I'm pretty dumbfounded at the fact that Backstreet has managed to muster a 4 star rating on here. This establishment is all bad - from the flavorless food to the exorbitant prices to the unhelpful, snooty staff. Frankly thought they'd be out of business by now. My mom and I ordered two pastrami and roast beef "sandwiches" ... if you can even CALL them sandwiches! Dry ass bread + dry ass meat do not equal a sandwich. They don't even put mustard or any sort of condiments on it! Not even lettuce or tomatoes! Just bland mediocrity... The worst part is they don't even use quality bread loaves from a bakery at least. Homies... they use literally the type of bread you'll see on clearance at Food 4 Less or something similar to that. Shitty, mealy bread that they pull straight from a bag. Saw it with my own eyes. And as if that's not enough, no mustard, mayo or accoutrements of any kind! Oh and yeah, as other reviewers noted, the employees here at Backstreet are snobby and rather aloof. Issa resounding no from me. read more

Backstreet. Excellent food, served cafeteria style. Great outdoor ambience. Really great pies. Why then 3 stars? Well. For one thing, it was way overpriced. I was charged $11.11 for a Ham and Swiss on sourdough with mayo. No one asked whether or not I wanted Swiss cheese, I guess they just assumed I wanted it that way. There was no board listing of what your options were for the sandwiches. Lettuce, tomato and other normal sandwich add ons were NOT available. I get the feeling this place is set up for their regular clientele and that new business isn't a priority for them. The salad bar had plenty of fresh vegetables to choose from to nibble on - still no lettuce or tomato though. On the way out to our table, I almost lost my tray due to the very uneven and haphazard brick patio flooring. That's a lawsuit waiting to happen in my opinion. The sandwich tasted great but the sourdough bread disintegrated making the sandwich a messy affair. The baked beans were good but they only provides forks - no spoons in sight. Instead of a ceramic cup, they put the baked beans in a small paper cup that disintegrated on my plate. I was eating paper before I knew it as bean juice was running through the fork and on to my shirt. Gggrrrr. A lot of people love Backstreet and they think it's the greatest but for what you end up paying, the lack of options, and for the quirkiness in how they operate, I think there are better deals in Riverside to be found. read more

Sandwiches, pies, salads and more. I love the atmosphere here. Very relaxing and staff is super friendly. I got the French dip which comes with a side. I got the beans and also got a banana cream pie. They also have a veggie station where you can fill up on slices of carrots, pickles and other vegetables. The best thing was the pie especially the flaky crust. YUM. Only problems are the parking, prices and hours the place is open. read more

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

Friends offered this place as an option for dinner. Before meeting up I went on YELP to check reviews. Some wrote exactly what I'm about to and were spot on. Parking is minimal but not much of a walk when you park on the street. We went in July so it was a warm night and all seating is outdoors. Trees everywhere so something is constantly falling on your table and the flys really sucked. The staff for the most part were very friendly and on point taking away trays and unused things from the tables. We sat for a bit before getting in a line for what's basically a cafeteria style experience. Wall board describes meat, bread, cheese for your sandwich. Another for side, and the last for dessert. I hate ripping people but the truth is the truth. Someone wrote its no better then a basic sandwich you'd make at home. I had the roast beef and it was dry with no flavor. Half a sandwich is just under $10 and a full $14. Were talking regularly sized bread. A slather of mayo, piece of cheese and a good portion of meat. My side was beans which tasted like Van de Camps canned beans that were warming in a crock pot all day. Dry and sticky. We opted for dessert too. I grabbed the cheesecake and wife grabbed the banana cream. Both were anything you'd get from the frozen aisle at the grocery store. In quantity I guess you got monies worth. 2 full sandwiches, 2 large beers, 2 desserts. $65 plus the $3 charge for paying with a card. Can't say I'd ever go back but hopefully they can improve on a few things or maybe others are fine with the current situation and they stay in business. Wish them the best for their future. P.S if the restaurant reads this. You have a hostess stand out back where you had a pitcher of water sitting that I used to refill my glass. Less then a foot away you had a nasty ass bucket with filthy water and a rag I'm guessing is used to wipe down the tables. One not cool having it there and it is disgusting if that's what's used to wipe down where people are sitting and peoples hands are touching before using their hands to eat your sandwiches. read more

This is a cute little place in Riverside. A must see if you're around the area. Perfect for an outdoor lunch with coworkers or family. The outdoor seating area is tranquil and espectacular. Lots and lots to see around the outdoor patio, makes your lunch even taste better just by the surrounding environment. Perfect to be eating outside on a hot day. They even have misters outside to keep you cool, besides the plants and trees that give you shade. Their sandwiches are alright but the banana pie is to die for. I recommend this place to everybody that's around the area. I must go back for another banana pudding pie read more

Backstreet - Before entering inside to order - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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Backstreet is an all time favorite. The pastrami is the best sammy imo. The others don't compare to the thinly cut meat and all it's yumminess. This spot gets busy during the lunch hour. Their veggie cart is great however if they could spice up the pasta salad that would be awesome. You HAVE to order the banana cream pie if your a fan of delicious silky banana pudding with a fantastic crust! There is limited seating although the outdoor courtyard is quaint and darling. The staff is so friendly and they make you feel like family. Totally recommend this spot!! read more

I love coming here for lunch or on a Friday evening to enjoy music and great food! The turkey sandwich is my favorite! Not to mention the veggie cart has a lot of delicious options which take the meal to another level. The employees are always very friendly which make the experience so enjoyable. I can't wait to come back for a sandwich and a slice of banana cream pie :) read more

Food is always good, friendly service and great ambience. Perfect spot for lunch on a sunny day!

I don't normally write reviews but I had such an amazing experience today I had to. I have been to Backstreet a few other times and it is always great. I took my mom to a birthday lunch today. I am on crutches due to a recent surgery. One of the male employees (unfortunately I did not get his name) was so helpful, waiting while we got the yummy extras from the veggie bar and carried our tray to the table. Everyone is so friendly, accommodating, great service and great food. My mom loved it and it absolutely is a hidden gem. I will definitely be back and am so appreciative of a great experience. read more

Oh my gosh, where do I begin?! The whole vibe of this place is AMAZING. The food is unreal too. I had the hot original house sandwich. It comes with the most thinly sliced pastrami and roast beef I've ever had. It's moist. Zero fat! They dip it in this amazing gravy. Makes my mouth water just typing it out right now. The potato salad and the baked beans are homemade too and they are amazing, get both. To cap it all of get the banana cream pie! Literally the best I've ever had. How have I missed this place my whole life! read more

Like a lot of the other reviewers, I have noticed something change at Backstreet. My family and I have been going here for decades. After leaving the area and returning after a few years, my mom and I decided to meet there for lunch. I have pretty low standards and typically don't let this type of stuff bother me, but we had our worst experience ever with a rude employee (he may have been the new owner; he made it seem that way). We wanted to eat just a bite then take our food to go. So we ordered, asked for it in a to-go box, then sat outside. This man came out and told us that next time we should ask for a plate and "eat like we have been to a restaurant before". Of course, it was more the way he said it then what he actually said-- which I can't convey over a Yelp review. But it was bad. Wish it were different. We used to love coming here. read more

What a perfect environment for a relaxing lunch! Food is delicious but I will say that it is slightly overpriced for what you get. The sandwiches were really good and had a lot of flavor. My only complaint was that the roast beef was just a little dry. Overall, I definitely would come back here despite those minor flaws. The staff is extremely personable and very very friendly. Outdoor seating is amidst the trees with pleasant decorations and nice and cool. Definitely check this place out! read more

Backstreet - Roast beef on sour dough bread, $12 for this plate - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Got a kale salad, caesar dressing, seeds, turkey. Sooooo good! Have not had a sandwich yet. But I heard they're thee best!

Love the food, friendly staff and atmosphere , the Ruben sandwich is my favorite. The banana crème pie or lemon are so yummy

The saddest little sandwich I've ever had, was eaten right here at Backstreet. I came in with my Grandma to treat her to lunch, and was disappointed with a couple things: 1. They seemed so rushed, even despite this 80 year old woman who's trying to make a choice but can't because we have NO menu and there is nothing posted, no signs to indicate their order method or anything. This is like a subway station, where you order your sandwich - except you can then go to a salad bar if you ordered the dish that grants the bar visit. 2. Both sandwiches were unbelievable. When they handed me my sandwich, I stood there looking at them in awe thinking "you must be kidding me" as I stared at turkey and a slice of cheese on bread, and that was IT. I could have asked for mayonnaise but I went without. Maybe that would have made the sandwich better? The experience and food was such a joke, I feel that I had to have missed something critical or other customers would not rate this place as highly. Maybe I was supposed to be offered more sandwich toppings/ingredients? No idea... but really so sad that when I realized I forgot the half sandwich I didn't eat, it didn't pain me one bit. read more

Best small sandwich shop! They have delicious deserts and if you can make it in the best vibes

Thought I'd give it a try again, so I met the sandwich nut (girlfriend) and we went to Backstreet. This time I had a turkey and swiss, same dry, unimaginative sandwich. But the g/f gets a beef dip. That thing was stacked high with roast beef, and dipped in au jus. I could see the glimmer in her eyes as she watched the guy behind the counter pile that meat and then splash it with drippings. We get our trays, grab some greens from the salad bar and head to a table. The g/f never looked up again. The beef dip was devoured. She had a look on her face of complete satisfaction. The next words out of her mouth were, I think that was the best french dip I've ever had. So Backstreet gets 4 stars for the dip. As usual everyone was really friendly, and the service was great. read more

My girlfriend took me to Backstreet for lunch after I came over from school. She was telling me how great it is and that her dad has been coming here since he was a little kid. I was really hungry so I just wanted to get there and eat! After a short drive we arrived and saw this tiny little building that looked a lot like a house and almost no parking out front. We drove around the corner to park and walked back. We entered through a garden and patio area. The patio looked really nice with lots of shade and plants all around. There were about 10 or 12 people there already eating but it was still pretty quiet. It seemed like everyone was enjoying a nice, relaxing lunch. Once we got inside we waited in a short line to place our order. I was getting hungrier and hungrier because every sandwich I saw on the way in looked absolutely delicious. I couldn't wait! We looked over the menu which was elegantly simple. You choose your bread, your meat, and any sauces and cheese. The makings of a perfect sandwich! When I got to order my sandwich I was asked what kind of bread, if I wanted any mayo or mustard and then what meat and cheese I wanted. I ordered the pastrami on sourdough with Swiss cheese and mayo and spicy mustard. The cook put a ton of pastrami on my sandwich. I'm talking a big handful and then some! It looked amazing. After he put the pastrami on the sandwich he took a little cup of the au jus sauce and poured it on top of the pastrami. When he put the cheese on he dunked each slice in the same au jus before putting it on the sandwich. After that you get to choose between cole slaw, potato salad, beans, and chips for a side. After you pay they have a veggie bar with carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and other sandwich items you can help yourself to. Finally we found a table and I took my first bite. It was amazing! This could be the best pastrami sandwich I have ever had. It was fantastic. The meat was juicy and succulent. The bread was soft and had soaked up the extra au jus. By far one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. I can't wait to go back and have another. They had servers that promptly took your tray and plates when they were empty. The service was fantastic! It was a great lunch and we took our time to enjoy it. It was a great experience and a great meal. Will definitely be going back very soon! read more

Backstreet is just okay to me. I will say that the ambiance and decor is absolutely adorable and the banana cream pie is pretty good. But that's it for me. It might just be personal preference, but sandwiches with just meat and bread is underwhelming to me. I really want to love this place because it's so cute! I tried the house special (pastrami + roast beef & cheese) and it was good enough to upgrade my review from 2 stars to 3. If you are the type that loves all kinds of colorful and juicy produce and dressings on your sandwich, then you might be underwhelmed too. read more

Not sure what the big hype is. I went there on a Monday at lunch time and was greeted by a young lady at the counter. She explained to me how to pick my meat, bread and side and recommended I eat outside for the ambiance. I went with the roast beef and french roll and my friend got the pastrami. I saw the guy making my sandwich and he wasnt wearing gloves. That always urks me for some reason. I got my tray and headed outside. The place was filled with people in their 40 and 50s. Definitely an older demographic. The outside looks decent but nothing spectacular It goes downhill from there. The pastrami had no taste and the banana cream pie i ordered looked like a glob of cake just slapped on a prison plate. The patrami had a bit better taste but definitely not worth $9+ Like you, I saw the great reviews and decided to try it out. Unfortunately its not as great as they say in the reviews. The reviews must he paid for by the way food tastes. For $9 a sandwich you expect greatness. If you looking for a killer sandwich your better off driving to Nordstroms and eating a sandwich at their caffe on the 3rd floor. Way better flavor, view, and service. read more

These are the best sandwiches I have ever had in my entire life. I probably should try something different every time I go here, but I don't. I always end up getting the same sandwich because I am enthralled with it. I get the sourdough sandwich with no mayo (I do get the mustard), and I get swiss cheese. The meat is perfect and the flavor is absolutely delicious! I also get the macaroni salads and a pickle at the salad bar. I get whatever to drink - sometimes tea, sometimes water, whatever... Dessert is where I will adventure out a little. Their banana cream pie is the best I have ever had and last time I got their strawberry pie and it was so good I would have ordered another one if I wasn't already spilling out over my pants from all the food. The portions are generous and you can get as much pasta salad as you want from their salad bar so dig in. I will say if you are a first timer here you might be a little shocked - everything is on little cafeteria trays and the inside of the restaurant is not impressive at all. But ignore the tray and go out into the beautiful gardens and pick any seat. They are all impressive and the gardens are beautiful and fun in every corner. The shade will keep you cool and the waitresses are usually quick to refill your drink. I will say get there right when they open because parking is hard if you are there at peak hours. Get there at like 10:45 and there is usually one or two spots on the street next to the entrance. I love this place and every time I come to California I make it a goal to come here at least once! Enjoy the delicious food and the fun atmosphere. It is a little chaotic around noon so either get their early or around 1:30pm read more

Meh. My boyfriend's family LOVES this place but I wasn't impressed. They don't have many vegetarian options so I chose a cheese sandwich, thinking I'd get a sandwich with a slice or 2 of cheese and a bunch of veggies. Instead, I was handed a pile of cheese with a couple of pieces of bread on either end. Along with my heart-attack sandwich I got some baked beans, pasta salad, and "world famous" banana cream pie. Nothing was very impressive, it all seemed a little prepackaged to me. The restaurant does have a nice outdoor seating area though, and I'm sure I'll be taken there again next time we visit. I think I'll try a salad next time. read more

My wife and I tried this place today. Several friends have raved about the food and the "world famous" banana cream pie. I really had my hopes up for this lunch. We even made a special trip out to Riverside because of the limited hours of operation. Sad to say, for my pallet, it was just okay. Nothing special about the pastrami or the pie. The price was outrageous for what we got. 2 sandwiches, 2 drinks and a piece of pie was $33. For that kind of money and the food I wouldn't waste my time returning. read more

My first thought when eating here was "why is this place so busy...it looks like Grandmas house and the Sandwiches just have meat and cheese?" but WOW its amazing how something so simple can taste so great. One of the BEST sandwiches I have ever had! A must have is the banana cream pie. *spoiler alert* (you may never eat banana cream pie from anywhere else after eating it from here) Absolutely the BEST pie EVER! and its not even close. Great news is they sell whole pies to go! - A Sandwich, side, drink and slice of pie will cost you about $15 read more

Backstreet - Banana Cream Pie - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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My husband and I went on a Saturday a few weeks ago and they told us they were remodeling and to come back in a couple of weeks. Well, I tried going back last Saturday and they were again closed. I guess they're not open on Saturdays at all. Why did you NOT tell me this on that Saturday a few weeks ago? The hours are too limited. Not all of us can come between 11 - 2 M-F. It might be good, but I may never know. read more

This place is awesome. Too bad it's the only one in the area. Much respect for the staff and quality of the food. Highly recommend.

My girl friend grew up here in the days of Barbara and Mac running the place. I've heard her and her parents talk of fond memories eating here and how they had the best pastrami and pickles. Well on my long sojourn to Oceanside we made the trip to Riverside for me to see what it is all about. First up it is a lunch place and it has just a few sandwiches, and pies. They serve a few bottled beers but that is it besides the salad/side bar containing pasta salad and a few other things to nosh on. The pastrami well.. it is good, very good. The sandwiches are big and filling. I had the pasta salad and it was tasty kinda like the stuff I remember as a child, but not from here. If your in Riverside stop and give it a try the food is good and it honestly deserves 5 stars, not doing it just to keep my GF happy. I'd give it 1 though if it would piss off her dad but it doesn't deserve that. PS get the coconut or banana cream pie. Awesomesauce! read more

I stared at the sandwich and the sandwich stared back at me... Honestly disappointed by the food. I came here after picking up my bf and his dad. I chose this place because it was allowed dogs and the boys were hungry. I was fooled by the scenery. For $11, you get a whole sandwich with a side and "all you can eat veggie bar." The sandwich was something I could have made at home for free, and more flavorful. Pretty much, you go up to the counter and tell them your choice of meat and bread and that's all you get... with cheese, mayo and butter. No lettuce, tomato, which aren't even options at their veggie bar. Their veggie bar had carrots, celery, beets, pickles, pasta salad, and some other things I don't normally eat with my sandwich. Your side options are beans, potato salad or chips. I ordered cold turkey on rye and fed half the sandwich to my dog. He enjoyed it. I liked their outdoor seating area, which was large, lots of tables and greenery. I went on a Monday close to closing time (3pm). Unless I'm missing something, I'm not sure why this place has 4-5 star rave reviews. They did have dessert but I didn't try any. Maybe that was the missing star. I would say come here to sit and hang out but don't bother eating. read more

The Pastrami Sandwich is very good. It is not your usual pastrami, and that is why I like it. Very mild. The Sheepherder's bread is a nice match with the pastrami and some au jus. I love to get the potato salad with mine. The Tarts are an amazing way to end a great meal. They are homemade (Really. They make them right there. Ask them sometime, they are excited that they make their own) from scratch and are so good! They may look small, but you will wish you had shared it when you are finished. I love the Chocolate Tart. It has freshly made chocolate pudding (Not just jello out of a box. From scratch!), a perfect crust, and a tower of just-whipped whipped cream on top. The ambiance of Back Street is quite charming. It is what they call a "Garden Patio Restaurant" which is quite fitting since you sit on a patio that is a nice garden. Tricky. I love to sit outside next to the fountain on nice days. It is a very peaceful setting and every time I eat there I feel like I have been let in on some secret. It is expensive, but not so much that it doesn't seem worth it. Just be ready to spend $9.88 on a sandwich (plus all the sides!), $4.40 on a tart, and $2.19 for a drink. The choices are limited, but that is why they can do them all so well. I would rather have this approach than a Chili's type Menu/book where you have an absurd amount to choose from, but all are done poorly. read more

Beautiful little place. The sandwiches and desserts are delicious. You don't feel like you are in Riverside when you are here.

It is like a hidden treasure in Riverside. Riverside isn't known for their cute or great restaurants, but I am proud to say that we have Backstreet! On a nice summer day, it is so relaxing to just sit in the back patio and enjoy a great sandwich. I love the fact that all there foods seem so fresh and homemade. When you order a sandwich, you also get to help yourself to their mini salad bar. Their potato salad and pasta salads are yuuuummmy. The only CON I can find is that their hours are so limited. I always have to check online before making a trip there. read more

Best sandwiches in old Riverside. Parking is tough so you better get there early for lunch. Try the french dip. Great roast beef, though I prefer they not dip the bread before they stack it. Offer pasta salad and lots of garnishments to go with your plate. Great place. read more

I don't have a grandma but if I did I imagine this is what a sandwich made with love would taste like. Ambiance - you can't fake it, you can't force it, you can only feel it. I'm talking hand made sandwiches as you order, only-have-to-be-open 11am-3pm weekdays, water fountain feature, mature plants and succulents, and the cherry in my book semi-eco friendly. My personal favorite is roast beef on sheepherders bread with baked beans and of course pasta from the mini-salad bar. If you're feeling self-indulgent go ahead and get the banana cream pie hate yourself another day. *You're paying for atmosphere, service, and everything chain restaurants are lacking it's worth it. read more

Atmosphere: Is it a nice warm Southern California day? Do you want to sit outside and eat a sandwich in the garden next to a fountain? This could be the place for you. This family owned business is casual and comfortable. It is only open on Monday - Friday for lunch, and they close the restaurant during the early part of the year (January) each year to go on family vacation. Now, there is very limited indoor seating, so if it is raining, it isn't nearly as nice. But, it never rains in Southern California, right? Parking is a bit of a challenge - many people park in adjacent parking lots which are for other businesses. The other businesses frown upon this. Service: The restaurant is a cafeteria-like place. You wait in line, order, and your sandwich is made right before you while you wait. The salad bar is self service, and you seat yourself at a table. Better get that plate off the tray quickly though - the staff will be around to take your tray, provide a straw if you are like me and forget to get one with your drink, and box up your meal at the end. Despite the cafeteria style, the service is usually excellent. I have been here frequently, and I can only think of a very few instances where we needed to find someone who wasn't readily available. Food: Hear me out. At any other restaurant, I would never order what I do here. I am not crazy about roast beef sandwiches - I prefer roasted chicken. I loathe mayonnaise - if I can't use oil and vinegar, I eat my sandwiches dry. I don't even put butter on my pancakes or waffles - so I certainly do not put it on my sandwiches. If I were to read a review like this about a sandwich that was simply squaw bread, roast beef, au jus, cheese, mayo and butter, I would not be interested. But, I promise you, it is amazing. If you don't believe me, go with someone else, let them order the real deal, and take a bite of their sandwich. I always order roast beef on squaw and let them put both butter and mayonnaise on my sandwiches now. It sounds disgusting, I know. I would never order this anywhere else. But, it tastes fabulous. The menu is limited, and if you are vegetarian, this is probably not the best place for you. The sandwiches are expensive - for sandwich + drink, you will pay $12 for lunch. Nevertheless, this is always a top choice for me for lunch. I will drive out of my way to eat here. read more

small hidden place.. Great food, big portions, friendly staff. would def recommend. Was very busy, long line, but goes fast. read more

Backstreet - Turkey sandwich.. Comes with all u can eat salad bar. - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Don't come here!!!!....said nobody ever.... Top notch friendly service....grade A++++ food.... A little on the $$ side and not too much seating areas so get here early for lunch!..... I give it a 5 star based on the food quality- freshness, ambiance, and friendliness of the employees. read more

Backstreet - Pastrami on French roll with potatoe salada - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Great food and great service. Well known in riverside auto center for being amazing. I've been a dozen times. Super consistent, moves fast nice employees. I wish there was a place like this near my house. Banana cream pie is off the hook. Turkey sandwich on squaw is my go to. Only draw back is the parking. read more

I've been coming here for lunch for the past 7 years. I can always count on quick service - you line up to order but the line moves pretty quickly. I believe this place has been owned and operated by the same family for a very long time and has a loyal following - including me. The guy who makes the sandwiches is a grump. You gotta know what you want to order before you get to him. The ladies are super sweet. I do admit the sandwiches are a little bit expensive. What I do is get the vegie plate for $3 and get the banana cream pie. You get all the fixin' but the sandwich, which isn't all the great anyways. But the patio is quaint and relaxing. read more

owner is really sweet! their pies are so AWESOME love to be back with my friends & fam for quick lunch stop read more

Backstreet - Ham on Squaw bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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This place is a great place with a very homey feel! From the second I came with my fiancé I loved it. The staff was very friendly and professional and went out of their way to serve us. When we first arrived we sat outside on a colder day. One of the servers noticed we looked a little cold and took us to a building next door with a fire place! The same server even brought us out a piece of Banana creme pie for free! This is a great place to relax and eat some lunch anyday! read more

Backstreet - Fireplace - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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