The service was adequate but not great, but I will say that this place deserves no stars because they go against federal ADA laws and prohibit service dogs from entering the business. Not only is this illegal but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I do not recommend anyone support this business. Also the ambiance was dismal at best. If you are looking for a gay club in or near riverside, I recommend VIP nightclub. read more

I've been here more than a few times but the bartender, BRYAN, last night was infuriating! My friend asked for water and was offered a water bottle for $2, she mentioned that we've gotten free tap water here before but he said it was against the rules and with a huge ass smile said that if she wanted free water she should go get it at the bathroom while he laughed with his coworker. We were really thirsty so we went back to pay for the water anyway but were then informed there was a $10 charge for cards so... that makes a water $12 :/ she confronted him about his rude comment and he honestly just looked like he was LOOKING for an argument. I gave 3 stars because I've had a great experience here in the past and for the most part the rest of the staff is really friendly but fuck Bryan. The security at the front informed us he was the acting manager... why?? There are so many other KIND staff members that would do a much better job.... We left thirsty and pissed off and got free water right next door read more

Love the show, love the drinks. Good outdoor area and friendly staff. Halloween party was a blast!

As a bartender, I understand how busy things get. But what I don't like is being completely ignored when sitting at the bar top. I asked if I could order a drink and the bar back looks at me with a dull face and says "not from me" and points at the bartenders. So then when the bartender looks over i get his attention to order a drink, he says "sorry" and point at his service well line. The way I (and probably many bartenders) was trained is that a good bartender knows how to handle a bar top and line because 7/10 times the people sitting at the bar are gonna order way more and rack up bigger tabs than a line. Plus like I said, every bartender should know how to handle a line along with a bar too if they really wanna make money read more

This is quite possibly the worst bar, gay or otherwise. Let's start with the bartenders specifically the day time bartender. I don't know anything about them since I've never been before and visiting but my assumption based on his attitude is he's bitter, been there forever and doesn't care or desire to give qood service, exhibits zero friendliness. The bar had 2 I presumed regulars that perch themselves near the computer. I sat there and I waited several long minutes to be approached because he had to finish his nasty gossiping about the owner or manager. Pretty terrible things we're said.. When i was finally approached big snotty attitude. Waited and waited for a second drink, I gave up and left. Again, there were 3 customers and two appeared to be well known. I was essentially invisible. When in town a week later stopped in weekday evening. Different bartender who was cute but very irritated at something and was nicer but unwelcomed personality. Very unfortunate. I was nervous to ask for another drink as I felt I was inconvenience to him. Finally in comes the barback. The best way to describe was a young person who hates his job and would rather be anywhere else on the planet. To top it all off the customers were fist fighting each other on the patio and no one intervenes to stop it because from what I gathered they were locals. It turns into a group shouting and hitting each other and it's left unresolved. Unbelievable. It's nice looking bar but that's it. There is nothing sexy fun or enjoyable at this place just a collection of unhappy bitter employees who treat customers like their annoying to them who have no personality. Their efforts are gossiping and don't interact with anyone else. If you're looking for a fun place to meet fun guys don't come here. I really mean it. It's unbelievable the owners allow this. Im in disbelief they're open . It appears to be a hang for drunk locals who have big issues. I'm just reading the pattern of similar experiences of other customers since 2018. So clearly they condone this behavior. You'll regret going here and be prepared to ripped off with over priced watered down drinks. Sorry guys but it's absolutely true. read more

Had a great time.. however, the bartender spilled an entire glass of red wine all over my brand new white pants .. (accidents happen, I get it) ., I left three messages with the manager, to see how they wanted to deal with this... these aren't $200 pants, they are $79 pants from White House Black Market.. regardless, no one has called me back regarding this matter. We left messages regarding calling me back.. no response??? Whether they want to accept responsibility or not is one thing, but to have three messages ignored, makes me wonder if whether or not they care about you and your experience. Disappointing. Furthermore.. just called again for the fourth time, only to be told to leave a response on their Facebook page. Seriously??? This is absolutely incredulous. read more

Came for my best friend's birthday celebration to see the drag show. It was great!! So glad we brought the singles to tip these fabulous ladies. read more

Was there for on Sunday for Drag Yourself to Brunch. What fun! Good fun, bottomless mimosas, and a great show. Hostess Rusty Waters was engaging and funny. The queens were very entertaining. Also fun to chat with the performers after the show. I can't speak to what the bar is like at night but I recommend it if you want to have a dragtastic Sunday read more

The reviewer before me stated that a bartender said something rude regarding tipping.. I'm sure the same bartender gave my wife and I a smart ass remark when we asked if they were open yet or not. Not to mention, we were never greeted or asked what we would like to drink. Old white guy was the bartender or at least behind the bar preparing the garnishments. Mind you, we were the only two people inside at the time. Choose somewhere else that appreciates your business because they obviously don't, or at least this asshole doesn't. read more

The prices are really ridiculous. . Waaayy overpriced. It's always been dumpy. Same decor for the past 10 plus years. Bathrooms are never clean when I've been. Whole place needs a re-vamp badly. Tony the bartender is a cool guy. Always good service. The owner is not friendly at all. The bar would be much busier if the high spenders and tippers were treated with some gratitude and kindness. I'd go more often, and bring big spenders, but due to the owner, I hardly ever go anymore. Try buying your patrons a drink sometime. Especially the ones that have spent tons of money in the past 20 years. I'd have this place jamming in no time if I was running it. read more

Best bar in DTR, no cover fee drinks are a great price. However the performance stage is in a weird spot so performers always have to make it all the way around the bar, on the dance floor and it's a tight squeeze between patrons and the wide square of a bar. Music seems to be a youtube mix or something because it's not great but if you find yourself in DTR the Menagerie is a fun experience read more

So the line was long to get drinks on a Friday night (only 3 bartenders) I was sober by the time I got to the front, space is super small to dance and really do anything and even tho they say they close at 2AM they start shutting things off around 1:30am so FYI, they don't even let you use the bathrooms! We had this security guard tell us we couldn't but she let other people in while keeping us out! So they pick and choose type club. So honestly it's ain't it go spend your money somewhere els that's not here cause this ain't it! read more

to be honest i love it but honestly the restroom issue is a problem. we women need like 3 stalls and theres only one.

Liked this location and environment very much , not a dive bar in the bad way. Very clean with yesterday's charms! Will definitely return !

If you're trans, especially trans-masculine, do not go here. The bathroom situation is entirely transphobic! There are no gender neutral bathrooms and the mens room has NO STALLS. Not a single one, even for cis guys who want to go #2. This also means that the line for the women's room is always crazy long and you'll be waiting probably at least 30 min just to go pee. How can you call yourself a queer bar when you're clearly exclusionary? read more

Definitely my favorite bar in town. The security is super great when dudes creep on me. You can just be you here and it's just fine. Pablo is the best bartender I've ever met. So sweet.. Deve, Johnny and Brian are great dudes too. Thank you for making a safe place for this Lil bi girl. Come here if you want to escape the mess that is the downtown bar scene and be your own mess in a safe, supportive environment. read more

There is a definite North Carolina bathroom law-feel about their bathroom policy that is just so out of place at a California gay bar, and seems extremely hurtful to gender non-binary folks. They not only have a sign saying women will be kicked out for using the men's room, they also literally have a security guy watching the bathrooms! I understand if in the past you've had problems with sex in the bathrooms, but there seems like much more sensitive ways to fix this, for example by making both single stall bathrooms into Universal Gender bathrooms (as even not-very-progressive institutions around the country including the UC system and even the White House are doing), and then strictly enforce one person entering at a time. This would also solve the issue of the line for the women's bathroom being ridiculous and people just wanting to use the men's because it is shorter. The bathroom policeman who was there last night ended up being very offensive and exhibited no awareness of transgender rights. Are you really escorting people out because people you perceive as women go into the men's room? How are you supposed to verify if a woman is a woman or a man is a man, and what if they refuse to be either? Are you checking licenses, are you following people into bathrooms? Side note: the bathrooms were also filthy read more

The Menagerie - A California gay bar policing bathrooms as if we were in North Carolina. Not pictured: actual bathroom cop outside. - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

Got assaulted here and security threw me to the ground and held me back; leaving me defenseless and unable to protect myself from the assailant who repeatedly struck me, entirely unprovoked. + Bartenders here will open a tab and tip themselves as they see fit. Nightmare of an experience. I pray this place gets run out of business. read more

Very chill bar, the bartenders are amazing! I've been coming here for 6 years and tony is by far my favorite bartender! Always have a good time here! Also the vibes here are amazing! Everyone is welcome here! read more

Thank you Tony the Tiger for your expertise and happy spirit! I will always return to see your happy face and beautiful being!! Thank you Baby!!!! read more

The Menagerie - The Best bartender!!!! - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

This bar needs a remodeling asap. It is a run-down looking type of place and inside is very old looking. The dance floor and bar counters were sticky from what I hope is residue from alcohol. The lights are dim due to poor lighting in the bar. The bathrooms are the worst. The woman's restroom was flooded with water coming out the toilet. There is only one bathroom from the all women too. Plus, there is a minimum charge for using your card. I gave this place 2 stars because there is a drag show and drag queen waitresses walking around with shots and thats pretty awesome. read more

As someone who comes here weekly and saw it before and after renovations, all I have to say is AMAZING!! Staff is great, unbeatable cocktail prices, and they never have a cover. Be patient cuz sometimes they are slammed but wave a $20 in the air and see how fast you are attended to. Great Latin vibes thanks to staff and DJ. Treat staff with respect and they will treat you with the same. Remember STRAIGHT PEOPLE...check and leave your privilege at the door. PERIODTTTT!!!! read more

Here we are 2 years later, and still the same Bull$XXT! Only 1 restroom for ladies, toilets always stopped up, the owner a complete prick! The show sucks and the drinks are to expensive and service too slow. Hell, we went to the straight bars and had a better time than the places we call our fam and will continue to do so, because dancing/drinking is universal! Don't waste your time at this DUMP!! read more

I walked by this business while the bartender (Pablo) posted a sign outside that listed all domestic 20 oz drafts to be $5 between 2-7p.  I walked inside and order two 20 oz domestic drafts, and the same bartender charge me $15.25. I told him about the sign posted outside.  He just smirked and briefly waived his hand as if the sign was just a joke and told me that the promotion doesn't start until 9p when the sign clearly says between 2-7p.  What can I say? Well, let's see: false advertisement, bait and switch, unethical, etc. I will never visit this bar again. I can't believe businesses are willing to lose customers over a few dollars, to me is like shooting yourself in the foot. It doesn't make sense at all. read more

Ended up here after a Christmas party at the Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown. It was the only bar/club without a line. We go in & I didn't immediately notice it was a gay bar. Once I did, everything made sense lol. It was a little hot, a little smelly, super cramped & half of the people looked like they were on something other than alcohol... but it was cool. Definitely a different experience for me. I wish we could've went for one of the drag shows... read more

The Menagerie - Christmas decorations inside - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

The Menagerie is Fun. No cover. Nice drink specials. A fee for water tho. Lol. Great local place in Downtown Riverside to meet up with friends, make new friends, hangout, have drinks, dance and enjoy drag shows! read more

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Great vibe with zero to no complaints. If you have a problem with this lifestyle you probably shouldn't go. Great bar with great people. read more

The Menagerie - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

It is cool and all but the restroom is an issue. The women's restroom is an issue for females and those who identify as female. There is a one at a time thing in ONLY the female restroom. Also the toilet was not flushing when we were there the entire time. Do not recommend this non ideal situation. Also, the bartenders do not even look at you unless you are there for a while read more

Honestly I hate the layout of this bar with a passion so I try to avoid it cuz I love dancing and their dance space is practically non existent but when my friend turned 21 last week this was one of the bars we decided to stop by. As usual it was uncomfortably difficult to squeeze past all the bar stools to get to the back section but we got back there we were able to snag a table so that was cool. My friend is a smoker so she tried to buy some cigarettes from the vending machine but it wouldn't take her $20 so I went to get her change. The bartender was rude af despite the fact that my other friend had just bought drinks from him. I asked for change and he rolled his eyes and said "no, I have to get my line going". I told him it was for their vending machine cuz it doesn't take $20s and he was like "no go to the other bartender". I was pissed and he then tried to claim he had no change but if that was the case that should have been the first thing to come out of his mouth rather than no I need to get my line going. I then went to the second bartender with only one person in front of me but once that person got served the bartender disappeared with no explanation despite the fact that we were next in line. Then of course the first bartender comes over and claims I owe money for the soda I had gotten despite the fact that the friend that was ordering drinks told him to put it on his tab back before he denied me change. I guess he was too busy being rude to pay attention though. read more

REVIEWER # 104 When I think of Riverside I think of the Boondocks, (what is out there for me to see and do?). I asked myself this last year as I explored the Riverside area, looking for some nightlife. I came across The Menagerie and decided to give it a try. I love that they offer a different theme for every night: -Mondays: Martinis & Karaoke -Tuesday: The Throwdown Drag Show -Wednesday: Wonderland Wednesdays with special guest DJ's from 9PM-1:30AM -Thursday: Drag Show night! This review is STRICTLY for the Thursday night Drag show! I heard for the Yelpers that this place on Thursday nights is usually crackin' so.... As I was in San Diego for vacation I decided to stop in and see what all the hype was about. I came around 9P.M. I was very surprised to see that there was no pay for entry. The night that I walked in, it was free entry. Around 9:30PM, the drag show started. The show last about an hour. The drinks are pretty good and definitely reasonable. I actually was able to order with Tony, who was super nice! Way to go, Tony! I was surprised to see no unisex bathrooms; especially that it is a known as a Gay Bar. They have signs that threaten to be removed from the bar if you are seen in the men's bathroom. SMH. I don't know if I agree with that. Do you? I would definitely stop by for a drink the next time I am in town. Who knows?! They may finally get with the program in 2017 and change their bathrooms to unisex! (Insert: happy face emoji). read more

Super fun place to hangout with your friends. Great atmosphere. Amazing drinks and really nice staff.

Let's just start with the beginning ended up at this bar after leaving another one with a great experience. Come over here hand our ID's to the security ok that's normal watever. Guy checks my ID everything is good then sees my fully trained service animal and says where is her ID I think oh maybe he's kidding just trying to be funny ok. He won't move out of the way he is dead serious he wants her ID. Well sorry to say but no formal ID exists for service animals I told him he can ask me 2 questions well he didn't know that and then when I told him no Id exists he said oh well ok and let me in alright cool that's over. We sit down in the front my friends and me are taking in the surroundings a little. Never been in the area before so I didn't know it was a gay bar till I saw the pictures and Decor it was definitely a dive bar very dark you could barely see to be honest but watever. The music was decent and the bar was so dark it was hard to see any of the liquor if you got good liquor show it off let people know so there more likely to purchase and you make more. So some friends went off to the bar to order drinks while others and me sat down were singing and enjoying. A head security guard rolled up on me asking me for ID for my service animal yet again I tried to educate him saying no formal ID exists if someone has shown you one it's fake and from a pay for Id website that you can find off google it's not formal and or from the government what your doing can and will get you sued by someone. Then I handed him a little business card from the department of justice that has the ADA laws on it and he took that to the bar I think to the owner they were talking and if they had even looked at it they would have known they could ask is it a service dog ? Aswell as what tasks is your dog trainer to do that helps mitigate your disability ? All of those questions I can ask. He came back literally with a service dog ID badge sold by a online fake company not even run by the government that sells ID's for 150 or more. He said if I don't have that then I have to leave. If I did have that then I would be allowed to stay in the front of the bar only with my friends. I assume it's from the owner and maybe he had a dog behind the bar which is a violation of health code and can have a service dog removed legit or not where people process food and drink for human consumption. So finally I was like I'm stressing out my dog was alerting me and I needed to leave since education wasn't helping I asked the security guy. ARE YOU DENYING A DISABLED PERSON W/SERVICE DOG ACCESS? He answered YES. I THEN ASKED DO YOU SPEAK AND REPRESENT THIS BUSINESS? He replied YES. I told him what your doing can and will get you sued are you sure you want to continue? And he replied yes unless you have that ID we need you to leave so to remain respectful and not ruin my friends night I decided it was better to leave before me and my ptsd snapped and I did something I would regret eventually. I asked is it ok if I say goodbye to my friends when they get back. I didn't want to walk to the bar where they were since I wasn't sure if a fake dog was there or not. He said yes you may so I waited they came back and security never left me like I was a criminal and they were standing behind me. At no point was I threatening I simply was calm and explaining my friends kept asking if I was ok I told them yes but I was severely upset and furious. Didn't want to ruin there time and fun. Friends come over I said goodbye and as I walked out I had a security escort out the door and a good distance down the street. I was on public property once I hit the side walk and asked them to leave me alone I feel threatened and I will not hesitate to defend myself or my dogs life with force if need be and to leave me alone they smartly chose to walk away from me and leave me alone. I tried to call the business and speak with manager or owner to educate them so they don't get sued and they gave me a normal phone number that doesn't go to a owner which is insane. I have tried to help your business. If someone else with a legit dog goes inside they may not be so nice they may go nuts and they may actually sue you and I really tried to hope that wouldn't happen. read more

I really enjoyed the drag show Thursday night! The drinks were tasty and the bartenders were friendly and quick. The show was absolutely hilarious and had amazing performances! We got there around 10 and the show stared at 11, but there was plenty of seats and different areas for everyone to be comfortable. read more

Licenses from Puerto Rico, as well as from territories like American Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are in the same standing as an out-of-state license. Your doorman turned away my 31 year old friend due to his license. I've never dealt with an establishment who was so rude. I had to call your establishment and request a manager who stated his name was Tony. He walked to the front to speak to your doorman. I approached them and was completely surprised once I started speaking, Tony became enraged and walked away. Your establishment is apparently not trained in any other ID besides California. This establishment turned down a party of 10 people. I will definitely share this issue with the Riverside Community and Los Angeles County, since your staff repeated stated they are not trained in verifying ID's from other states. read more

Really just the worst service. Stopped in today after IE pride thinking maybe something going on seeing as it's right down the street. Nope, mostly empty and the bleach blonde bartender had the worst attitude. Despite the place being mostly empty, it took us 20 minutes to flag him down from our barstools. When he did eventually acknowledge we were one of the 10 people at the bar, he said he "would be right with" us. Fast forward to 15 minutes later, still no acknowledgement, no drinks, nothing. So we just left. read more

I am new to Riverside and am slowly exploring what downtown has to offer. My boyfriend and I just finished watching a cover band at Romanos. We had never heard of the menagerie, nor was there a line (but Worthingtons next door had a long line to get in). We walk in and it looks like a run-down wanna be vegas club with the lights, smoke, stage, and centered bar setting. We later found out that it was an LGBT bar after three guys and "girls" were subtly hitting on my bf. We didn't care about it being LGBT since that doesn't really matter and we were just checking the place out. We had a couple drinks; the music was house-style music, the bar top was dirty, sticky, I could also see the sticky finger marks on the water pitchers. I am not the owner, but I would get really creative with that place and spiff it up. The major negative at this place is the one single toilet restroom for women. Sorry, that's just dirty. The owner should REALLY consider expanding those restrooms and providing more toilets. Everyone at this place was very friendly. Another major downer is it smelled bad. I would recommend the owner to also invest in some air fresheners and thoroughly deep cleaning the entire place. It smells like head in there. Like sex and semen. If it looks that dirty when the lights are dim, then I KNOW is definitely dirty during the day when the lights get turned on. Part of making a place welcoming and enticing people to come back is the hygiene and cleanliness. If I had money, and if I were the owner of this place, I would get creative and make this place classier, cleaner, revamp/remodel, and just make it more appealing overall. However, I'm not the owner and I don't have money; therefor I can only provide insignificant feedback on Yelp. I wouldn't mind coming back because everyone was friendly, but this place would be one of my last options to visit again. read more

The Menagerie - Let's do something with the ceiling and all that space up there. This place has so much potential. - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

Honestly I only come here to pee and listen to a few songs then go to an actual good bar. The drinks are watered down, the staff is rude and the only reason for the 1 Star is the ambiance. But other than that this place needs a major overhaul. It's sad how people are treated at this establishment. If you do go - go on a weekend around 11 and just swig whatever out of your car before you buy drinks here. read more

Terrible service, very rude staff, security guard and the manager, very hard headed. If you like dealing with jard headed people this is the spot for you! read more

Went to menagerie on Sunday night. My partner and I got one round of drinks. 2 drinks=$34. As soon as he stirred his drink he noticed there was a paper clip in it. The bar back witnessed us pull it out of the drink but didn't say a thing. I tried to get bartender attention and he very rudely told me " you can get in that long ass line". So I had to assert myself and stand at the register with the paper clip in hand for him to see. He then acknowledged me and repoured the drink. A few minutes later, with no "last call" the lights came on and the employees were rushing everybody out. I saw one couple leave half a pitcher of beer with a surprised look on their face. This place doesn't seem to appreciate their customers and definitely don't respect them. Really seems like a business that's all about getting that dollar. This is not the first time I've found the staff to have a dismissive/rude attitude. You'd think a gay bar would be more hospitable. Ill never know if they improve BC that was their last chance. I get more respect and appreciation at any straight bar compared to Menagerie. read more

This place was garbage. Smells of feces and urine in the back near the dance floor. The bouncers are all power trippers. They demanded my friend produce a passport - even though he had two government - issued pieces of ID. To get into this cess-pool?! No way! Get a clue man. Skip this and go to VIP. read more