These are the places you go for a drink with no pretense. There is no need to get dressed up. It’s probably so dark no one would notice.
Not out of the way but not downtown, The Sire is the king of Riverside dives. It’s likely that some of the younger patron’s grandparents had their first drinks at The Sire. You’ll always find plenty of seating and a friendly crowd at Riverside’s watering hole. You will probably see someone you know there; maybe your sixth-grade teacher, maybe a city councilperson.
Art’s has been a long-time favorite in downtown dives. It’s a dark wood and leather booth type of dive with stiff drinks that won’t leave you broke. When Andrea Palagi took over the place, he put real effort into the dining menu, and Art’s has become a destination for a casual meal as well. It feels old school because it is. Art’s also gets rocking on weekends with live bands inside the bar. The crowd at Art’s is grown up and friendly. You may stay longer than planned but you can never overstay your welcome.
Let’s give the West Side some love. Morgan’s is a tiny bar tucked in the corner of a strip mall. It is a wrap-around bar with attentive staff and cold beers. The Pirate theme sets it apart, but no one is going to Morgan’s for the decor. Play some pool, listen to some tunes, and hang out for a while. Morgan’s is a hidden gem if you’re looking for a well-worn dive.
Law’s is a bar first bar and grill in the purest sense. There is an extensive beer/wine/cocktail menu, and if you don’t get anything to eat, no one will look at you sideways. If you are hungry, Law’s has a classic bar and grill menu that runs the gamut from appetizer combos to prime rib dinners. It doesn’t get more classic than a steak, baked potato, carrot balls, and an Old-Fashioned; Art’s may be the last place in town where you can do it without breaking the bank. Order the onion rings; if it matters, Law’s is extra generous with the house-made Ranch.
Skydive is another great little neighborhood bar. It is located near the Riverside Municipal Airport. The building is unassuming and you may have passed by without seeing it if you weren’t looking for it. The Skydive is a wood-paneled, neon sign,TV, darts, and pool type of place with no kitchen (but they might not get mad if you brought a pizza to share).
