Back to the Grind

Service left something to be desired. First, the staffing seems a little lacking. One person to make and serve the orders on a moderately busy Sunday. When the lady finished making two orders, she finally came over and took my order. I just wanted a latte– ordered it and then informed her that I had to run out to my car (which was parked right out front). She said it would be a couple minutes. I came back in she looked right at me and said nothing. I sat down and waited while she served orders that’s knew came in after me. So I tried to get her attention to no avail. When she finally responded, she said, in a huff, «your drink is right up there already” — it was at the opposite end of the restaurant from where she was delivering everything else. By the time I got it, all the foam had settled and I was left with a sad looking latte. To the lady’s benefit, she offered to add more, but I was so frustrated, I didn’t even want to deal with it.
The whole place is unfriendly to new customers– where do I order? I guess by the register but then I stood there waiting, like an idiot for 5 minutes while being ignored and wondering if I am a complete moron that missed something. They seem to deliver orders to whatever end of the bar that they please with no rhyme or reason. You would think that it would correspond to where the person who ordered it, but nope. The sized are marked S, T, and XT– I have idea what those letters actually represented so I ordered a medium, but they called the drink a double latte– that doesn’t correspond to any of their letter nor the size I asked for. Maybe I am being too sensitive about this, but I came here looking for a place to enjoy caffeine while feeding my creative inspiration and instead I was treated like the biggest moron and frustrated.

This place is my new favorite coffee shop. I was a Starbucks snob before. Everyone else goes there, plus they are everywhere. Back to the grind has really good lattes and cappuccinos. Its cozy and down to earth. It’s never been too crowded since I started going. Its good for going alone and getting work done or meeting friends.

I used 2 like coming here but after 1 particular visit, I’m never coming back again. The barista who was making the drinks was so rude. .with the green hair! He asked my boyfriend if he wanted 2 shots of espresso and he gave us attitude because he only wanted 1. then he gave my friend attitude when HE was the one who messed up on her drink. She told him that he made a mistake but he just stared at her like he didn’t give a shit @ all which I’m pretty sure he didn’t, considering he didn’t do anything about the drink so my friend ended up having to settle for that drink. Then he started getting all rude @ me bcuz I was eating something from outside but there was some one else who was doing it! Plus I’ve eaten there a couple times and the workers never said anything to me. This ruined my mood completely n I never want to go back.

One of the best coffee places in riverside. Whatever I get, they do not disappoint. They have many different options and a great environment as well if you’re looking for a place to study.

This rating is for the overall vibe I get from this place, not really for the food or drinks that this venue sells.
It’s really the people that come here and the events that happen here.
Guitar nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Random Concerts downstairs, Pac Man, Books and Games on the shelves, self-​serving Pool Table for a dollar each game… this is my get-​away living room away from the everyday college life.
In short, I love the cozy Norcal vibe where everyone’s just an individual in there.
TIPS: Student discount with UCR ID and their dark chocolate ice cream is pretty bomb.

The most awesome coffee shop ever to exist! Really, this place should teach all other places what a real coffee shop should be like. Lol people of all ages come here for social events, study sessions, hangouts, etc. Its a great place for Riverside to have.

Back to the Grind is the hippest place in Riverside. For one it’s a place where no labels can be found and everyone is welcome.
The drinks are good. Their espressos are pure and simple. I always go for 2 shots but you can have more if you want. They have mocha and tea but their signature drink is the titular «Back to the Grind» which is a mocha /​white chocolate concoction that’s avaliable hot and blended. It’s the best drink out there, others make it but no one can like Back to the Grind.
They also serve food too. Their food is basic, you got grilled cheese, crosiants, even ice cream. Their selection is unique and they even got Acai in their selection. Their food may not be organic but it’s serviceable. I await the day when they make their own desserts and pastries.
The real reason this place gets a 5 is because of its involvement in the community. Open mics happen every Monday with the open mic god Mario and man does it happen, local acts, amatuers and even nobodies get a chance to perform and man does it open doors for them.
The local acts on weekends are amazing, talented and organic. Every band I’ve ever seen was happy to be there and loved to play as if they themselves were giving back. It’s amazing when a venue plays live music and gets a large audience. Especially a coffee shop.
This is the place to go if you want to feel welcome. Go here if you’re a newcomer to Riverside. You won’t be disappointed.

Very nice and friendly environment. The coffee shop gives very hipster vibes, which I can’t complain. There coffee is honestly way better than Starbucks, I just love it. Also, I love that they have variety option for vegans. Their donuts are so delicious, a must try. Definetly coming back here!

This was a hard location to get to. Parking really sucks. The staff was friendly and helpful. Drinks were good. But they were low or out on ingredients. Prices not to bad. This is a fun unique coffee shop. It was clean alot of seating and love the vibe and atmosphere.
They have a book game wall. Bathrooms clean also a back patio for outdoor seating. They only do cash no ATMs just an FYI. Overall my my taste and experience would recommend it.

Love this place! It has such a nice vibe and it’s quiet and the people who work here are really friendly. It’s the perfect spot to do homework or just hang out. It’s cash only though which is a minor inconvenience, but it’s worth getting cash out for!

Mom and eye come to visit Darren as much as we are able. Thank You !!! Much Love and Respect to you and yours, Sincerely; Justin Trevor Munger and Lori Lennon :) 100%
ART POETRY MUSIC (coffee food) CHESS, POOL, BOOKS expressions in positive creativity vibe frequency awesome atmosphere ambience aura awake aware appreciation appropriation acrostics anonymous attentive alternative, etcetera and so forth ALL…
— JMxxx PS Gentrification has pushed out over a dozen of my personal friends Local V3NIC3 Beach community Businesses this new year alone, they’ve been there in brick and mortar operation between 33 and 46 years and have had to shut their doors permanently, family and independently owned Business’s are going extinct in my old school Venice neighborhood (DogTown) let’s not let this happen in Riverside !!! — Porfavor, shop local and go green as much as you are able, ok, let’s support our freedoms and rights while we’ve got them !!! Most of all let’s support the people who treat us as we treat them mutually as equals in humane ways, showing kindness, compassion, empathic feeling, LOVE and RESPECT again Thank You !!! (RIP Michael Pope Taylor /​Taylor Plumbing)
Sincerely, Justin Trevor Munger and Lori Lennon :). XOXOXO’s 100%

I’ve never felt so unwelcome at a coffee shop. The vibe seems like it could be really chill and accepting but the person behind the counter was super standoffish. I ordered an ice coffee and couldn’t see where the creamer was, so I asked the person behind the counter. He laughed at me like I was an idiot and pointed to a refrigerator on the side and said «um it’s right there» in the most condescending tone possible, like I should have somehow known that the random refrigerator in the back is where I was supposed to get the milk from. Sorry man, didn’t mean to make such a crazy demand.
Also they have no ac which is totally insane in the summer.

I was excited to have their coffee tonight. To my disappointment, they closed. The post said closed til 7 pm. It was 7:10 pm, so I walked in. The manager or worker was mad and yelled at everyone to go outside now. But my point, is they said it closed til 7 pm and it was after 7 pm. No explanation. It was difficult for us to understand them. A friend of mine worked harder and finally got it. Someone passed away and would have band there so it would be coverage costs. Excuse me. You didn’t post very clear. I know you have private room, why not use that room at other side. And this side is for us who want to come in for coffee, Java, teas and chat/​gossip. However we are sending our condolences to someone who passed away. We will still come next time :)

Great coffee. Great vibes. Great performances at night. The only thing that gets annoying is yelling for your order when they are performing. Definitely not the place to go if you have a head ache (really loud!)

I’ve been going here for years. The staff is very nice and helpful if you aren’t sure what to order. Their food is as delicious as their drinks. You can also make weird Italian sodas by mixing your own flavors.
It’s a nice place to sit if you want to relax, read a book or work on homework.

Cool looking place, it’s big with an upstairs and a downstairs. Live music on the night I went and a book club meeting. Got pretty busy around 6 pm. Had the white chocolate mocha latte, it was really good! Wifi is good but worse in the basement.

I’ve had better coffee (it’s still good though) but 5 stars for atmosphere!!! It looks awesome and it’s very off-​the-​wall. You just have to see it. It’s my favorite spot in downtown Riverside.
It’s got a basement downstairs with tables and chairs, pool tables, and a stage for concerts and other events. The entrance is on the mid level which also has a bookcase with random books and board games and a bunch of seating. There’s a patio for smoking and chilling. And there’s an upstairs loft for more chilling and a birds-​eye view of the place.

This place my regular go to when I study days. Quite and every Tuesday night they have live performs. I love this place!

Used to be a good go-​to study place. Been at least 10 min & still cannot connect to wifi. It’s not even crowded.
I can get tea at home, but not without distractions. Without wifi this study visit is a bust.

Great place inviting environment, friendly staff. Smiles all around and very hipster but all ages, people outside smoking or inside on the computers or on acoustics.
Great place to hang out and meet friends up for a coffee, also there is a downstairs that I havent gone too but I imagine its fun.
Try the ice cream it is delicious!

I can’t with this place! It’s the best coffee shop in town and I don’t even drink coffee. They have plenty of options and the aesthetic is nice. I love how they actually have books to read. I can hang out here for hours.

Never will
Go back! didn’t catch the name of the miserable guy that runs the open mic on Mondays he was completely rude and didn’t give two shits about the business itself as he encouraged me to write a bad review and management knows this guys has been an issue and continue to work with him ! All I heard were excuses and smirking faces by this hipster filled coffee shop. I rarely loose my cool but I could not stay quite when someone is clearly rude for no apparent reason. Reminds of why I stay clear from places like this !

The Chocolate mocha was beyond my expectations (FUXK STVR BVCKS). i was literally thrown back in my seat from the prodigious palatableness that was hand crafted by a friendly African american of descent gentleman.
Bravo BTTG! Bravo!

Super chill coffee house with food. Although there is no alcohol, the coffee offering were enough to find something you like. We went to see the amazing Gino Matteo perform here on a Sunday night. The atmosphere is very hippish and inviting. There are lots of bars in the area, so it a great area to take a stroll

Love it! Quite, good to work, you can explore lots of good things. Like some old books, lovely decorations, handsome waiters lol:)
Coffee is not expensive at all and the environment is just great. The only thing to notice is they only take cash:) so bring your cash and really to hang out with your friends. It’s great!

This hole in the wall coffee shop left my friends and I in such shock. The front makes it seem like I you will be entering a small space. But that’s not the case at all because instead we entered what looked like The Last Bookstore in LA.
There were bookshelves that lined the walls and had hipster artwork hanging from all corners of the shop. This was near UC Riverside’s campus and you can tell that many students come there to lounge/​chill/​study.
This place had outdoor seating, a balcony, and a downstairs area where my friends and I witnessed a singer. This coffee shop has open mic nights and this gentleman performed for us. It was such an awe-​inspiring performance because he also shared his story.
The atmosphere and vibe was very relaxing and in so glad my friends and I went on a detour before we went to Palm Springs.

When I was a student at UCR this was the place I would go to all the time to study.
Perfect for people watching, very friendly staff, and the drinks were great. Also, they have a lot of books on the bookshelves. It was an exchange system. Take a book, leave a book.
On the weekend during the day it’s usually the most quiet. At night time sometimes they rent out the downstairs for events and it can get noisy. Also, the have some other meetings there too so it gets noisy.
Though I used to come on Saturday morning and stay until afternoon and it was fairly quiet, pretty good for studying.
The lighting especially at night is a little dark so don’t go here if you’re expecting a lot of light for reading.

Such an awesome café, really love that they have a variety of food to choose from.
I had the veggie wrap which was very delicious and a scoop of cookies n cream ice cream. Both reasonably priced.
Everybody in the café was laid back, & the people working behind the counter were very nice.
I especially loved the art in this space.
Wish I could put this place I my pocket, and bring it back with me to Chicago.

Seriously great espresso. Like really really amazing. It was like drinking rocket fuel.
A great independent coffee shop. It’s got that throwback feel, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there should have been a dude strumming a guitar in the corner. But in a good way. It’s got a great brick interior, with books lining one wall, and a space for live music. In fact, I met a musician there who was writing his songs for his performance that evening.
CASH ONLY!!! They do have an ATM as well. Also, it’s largely street parking, which you do have to pay for. $ 1 per hour.
So back to this espresso… I went for a long run afterward and felt amazing. Seriously. The roast is perfect, and I contemplated moving to Riverside on my drive home because it is so good.
There is a case of pastries and other sweets, which all looked incredible. I tried the croissant stuffed with ham and swiss… delicious. Croissant was light and flaky, and the entire dish was perfectly seasoned.
Awesome place and i can’t recommend it enough!