Great coffee really nice place! People are so sweet as well. The banana cream pie latte is the…read morebest coffee part of their seasonal menu but the carrot cake latte was so good as well! Great coffee!

Mikey G's

(93 reviews)

Hands down, most down of earth coffee shop I ever been to in Riverside…read more You can tell the owner is committed not just serving customers but, going out and promoting his business. I also been following them on TikTok and the love for coffee and making people their day. We cannot please everyone but, they make it happen! It definitely makes you wanna go back. Don't get me started on the bagels. The gochujang mayo hits the spot on the breakfast sandwiches. The coffee shop it self is inviting definitely great for hanging out or studying. The coffee is flavorful, I got the basic latte with vanilla and my cousin got the pumpkin latte. Definitely worth trying! You guys have my support!

The service was very good and was actual genuine people instead of people you can see are just…read moreworking like machines. They seem calm and collected, with making sure there is precision in their work. I hope that makes sense. It feels very much like a space where everything is calm and slows down while you enjoy your coffee. It is very clean too, I love a place where people take care of the space they work in. The counters behind the bar look super clean. The drinks are very different, I can't say you find anything quite like them at your local Starbucks. The bagels are quite delicious and definitely beat something you get in bulk at your local supermarket. I found this place because of instagram and definitely if I'm in the area again, I will definitely come.

Espumita Cuban Coffee

4.8

(112 reviews)