The good: The food is authentically Mexican. You can tell a good Mexican restaurant based on three factors 1. Chips-these were just okay. Not terrific, but not Tostitos. 2. Salsa- this was terrific. Fresh onion, cilantro, tomatoes. Good stuff. I put it on everything. 3. beans- excellent refris. My wife and I split a carne asada and garlic shrimp plate. It also came with a beef enchilada and rice/beans. The carne asada was flavorful, although a bit chewey for my liking. The garlic shrimp were very good. Four of them. The beef enchilada was the real deal. Plenty of beef stuffing and authentic sauce with good flavoring. Our friends split the beef and shrimp fajitas for two. They enjoyed it very much. The just okay: No full bar. Beer and wine (wine margaritas too) only. Beer is bottled, no tap. Kind of a bummer. The iffy: Prices are high. My wife and I, are meal was $33.99. The fajitas for two $38.99. Beers are $5 and that margarita was $11.99. Most of the meals were just over the $20 range. The added dimension: This is a Dodger restaurant. If you want to watch a game with 70 of your newest closest friends, this is the place. Although, the owner did come and shush a table behind us who loudly displayed their joy to a Kyle Tucker grand-slam. read more

I'm shocked I haven't reviewed this place yet. Olivia's has been our go-to Mexican restaurant for years, especially when we want chile verde. I don't even look at the menu anymore. I order a plate of chile verde, and it is absolutely phenomenal. It is tender, flavorful and seasoned. This is definitely not one of those places that is afraid of seasoning their food! They, of course, bring out chips and salsa with freshly made salsa. That's got a spicy kick to it. It's a family-owned restaurant, and it feels like it. You see the family working there, and there's something wonderfully comfortable and authentic about the whole place. They're attentive and friendly. After spending a couple of days in San Diego where, for one reason or another, we just could not seem to get a satisfying Mexican meal, we finally said, "We need Olivia's." We made our way back to Riverside for our chile verde, and it was exactly the reprieve we needed. Consistently delicious, full of flavor, and one of those dependable local places you're grateful to have (except when we accidentally come when they're closed). If you like chile verde, this place is a must. Eventually, I need to try something else on their menu. Technically, she did get chile verde huevos rancheros. read more

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Amazing place. The food is amazing and feels like it was made from scratch. Like it was homemade, which is always a good feeling. The overall vibe of the place feels casual, the lights are dimmed, which is a nice touch. The staff are super friendly and will often interact with guests. The wait to receive your food isn't long and you get free chips and salsa. Kids get free ice cream, refills are free. read more

Late lunch early dinner. Found ourselves on Olivia's side of town. Not immediately acknowledged although we one of 3 customers in the shop. No Taco Tuesday specials but they do offer lunch menu and prices (senior discount all day). Menu came with free deep fried corn chips and fresh serrano salsa. A great start. We ordered off the lunch menu and drank water. I had the L2 with relleno and ground beef taco. One of the best chile relleno I've had in a while. My wife had the numero uno (L1) with chicken enchilada and ground beef taco. Both combos were surprisingly large and added value to a tasty meal. Once engaged Mario's service was good and it felt like we were in Olivia's home. read more

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We came on Cinco de Mayo on a recommendation. I read up on the reviews before our visit and I tempered my expectations. However, I found none of the critiques to be true. Service was excellent. The chips and salsa was yummy and the food was authentic and delicious. We all really enjoyed our visit. It was a quintessential mom and pop, simple but comfortable. I can tell many of the customers were regulars which is always a great sign. Overall I highly recommend Olivia's. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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The family here is amazing great service! But the FOOD! OMG! If you want truly authentic Mexican food this is your spot! NEVER disappoints. Absolutely delicious! Thank you read more

Family owned. Great location. They have been there for years. I love the chilaquiles. They make the eggs to order. I always get over medium. They are always excellent. The rice is very good. The home potatoes are awesome. The fresh salsa is also very tasty. If I could get past the chilaquiles I might be able to tell you about more items but it is my go to so maybe one day? read more

Owners have the worst customer service!! Especially the lady, was planning to take our family and she was extremely rude and unprofessional. Come to find out she's the owner. We didn't even bother to stay and eat! After that I would not recommend this establishment! If she acts like this I can only imagine the food quality. Based off the reviews she behaves like this alot! read more

I have often enjoyed the food here over the years. Service and food quality have been inconsistent. It is unfortunate that a restaurant with such a potential seems to struggle the way that it does. But, on a recent previous visit and on my last visit my meal was SALTY, especially the albondigas soup. Well actually all of it including the salsa. Every dish! SALTY. In my opinion, chef really needs to taste the food and use more herbs and less salt. read more

We waited about 20 minutes but it's worth it! The place makes you feel like you're in a village in Mexico! The food is amazing and portions are large! TVs in the front and back if you get bored! The decor is from the 70s! The pozole is great I just have to let it cool down a little! read more

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Used to LOVE this place. But lately the quality has gone down drastically. Today we picked up to go order & the beans were overly salty and a little funky. And sadly our flautas weren't crispy but soggy with barely any chicken. We used to love the rice but that too has been undercooked salty and slightly crunchy. This was our favorite Mexican place, but the food appears tired & old, and the customer service nonexistent. What happened? read more

I've been living in Riverside for 7 years from Corona. My favorite place in Corona is Eduardo's and couldn't find a good Mexican restaurant locally. I've tried almost every place in Riverside and was disappointed. I was hesitant to try Olivia's due to the low reviews but I thought I'd try it out for myself. The chips were fresh and salsa was perfect for me. I ordered the Chile Relleno and although it was a little salty it tasted really fresh with good flavor. My husband ordered the Chilaquiles. He enjoyed it so much, he wants to come back for more. I see negative reviews for the service but we felt very welcomed and met the famous Olivia. We found a new favorite in Riverside. read more

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I have nothing but good things to say, the food was delicious and the service was great. All the food is homemade and comes out fresh. Small place but they are quick we didn't wait long for a table. The only thing missing is a bar for cocktails. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - #3. Bean Tostada, Ground Beef Taco and Cheese Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Don't let the appearance of the inside fool you. They are clean and the food is incredible. Olivia is always there when we eat here. We were pleasantly surprised about the chicken tamales. We're used to places that serve dried out chicken tamales. Not here. The staff is mostly family, very kind and efficient. We've been at least 20 times. They are known to the locals for winning every year for the Chili cookoff, with their Chile Verde. They sell their own recipe of salsa, which is fantastic. You won't be disappointed. read more

They have the worst customer service ever. I don't know how they're still in business. The old woman is constantly grumpy and probably thinks she's funny. I'm not the type to leave a review that is three or four paragraphs long, so just believe all the other reviewers when they talk about the lousy service here. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. The food is adequate, but not worth the price. I won't be returning. read more

I have been to over a hundred different Mexican restaurants. This place checks off all the boxes, the best chips and salsa that I have ever had "salsa available on Amazon" their chili verdi is #1 in my opinion, It's no wonder they take first place at every chili Cook-off they enter. Riverside is lucky to have this restaurant. PS, the owner, Olivia is a very sweet lady. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Salsa and chili verde - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Been a customer of Olivia's for years. I'm not sure what the change is with the food, buy any food item with shredded chicken is extremely salty and very overwhelming, Is salt being added to prepare the chicken? It literally tastes like a bag of salt is poured onto the chicken. It's very disappointing because the food was not like this before. read more

Foodie Moment We parked in the back lot and walked in from the back to the front to let them know our party size. Waited a little, and they sat us shortly after. I was torn between the menudo and the stacked chile verde enchiladas with 2 eggs--but I went with the enchiladas... and BOMB.COM is an understatement. So delicious. The rice? On point. The beans? Flavorful. But that chile verde? WHEW. Next level. I surprised even myself--I left nothing behind. Not a grain of rice, not a drip of sauce. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Stacked enchiladas with eggs and chile verde - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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The food was excellent. We had breakfast there today on Father's Day first time trying everything was made. Fresh Service was even more excellent. In the ambience of the place was very nice. Would definitely eat there again next time for dinner. read more

So I went to the infamous Olivia's Mexican restaurant in Riverside and I was very disappointed. The food is very mid underwhelming just all in all not good. I am definitely a foodie who enjoys eating just to give you an understanding of me. Me and my partner both didn't finish our meals so I've had a couple bites and then I just asked for a Togo box. Let's start off. I ordered the dinner combo chili relleno, bean tostada and hardshell taco. It was a chicken. I didn't try the chicken or tostada just thought it looked un-appetizing and then when I tasted the beans and rice both were not good. The chips were stale cold I tried to ask the server for new chips. He said that they're fresh and that it's the AC that's making them taste like that he was very kind. the service is not terrible. They're just not the most attentive. I feel like I understand now why this Mexican spot in Riverside is hyped up if you know, you know, I'm a lot of shade of brown and I like my food more traditional more flavorful my partner ordered the supreme meat burrito. You will see how small that supreme meat burrito is literally it was just meat and cheese, which he likes, but I feel like they definitely cheated out on how much meat they put in there look like a quesadilla but like I say, give it a try and then you decide but make sure you bring your the gold card because we paid $63. read more

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I have only been here twice but both times were great! Food is amazing and the service wonderful! They really make you feel at home. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Carne Asada Fries with a modelo - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

It was fantastic? We had my sister's 70th birthday party at my house and we catered Olivia's Mexican food and everyone was so pleased..the food was plenty and delicious read more

First time here.. the chili salsa is good. Nice and hot. Had the taquitos with rice and beans? There were no beans just kinda like bean dip/sauce/ paste whatever you want to call it. Maybe I should have tried the chile verde. Dimly lit inside at 3 pm. Needs a restaurant makeover by chef Robert Irvine ( my opinion). I can somewhat understand the waitress's attitude/ approach. She must be the owner's daughter. Just brief when ordering from her... still waiting for her to return and ask how everything is. She is too busy talking with a couple that must be regulars. Oh well. It is a first time experience! read more

Good food, bad Service. Every time I go, I forget how good the food is and then I remember I never go because the staff feels like they hate you, and don't ask for more chips because I guess they are on rations. read more

This place is a hidden gem in Riverside for authentic Mexican food! We celebrated Mother's Day here with a big group of 13, and the restaurant went above and beyond to accommodate us. The service was fantastic, attentive, friendly, and patient with our lively family. The food? Absolutely *delicious*. Every dish tasted fresh and full of flavor, just like homemade Mexican cooking should. And the leftovers might've been even better the next day (which says a lot!). The ambiance was cozy and inviting, clean, and exactly the kind of spot where you can relax, laugh, and enjoy a great meal with loved ones. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food served with warmth and great hospitality, this is the place. We'll definitely be back! read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - 3 Carne asada tacos with rice and refried beans - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Recommended by a friend & I have to say "thank you"! It's hard to find really good Mexican food & we found it! Highly recommend! Staff were friendly & attentive! read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Ground beef tacos, cheese enchilada, beans & rice - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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Olivia's food is always great. I haven't had anything that was bad. Service can be a little slow, especially during times they are super busy. This is a local mom and pop shop. They definitely have a mom and pop feel when you dine here. read more

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Just left the place after waiting for a chair. I belive it is the owner lady that came out to seat us and saw my 3 year old daughter with a water bottle in her hand and said outside drinks are not allowed. Really? A little girl's water bottle with her therapy medication needed on a 105 degree hot summer day not allowed to come in? I immediately told my wife and daughters let's go. I did see the "no outside food or drinks allowed" and I get that if you show up with a coke or beer in hand, but a girl's medicine in her water bottle? Something is wrong with this place. We had been here twice previously and we were enjoying the food after it came well recommended by friends and family. I believe the brother of the owner helps as a waiter and he was very nice and cool to us both times. We ended up going down the street to Baja Mar to eat good mexican food and spent $300, water bottle in hand and no questiond or comments from the gals there. Will be relating this incident to all friends and family that frequent this place to make them aware of how the owner behaved with my daughter. Very unprofessional and rude. Not the way to go when being the owner. To the brother; please talk to your sister before the whole place sinks, if she has attitude problems she CANNOT be running a restaurant. A restaurant requires for great service. read more

I love coming here as a Mexican... The food is truly authentic, it almost tastes like my grandma's cooking! It's family run, they're great staff there. They're also huge Dodger fans so if you wear anything Dodger's they love it haha. Amazing service every time, perfectly mixed margs. If I want Mex I come here! read more

Ive been here a few times and the last time was for a birthday party. To me the food is very average. Nothing really stands out as having the wow factor. The service is usually pretty quick which is nice if your in a hurry. The women's restroom was broken on this day which was a huge inconvenience for our large party. We had to get a employee to take us next door through the parking lot to their storage building to use the employees bathrooms. The men's restroom only had a urinal and the toilet was broken in there also. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Carne asada needs a little more seasoning. Tortillas shouldn't be heated in microwave From our order, the best part were the fries. Carnitas and carne asada should be seasoned with a little lemon Lemonade wasn't good either, I guess I was just expecting more of a homemade touch read more

Olivia's Olivia's, the best chimichangas...EVER!! My family has been going to Olivia's forever and we keep coming back for a reason. The food, the atmosphere and the wonderful service. We love all their dishes and each of my family members has their favorite. The family who runs this restaurant are the nicest and most gracious people ever. You are greeted like you are family and treated very well. I will even give up a personal secret. My family, my friends, my neighbors love my enchiladas, and I am told I make great enchiladas. I make fabulous enchiladas because I buy Olivia's enchilada sauce, thank you Olivia's. I will see you soon, been craving a chimichanga! read more

Was pretty empty on a Sunday afternoon but the reviews are on point. Our server was extremely nice and the food was delicious it's an older spot but try it anyway! I'm glad we did! Sorry my pictures don't show the food when they brought it out but we were excited to dig in! read more

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Grrreeaatt Wet Burrito. It was my first time eating here. I have been passing this restaurant many times and finally decided to check this place out. No regrets! Parking in the back. The restaurant is on corner of Magnolia and Van Buren. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Carne Asada Wet Burrito (very delicious and soft) Salsa- very good (obviously homemade) but chips are not. Still good chips, though. - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

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This qas my first time at Olivia's. And Olivia was at the front desk checking in people!. The quesadilla burrito is quite epic. They sat a group of 11 people in less than 10 minutes on a weekend. That was impressive. I cannot handle spicy food, but the chef made the nopale salad not spicy for my and I loved every bite of it. Their guacamole was just perfect. I always enjoy to go to a place where everyone can get their dose of spicy and delicious food and the chef is kind enogh to accommodate a sensitive stomach like mine. Thank you for an incredible meal. read more

Tried something new - the taco salad. The shell was good. Was very good and just enough. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Ground Beef Super Tostada Salad - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Food is so good. It is a treat to go there. The server, Anna, is majorly rude. Every time I go. If I get another waitress, the visit is much better. She must be the daughter of the owner, otherwise I would think she would have been let go already. Im not going to be treated like that just for good food. Such a shame. read more

Great authentic Mexican restaurant. We stop every time we are in the area. Great family owned business. You won't be disappointed!

We wanted to try this place for the first time, but we were denied service simply because we brought our own iced coffee. These weren't regular drinks--they were specialty beverages based on our dietary needs. I politely asked if they could make an exception, and they refused, saying they serve drinks there. When I asked if they had iced coffee, they said no. So what exactly was the issue? What made the situation worse was the attitude. One of the staff members was especially rude, sucking her teeth and sharply saying "Sorry," which felt dismissive and unprofessional. We were more than willing to leave the drinks in our car, but the approach and lack of basic courtesy ruined the experience before it even began. First impressions matter, and if this is how customers are treated at the door, I can only imagine what the service would be like once seated. Based on this experience, it's not surprising this place has a history of negative reviews. read more

The staff, owners... all so sweet and attentive . We ordered the pozole and the chimichanga. Loveeeed! The music was also great. read more

Olivia's Mexican Restaurant - Hubby got the chimichanga. He actually finished it. Ask for it HOT. - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California