Riverside Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Riverside.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Riverside! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Riverside has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Riverside. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Riverside offers over 65 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
The Brickwood
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 463 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3653 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Lake Alice Trading Co.
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 1864 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3616 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 762 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3730 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
ProAbition
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 2746 reviews.
📍 3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Brooks Bar
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.6 stars from 131 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Van Buren, 6720 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Killer Queens Social House
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 153 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3630 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
RIVERSIDE-Heroes
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 3648 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3397 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Locals Public House
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 280 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 285 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92508, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Craftz Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 112 reviews.
📍 3720 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
DUKE'S BAR & GRILL
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 1937 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3221 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Bar Ni Modo
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 41 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1393 University Ave suite 117, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Presidential Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 236 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Downtown Experiment
Highly rated International in Riverside with 3.5 stars from 274 reviews.
📍 3601 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mezcal Ultra Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 2.6 stars from 227 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3737 Main St #100, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Killer Queens Social House
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 153 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3630 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Club Riv
Highly rated International in Riverside with 3.8 stars from 138 reviews.
📍 3557 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Aurea Vista Night Club and Bar
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 3.3 stars from 179 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3498 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
VIP Nightclub & Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.2 stars from 291 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3673 Merrill Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4 stars from 959 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3660 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
ProAbition
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 2746 reviews.
📍 3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
El Calentano
Highly rated International in Riverside with 3.6 stars from 93 reviews.
📍 10390 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 762 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3730 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 1733 reviews.
📍 3485 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Concert Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 64 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 285 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92508, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Farm House Collective
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.6 stars from 179 reviews.
📍 1393 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Fox Performing Arts Center
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 2035 reviews.
📍 3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Back To The Grind
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 1324 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Cafe cuisine
Redlands Bowl
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 1321 reviews.
📍 25 Grant St, Redlands, CA 92373, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Downtown Experiment
Highly rated International in Riverside with 3.5 stars from 274 reviews.
📍 3601 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Haven Pomona
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 52 reviews.
📍 296 W 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
ProAbition
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 2746 reviews.
📍 3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Riverside Food Lab
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 4044 reviews.
📍 3605 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Lake Alice Trading Co.
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 1864 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3616 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 762 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3730 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
DUKE'S BAR & GRILL
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 1937 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3221 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Sire Restaurant
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 929 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 6440 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Saku Ramen
Highly rated Japanese in Riverside with 3.9 stars from 1225 reviews.
📍 3643 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Japanese cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mariposas Cantina Urbana
Highly rated Mexican in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 901 reviews.
📍 1690 Spruce St, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Mexican cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Fox Performing Arts Center
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Riverside venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Ontario Improv
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Riverside venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Riverside Municipal Auditorium
Catch live music performances at this vibrant Riverside venue, featuring diverse artists and genres.
- •Check venue capacity and arrive early
- •Earplugs recommended for loud venues
- •Cash for drinks and merchandise
- •Check setlist times if multiple acts
- •Coat check often available
Performance Riverside
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Riverside venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Riverside Community Players
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Riverside venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Uptown Comedy Corner
Laugh the night away at this popular Riverside comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Downtown Experiment
Explore Riverside's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Killer Queens Social House
Explore Riverside's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Hideaway Cafe & Lounge
Explore Riverside's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Mezcal Ultra Lounge
Explore Riverside's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The W at Worthington's
Explore Riverside's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Lake Alice Trading Co.
Explore Riverside's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Riverside varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Riverside range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Riverside offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Riverside cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
Enjoyed this guide? Share it!