Still no au jus we requested so sandwich was still dry. Is au jus so expensive you can't include it on the roast beef? Also ordered extra cheese (again) and it was see through thin. I would have given up a few carrots and a pickle for a normal amount of cheese. read more

Consistently one of the best eats in Riverside. Down an unassuming street off of Brockton, Backstreet takes its namesake and runs with it. The patio dining area is filled with an assortment of knick-knacks and backyard decor that gives the place a cozy yet whimsical vibe. Inside you'll be served cafeteria-style, as your servers put together your meal on a tray before you pay and load up at their salad bar. Employees will later check up on you during your meal to keep your glass full or keep your lunch rolling. Prices are a tad high (a sandwich with sides will net you over $10) and their hours (as if to emphasize that it's a local eatery) are surprisingly restrictive: weekdays only from 11am-3pm. But perhaps these eccentricities add to the charm, because the restaurant is always busy and the food is always good. Backstreet marches to the beat of its own drum, and unsurprisingly the clientele, both young and old, have responded well to it. *I usually get the pastrami on rye, but the food is pretty good all around. From the various sides to the delicious desserts (banana cream!), it's hard to go wrong with any decision. read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

This place was great! My friends took me today for my birthday lunch and I loved it. You build your own sandwich but I love that there aren't crazy amounts of ingredients and everything is so simple yet delicious. I had the tuna on sourdough and it was flavorful. I ordered the half and had potato salad as my side. Then they have a small little "salad bar" where you can add as much pasta salad and little goodies to your plate. They gave me a free dessert pie since it was my birthday which I thought was very sweet. The service was wonderful and I really enjoyed the food. My friends that took me had been before and they loved it so they had to take me to try it out. I'm glad we went. They get busy but overall the experience was great. I will def return to try their other sandwiches! Thanks Backstreet! A very happy customer here! :) read more

Backstreet - Tuna sand! - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

They should of updated their voicemail to say they were going to be closed today. We drove 35 minutes to take my family there and they were closed. So disappointed. Other customers arrived too. read more

Sad to say that after 30 years of memories we're having to say goodbye. Miss Kieth, the old crew, and all the delicious food. We understand that it's hard to keep up with high expectations, but come on. Dry meat, bad pie, super rude woman running it.. they're too worried about charcuteries and alcohol to realize that everything else is falling apart. Old school patrons get it, and I'm sure we're not only ones leaving. Poor Ruben, they really need to let go of their pride and let him run it or just change the name so they can run it to the ground. read more

I'm giving this place 3 stars because of the price. For two sandwiches, a side of potato salad, a cup of baked beans and one drink, my total was $28.50. I guess it's not bad at $14.25 for each sandwich but I wasn't entirely blown away by my meal. The atmosphere appears country/shabby chic. The outside dining area is very large and spacious, which from the outside, I would have never guessed it was that big. You can dine inside the restaurant but it is rather small. Back to the part about the sandwiches. You walk up to a counter(like a subway) and choose from a selection of bread. I chose the French bread and turkey for the meat. The bread isn't toasted, don't even know if you can request it, but you're asked if you want mayo and mustard. You move down and are asked what side you'd like. The choices are potato salad, chips or baked beans. I chose potato salad. Once you're done paying, they inform you of the "salad bar" behind. From there you can select pickles, cucumbers, some type of pasta salad, celery sticks and cranberry sauce from a can. After that, you seat yourself. The bread was soft, the turkey tasted fresh, the potato salad......okay. But hey, My Dr. Pepper wasn't flat and made it easy to get it all down. I saw that they had a selection of pie from another Yelp review but I honestly did not want to fork over another 14 bucks for a slice. Overall, it was a cute little place to check out and the only real complaint I have is the price. I thought they would have more of a selection but again, food was decent. Also, the service was good. read more

My family and I usually love this place but I was super disappointed today. We called ahead and placed an order for 3 sandwiches (2 tuna, 1 turkey as my parents can't eat meat on Fridays). We drove about 30 minutes and when we arrived to pick up the order they let us know they were out of tuna. I would have understood had they told us before we wasted gas and when they took the order but it was a poor experience to say the least. We ended up leaving empty handed and made the trip back home. read more

Hands down, best sandwich's in town!!!! This place is the cutest with its fast and easy walk up counter. The salad bar is great and the staff is always super friendly. They did away with fancy fillers and stuck with the basics of what makes a delicious sandwich. If you want a place to have a great meal and create memories, this is the place. read more

Backstreet - Roast beef - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

This place isn't for me, and if you go out to enjoy eating delicious, flavorful, unique food, it's not for you either. The line was out the door to the street, which is apparently the usual case: this was my second attempt to eat here as I had given up waiting and settled for nearby Thai food last time. Once I got inside the very tiny, claustrophobia-inducing space, I felt pressured to order quickly. Everyone else seemed to be a regular, and all the staff seemed to be rushing to get everyone in and out. I was so rushed and cramped that I didn't have time to even consider and survey their baked goods. There is a salad bar - weird - with pickle and veggies and pasta salad. The most disappointing part for me was the sandwich - the one thing they are supposed to do right. I got a "vegetarian". I was 8 slices of swiss on plain, dry bread. No dressing. No veggies. My date got the pastrami which was so underwhelming that any other sandwich place in this area on their worst day could do pastrami better. Sidenote - I am always put-off by any mom-and-pop-style restaurant whose only employees are very young, teenaged girls. The saving grace - and I think the only reason why so many people I have been recommended this place by - is the decor. The back patio (the only seating) is gorgeously curated with eclectic and vintage furniture and knick-knacks and a variety of luscious trees, succulents, and flora. If I were ever to come back it would only be to bring an out of town relative who has little interest in trying new things foodwise. read more

Let me tell you about this lovely place. First of all, the people that work there- AWESOME. Everyone is so nice and super DUPER friendly. It's amazing how friendly they are, they make you feel like you're friends. The area is great too, with a covered dining area that makes you feel like you're in secret garden with a fountain and other cutesy garden-things. It's like you're eating at a patio of a fancy shmancy hotel with all the garden tables and green everywhere. Truly a green oasis in the middle of Rivershit...i mean, Riverside. =) Best of all, let me tell you about the sandwiches! Sandwiches how they are supposed to be made- or...how they used to be made.. just meat and bread. You have your choice of delicious bread and a few meats but the best part of the place is their unlimited salad bar. I pretty much load my plate up to the brim with these yummies. My favorite is their Cucumber Salad...and I HATE cucumbers but they make it in a way where I eat at least 10 cucumbers worth...of cucumber salad.. if that makes sense. The price is an issue because a sandwich can run up 12 dollars and it does seem quite a lot for just meat and 2 pieces of bread. So I'm not able to come here EVERY day like I want to, but it's quite a treat every once in a while, especially if you load up on the pasta and veggies they have and eat 1/2 a sandwich and save the rest for later. Still, I give 5 stars because it's a tasty oasis amidst a desert of chain restaurants and/or restaurants with ugly decor. read more

Does not stand out from any other sandwich shop. Just decided to stop by since it was across the street from my massage place. Paid to $13 for a sandwich ( that only had mayo, turkey, and one slice of cheese, with that price you would think they add tomatoes and lettuce but nope), 2 tablespoons of potatoe salad (that tastes like the tub I buy at Food4Less), a water and unlimited salad bar (that had cut up carrots, celery sticks, cucumber, 1 pasta salad, 3 kinds of pickles and yellow chillies, needles to say not much variety). Overpriced. The staff is nice and the place is clean. read more

So good!! Definitely will be back again! The sandwich was so good, and the sides we're equally tasty. Love the cranberry sauce too. Great place to chill and relax for a quiet lunch. read more

Backstreet - Roast Beef on Onion Bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Went there last Thursday. It was awesome just like I remember! It was like seeing and old friend, the sandwiches were outstanding!

Decided to go to Backstreet after years had passed. The turkey was dry and WAY to much of it. Husband had French dip. It was cold & tasteless. Cheese should melt on hot beef, & the Au Jus should be warm. Also missing was grilled peppers & onions. Over priced. One & done. read more

Such a beautiful place! Everyone on facebook was raving about this place so I went out of my way to find it, but got there before they opened for the day. They were super sweet and made me a sandwich anyway. I loved it, but it was a little more expensive than I thought it should be $12. However, I still want to return for a piece of pie and to show my daughter how beautiful their garden is. Great business plan for them. Wish I owned the place :) read more

Backstreet - Beautiful place!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

This is a gem in the hidden. When you walk into this place you are taken immediately into a little paradise. The food is amazing as well as the service. Make a point to come eat here. I promise you won't be sorry read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Amazingly simple yet delicious sandwich with pickled vegi and pasta! Service here from owner to servers are beyond what you'd expect from off-the-main-street restaurant. Been looking for healthy sandwich (yet tasty) place in Riverside and this hits a homerun. My favorite is mixing the roast beef with pastrami in rye; with heaps of pasta and pickle on the side. Almost forgot to mention the environ here as hip and querky place behind a auto mechanic shop. Small water-fall and off-the-wall art all over the outside facade where you're seated. Reminded me of (Tico Mex restaurant).This is definitely my favorite as of now. read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

This has to be one of the cutest outside patio restaurant! They have good sandwiches and the potato salad is the best ! Love this place

Um - Like other reviewers, I'm also clueless about this place's reviews. The bread and the coleslaw tastes straight out of Vons. I'm pretty sure that the chocolate tart is chocolate jello in a frozen pie shell. The pastrami sandwich was fair and both sandwiches had plenty of meat. But no seasoning on the sandwiches and no tomatoes, lettuce onion .... Etc is even offered. The veggie cart is full of somewhat bizarre selections and not anything you would add to a very plain sandwich . The pricing for what they're offering is pretty outrageous. I ordered online so perhaps the service and the ambiance makes up for the food? read more

My friend was visiting from out of town and we wanted to take her to our favorite spot with the best sandwiches and banana cream pie! We arrived at closing time not remembering they are only open for lunch. We started to leave but one of the workers came out and asked if he could help us. He said there was some sandwich meat left and salads if we wanted to still have lunch. We were so thankful and decided to stay even though he had mentioned they were all out of banana cream pie. As we started to order everyone was so kind. They let us know we didn't need to rush through lunch because they would be closing up for the next few hours. The salad bar was put away, but they asked what we would like and went to the back to bring it out. Pasta, potato salad, beets and pickles were so delicious. They went above and beyond and continued to check on us as we ate our meal. I've noticed lately it is becoming more rare to find places that value customer service. They even found two pieces of pie left and gave it to us! They truly made our day special and we ended up having the most delicious spinach salads and ham sandwiches. Thank you Backstreet, y'all are amazing! read more

Backstreet - Back patio all to ourselves - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

The best foods I like. The choice is plenty to try and decide which one is the best. We love everything.

The best sandwich in town they serve alto of meat bonus they have a great condiments buffet pasta salad beets cucumbers carrots pickles chili and moor I love all the succulent plants they decorate with read more

No soup for you! Seriously, if the Soup-Nazi owned a sandwich shop, this would be it. There is actually a picture of him at the order counter, and with good reason...the place gets packed at lunch. And the guy taking your order will not hesitate to get you to move it along. So in other words, be ready to order once you get up to the counter. There are a variety of deli sandwiches available with freshly sliced meats and fresh breads, as we as a few salad specials. Each sandwich comes with a choice of potato salad, baked beans, or chip. And you is also a veggie bar available with each order. The sandwich sizes are no joke. Bring an appetite. Go to sandwiches are as follows: Turkey - recommended on the Sheppard's bread or Squaw Pastrami - recommended it on Rye Corned Beef - recommended it on Rye read more

This is my favorite spot in Riverside! The sandwiches are the best. My favorite is the turkey on Prairie bread that I add a little bit of cranberry to from their unlimited veggie bar. I brought my boyfriend here for the first time and he loved their pastrami. Everything is really fresh and has has that homemade feel. The banana cream pie is a must as well! read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

This was the worst sandwich I've ever had in my life. I literally could have made a better sandwich at home. Also, I paid $13 at the register for it and thought it was a joke. While Backstreet boasts an amazing ambiance- apparently that's what you're paying for. If you want good food - do not come here, you will regret it. When I got to the counter to place my order, the person making my sandwich reached for store bought bread. They don't make their own bread or use bread that's hard to find anywhere but a deli place: they use store.bought.bread. It had almost zero flavor - and did I mention they charged $13?!?!?! How is this place still open and why does it have 4.5 stars? It was the worst dining experience of my life, and that is also sadly not a joke. Skip this place and go to Subway, you'll save money and your tastebuds will thank you. read more

Can i just say this place has the most exemplary customer service I've ever experienced. Today i went to grab lunch and planned on "dining in." All tables were taken so i asked for a to-go box. While i was getting my food together, the sweet soul that is normally at the register went out and found me a table; the owners table to be exact. He offered up his table up so i could enjoy my food there. While i was eating, i was asked by multiple employees if i needed anything, including the owner who insisted if i ever needed anything while dining there to just ask and they'd be more than willing to assist. I hope you all know at Backstreet that we see you and appreciate you and your kindness goes further than you know. Thank you! Not to mention, the food... delectable! read more

Backstreet - Ham and cheese sandwich on squaw. All sides are packaged for safe and easy handling! - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

It's got a cool vibe, but we $30 for two sandwiches with no toppings on flavorless sourdough and fountain drinks. Not really sure why this place get so busy. Save yourself the money and make lunch at home. On the bright side, the staff was pretty friendly. It has kind of a locals only vibe, which isn't uncommon for the Brockton Arcade area. read more

Sandwiches are really good. Potato salad is amazing. Pie was delicious and service was great. read more

Backstreet - Caesar Salad, pasta salad & Banana Cream Pie - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Late post first time here. Not bad for a little place this place has a limited menu but they give u free refills on the vegetable bar the sandwiches have plenty of meat and the dessert are delicious will definitely be back and the staff is really nice. Limited settings in side but outside sitting there's plenty read more

Have been coming here for over 30 years. Went to school in riverside and we would go get food here and sneak it back into our dorm a Loma Linda. Food and service awesome! Moved to the Desert after school but every chance I get I comeback here! Now their kids run it and today bringing my son here ! The sandwiches the best, fresh veggies and the banana cream pie to die for! Wish we had Backstreet in ourDesert ! Love this place. read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

I've been coming here for 25 years. Absolutely the very best sandwiches in Southern California. Great setting read more

Backstreet - Sandwiches Near Me - Riverside, California

Super cute little spot. The menu is very simple with sandwiches, salads, three side choices, and an unlimited veggie bar. Came here just because it looked very charming with its garden like atmosphere. It seemed a little expensive so my boyfriend and I shared the pastrami and roast beef sandwich with a side of potato salad. It was very fresh and the meats were super tender. Delicious! Service was ON IT with refills. read more

I've been going here since the 80s. The food is fresh and the service is great. Nice outdoor patio dining. I highly recommend it.

Been here a long time. They keep it simple. Always delicious. Friendly service and patio dining

I was so excited to order my sandwich but was tricked into thinking it was open today . Though the website shows it is open , in truth when we got there the sign they posted shows it's closed until January 10th ! Not good . Adjusting it now will be helpful going forward. read more

The staff is very nice. Everything is great here. I love their pickle bar!! Please open up again soon.

First time visiting.... Sandwiches awesome! Veg bar excellent!!! Atmosphere/setting-the best! Looking forward to going back on Friday night for live music and pulled pork!!! read more

Love the food and the people! They are back open after 10 weeks of being closed. Come support them and help keep a local business going. We need them and they need us. Oh, the special on a French roll the way to go. read more

I'm pretty dumbfounded at the fact that Backstreet has managed to muster a 4 star rating on here. This establishment is all bad - from the flavorless food to the exorbitant prices to the unhelpful, snooty staff. Frankly thought they'd be out of business by now. My mom and I ordered two pastrami and roast beef "sandwiches" ... if you can even CALL them sandwiches! Dry ass bread + dry ass meat do not equal a sandwich. They don't even put mustard or any sort of condiments on it! Not even lettuce or tomatoes! Just bland mediocrity... The worst part is they don't even use quality bread loaves from a bakery at least. Homies... they use literally the type of bread you'll see on clearance at Food 4 Less or something similar to that. Shitty, mealy bread that they pull straight from a bag. Saw it with my own eyes. And as if that's not enough, no mustard, mayo or accoutrements of any kind! Oh and yeah, as other reviewers noted, the employees here at Backstreet are snobby and rather aloof. Issa resounding no from me. read more

Backstreet. Excellent food, served cafeteria style. Great outdoor ambience. Really great pies. Why then 3 stars? Well. For one thing, it was way overpriced. I was charged $11.11 for a Ham and Swiss on sourdough with mayo. No one asked whether or not I wanted Swiss cheese, I guess they just assumed I wanted it that way. There was no board listing of what your options were for the sandwiches. Lettuce, tomato and other normal sandwich add ons were NOT available. I get the feeling this place is set up for their regular clientele and that new business isn't a priority for them. The salad bar had plenty of fresh vegetables to choose from to nibble on - still no lettuce or tomato though. On the way out to our table, I almost lost my tray due to the very uneven and haphazard brick patio flooring. That's a lawsuit waiting to happen in my opinion. The sandwich tasted great but the sourdough bread disintegrated making the sandwich a messy affair. The baked beans were good but they only provides forks - no spoons in sight. Instead of a ceramic cup, they put the baked beans in a small paper cup that disintegrated on my plate. I was eating paper before I knew it as bean juice was running through the fork and on to my shirt. Gggrrrr. A lot of people love Backstreet and they think it's the greatest but for what you end up paying, the lack of options, and for the quirkiness in how they operate, I think there are better deals in Riverside to be found. read more