Coffee & Tea
Local Favorite

Back To The Grind

About Back To The Grind

Back To The Grind brings together the best parts of a neighborhood coffee shop and a lively community gathering place in Riverside, CA.

Located at 3575 University Ave, this hip, airy venue offers far more than a great cup of coffee—it creates a welcoming space where guests can start their morning with breakfast, settle in for brunch or lunch, or linger over dessert and conversation.

With a menu that includes coffee, tea, sandwiches, vegan fare, comfort food, healthy options, quick bites, small plates, and local specialties, it gives every visitor something satisfying to enjoy, whether they are stopping in for a quick pick-me-up or planning a relaxed meal.

Its inviting atmosphere, described as casual, cozy, historic, and trendy, makes it an easy choice for customers looking for both quality and character in one place.

What makes Back To The Grind especially appealing is the way it blends excellent food and drink with a strong sense of experience. Guests consistently praise the fast service, great coffee, great tea selection, and delicious desserts, while the on-site bar adds beer and alcohol for those looking to unwind.

The shop also stands out as a welcoming destination for solo dining and for people working on a laptop, with Wi-Fi, table service, and comfortable seating that make it easy to stay awhile.

Outdoor seating, dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and on-site service provide flexibility for every kind of visit, and reservations are accepted for those who want to plan ahead.

Whether you are meeting friends, enjoying a quiet work session, or simply craving a quality coffee break, Back To The Grind is designed to make the experience smooth, satisfying, and memorable.

Beyond the menu, Back To The Grind has built a reputation as a true community hub, bringing people together through concerts, art shows, open mic nights, live music, and live performances.

Its welcoming environment is reinforced by thoughtful accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, toilet, and car park, along with gender-neutral toilets and restroom facilities. Customers clearly value the experience, reflected in its strong 4.50 out of 5 rating from 1,394 reviews.

With convenient payment options such as debit cards, credit cards, and NFC mobile payments, it is easy to see why so many visitors return again and again.

Back To The Grind offers the warmth of a favorite local café, the energy of a creative gathering space, and the dependable quality people look for in a great coffee shop.

★★★★★ 4.50 rating (1394 reviews)
Back To The Grind
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Independent Reviews
Back To The Grind interior

More Than Just Coffee

Every cup we serve is a small moment of joy, carefully crafted by passionate baristas who care about your experience.

  • Free WiFi
  • Cozy Seating
  • Pet Friendly
  • Local Roasters

Reviews

From our beloved regulars

Lucy Blanks

Lucy Blanks

8 months ago

I LOVE COMING HERE!! I frequent this place all the time for their low-price brunch, dessert, and milkshakes! I recommend this place to my friends often whenever we're around downtown. The music and events are a treat to see. Great place to study too!

Aaron E.J O'brien

Aaron E.J O'brien

6 months ago

It blends both classic and modern elements. The coffee was delicious, and the atmosphere was pleasant.

Tejaswini Nama

Tejaswini Nama

5 months ago

Coffee and food was descent. Ambience is very unique. Vibe is also very cheek.

Eileen Rodriguez

Eileen Rodriguez

6 months ago

It’s a cute little cozy coffee bar, order Hazeltine oat latte. Was good not the best but very chill and easy parking. Good place for a quick grab and go in the mornings.

Rachel

Rachel

3 months ago

Found my every Sunday spot. I used to come here yrs ago but I’d have my toddlers so I’d order and leave. Now those same toddlers are adults and we started coming again recently. The vibe is absolutely everything. Love the young very pretty black girl who works there. Next level kindness and energy. Big ups to the entire crew. Thx for giving ppl a loving and calm environment in this crazy world.

Jason

Jason

7 months ago

This place has a vibe that is hard to match, a vibe and aesthetic that truly inspires. Classic for writers and artist. The owners got it right, and I'm glad they've been open for so long. The crowd is generally chill, and friendly if interaction takes place. The atmosphere doesn't take all the heavy lifting. The food and drink options tie a nice bow around the perfectly wrapped gift. Sandwiches are made to order, and the pastries taste fresh and satisfying. I don't know if they're homemade or outsourced, either way, they chose quality. The two primary men there always seem to be hustling. Treat them with human kindness, and they'll take care of you.

Deanna Leiann tm

Deanna Leiann tm

5 months ago

The atmosphere is great just like the rainbow 🌈 around my head Great coffee prices $5.50 for a tall latte Come see the place.

Christina G

Christina G

6 months ago

Love, love, love! Came in for an evening latte and stayed for an hour or so on the cozy patio. As soon as you walk in, you'll notice the cool decor. I'm a sucker for bookshelves in coffee shops! Tamia took our order - she was so friendly and easy to talk to. Definitely will return for the yummy coffee & vibes next time I'm in town.

J. Anthony

J. Anthony

month ago

Great coffee, great atmosphere, and excellent service. Dog friendly inside and out, with seating out front and in back. Good cost effective bites as well. Highly recommend.

L Seven

L Seven

2 months ago

Today was my first visit to Back on the Grind and I am smitten!! I popped in to have a bite to eat not knowing what to expect. Very nice surprise! Walking in I was captured by the sweet Smith jazz playing and the decor. The rows of book shelves filled with books (which you can check out, as long as you bring one), and nostalgic items. The art works, the many tables. I even liked the way the bathroom does are designed. Lol. To me this is a place I could spend hours in listening to the music and reading or just looking at all the book shelves. I should have gotten names, but alas it will have to happen at a later time. The young lady who took my order was very nice and informative. Oh yeah, I ordered an Iced white chocolate mocha and a bagel with cream cheese. Nice and simple. If you venture inside, I promise you will not be disappointed! I'm so glad I was guided here. I can't wait to return to this book lovers, art lovers, music lovers, and coffee lovers den.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Back To The Grind

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

From the business

  • Identifies as Black-owned
  • Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
  • Small Business

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining
  • Good for working on laptop

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar on site
  • Gender-neutral toilets
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Family friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safe space
  • University students

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Children

  • Good for kids

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking

Pets

  • Dogs allowed
  • Dogs allowed outside

Come Say Hi

We'd love to see you! Stop by for your favorite drink or to try something new.

Location

3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, United States

Hours

Open Now · Saturday 9 AM-9 PM
Saturday 9 AM-9 PM
Sunday 9 AM-5 PM
Monday 8 AM-9 PM
Tuesday 8 AM-9 PM
Wednesday 8 AM-9 PM
Thursday 8 AM-9 PM
Friday 8 AM-9 PM
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Get in Touch

Questions about catering, private events, or just want to say hello?