Historic Riverside, CA. is located 90 miles east of Los Angeles. Situated in the Inland Empire region, Riverside is the 12th largest city in the state, with over 319,000 residents.1 Riverside is the birthplace of the citrus industry in California, planting the state's first orange tree in 1871. Full of culture, Riverside possesses museums, festivals and is the home to University California at Riverside.2 Riverside also has a fantastic social scene. Restaurants and bars are plentiful throughout the city. Here are the Best Bars in Riverside CA.

1. Best Wine Bar

CanyonCrest Winery
5225 Canyon Crest Dr
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 363-2234
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Located one mile south of U.C. Riverside. Privately owned, Canyon Crest boasts wines from all of the world’s great wine regions. Grapes are imported and then processed into wine locally.

2. Best Beer Bar

The Salted Pig
3700 12th St. (Main St.)
Riverside, CA. 92501
(951) 848-4020
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Riverside’s first gastropub, The Salted Pig is found in historic downtown Riverside. The Pig rotates 12 draft beers and offers 40 different kinds of bottled and canned beer. Rare crafted, and limited release beers make the Pig a unique experience.

3. Best Sports Bar

Shooters Sports Bar and Grill
10226 Indiana Avenue
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 785-9588
Yelp

 

Play pool on one of their 21 tables, or watch your favorite team on a host of huge widescreens. Shooters stocks a full bar and has an excellent menu. A perfect excuse to get out of the house on game day.

4. Best Whiskey Bar

Proabition Whiskey Lounge and Kitchen
3597 Main St.
Riverside, Ca. 92501
(951) 222-2110
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Located downtown, the Proabition Whiskey And Kitchen is a throwback to the prohibition era with its unique 1920s decor. 60 of the world’s best whiskeys available.

5. Best After-Work Bar

Yard House
3775 Tyler St
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 688-9273
Yelp

 

Located in the Tyler Mall, the Yard House is a great place to meet up after work. Delicious appetizers and drink specials are available throughout the early evening. Their Truffle Fries are truly fantastic.

6. Best Dive Bar

The Hideaway Cafe
3660 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 686-0950
Yelp

 

The Hideaway is the prototypical dive bar with the usual compliment of informative locals and dark atmosphere. The revolving sushi bar is a big hit with the customers.

7. Best Cocktails

W Wolfskill
4281 Main St
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 374-1174
Yelp

 

With names like the Mexican Divorce, Enough Said, and Cat Video, you know the cocktails at this eating establishment are unique, not to mention, tasty. Located in downtown Riverside.

8. Best Live Music

The Vibe
1805 University Ave
Riverside, CA 92516
(951) 788-0310
Yelp

 

The Vibe is right down the street from U.C. Riverside. It offers a wide variety of entertainment and is noted for its exceptional sound system.

 

9. Best Bar with Outdoor Space

The Beach
8022 Limonite Ave
Riverside, CA 92509
(951) 360-4700
Yelp

 

A traditional sports bar, The Beach offers its customers the traditional So Cal menu. Quesadillas, Burgers, and Chicken are all served with a smile and guacamole.

10. Most Expensive and Worth It

Duane’s Prime Steak & Seafood
3649 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
(888) 326-4448
Yelp

 

Located in the historic Mission Inn, a classic Riverside hotel. Duane’s is a mainstay within the Riverside community. They offer a full range of premier meats and seafood.

11. Best Local Joint

Arts Bar and Grill
3357 University Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 683-9520
Yelp

 

Traditional American cuisine is the order of the day at Arts. The locals love knowing they will be eating a great meal every time they visit. Long time staff makes the meal a pleasure.

12. Best Day Drinking Spot

Lake Alice Trading Company
3616 University Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 686-7343
Yelp

 

With two floors, shuffleboard, pinball, pool tables, Lake Alice is the place to go during the day in Riverside. All day if you wanted to. If you love Taco Tuesday, this is heaven.

13. Best First Date Bar

Creola’s Restaurant
1015 E Alessandro Blvd
Riverside, CA 92508
(951) 653-8150
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A nice, quiet, out of the way restaurant. Perfect for that first date. No need to worry about loud music or stuffy waiters. Pricing is very reasonable with quality dishes.

14. Best Juice Bar

Healthy Start
9446 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 990-2349
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Very personal shop with fantastic, fresh, shakes. Locally owned, the emphasis is on great drinks that are healthy, not high in sugar. A great place to get that smoothie after a good workout.

15. Best LGBT Bar

VIP Nightclub and Restaurant
3673 Merrill Ave
Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 784-2370
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Very high class and fun. Whether it’s a drag show or karaoke night, VIP’s is the place to be. No expense has been spared and the uniqueness shows in a big way.

16. Best New Bar

Best Bars in Riverside CA

Source: wikimedia.org

Wicks Brewing Company
11620 Sterling Ave
Ste C
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 689-2739
Yelp

 

Recently opened, Wicks has quickly taken Riverside by storm. From its spacious floor plan, live music, and microbrewery, Wicks gives you many reasons to come back.