Back To The Grind

Back To The Grind Back To The Grind is a cafe located on University Avenue in Riverside, known for its gourmet coffee and teas served in a comfortable setting. Established in 1996, it was the first community coffee shop in the area to offer an alternative to traditional coffee gathering places, all within a charming Victorian ambiance. The cafe caters to Riverside's diverse Downtown community by providing a vibrant space for music, dance, local art exhibitions, and special events. Musicians and artists are encouraged to reach out for opportunities to perform or showcase their work.
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Recent social media posts

It's Thursday, and that means Chess Night! 6:30pm to 8:30pm every week. All skill levels welcome! Bring your own board (...
09/03/2026

It's Thursday, and that means Chess Night! 6:30pm to 8:30pm every week. All skill levels welcome! Bring your own board (or borrow one of ours) 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!

It's Thursday again!! Come get your laugh on with us!  Sign-ups at 6pm, show at 7pm, one-item purchase for entry. See yo...
09/03/2026

It's Thursday again!! Come get your laugh on with us! Sign-ups at 6pm, show at 7pm, one-item purchase for entry. See you soon!

Say goodbye to August with us! Monday Night RUPO Open Mic is here again! Always the best cure to those Monday blues. *QU...
08/31/2026

Say goodbye to August with us! Monday Night RUPO Open Mic is here again! Always the best cure to those Monday blues. *QUICK HEADS UP* Next Monday, 9/7, we will be closed for Labor Day, and will not be holding RUPO. Sorry, friends! Come down tonight and get your fix in!

Every Monday (except for certain major holidays) 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

08/28/2026

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. 🎶🎵☕️🍻🍺💕

08/27/2026
08/27/2026

Thursday again!!

Attention! Back to the Grind will be holding a flyer making contest for RUPO Open Mic! For nearly 25 years, Monday night...
08/24/2026

Attention! Back to the Grind will be holding a flyer making contest for RUPO Open Mic! For nearly 25 years, Monday night Riverside Underground Performance Organization has been a weekly gathering space for all creatives to join together and share their talents with us all. So why wouldn't we involve you all in this opportunity to create a new and fresh design for our walls and social media! Deadline for your designs will be October 1st. Our staff will take a vote to choose our top designs, and we will put together a poll here to choose our winner! The winning designer will also receive a $20 RUPO gift certificate!
The design is completely up to you, any media style welcome, keeping in mind the event that this flyer is for, and that all of the details from our current flyer be included and legible. AI not allowed! We also need this flyer to be a standard US Letter size (8.5" x 11"). Please ensure the final design is a print-ready, high-resolution PDF (300 DPI), and set up in CMYK color mode. Please also include a standard 0.125-inch bleed margin on all sides.
Downtown Riverside is so full of wonderful and creative artists, we can't wait to see what you all come up with! Flyers can be submitted with the subject line "RUPO FLYER" to [email protected] - Good Luck!

Thursday is here again! Come laugh away your problems with us 😅☕️🍻🥂
08/20/2026

Thursday is here again! Come laugh away your problems with us 😅☕️🍻🥂

08/20/2026

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 - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19517840800

Website

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!