Just 60 miles east of Los Angeles, this Inland Empire city is known for its historical charm and youthful vibrance. Riverside, California is home to the California Citrus State Historic Park, the famous Mission Inn, and the sprawling grounds of the University of California Riverside, among other attractions.
Whether touring the beautiful botanical gardens at UC Riverside or visiting the numerous museums and cultural centers that the city has to offer, there’s one thing we all have in common: coffee!
If you’ve ever visited the Inland Empire, you’ll know that it gets hot! Perfect for cooling off with an iced latte or smooth cold brew.
We did our research and found nine amazing coffee shops to quench your thirst and keep you caffeinated while exploring this Californian city.
The 9 Best Coffee Shops in Riverside, California
1. Twee Coffee
- 9344 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92503
This Pinterest-perfect coffee shop is an absolute delight from start to finish. The aesthetic is absolutely on point and the brews are even better.
Serving up specialty roasters like Cat and Cloud, in addition to Wild Goose Coffee Roasters, you’ll find tasty classics from cappuccinos to straight-up espresso.
2. Mundial
- 1725 Spruce St, Riverside, CA 92507
In their words, Mundial is not your average coffee shop. Mundial is a Latinx-owned and woman-owned establishment with a focus on sustainability and community. When you shop here, you can shop with good conscience.
Not only do they serve up great ethics, but they also have killer lattes like the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Latte and, our personal favorite, the Briar Rose Oatmilk Latte.
3. Arcade Coffee Roasters
- 3672 Chicago Ave A, Riverside, CA 92507
The chic vibes and clean aesthetic of Arcade Coffee Roasters scream specialty coffee. The high-quality appeal of Arcade isn’t just about looks, though. Any drink you order from their eclectic menu will wow you!
Serving their own coffee, this roaster-cafe is passionate about coffee from bean to cup. If you’re looking to learn more about how coffee is roasted and what happens before you brew, this is a great place to start!
4. Condron Coffee
- 3696 Sunnyside Dr, Riverside, CA 92506
If you’re looking for a great vibe and even better brews, stop by Condron Coffee. Their beautiful interior is perfect for taking your home office on the move or setting up for a study sesh.
With plenty of large tables, there is ample space for group gatherings. Condron is the perfect place to sit a while and enjoy the moment!
5. Lift Coffee Roasters
- 2060 Chicago Ave A-10, Riverside, CA 92507
Lift Coffee Roasters is all about optimism and tasty drinks. From their freshly roasted beans to the detail-driven drinks, Lift Coffee Roasters has it going on.
With two locations, it’s hard to find a reason to pass up this tasty spot. The Chicago Avenue location in Riverside boasts an eclectic menu with unique offerings like the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Matcha and the London Fog Latte for the tea drinkers in your life.
6. Crave Coffee & Tea
- 3590 Central Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
With three fantastic locations on their resume, Crave Coffee and Tea knows what they’re doing. The Riverside location is a great spot for grabbing a quick, healthy bite while enjoying a classic iced latte or something more adventurous (try the Toffeenut Latte, hot or cold!).
Crave is another great spot to while away the hours with friends or a good book.
7. Kraemer’s Coffee House
- 6734 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92506
Perhaps one of the best breakfast spots in town, Kraemer’s Coffee House serves up more than coffee (though, we’re a bit bias toward coffee, aren’t we?). With delicious breakfast sandwiches and other tasty bites, Kraemer’s covers all the bases for an amazing morning in Riverside.
8. Back to the Grind
- 3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Following in the traditional coffee house ways, Back to the Grind features live music and other events within the community. Not only is it a great place to catch a show or try your hand at the open-mic night, it’s also your friendly neighborhood coffee shop.
9. Molinos
- 3660 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
One of the more unique offerings in Riverside is Molinos. This woman-owned coffee shop celebrates its Cuban heritage with traditional drinks such as Cafecito or the Cinnamon Dulce Latte.
They also offer the usual variety of our favorite classics in addition to many other artisanally-crafted drinks.
Riverside Coffee: Conclusion
As a college town on the outskirts of Los Angeles, it may come as no surprise that Riverside has a lot to offer. Next time you find yourself in the Inland Empire, try out a shop or two and let us know what you think!
Featured Image Credit: CandyBox Images, Shutterstock
