Back To The Grind - Riverside, California

D ?. W.

I've loved this place forever and a day. The ambience, the people, the area and the history of the building. It's all great.
The food is perfect, the coffees are grand. Sometimes the baristas can be a little moody, but everyone has their days.
The one thing I'd love to see done, is if the owner would have the floors redone, sanded, and sealed. The wood floors are in dire need of some love and attention, as they sit, it's looking more like Calico Ghost town, than a 1900 Historical establishment.
Come on they for the wood floors refinishing.

Rishul B.

One of the most interesting Cafes I have visited, loved the ambience and vibe of the place. The coffee and croissants were also pretty good.

Jeffrey

Took a little time to get the drinks, and I had some grounds in my coffee, but that happens sometimes. Staff was super friendly, and it was all and all a very cool coffee shop to visit. I highly recommend, I would love to check out one of the show they seem to have something going on every day of the week.

Andrew B.

Such a unique establishment that's somewhere between a cafe and a bar. Eclectic decorations and ornaments throughout give this place a wonderful kooky and kitsch vibe. Great tea and coffee here and so popular (there was a long queue when we arrived but they cleared it so quickly). Did not try the food but the servers were warm, friendly and fun. Great place to sit and people watch.

Shai

I’ve debated a lot about writing this review, but I feel the need to stay something about my experience while here. I have never had a worker treat me with such contempt like one of the workers at Back To The Grind did. I’m not sure if he’s just a worker or more than that but my interaction with him made me question if it was racially motivated. He rolled his eyes, was clearly annoyed with me saying what I wanted to order, and acted like I burdened him with my mere presence. You would swear we had some negative history by the way he was treated me, a first time customer. After reading google and YELP, it’s clear that I am not the only person who had this type of experience while here. I’ve read reviews specifically stating black customers have been treated unfair or other poc who pointed out that the treatment felt prejudiced, so it’s clear my experience is one of many. Outside of that, plenty of people have pointed out of rude the guy was to them. Even if there my experience was not racially motivated — and I cant help but question if it was — theres really no excuse for treating someone like that.

I feel conflicted writing this because. I dont want to discourage people from attending queer events here. I know how few lgbtq+ friendly places are here and I had an amazing time at Club Vamp and would recommend people going to it! My advice would not order anything from here and avoid dealing with the worker— that’s how rude and bad the experience was for me. This place did not feel safe. I did not feel welcomed. And I feel the need to say something to help any other person of color who may have heard this is a place for queer folks and felt it would be a safe place for them.

Destiny H.

This coffee shop transported me to a different state! The atmosphere is a completely different feel for SoCal! I love the personal touches of this shop! The owners are very friendly, and art is everywhere! Great place to enjoy!

Bianca M.

I absolutely love the ambiance, and environment here. The staff are always so sweet and they get busy so please keep that in mind! I love ordering a Hazelnut flavored Mocha and a turkey and Swiss sandwich when I go. Love it here <3

André T.

I finally found a nice spot to relax and read an old book I had shelved. Highly recommend their plain latte!