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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

One of my fav places! Delicious sandwiches, yummy banana pie, and i love the outdoor patio ambiance! Great staff of people, and a fun place for locals! read more

Was not dissapointed...will be coming back for sure. The food was great and the patio outside was welcoming

Found this place while visiting Riverside. So cute! The sandwiches are delicious and the banana cream pie is amazing!!!!!! I went back the next day for lunch. read more

I love this place. Hard to get there much with working. The turkey is my favorite. The potatoe salad is awesome. The relish bar tops it all off. The service is great. I've been going there since I heard " want butter on it". The setting to eat your meal is so relaxing, if my patio could loom like that. Oh I forgot the best banana cream pie!!! You all rock! read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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

Best Sandwiches and salads in Riverside food always fresh a must visit if going through riverside area it's very small but to keep its regulars able to get in to eat. Lines most of the time out the door but surely worth the wait ------ but please what ever you do don't forget the banana cream pie for Desert it's over the top trust me. read more

My wife and I love this place. We make it a point to visit every time we are in Riverside. It doesn't look like much from the front. But it's ALWAYS busy. The secret is out. Try it and you'll be hooked. read more

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

Finally checked this spot out after hearing really good things! You definitely get a locals vibe when there the outdoor dining is super relaxing, however the sandwiches are very AVERAGE. They kinda rush you in with your order, and throw it together within 1 minute we ordered what they suggested to be the best one tuna with coleslaw and roast beef/pastrami with signature potato salad. Both were good not great and for the price it's a bit of a disappointment. Some say this place is a better than simple simons another riverside local spot and I'd have to stay the quality of sandwiches at simple Simone is a bit better all though the atmosphere here is 100xs more relaxing then downtown hustle...Guess just gotta try it out yourself and give it a go but if you want a really really good sandwich and your a riverside Local I'd say hit up butches still the best deal for the best bite! Again this spot was good, just not great for the prices also ran back in to try the banana cream pie bc everyone on the way out had a piece an I really wanted to like something here but it was seriously banana pudding with a huge pile of cool whip slapped on top and for 5.50 that was a bummer!!! read more

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

Went for lunch today with a friend. First time in 20 plus years. She ordered a half cheese sandwich that they charged $10.50 for. One slice of bread and maybe 3 slices of cheese. Too expensive for just cheese. I ordered to go a whole pastrami with mayo, mustard and cheese and got home with only pastrami and barely any cheese. I will say my half roast beef was loaded with meat. Too much for me. read more

It's been close to 30 years that I have been visiting and enjoying the food at backstreet! Not only is the food great, but the outside patio is so beautiful and peaceful, you feel as if you were in another world. Thank you backstreet for always making my visit enjoyable and pleasant. 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

Five stars for consistency. The small menu is awesome, the staff is friendly, and the patio seat is pleasant. To me, the price point means they hold their food to a higher standard. I would give them more stars if I could. 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

Fantastic lunch. Had the corn beef sandwich with a friend. Was amazing food and wonderful place to enjoy music and the outdoor activities read more

Backstreet - Cornbeef sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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

What a wonderful find! Today went there with my mom on a recommendation from a colleague at work...ate a delicious sour dough turkey sandwich and couldn't believe that the salad/pasta bar was included. Sat in the back patio by the fountain - which was lovely, quaint and unique. The servers were super attentive refilling beverages and one even came over and offered my mom a basket to put her purse in so it wouldn't sit on the ground. My mom was super touched! The owner (?) came by after hearing it was our first time there and told us to go back and help ourselves at the pasta bar. Just a really nice and unexpected experience. Will be sure to be back! read more

The house special roast beef and pastrami or pastrami and turkey, both phenomenal!!! Love this place. Come one my lunch break, between the condiment bar (pasta salad, pickles, pickles veggies) the sandwich and the side I AM stuffed. Thank you for the awesome food backstreet!!! read more

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 wish I could give 5 stars. I've been wanting to go for so long. We finally went. I really love that they make their own meats. Potato salad is soooooo good! Next time we will be ordering more of that. The turkey and pastrami were good too. The roast beef didn't come with the au jus to dip in. It was really dry. If I had that it would have been 5 stars. They definitely Load the meat which is great! I would definitely recommend coming here. Will be going back again but making sure I have the sauce and extra Potato salad. Lol! read more

Love this cute little restaurant. It can get pricey when I go because I have to order for my entire family. They also can't go without ordering the banana & chocolate pies. Baked beans and potato salad is to die for. read more

This place is an amazing hidden gem in Riverside. The layout is gorgeous and is very comfortable eating outside in warm weather due to the shading and the misters. The service is really great and friendly and the food is delicious. We had the pastrami and corn beef on rye and the fixings to go with. I'll definitely be back. I initially saw this place advertised on Burrow Bites on KTLA 5 news a couple years ago so the hype was worth the wait. read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

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