13 Best and Must-Try Coffee Shops in Riverside, CA
Riverside is only 50 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angles. It’s lively, with stunning sights and plenty of things to do.
Discovering the city’s charm is easy by exploring its coffee shops. Whether you’re a visitor, a student at the University of California, Riverside, or a resident, many options are available.
Riverside coffee shops range from relaxing cafes to trendy spots, offering various beverages and snacks.
This article explores the best coffee shops in Riverside and highlights their specialties, ambiance, and locations.
Whether you need a peaceful study spot, a venue to meet friends, or a great cup of coffee, these spots s cater to all.
So grab your favorite book or laptop and embark on an enjoyable journey through Riverside’s coffee scene!
Coffee Shops in Riverside
Arcade Coffee Roasters
Arcade Coffee Roasters operates as a specialty coffee company in Riverside. Shane Levario and Stevie Hasemeyer founded the company back in 2015. Arcade Coffee Roasters has three Riverside locations: Arcade Downtown, The Bakehouse, and the Tasting Room.
The Tasting Room on Chicago Avenue is a community-oriented roastery and tasting room. They offer a range of artisan-roasted coffee and aim to create a welcoming atmosphere.
On Canyon Crest Drive, you’ll find The Bakehouse, which provides coffee and baked goods. Their newest location, Arcade Downtown, is on Main Street. Here, you can enjoy brunch and dinner alongside their coffee.
Arcade Coffee Roasters prides itself on the thoughtful preparation of its coffee and sources its beans from reputable suppliers such as InterAmerican Coffee, Bodhi Leaf Coffee, and Coffee Shrub.
Additionally, the company places a strong emphasis on offering a variety of decaf options to cater to different preferences. Overall, Arcade Coffee Roasters has become a favored destination among coffee enthusiasts in Riverside, providing a distinctive and superior coffee experience.
Back To The Grind
Back To The Grind is a hidden gem on University Avenue in Downtown Riverside. It offers a unique experience and has a relaxed vibe. The atmosphere is always consistent, and soft jazz music sets the mood.
The coffee shop doubles as a library, boasting many books. The decor is stylish, featuring a large bookshelf, scattered tables, and comfy seating. The building’s architecture is impressive and adds to the place’s charm.
The menu includes coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries, ice cream, and vegan items. The cappuccino is a great choice for coffee lovers. The chai tea strikes a perfect balance of sweetness, and the oat milk lattes are also worth a try. You can also find bagels, smoothies, desserts, and more.
Ultimately, Back To The Grind stands out from typical chain establishments and reflects the culture of the surrounding neighborhood.
Molinos Coffee
Molinos is a famous coffee shop in Downtown Riverside near Mission Inn Museum. They offer a delightful array of coffee, baked goods, and seasonal flavors.
At Molinos, you can enjoy an extensive selection of coffee options. They have everything from Cuban coffee to various origins, flavors, roasts, and even decaf.
Step inside Molinos and experience a comfortable ambiance with outdoor seating. You’ll feel right at home with a grand window at the back and an inviting open door.
Apart from focusing on making excellent coffee, Molinos supports the community by sponsoring different activities. Molinos stands out as one of the best coffee shops in Riverside. Don’t miss the chance to visit and indulge in their unique offerings.
Daily Brew Coffee House
Daily Brew Coffee House is the go-to spot in West Riverside on Van Buren Boulevard. It’s all about providing the community with the best coffee.
The atmosphere here is casual and inviting. There are lots of seats and outlets for your devices. Local artists’ work decorates the walls, adding to the pleasant vibe. The music playing in the background is relaxing and won’t distract you.
Regarding drinks, we recommend their cold brew, iced coffee, and the Eye Opener—a special drink with coffee (hot or iced) topped with two espresso shots. It’s a real treat!
The avocado toast is prepared and appealing, while the apple strudel oatmeal is delightful. Don’t forget to try their mouthwatering orange muffin—it’s a simple yet delicious treat.
Whether you’re meeting friends, getting work done, or enjoying the calm atmosphere, Daily Brew Coffee House is the perfect spot.
Lift Coffee Roasters
Lift Coffee Roasters is a quiet coffee shop perfect for studying. It’s one of the best coffee shops in Riverside. Inside, you’ll find comfy couches and tables for plenty of seating. The ambiance is cool, with dark wooden tones, antique and industrial decorations, and dim lighting.
Their coffee is top-notch, especially the blueberry cold brew from their spring menu. It will leave a positive impression on you. Try “The Grinch,” a yummy matcha latte with peppermint sprinkles and cold foam. Or go for the sweetened vanilla latte.
If you want a souvenir, they sell coffee mugs and t-shirts and offer gift cards. The workers at Lift Coffee Roasters focus on quality for every customer.
Twee Coffee
Twee Coffee is a friendly place that proudly supports local and small-business coffee roasters.
When you step inside, you’ll find a lovely setup with beautiful plants, inviting books, and charming trinkets. What makes Twee Coffee special is its dedication to making customers happy.
From calming matcha lattes to refreshing iced vanilla lavender lattes and tempting currant tea with mango and agave syrups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The best part? You can personalize your drink with different sweeteners and syrups made with creamy oat milk. With its cheerful atmosphere and memorable experiences, Twee Coffee is a place you’ll want to visit again.
Kraemer’s Koffee Bistro
Kraemer’s Coffee House is a top breakfast spot in town. They offer more than just coffee (though we love it!). You’ll have a fantastic morning at Kraemer’s. This Riverside coffee shop is in the Brockton Arcade shopping mall.
Since they opened their doors in 1992, the staff at Kraemer’s has been fueling inland empire mornings with their energizing caffeinated beverages. It’s one of the oldest and most beloved coffee shops in Riverside.
While enjoying your cup of joe, you can also indulge in a customizable, reasonably priced hot bagel, panini sandwich, or croissant. It’s the perfect combination for a satisfying breakfast experience.
Crave Coffee & Tea
Crave Coffee & Tea was launched of the desire for higher quality. As one of the best Riverside coffee shops, Crave Coffee & Tea handcrafts drinks and food using top-quality ingredients.
They have multiple locations in California, including Riverside, Corona, and Temecula. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or a leisurely coffee break.
At Crave Coffee & Tea, you can enjoy a wide range of beverages, including hot and iced coffee, tea, and blended drinks.
Their menu also features breakfast bagels, sandwiches, croissants, muffins, and doughnuts. In addition to coffee and food, Crave Coffee & Tea has a beautiful selection of plants.
Mundial
Mundial is a coffee shop that combines passions in one place! They bring awareness and support to small organizations and farmers worldwide—step inside, and you’ll find cute patterned tables and plants adorning the interior.
The coffee selection is extensive, and there are tantalizing pastries too! Find their favorite lattes, such as Briar Rose, Brown Sugar, or Lavender Oat Milk.
They proudly support other small businesses by selling their coffee bags and merchandise. Not only does Mundial serve great coffee, but there are also plants for sale, adding to the impressive interior.
In addition to specialty coffee, you’ll discover a selection of plants at Mundial. It is perfect for bringing a touch of nature into your home. Join and savor the goodness Mundial has to offer!
Condron Coffee
Located on Sunnyside Dr, Condron is one of the newest coffee shops in Riverside. The rustic decor creates a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it a perfect place for work or socializing.
The baristas at Condron are skilled artisans, showcasing their passion in every cup they create. Their dedication is evident in the quality of their coffee.
The menu at Condron is diverse and emphasizes sustainability, with a focus on friendly service. Some delicious coffee choices include the Cold Brew and Espresso Tonic.
The pumpkin spice latte is perfectly balanced, neither too sweet nor overpowering. For a comforting warmth, the fall tea blends tea and apple cider for a delightful flavor.
Overall, Condron encompasses everything that creates a coffee house unique. It’s a place worth discovering and experiencing for yourself.
The Cupcake & Espresso Bar
The Cupcake & Espresso Bar has a cute grass wall and pink lights, making it perfect for those Instagram-worthy pictures.
The ambiance is cute, and plenty of tables are available to enjoy their sweet treats, coffee, and tea. Inside, you’ll find a spacious seating area with tables and chairs, and you can also sit outside.
Remember to try Horchata Cold Brews or the refreshing iced Horchata latte. Their cupcakes are renowned as the best in Riverside, with flavors like white chocolate, strawberry, and raspberry.
If you’re in a hurry, The Cupcake & Espresso Bar! also offers drive-thru service for your convenience. You’ll want to come back again!
Mi Cafecito
Mi Cafecito is conveniently located inside Riverside Food Lab, perfect for those waiting for coffee and food.
Two young entrepreneurs unexpectedly founded Mi Cafecito, seizing a business opportunity. Their mission is to connect people through the shared ritual of coffee.
Their standout drink, the Latte De Olla, combines double-shot espresso with a house-made syrup blend that bursts with flavors, complemented by the nutty taste of oat milk.
At Mi Cafecito, every customer is treated like family, regardless of how they interpret the experience. They take pride in fostering visitors’ sense of belonging and community.
7 Leaves Cafe
7 Leaves Cafe is an American chain that sells Vietnamese and Japanese drinks and macarons across many states. If you’re craving Vietnamese coffee or boba in Riverside, visit 7 Leaves Cafe.
By downloading the 7 Leaves Cafe app, you can earn reward points on every purchase and enjoy easy ordering and pick-up. While indoor seating is limited, there is ample outdoor seating available.
The menu offers a variety of favorites, such as Traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee, Sea Cream Black Coffee, and Japanese Matcha Soy Tea.
You can easily find parking in the large plaza where the cafe is located, with other food businesses nearby. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu – it’s all delicious!
FAQs
What kinds of drinks can I find at Riverside coffee shops?
Many coffee shops have different types of coffee to cater to other preferences. They serve popular choices like cold brew, pour-over, cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and non-coffee and boba tea.
Are there any coffee shops in Riverside that serve food or pastries?
Many coffee shops in Riverside serve food and pastries alongside their coffee offerings. In some establishments, you can find various breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
Do Riverside coffee shops have loyalty programs or rewards for frequent visitors?
Some coffee shops in Riverside have loyalty programs or rewards for frequent visitors. Example: 7 Leaves Cafe has an app allowing you to earn reward points for each purchase. This app lets you conveniently place orders and pick them up.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
