Recent social media posts
05/30/2026
Fridays at Back to the Grind are for jazz 🎵🎶 Stop on by and enjoy a coffee or beer and listen to some jazz with us! See you tonight at 6:30p.m. 🎶🎵☕️🍻🍺💕
05/27/2026
We are in the process of collecting raffle items and hope to have them all collected by next week so that we can let you know what they are and how to purchase tickets. We will be offering tickets before the event as well as during the event but need to figure out the best way to make that happen. The tickets will be $5 each for the regular raffle and $20 each for the guitar raffle. The person who wins the guitar must be present as we are not going to pay to have it shipped. I will be creating an event page and will do my best to update that as often as possible. I'm just waiting for people to get their items to me so that we can get this going. 🐾🎼🎸🎹🎧🐾
PayPal or Zelle: [email protected]
Venmo: Taking It To The Streets with Lori and Shira
Checks: PO Box #3678, Jurupa Valley, California 92519
05/27/2026
05/25/2026
Our Fundraiser with The Dangers, at Back To The Grind, is just three weeks away. Many of you offered to make baskets for the raffle/silent auction or donate items. Taking It To The Streets with Lori and Shira is now asking that you contact Lori Rich at 951.662.0631 or [email protected] to start getting those items turned in. We would like to begin selling raffle tickets, before the event, and need an idea of what we have. Thank You! 🐾💝🐾
PayPal or Zelle: [email protected]
Venmo: Taking It To The Streets with Lori and Shira
Checks: PO Box #3678, Jurupa Valley, California 92519
05/25/2026
We will be CLOSED for Memorial Day, but we will be open again tomorrow at 8am. See you all then! No RUPO tonight, but will return again on June 1st!
05/23/2026
Saturday, May 23rd!
On tour from ATL! Do not miss our friends Billy Batts & The Made Men. Free + All Ages. DT Riverside. Saturday May 23. Let’s party punks!
05/23/2026
Our Fundraiser with The Dangers, at Back To The Grind, is just three weeks form tomorrow. Many of you offered to make baskets for the raffle/silent auction or donate items. Taking It To The Streets with Lori and Shira is now asking that you contact Lori Rich at 951.662.0631 or [email protected] to start getting those items turned in. We would like to begin selling raffle tickets, before the event, and need an idea of what we have. Thank You! 🐾💝🐾
PayPal or Zelle: [email protected]
Venmo: Taking It To The Streets with Lori and Shira
Checks: PO Box #3678, Jurupa Valley, California 92519
05/22/2026
Fridays at Back to the Grind are for jazz 🎵🎶 And every 4th Friday (today) is our Jazz Jam! So come on out and enjoy a coffee or beer and listen to some jazz with us! And if you'd like to sit in with the band, don't forget your instruments! See you tonight at 6:30p.m. 🎶🎵☕️🍻🍺💕
05/17/2026
Tim Brown, we thank you for the 96-7 KCAL Rocks! shoutout, with Ralph Torres and Mike Geoghegan, in regards to our June 14th Fundraiser featuring The Dangers! Taking It To The Streets with Lori and Shira Appreciates you! 🐾🎧🐾
05/15/2026
Chess night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm! We have a few sets available for use at the shop but you should bring yours if you have one! See you tonight!
05/15/2026
Come to EVERY THURSDAY and rock with us. Bring your friends, your family and your funnies to the best mic in town. Comics from all over descend upon downtown to make The Workout part of their Thursday night. Come see why and party with your host Nicky P. And the Jam Master G 6pm Signups 7-9pm show. 1-item minimum for ALL.
05/12/2026
A complaint alleges the vote against transforming the Quality Inn to house the homeless “violated anti-discrimination laws.”
05/11/2026
Monday Night RUPO Open Mic is almost here again! Are you ready?!
Every Monday from 7pm to 9pm. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm and in person only, $4 admission. See you then!
Monday Night R.U.P.O. Open Mic is almost here again! Are you ready?!
Every Monday at a new time- 7pm to 9pm. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm and in person only, $4 cash admission. See you then!
3575 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92501 / PG-13
05/08/2026
Join us as we gather to remember our longtime friend and family member, Joe "JoJo" LaRocca!
05/07/2026
It's Thursday, and that means Chess Night! 6:30pm to 8:30pm every week. All skill levels welcome! Bring your own board and come join the fun!
Chess night! Every Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm! We have a few sets available for use at the shop but you should bring yours if you have one! See you tonight!
05/07/2026
Thursday!!! Come out!
If you’ve got a good sense of humor and you’re trying to get better (not just hold the mic) pull up.
No egos. No excuses. Just jokes, bombs and progress.
Pull through, sign up, or just vibe and laugh with a brew and a brew ☕️ 🍻
Let’s workout tonight. In-person Priority signups available. 6pm Signups. 7-9pm show.
05/06/2026
05/04/2026
This gloomy Monday got you down? We've got your fix! Monday Night RUPO Open Mic is almost here again! Are you ready?!
Every Monday from 7pm to 9pm. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm and in person only, $4 admission. See you there!
Monday Night R.U.P.O. Open Mic is almost here again! Are you ready?!
Every Monday at a new time- 7pm to 9pm. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm and in person only, $4 cash admission. See you then!
3575 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92501 / PG-13
04/30/2026
📣📣CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!!📣📣📣
Riverside Pride in collaboration with .gallery is proud to invite q***r artists to participate in the Riverside Pride festival art exhibition on Saturday, May 30th. 2026 celebrating creativity, visibility, and community!
This is an opportunity to share your work with a large, joyful and supportive audience while helping support Riverside Pride's mission!
Check out more info on our page at riverside.lgbt/artist
***rart
04/30/2026
Putting on a Pride Festival is a lotta werk!! 😮💨😮💨
Join us in creating a safe & welcoming space for our 4th Annual Riverside Pride!!
Volunteer with us! There are plenty of time slots to choose from.
Find what works best for you at riverside.lgbt/volunteer-opportunities or hit the link in our bio!
✨✨
04/30/2026
Thursday is just around the corner and the best place to witness some of the brightest up and coming comedians is at Back To The Grind. Comedy is EVERY Thursday and if you’d like to perform, show up at 6pm to sign up. Show runs from 7-9pm. In-person priority signups available. Everyone who signs up before showtime is guaranteed stage time.
04/29/2026
We’re excited to invite you to Open Mic Night, hosted by T‑Boy Tuesdays, for an evening of creativity, community, and connection!
This event is open to all and welcomes performers and attendees alike. Whether you want to share spoken word, music, comedy, storytelling—or simply come to support and enjoy the space—we would love to have you there.
Event Details:
🗓 Tuesday, May 12, 2026
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Back to the Grind
3575 University Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
🎤 Interested in performing?
Sign up using the QR code on the flyer. Spots are limited, so we encourage early sign‑ups.
This event is presented in partnership with the Transgender Health & Wellness Center, and is designed to foster a welcoming, affirming environment for community expression and connection.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to reach out to us at
[email protected].
We hope to see you there!
04/24/2026
I stopped by Back To The Grind earlier today to present the owner, Darren Conkerite, with an official Congressional Proclamation recognizing his 30 years of bringing Riverside’s together over strong coffee and tasty treats. Congrats on 30 years Darren!
Address
3575 University Avenue
Riverside, CA
92501
**Travel Directions to University Avenue, Riverside**
**Public Transport:**
1. **Bus:** Check local bus schedules for routes that service University Avenue. The Riverside Transit Agency provides several lines that stop near this area. You can board a bus at your nearest stop and disembark at the closest stop to University Avenue.
2. **Train:** If you are coming from outside Riverside, consider taking a Metrolink train to the Riverside-Downtown station. From there, you can catch a local bus or use rideshare services to reach your destination on University Avenue.
**Driving/Parking:**
1. **From the 91 Freeway:** Take the exit for University Avenue and head east towards downtown Riverside. Follow University Avenue until you reach your destination.
2. **Parking:** There are various parking options available along University Avenue, including street parking and nearby public lots. Be sure to check for any parking restrictions or fees in the area.
Plan your trip accordingly and enjoy your visit!
Opening Hours
| Monday |
8am - 9pm |
| Tuesday |
8am - 6pm |
| Wednesday |
8am - 9pm |
| Thursday |
8am - 9pm |
| Friday |
8am - 9pm |
| Saturday |
9am - 9pm |
| Sunday |
9am - 6pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Back To The Grind on University Avenue is a delightful gem in Riverside, offering a unique blend of gourmet coffee and teas in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Since its inception in 1996, this café has redefined the coffee experience for locals and visitors alike, providing a warm alternative to traditional coffee gathering spots.
The Victorian-inspired setting adds a charming touch, making it the perfect backdrop for enjoying your favorite brew. Whether you're looking to unwind with a book, catch up with friends, or simply savor a moment of tranquility, Back To The Grind caters to all your needs.
Beyond its exceptional beverages, the café embraces Riverside's vibrant culture by hosting local music and art events. This commitment to community engagement creates an inspiring environment where creativity flourishes. With its eclectic vibe and welcoming ambiance, Back To The Grind is not just a place to grab coffee; it's a hub for connection and artistic expression.
If you’re in Riverside, make sure to stop by Back To The Grind for an unforgettable experience that celebrates both quality coffee and the local arts scene!