I came here recently for the first time; it was highly recommended and I can see why. First off, it's the cutest place in Riverside! The dining area is in a cute, well maintained garden area with plenty of shade. Secondly, the food, while basic, was absolutely delicious. I had a turkey sandwich on sourdough and it might've been the best one I've ever had. Lastly, from the people who took our order to the folks who kept our drinks refilled, the staff were top notch. If you're passing through Riverside around lunch time, give Backstreet a try! You won't regret it! read more

So fresh and home style, with generous portions. Every sandwich is great, and the sides and desserts are so good.

This spot is truly a Riverside gem. I've been coming here since my high school days so I AM biased in terms of my love for this place, but it's just one of those spots that you can go for simple and good food. They have a very short menu: sandwiches, salads, and pies. You stand in line, order the type of sandwich you want (choice of meat and bread) and whether you want it half or whole. They ask if you want cheese, mayo, mustard. Then you can choose a side - homemade potato salad, beans, or a bag of chips. You can then order a drink and/or a dessert. All of these are placed on a tray and then you pay at the register. Now my favorite thing here and part of the backstreet experience is their self-serve salad bar. Due to covid, they have these already individually pre-packaged so you can just grab and go. But at the salad bar, you can expect to find pasta salad, cucumbers, pickles, pickled beets, carrots & celery, and perhaps a few other things (which I can't remember). I LOVE the pickled beets and cucumbers - so good. After your trip to the salad bar, you can find a seat in their cute, outdoor patio. The other day they had some live music going. So my coworkers and I just sat there eating our sandwiches under a parasol, listening to a man playing the guitar and the trickling of the water from the fountain. The perfect spot to enjoy lunch on a nice day. This place is really low-key. So for someone who doesn't live in Riverside, they might not find this place as magical to them as it is for me. I just really appreciate the simplicity of this place and the fact that it's the same people who work here pretty much every day. It feels like home. read more

Another outstanding sandwich shop to scratch off the to do list. I'm surprised it took me so long to try Backstreet but the 11am-3pm hours have a lot to do with it. Parking is tight on account of the location between Brockton and Magnolia, but look for the sign giving you the all's clear on the corner of Nelson. Approaching the restaurant feels like entering a well manicured home with grounds that are full of curiosities and shaded spaces to dine in comfort. Upon entry the simple but outstanding menu makes for quick decisions and the fantastic gentleman behind the counter beamed when I told him it was my first time. Corned Beef Sandwich on a hoagie bun was my initial order. The guy said I needed to taste the pastrami and put a nice sample size on my plate. I selected baked beans although it was almost a coin toss for potato salad. I like simple in those sides and Backstreet keeps it tasty. I saw on Yelp the pictures of lemon tarts and decided to try one, and their system is to bring it out once you finish your meal so it's cold and fresh. I loved the garnish bar with its selection of pickles and celery and carrots, scallions and other choices. I grabbed a pickle wedge and slices for my sandwich. Outside in one of three covered patios I sat under a tree that served as a birdhouse display. Country quaint is how I would characterize this townie treasure. Yep, it's purely old school Riversidans here. Everyone seemed so friendly and the staff are beyond sweet and competent. They crisscrossed the patio, several young ladies and older ladies who refilled my drink, bused my plate, brought my dessert and a to go box. Wow! The limitations are no grilled sandwiches, but $11.17 yields a large sammie and one side with 5-star service. The guy who took my order stopped by to see how I liked it and suggested I work my way around the menu. Oh, did I mention that they have beer? Many returns are guaranteed now that I've made their acquaintance. read more

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It had been such a long time eating here ( well over 20 years) and everything is how I remembered it. Sandwiches fresh, the side cart with the carrots, celery, pickles, etc. And....the Banana cream pie! To die for. The outside eating area is nice, too. I recommend coming here. I won't wait another 20 years to come back, that's for sure!! They always checked on us asking if we needed anything else. Awesome service!! read more

For the past few years, I am a visiting vegan who works in Riverside, I have been coming here once a month with my co-workers. I must say this place is a hidden gem that has a good vibe and calming feel to it. Their menu is small, which makes ordering easy. You order your sandwich by choosing the meat type, then bread type, then cheese type, and then your side choice. My co-workers love the turkey sandwiches and then hit the mini condiments bar and load up on pickles. They either get a side of beans or the potato salad, but neither are not vegan. The bread for sandwiches is just regular bread, but the way they pack it with meat, lettuce and tomatoes, seems to be the key to their success. As a vegan, my go to dish is a large Kale salad with a raspberry vinaigrette. Every time I get it, it's been consistently good. The only improvement I could suggest would be to have some more variety in terms of food choices for us Plant-based people. Unfortunately the majority of their menu items are animal product or meat-based. I suggest offering a different kind of beans that are vegan or a veggie sandwich wrap with Avocado. The food is good. Their staff is nice, attentive and very helpful. They round frequently. There are plenty of outdoor tables and chairs to sit at. Inside seating is limited. I definitely recommend going on a sunny day, to get a good feel for what this place has to offer. The place is cozy enough that you find yourself not wanting to leave and go back to work. read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

I love this spot. It's nice and relaxing with plants all around. The food is good and the employees are very friendly. It's a little hard to find the first time but I like that, it's a hidden gem. The French dip is my favorite so far and the potato salad is good too. It's a good place to have a lunch date at or to go with a friend. read more

Backstreet - French dip on French roll - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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Nice to find a small mom n pop place with great sandwiches and sides. Very limited menu, but what they offer is very good. They also have a nice accompaniment bar where you can serve yourself some fresh veggies to go with your sandwich. Oh, and their desserts are very good too. Lastly, very friendly staff. read more

ALL THE HEART EYES FOR BACKSTREET RESTAURANT. seriously, this is easily one of my favorite lunch spots in all of the IE. having moved out of the area, i can honestly say there's nothing like it, and i make a point to visit every time i'm in town. their sandwiches are fantastic (easily worth the price) and the ambience is unparalleled. what better way to spend an afternoon than on their adorable covered patio, enjoying their delicious creations, followed by some of the best banana cream pie i've ever tasted. bonus: if you take your food to-go, they put it in the cutest little pink boxes! read more

Local favorite and my favorite is the French dip on Sheepherders bread with baked beans and banana cream pie-this was also my favorite pregnancy treat when so was growing twins. read more

I had the Pastrami and Turkey on Squaw. The only word that comes to mind is Outstanding. Thank You the great service Laura. God Bless. read more

We use to go to back street all the time . But the last cpl times the food has been awful, the meat was tough and dry even though it was French Dip sandwich even with the juice it was tough has no flavor and the veggies bar always looks sloppy. Seen a girl today clean the veggie bar and stuff feel off to the side she picked it up and just tossed it back in. And the customer service was outstanding back in the day, now it's just horrible they act like there doing you a favor. Do yourself a favor make your own sandwich and save yourself the heartache of trying to pretend it's still the same taste. read more

This is a great place for a sandwich plus the typical sides. I would suggest the pastrami dip, with potato salad and a soda. Prices are reasonable, and service is fast. Usually busy. For desert pick up a piece of pie, which is always good. Seating is comfortable but outside, subject to the elements. Went once on a hot July day and it was almost to much. Been around a long time, and now I see why. It never disappoints. read more

I crave their sandwiches. Wish they'd bring delivery back. Not sure how it is with the new owner.

The food is exceptional, The ambiance is 5 Star. Spinach salad with pastrami was a change of pace.

Wow this place is a gem. This place has been here since 1967 so you know they must be doing something right. They only serve lunch so I believe it's only open until 2p. It's such a cute welcoming place, you order your sandwich & drink (beer&wine too) & killer banana pie (even if your not a banana fan u need to try it). Cafeteria style, you carry your food tray outside to a open patio area - there's trees, plants, yard art, lots of shade (open, yet enclosed) it's not crowded but yet cozy. I think there's a small cottage that you can sit inside if the weather is bad as Cali weather is always great. The pastrami was perfect, cut not to thin & not all lean as we all know the fat has all the flavors. Roast beef was juicy and plentiful. Outside staff was so friendly. No bugs or flies, just like having a outdoor picnic with friends read more

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My fiancé is a huge fan of this place but I can't justify paying $15 for a little sandwich. Food is good, don't get me wrong but a little over priced. read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Every time I find a place like this, I wonder why it took me so long to find it!!! What a cute sandwich spot! It seemed to be family owned, "Dad" knew what I wanted before I ordered! The staff was attentive & Beyond friendly! I loved the "veggie bar" yummy! Ooo and that banana cream pie!!! We will be back & of course will bring more visitors to experience another Gem in Riverside! read more

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Great sandwich shop with fresh made sandwiches, sides and salad bar. A great outdoor seating area perfect for small or large groups!

Let's start out by saying I was in the mood for a French dip sandwich. I proceeded to find one while I was in riverside around 11 am today. This place popped up on yelp then I was hooked after seeing the reviews. Getting there was fun. Parked right out front, proceeded to order French dip with fresh horse radish and pickled stuff. Fantastic sandwich. I will be back for more read more

Backstreet - Best president ever - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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This is definitely one of Riverside's best kept secrets. Literally, a hidden gem! The sandwiches are made from the highest quality meats. Sides are great. My favorite is the condiment bar. So many goodies. The ambiance here is incredible. It boasts a large, eclectic, outdoor patio as well as indoor seating. And don't forget the pies. Made fresh daily! read more

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Wow! So beautiful and relaxing. A date with friends led me to Backstreet on a hot afternoon. My first visit was much more than I hoped for. Delicious food served in a unique way. Pick your bread, pick your meat, pick a side, then be directed to a sweet little salad bar. Or get a salad which had been my first inclination. But I couldn't resist the fabulous Pastrami. My order was a half pastrami on sourdough and a side of the highly recommended slaw. Big hit! Strawberry pie with 3 spoons finished our meal. Must go to next time I'm in Riverside. read more

Amazing place to grab lunch on the go or to dine in.. love the customer service here always so attentive!! And amazing fooood! Love it here! read more

First time at this local favorite. Went in for a corned beef sandwich and left with a pastrami on rye. Pastrami was lean,shaved thin and delicious! The customer service was refreshingly great! The woman at the counter proclaimed the banana cream pie was the claim to fame at this cute lil spot. I declined, she insisted, I caved. Lol!! The pie did not disappoint and I am now a fan! (Did I mention I never liked banana cream pie) The side of baked beans...I found it odd they would offer baked beans as a side with a sandwich but yet again I was pleasantly surprised! 4 stars only because of the portion of the sides. Make that tiny cup bigger please. read more

I saw this place on my Facebook. Decided to come and try it out. This place has some serious sandwiches! Pastrami, Turkey, Roast Beef, etc. They are VERY generous with their meat. I was only able to eat half my sandwich because the portions were big. With that sandwich you are able to get a side of beans, cole slaw, potatoes salad, etc. Then you get to go to the mini salad bar that's filled with celery sticks, carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, macaroni salad,etc. I ordered the Beef sandwich. It was good. Meat was very tender. The Au Jus was on the saltier side for me, but maybe it's just me. I think I would order it again with the AuJus on the side. But was happy with my sandwich. I did see a lot of people buying Pastrami sandwiches. Then we ordered the banana cream pie! Omg, I just may make a trip here every week for it! So good! The cost per sandwich is about $13. Drinks are separate. Pie was $6. So for 2 of us to eat there, it was $36. I would recommend Backstreet. Give it a try. read more

Backstreet - Roast Beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

***CAUTION NEW OWNER*** What an absolute shame! The new owner has simply ruined the food quality and FLAVOR. Haven't been in a couple years. When I walked in I knew immediately something had changed. When I asked about the visible changes the lady behind the counter say "just a new owner but the recipes are exactly the same" (she repeated that 3x during the 8 minutes we were there) I'll give her that, MAYBE the recipes are the same but did you change suppliers? The Woody has corned beef and pastrami- sadly they were both grayish in color and DRY where previously the meats were beautiful pink, tender and juicy. Why else would she need to offer Ajou? That's should have been my indication to leave.... The baked beans - directly from a can with No seasoning, not even a pinch of salt. The potato salad - can we get a little mayo please? That was like boiled potatoes and air. The pasta salad - over cooked and turning to mush when the serving spoon touched it. The bread --DRY and doughy. How? Great question! 4 sandwiches & 1 banana cream pie and I still have to cook because no one in the family ate this mess. $65 freakin bucks in the toilet where the food belongs To the previous owners I'm so sorry these people took something you made a Riverside institution and obliterated the quality. PS don't be fooled by the look of the food, it's just not the same. read more

Long time Riverside sandwich shop. It used to be the best place in town however they recently the family owned gem sold it and of course the new owners change things!! This place was so good the way it was why mess with a good thing. We have been back a few times under the new ownership and it's hit and miss not consistent like it used to be. We have had stale bread, we have had them forgot a sandwich altogether on a to go order which never happened in the past. I worked for a company that used to get sandwich trays from here several times a week and it was always the same food and in all those years I never had a messed up order.. that's saying something. Their potato salad used to be the best ever. Picked up lunch today and I couldn't even two bites of it down!! I don't know what the did to it but it's definitely not the same and was loaded with just onions. Just no. Really bummed right now just don't know if I will go back. We also miss the pink boxes!!! Why mess with tradition? It's like getting something from Tiffany in a red box!!! It's a small thing but people who have been around since the beginning will get it.. read more

Love this place! It was delicious! The outdoor sitting area with the music was perfect. read more

Backstreet - Love this place! Food was delicious! - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Really lovely hidden spot for a Lunch. The pastrami has possibilities. I suggest someone visits LANGERS in LA and samples what they put in their outstanding $19.00 pastrami! Their banana cream pie is worth the trip, though read more

I love backstreet! It's so quint! Also, I was sitting outside and they opened early to accommodate me! They are so kind and the food is so yummy!! read more

Under new ownership and still just as good. We met the new owner and he greeted my husband with a beer on the house. One of the few places in town you can get butter on your sandwich without funny looks! read more

Delicious sandwiches and sides. I was here for a work lunch and our group was able to be accommodated. I will definitely make my way back with my family. read more

Over priced sandwiches for the same quality, if not less than, a Stater Bros. deli sandwich. However, the venue itself is kinda cool, especially in the summer with the shade and misters, so 2 stars. read more

Best food and pickle bar ever! Love their specials, great atmosphere too. Really special place

BS has been a hidden gem in Riverside for decades. I was worried that under new management its charm would change. 3 of us met for lunch today......it hasn't! The Woody sandwich was delicious. My one complaint is that the bread falls apart too easily. If you want a relaxed lunch, seated outside under a ceiling fan,.......there is so much to enjoy....the wall of clocks, a fountain, trees, flowers and an extremely friendly staff....this is the place! Becky and Taylor made sure we had everything we needed....i wanted to invite Becky to join us...she is a gem herself. She made our lunch that much better. They all make you feel welcome and like your visiting family! read more

Excellent sandwiches and sides. The owners and staff are very friendly. It doesn't look like much from the outside and I have passed it many times not thinking it was a restaurant. read more

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I love this place. I have been coming here for over 25yrs. Everyone is nice the food is amazing and the atmosphere is just perfect. I was kinda worried after they switched owners but nope nothing to worry about! The food is exactly the same !! Delicious and the pasta and beets and pies. read more

Backstreet is a great place for a sandwich . They give you plenty of meat. The bread is not toasted but the size portion is big!! Outdoor seating. Cute decorations throughout... very relaxing. The line was a bit long but it was worth it! Great wholesome food. read more

Totally friendly amazing yummy food and awesome environment a must go Love it so much read more

Love the patio eating there is so relaxing my favorite is the pastrami sandwich love the hearts and the pies