Some of Riverside’s oldest and most beloved dining establishments are sandwich shops. From a quick ‘grab and go’ to a late morning meetup with an old friend that runs into early afternoon. Riverside’s sandwich shops have distinct character and the quality to back it up.
The Big Four
These shops have been around for generations. They are classic, hard-hat, blue-collar grinder shops, and each has its loyal following. Every Riversider has an opinion, and it’s likely so did their parents. Â
When people talk about D’Elia’s, they talk about the bread. For the people who love their fresh, crusty loaves, it’s the crunch that takes it over the top. D’Elia’s has been family-owned for 70 years and is a destination for those returning to town. It is among the most famous Riverside restaurants. Â
Just up the street from D’Elia’s is The Sub Station. It’s on the UC Riverside campus, but the fifty-plus-year-old shop’s popularity extends far beyond the school. The Sub Station has had the same owner since 1972, but the rest of the staff is made up of current UCR students. The Big Dude is the sandwich that made them famous, but the Pizzawich is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something different.Â
It’s not downtown, but it’s close enough for a quick lunch trip, and you won’t have to pay to park! Butch’s is a long-time favorite for many Riversiders. The outdoor seating is packed on weather-permitting weekdays. It may seem unassuming, but Butch’s Grinders is a place where things get done. It’s a popular meeting spot for the movers and shakers. Their grinder rolls are great, but many of the locals get their sandwiches on their famous squaw bread. Â
Antone’s is a Magnolia Center Institution. Freshly baked bread and generous toppings are the trademarks here. It’s in an old house, and it feels like home. The staff is friendly, and the food is great. Try your favorite sandwich on their home-made garlic bread for something truly special.
The Lunch Rush
Sandwich lunches aren’t just for school kids and construction workers. The office set relies on sandwiches, just like hard hats. These shops are great for a quick lunch, but no one would blame you if you stuck around and chatted for a while.Â
There aren’t many places like Backstreet. This place is hidden away, but it isn’t a secret. Backstreet is the type of place that people eat several times a week. The sandwiches are good, but the garden patio ambiance is truly special. To top it off, they’ve got a relish cart that makes the trip, and if you don’t get a homemade pie while you’re there, you’re doing it wrong.
The Upper Crust is tucked in an alcove at the end of the Main Street Mall. There isn’t much in the way of seating, but its fresh-baked bread and excellent meats make It one of the best sandwiches in town. Their half-sandwich and a cup of homemade soup specials are famous, and their fresh-baked cookies are a secret treat worth the trip on their own.Â
For many Riversiders, lunch downtown means Simple Simons. It’s more than a sandwich shop. Simple Simons is a bakery, bistro, and brunch spot with a full range of cafe fare. Their seasonal pastries are delicious, and everything on the menu is fresh. There is plenty of seating inside the brick-walled building, but the outside dining on the mall makes the experience that much better.
New Kid on The Block
Rivercrust Deli is making a name for itself in the Southeast corner of town. Its impossibly-soft bread and high-quality ingredients make Rivercrust worth the trip. The family-run deli serves more than sandwiches; the burgers are good, and the pizza is among the best in Riverside.
