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Back to the Grind
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Veg-options
Serves meat, vegan options available. Local cafe with menu including vegan pizza, mock meats, and vegan dessert options. Cafe turns into after hours hang out after the local bars close, they serve food for the late night crowd and includes vegan hot dogs and additional items to their late night menu. Local musicians perform most nights. Cafe is decorated in art by local artists. Free Wi-Fi. Open Mon-Thu 8:00am-11:00pm, Fri 8:00am-12:00am, Sat 9:00am-12:00am, Sun 9:00am-9:00pm.
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3575 University Ave (at Orange), Riverside, California, USA, 92501
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- Outdoor seating
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 05 Aug 2019 by GF Cookie Monster
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8 Reviews
First Review by badrelijen
Cheatveg
Points +17
Neighborhood vibe - Edit
There aren't many places in Riverside that I would call truly down home, local, and casual. This place is it. I love going there with my kids to get them an ice cream cone and know there will be all kinds of folks there. They have treats for vegetarians and vegans alike but I wouldn't call it extensive. Just a place to grab a snack and chill.
Read moreGuest
possowski
Points +20
Out if town visitors - Edit
Very good pizza. The bun sort of overwhelmed the burger but it was still very good. Maybe add some jicama fries??
Read morePros: Good variety
Cons: No sides for the burger
Guest
kaylalynneg
Points +20
Great locally owned shop - Edit
Vegan options include pizza, cookies, hummus and pita, sometimes freshly baked donuts, smoothies, grilled cheese, and more! Definitely one of my favorite little locally owned coffee houses in downtown riverside.
Read morePros: Friendly staff , Lots of options, Is a local staple
Cons: Parking
Guest
KyoshiWarrior
Points +16
Not the same - Edit
I haven’t been to this cafe since Fall of 2018, and as Darren was the kind owner of the establishment at that time. Now, early December 2019 I have come back to the cafe and many elements of Back to the Grind are no longer fun or enjoyable. To my discomfort, there is a new manager that is mandating that customers purchase items to sit within the cafe. This has basically limited all of the college students as well as local residents to enjoying the kind atmosphere that Darren was creating at Back to the Grind before this point in time. There is no longer any sense of good energy at Back to the Grind. The event calendar is no longer as extensive as it was before.
Read moreI would also really like to point out that there used to be a very good crowd of alternative type people such as the queer, p.o.c, and even the older crowd would constantly be stopping into Back to the Grind and it would be packed with like-minded people. Today it is primarily white males within management and staff and it is reflecting in the experience. Do not waste your money here, it is so sad to see Darren is no longer a part of what could’ve been a great thing for the I.E. community.
Pros: Vegan Pizza
Cons: No gluten meals, Inconsistent drinks, Seems exclusive
Guest
MandaLynRiggle
Points +46
Great little haunt - decent vegan options - Edit
This is a killer coffee house with plenty of vegan options including grab and go desserts like cookies and brownies. I had the daiya grilled cheese and vegan chili along with an oat milk laté and I was happy. The music is killer too.
Read morePros: Solid vegan options. This place isn't gourmet but, It is affordable and good for the prices.
Guest
KatieB
Points +435
Only serve one vegan item now- Pizza - Edit
This place had high ceilings, plenty of tables, eclectic art, and above-average super friendly staff. Unfortunately they no longer serve vegan desserts, and only have cheese or pepperoni vegan pizza. I got the pepperoni, and it was good. It was personal pizza size, and I finished it. The guy behind the counter made me a tropical ice tea after recommending it, and that was very tasty as well. They did have some packages of Heart Thrive vegan granola hearts, so I grabbed that as my dessert. Great place, but it could use more food options. Excellent staff, though.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Lots of teas, soy cheese for pizza
Cons: only 1 food option, stopped carrying vegan desserts, lots of seating for a coffee house
Guest
Bud Coffey
Points +37
EXCELLENT PIZZA - Edit
I had a much different experience then the previous reviewer. The pizza was excellent. Loved the thin "crispy" crust and toppings were great. Very laid back atmsophere. I highly recommend.
Read morePros: Good value, Friendly staff , Excellent pizza
Cons: Not in LA where I live
Guest
badrelijen
Points +28
BTTGs vegan pizza - Edit
I used to go to Back to the Grind all the time, before they had many vegan options. I was pretty excited when I walked by one day and noticed a sign outside that said they have vegan pizza...excited enough to stop, go in, and try one. I wish I could say it was really great, but...what I got was a super thin, burnt, crispy piece of something resembling pizza. Maybe if it hadn't been burnt it would have been better, and perhaps I should have asked for another one, but the guy who made it for me didn't seem to mind that it looks like a charred piece of cardboard when he gave it to me so...
Read moreThis doesn't mean I won't give it another try. I usually have really great experiences at Back to the Grind, and would like to go back as they start to carry more and more vegan items.
Pros: atmosphere
Cons: burnt, dry
Guest
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