Have you ever walked into a house for the first time and just felt comfortable like you just want to kick back? Well, we found a bar and grill that makes you feel that same way. Sure it's not next door but if you ever shop in Riverside or you're coming back from L.A. for some reason or another and just need a place to get out of traffic and relax, Art's is for you.
Art's Bar and Grill located just a walk away from the famous Mission Inn is one of those hidden treasures only the locals are supposed to know about. Yes we found it by accident too. It's right under the 91 overpass on University ave in downtown Riverside and not that easy to get into the parking lot. Once you do find out where to park you'll be glad you did. As soon as you walk in you know you have found one of those places that existed years ago but are so hard to find now.
Friendly local folks sitting both outside on the patio or inside all seem to be enjoying this throw back to an earlier time. I titled this review “cozy” because, as soon as you walk in, that's how you feel. We were greeted by Cameron the bartender someone that you could tell just loved to be working at this special place. We asked about happy hour and we were told they don't have one because there prices were so good they didn't need one. That caught my attention right away.
Especialy in downton Riverside where good prices are not exactly easy to find. I ordered a well drink (which was a good brand) and was handed a full to the top rocks drink that cost 5 bucks. Not bad! Neither my wife nor I were really very hungry when walked in but after seeing the food that was being served we couldn't resist taking a look at the menu.
We decide after seeing the burgers being served, we would just split one of those. Again not all that hungry. Well it arrived already cut, on separate plates, with more than enough fries on each plate for both of us. Delicious! An old time burger for sure. We were told that any split meal is always served on fully dressed separate plates. A nice touch for sure.
Don't worry that's not the only food we have had there. We have been back several times now to enjoy everything from the $3 Vegas style shrimp cocktail to the scrumptious slow cooked prime rib. Their soups and their fabulous blue cheese dressing is home made. They even have a special recipe for the bloody mary's that includes a dash of beef broth. What a place. I must say, I am so glad we more or less stumbled into Art's place it’s now our place to go whenever we are near Riverside.
The address for Art's is 3357 University Ave. In Riverside. You can call them @ 951-683-3324 for hours of operation. Have fun there and say hi to Cameron from John and Nicole.
