Backstreet reminds me of earlier days seemingly eons ago when I used to go there when I grew up in Riverside. Decades later it still serves up fine sandwiches and side dishes, along with a better than average supplemental sides cart that offers diners complimentary beets, macaroni salad, carrots, and pickle spears. On two recent visits I enjoyed a tasty Pastrami on Rye with mild yellow mustard, accompanied by both saucy Baked Beans and creamy Potato Salad. Despite customary long lines at lunch time, very efficient assembly line service swiftly produces one's completed food and drink order on a plastic cafeteria-like tray. Then, after a trip to the sides cart, ample seating can be found on a first-come-first-served basis both inside and under umbrella-shaded tables on the large tree-dotted patio. Both lunches were filling and satisfying. read more

See all

Great local sandwich place!!! The sandwiches are good but the outdoor seating, service, and people make it outstanding

Luv this place best banana cream pie in town ! Been a few years since I last went but still pretty much the same . Sandwiches are good ! Nice place to sit and enjoy lunch next too the water fountain eating sipping ice tea. A good place to treat relatives or out of town guests. read more

Went with my 90 year old mother to Backstreet recently. We've been going to Backstreet since the late 1970s and it never disappoints. Whenever I'm visiting and suggest lunch at Backstreet, her eyes light up and it brings a bright smile to her face. I suppose for both of us, it brings back fond memories from the past 4+ decades! The sandwiches, sides, and salad bar are all delicious. Ruben, greets my mother as he prepares her sandwich, as he has for years. The ambiance, full of eclectic decor and lush plants, provides the feeling of an oasis even on hot summer days. But I suppose the best part is warm feelings and nostalgia it invokes every time we visit. read more

WE LOVE this place with my family!! the food is DELICIOUS and the staff couldn't be more friendly just AMAZING!!!!!!

truly the crown jewel of riverside! I have been coming here with my family my entire life (30 years lol) and it always hits the spot. my go-to is a turkey with mayo and cheese on the squaw bread with a side of baked beans, and they also offer a great selection of sides as a little buffet inside! they have the cutest outdoor patio seating area as well as an indoor area in the back. get a slice of chocolate pie and thank me later :) read more

Backstreet - turkey on squaw with baked beans - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

OMG, was NOT expecting to dig this place. My 5 stars, are just for the Pastrami sandwich alone. Mom, was impressed with the taste of the Pastrami. I'm, we're first timer and will be revisiting. The parking is bad but it's worth going. read more

My friend took me here on our way home. Wow I was impressed! Great backyard garden area to eat under the shade with the noise of the water fountain. They have a very simple menu, sandwiches or salad....wow it was great. My suggestion is order the combo sandwich with two meats, add the au ju, cheese and your good to go. Comes with anything from the salad bar as your side. Another awesome order was the Caesar salad with turkey added...that was one of the best salads I have had in a long time! Trying to find this place was misleading cause its hidden in a industrial area away from your traditional restaurant establishments. Once you find it, you will be very happy how delicious their food taste. All Elite yelpers, give this gold mind a try. read more

Backstreet - Caesar with turkey - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

I love this place! Have never been disappointed with food or service. Wish outdoor area had more garden like appeal.

wonderful. delicious. courteous. supreme service. we've been customers for over 20 years. family owned. love them. dr. larnel & victoria jackson read more

Always the best. Such a staple in our city. So grateful it is still here. Food is always the best. Love the atmosphere.

This place is sort of hidden, it's off of a quiet and not so well known street called Nelson. And the shop itself is somewhat tucked away and not easy to spot. But they have good food, nothing special, about their sandwiches, or at least I didnt get a "wow" factor from it. But their sandwiches aren't bad either. So be sure to do your best to find it, it's worth it in my opinion. Their menu is small, which makes ordering easy. You order your sandwich by choosing the meat type, then bread type, then cheese type, then your side choice. They also have a condiments/mini salad bar with extra options that can be additional sides depending on how you look at it. The sandwiches are a bit over priced, but the condiments/mini salad bar makes up for it, just be sure to go back for seconds to get your money's worth. The place is cozy, and I believe that's what sells this place. Being tucked away and hidden makes it somewhat private and or secluded, which is what many people like, from what I hear. Their staff is nice and helpful. There are plenty of outdoor tables and chairs to sit at. Inside seating is limited. I recommend going on a nice sunny day, to get a good feel for what this place has to offer. It's all about their atmosphere here, come enjoy a nice cozy place with lots of random wall decor and plants to look at while you enjoy good tasting food. read more

Backstreet - Street view of Backstreet Restaurant. - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

New owners same menu as before which is fine they've added some bougie stuff to it which is also fine babe. Allowed dogs to come into the patio which is fine. I just didn't have the ambience or should I say friendliness as it did with the old owners, Keith, and Kitty I got the corn beef like I always get the meat with a little tough. It's kind a hard to pull apart and chew the banana cream pie was all whip cream. There was no banana or cream. Totally disappointed. Probably won't give it another shot and this place used to be one of my favorite places to eat . I even used to order food to take home but not this time. read more

Like many Yelpers have stated, Backstreet is a hidden gem in Riverside. I have been coming here for three years and it never disappoints. My favorite is their turkey sandwich. There is just something about it that makes its delicious and one of a kind. They also have a salad bar with a nice variety of sides to go with your sandwich/salads. Everything is always fresh and tasty. The staff is super friendly and they're always on the go. The place is unique and once you step in you don't feel like you're in Riverside. The whole setting has a good vibe to it. My only complaint is that I wish they would open all year round or on weekends. But I guess that is what makes this place extra special, their limited time/hours. I highly recommend Backstreet! Also, if you do come. Make sure to try their banana pie!! read more

We Have been going to Back Street for over 31 years. I met a friend there today for lunch. I had a gift certificate given to myb birthday last February by My former employer buys a Group of certificates for gifts for her employee. I ordered my sandwich and went to pay. They would not accept it. The staff was rude about it. They said she was out the money because she paid previous owner. We asked for the owner but he was not available Nor the manager. My former employer uses them for catering. She was quite upset. I will not eat there again nor will other employee. I told them that I did not want the sandwich. I would have paid but because of their attitudesm my friend and I left we were customers for over 31 year. we were never told that you were not accepting these certificates. My employer has been purchasing these and a patron of your establishment for several years. You should have had the courtesy to ask the former owner, Keith, who he sold them to and contacted the purchaser to exchange them for the gift cards. you lost customers because of this and your staff especially the cashier and the gal making the sandwiches were very rude. we asked for the owner but was told that you were not there. They did no offer to get the person in charge to rectify the matter. I once paid for 12 law enforcement personnel meals and the former offer to pay for my meal which I did not accept. it shows me and my friend that recurring and older customers are treated as if you do not our business. read more

My favorite place for sandwiches and pasta salad. Ot is expensive but its a good time relaxing and definitely worth the wait in line.

Once Again! Make these memories count ! Waking into a outside Resturant is the Best around here ! Riverside's Only Best !! Wait till you Order The Shredder ! On Squaw !!! And get your self a whole pie ! "Banana Cream Pie! Enjoy and feast your Lovely Mouths on a watering Experience! Friendly people and servers! Don't forget to Tip ! These Hard working individuals are catering to you outside while you eat and enjoy a backyard Lunch ! read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Love the little salad bar, and the cute rustic vibes of the patio seating. Weird hours for me but it's to ensure consistently fresh and food quality food. The roast beef sandwich was good. They also have pies but it's limited quantity so get there early or call ahead if you can. It's one of those "hidden gem" restaurants in riverside you want to show your friends/visitors from out of town. You order at the register and take it outside. It's not the traditional manufactured aesthetic you find at most newer places. It's a place with history and the experience is one of those ones you can't recreate. The ladies were so nice when we were ordering and I'd definitely come again. read more

Not the same since owners changed. Back to back twice they messed up with my order. I had asked for corn beef on Rye on both occasions and they gave sour dough bread. this happened twice already . The guy who makes the sandwiches in the same as before , so not sure why they are not serving the correct bread read more

The atmosphere is amazing. The outdoor seating with all the plants, fountain, and live music; is ideal for a relaxing lunch break. However the food is overpriced for what they are serving. I got a turkey sandwich and it was nothing special and highly overpriced. read more

I have been going to Backstreet for over 50 years. enjoying some great sandwiches with potato salad. The tables by the fountain are eclectic as well as the stained glass wall in the outdoor eating area. While I miss Mac who always greeted you with a smile and had something positive to say about the world. Not to mention, he made a dam good sandwich. Mac may not be with us anymore, but I feel he is still watching over his little sandwich shot located on the Backstreet. read more

This spot has the best banana cream pie in town! The other food they serve is good too but I will come here some times just for this pie! Cute patio seating and the food test fresh and home made. read more

Backstreet - Banana Creame pie - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

The food was pretty expensive 2 sandwiches drink 30. They charged my card twice which upset me. I brought it to their attention they said double charge would drop off, it didn't. 2 sandwiches ended up costing 60. I had to file a dispute with my cc company what a pain. The atmosphere was nice. The food was nothing special and really not worth the price, in my opinion. I won't be going back. read more

The guy making my sandwich today didn't wear any gloves. The tuna was mediocre--1 slice cheese not much flavor. The potato salad was "dilly" and the iced tea was mostly ice. When I told the girl who rung me up that the guy didn't wear any gloves when he made my sandwich, she said that he "washes his hands all the time". I REALLY don't get why this place is so highly rated. The outside is cute and cozy but... read more

Fantastic pastrami sandwich!!! I love do enjoy how they don't go overboard with salt on anything. My one disappointment was how SMALL the togo potato salad was. Next time I'm just going to ask for it here and bring a container to take my food home because you get the normal amount of potato salad if you eat there. And my banana cream pie was wonderful but there was only one tiny bite of crust? read more

Backstreet - Very very very small container of potato salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

This is an amazing little place tucked behind Brockton Arcade. Food is amazing, ambiance is cool. You must try it!!

Not the same since original founder's and owners Barbara and Mac McCluskey owned it. Way too expensive now .doesn't have the same ambience and vibe. Used to be a Riverside institution. read more

Hey this place is so so good I ordered the pastrami kale salad so good no bad feedback on the salad whatsoever also had the roast beef sandwich on rye oh my gosh I love a place when you pay for something and they actually give u what u pay for and that's what they do here stacked that meat on like it's what you paid for really , my new go to lunch spot im definitely coming here at least once every 2weeks from now on loved it read more

When I first walked in I wasn't too impressed . Menu isn't too appealing . I was looking for breakfast items . I decided to stay either way . I'm glad I did !! Atmosphere was so relaxing and their food was good ! Employees where friendly too . I will definitely be coming back ! read more

Love the Pastrami all I get when I go meat very lean some places have chewy Pastrami not good workers treat you with kindness....

Was introduced to this place by my niece. The food was good. We sat in the patio garden. Very nice. They give you a lot of meat in their sandwiches. The service was great. I'll be back. read more

I used to eat at Backstreet regularly when I lived in Riverside. Had a meeting in town today and took a group of 7. We ate in the patio and although it was about 95 degrees it was pleasant. The patio is well shaded and has a great garden atmosphere. Now for the food. Known for their sandwiches but you really can't go wrong. Got the roast beef on sourdough. It was amazing. The pastrami looked delicious as well. A couple of the group got salads and they were huge and piled high with turkey. Excellent value at between $9-$12 a plate. read more

As a Riverside local my whole life, this restaurant has always held a special place in my heart. I wasn't sure what to expect after the ownership change. I am so happy to see that everything was the way I remember it. The menu is the same....the ambience the same and the great service, still great! I didn't know till later that the super polite man who offered to help me carry my tray since I was holding a toddler was actually the owner! From working in the restaurant industry for years, I know how wonderful it is to work for someone who leads by example and doesn't mind getting "their hands dirty". So great to see! We had a blast there today and will be returning for the weekends and the mimosas. read more

They only open for 3 hours (11am-2 pm) I loved the pastrami sandwich. The patio is a nice place to have your meal.

We went to Backstreet for lunch on our anniversary. The food was great and the staff was kind and attentive. I had the pastrami sandwich and will get it again. read more

I have been going here since high school. It's a Riverside treasure. Everything is fresh and made to order. Love the tuna sandwich and the pastrami sandwich. It may seem pricey, but you get a choice of many side dishes. The banana cream pie is the best thing ever. Huge slice that you can share. Most people come from the relaxing ambiance on the quaint patio. read more

Backstreet - Tuna sandwich on sourdough bread. Huge banana cream pie. - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

A little hidden gem in Riverside. Portions are a generous size, and the roast beef sandwich is fantastic. A little pricey, but well worth it. The Banana Pie, I think is the best I have ever had. I would recommend this place for lunch. Nice atmosphere. Check it out!!!! I don't think you will be disappointed read more

This place is great! Super cute atmosphere, very friendly and attentive service. Delicious food. I love the veggie cart idea.

Hole in the wall chill local sandwich spot in Riverside. It's 11$ almost 12$ for a sandwich but definitely worth it. There's literally no parking- people park in lots across the street, and there always seems to be a line snaking outside the building especially during peak lunch hours. They're only open for lunch weekdays 11am to 3pm, sometimes friday nights during the summer, and they tend break for a month or so for vacation during the winter. This is an outdoors restaurant; they only open up indoors sometimes when it rains. There's some indoor seating in the area you order but it gets filled up pretty quickly. The atmosphere and decorations of the garden are amazing. It reminds me a bit of the outdoors eating area at old town San Diego, but with a lot more greenery. As for food, It's pretty much the best sandwich I've ever had in my life. No exaggeration intended. You can choose between a couple different types of bread(wheat, sourdough, prairie, etc), meats(roast beef, turkey, ham, pastrami, corned beef, etc), and side(baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, etc). There's also a huge cart on the side where you can refill up on pickles, pasta salad, and other veggies. I ate here with an oldie who came so often he knew the people behind the counter, so we ordered atypically compared to other people. I've got the prairie bread on a sandwich with all the meats and the French dip sauce drizzled on top of all the meat with Swiss cheese. The prairie bread and the baked beans are a bit on the sweet side, whereas the potato salad was more tart than I would typically expect. That contrast, interestingly, went great with the sandwich. Conclusion: best sandwich ever. read more

Fantastic service, food, and atmosphere. Took my mom here for her birthday and it was a great experience from start to finish. Don't forget to order the banana creme pie! read more