I love coming here but the bathroom situation is insane! the guards are trying their best to get the girls through the line but it doesn't help when the guards are surrounded by aggressive drunk people and have to stand their ground. I see so many people disrespecting the guards when they keep the place safe and running as smoothly as they can. Every single guard there has been nice and helpful, if you push them and feel they're being some type of way take into consideration they have rules to follow. The owner (Peggy) should really do something about the bathroom situation. It's crazy to wait 30+ minutes for the bathroom with one stall. People leave to Pixels to use the restroom because it's bigger. I wonder how staff is able to use the restroom when needed when customers can't even get through. The problem is the bathrooms and compact space constantly overflowing not the guards. I always bring friends here but we end up leaving to Pixels or Lake Alice for more space and better bathrooms + music. read more

Such an odd place. The bar area is huge yet they only take orders at two registers, one at each end. Seems like such a waste of space. The dance floor was small in comparison so the bar area. The music was just meh. We really wanted to find a good gay bar in the area to go dance but we gave up after 15 mins and left. Shortly after, we ended up at the VIP lounge around that area (our first time, looked sketch from oytside) and ended up having the best time. read more

I firmly believe in the support of entrepreneurs and small businesses, especially in this economy....Never, in all my years, have I experienced such an unnecessary drunken, rude, and disrespectful encounter by an employee of a company/establishment, let alone it's owner, until tonight. The experience was completely uncalled for and uninviting. Message to Dave: You're famous, not to mention, you have quite the track record. Have you seen all of the reviews online? I just did. If establishing and maintaining good relations with your fellow patrons, in our very small (gay) community is of any priority, you will get it together, especially during business hours. Looking at previous reviews, it's clear that customer service is a foreign concept to you. Leave your blatantly obvious insecurities, and childish, whiny rants at home. Your customers are dropping like flies. As a resident of the Inland Empire, I'll stick to frequenting gay establishments that treat their Customers with respect and gratitude: Hook Up Bar, and Alibis, both located in Pomona. Note: My friend and I arrived to the bar, completely 100% sober, and just now left...sober. Total time at the bar: 15 minutes. read more

Came here last night (Saturday) around 11 with my friends and to say I expected more would be an understatement. The music was very questionable not you're ordinary top 40 hits with the pop girlies I'm used to/expected/wanted of a LGBT club. Who plays the Beatles at the club like??? Ain't nobody getting down to that like?? Ordered a jack and coke and vodka sprite yet neither of them had the taste of soda? While there were some LGBT people in the club it felt more like a minority with all the straight couples and straight women in the audience. I am curious about their drag shows but other than that I don't think I'd really go back read more

The Menagerie - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

This place is a joke. Nina Sky wannabe grumpy b*tch of a bartender is so blatantly rude. She rolled her eyes and looked annoyed when we first walked in, was asked what kind of vodka they had and she finished that sentence with "blah blah blah" and looking away as if we were wasting her oh so precious time at 8pm (while it's dead, mind you) I chalked it up to her having a bad day and left it alone. A few hours later- ready to leave this dump and waiting in her line for a good half hour, a girl goes up to the side of us and gets her drinks within seconds. (Come on, you really thought she was into ya?") When I confront her about it, she starts yelling at me for my order and ignoring my question. She threw a fit and got security to come over and escort me away. On a side note, what kind of bar makes you get in a cashier line? Like you're just supposed to know that? And then you can only close your tab with the bartender you ordered with. Everyone that works here takes their job way too seriously. You're a "bartender." In Riverside. Get over yourself. read more

Shame on all the other reviewers for failing to mention the unique aroma of the Man-agerie. Although, I suppose my use of the word "aroma" indicates that it is pleasant. It is, in fact, not. I'm not sure what exactly is going on with the plumbing and/or ventilation system in the best gay bar in Riverside, but David should really use some of the money the straight boys are slammin' on the bar to fix it. That said, the Menagerie was my home-away-from-home for a year or so and I still visit on occasion. There is an interesting mix of people. Again, "interesting" does not always equal "appealing", but still... gay or straight; man, woman or somewhere-in-between; those who take showers or those who avoid soap like the plague-- all can find a spot to sit, stand and/or dance. And all can find a well-poured drink for a small price. The bartenders here don't know what those little shot measuring devices are for. In fact, I've never seen one used here in my many many nights of knocking back completely-clear Long Beaches. Order a 4Play-- I have no idea what is in it, but it's a house specialty that is sure to get you good and f-ed up real quick. Bring cash- this is a cash-only bar. They do have an ATM if you forget or manage to spend too much. If you are a man who is pee-shy, my understanding is you best make a pit-stop before the bar-- the stall doors are always broken. Sing, dance, get drunk off your ass and please tip well. read more

I used to frequent here often but that was before I had an extremely Rude and Discriminating encounter with the owner, Dave. And after reading these reviews about him I see that I am not the only one. I will no longer come here with my friends. It saddens me because there arent that many gay bars around here and would LOVE to see Menagerie thrive! One day I will come back.. When there's a new owner!!! read more

Needs serious remodeling Tiny The older looking bartender was so rude to my friends and I Can't use a card if it's under $11 Had 2 mixed drinks, tasted like water Went on a Saturday read more

If I could give this place a zero rating...I would. I've been coming here for several years thinking that each time would be different. This place has not changed one bit. The service from bartenders is horrible. The bathroom situation is ridiculous. I asked the bartender if they make bloody Mary's. One said yes and made me one. However, when I went back for another round, I asked a different bartender (because the last one was busy), and he said we don't make those at night time. He also said that it's too much work. Why become a bartender if you cannot make a basic drink? Honestly the worst gay bar I've ever been too. I'm surprised this place is still up and running considering how horrible this bar is. The woman's bathroom line is always long around 10pm-closing, (only one stall). I would consider checking out other bars and staying away from this one. Read the reviews. They are not lying about the horrible service! read more

Cute small town gay bar! Friendly & flirty staff and cute clientelle of all ages. I've been here multiple times over the past 10+years when Im in town visiting. Highly recommend read more

Yeah, this is a gay bar. Its fun and draws in a diverse crowd. Drinks are cheap and evidently the bouncers will bounce you out for any little reason. Much like Mirandas review, I was innocent I tell you! I was here with a group of girls, meeting up in my hometown for a Bachelorette. They were drunk and rowdy. All of a sudden one of our gals (drunk off her behind) starts to have a moment on the dance floor, a crying fit to be exact. I take her outside to try to calm her down. She calms down. As we get ready to go back in, we get denied. ...but whatevs... I just went over to Pixels and gave them my money. Its laughable that people would compare this place to The Abbey or Here Bar so I have to correct my fellow Yelpers who claim this is an LA style club by saying to them... Guuurl pleeeee. read more

Menagerie is THE place to be at any time of them week. They have the most attentive staff and amazingly great (and fairly priced) drinks. My personal highlight of The Menagerie is their monthly drag shows. With an amazing buffet option, an omelette bar, and stellar drinks (including bottomless mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar), I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

The Menagerie - Pablo: World's best bar tender. - Gay Bars Near Me - Riverside, California

When I first moved to the I.E. I feared the seldom LGBT+ friendly venues that were in the O.C. / LA area would be further diminished if existent at all. While not necessarily all true, I did find a few gems out here and the historic Menagerie is one of them! While I love to frequent this joint, I must say that doesn't necessarily mean I want to run to it first. So let's break it down my squirrel frands. Pros: *No cover (more on that later) *Several [friendly] security guards --bare minimum of two I see--on any given night. (That's been my experience, I have witnessed some incidents go down as described in other reviews but can't attest to what was at play) *affordable drinks *great variety / drag shows (hit and miss but mostly great) *ample space and stage as well as a smoking patio *sometimes really lively dance floors and all out fun memories to be had when the crowds engage. *decor is appropo for the venue and they're festive. *next to a few other bars and restaurants that (I've personally never experienced the opposite) are friendly and non hostile to the LGBT crowd it pulls in. This isn't always true as I can attest several OC patrons next to LGBT establishments there were assholes and harassers. That's not to say (and this is my lack of my final star) this place doesn't leave a feeling of some things to improve upon. Cons: *two bathrooms in desperate need of updating / repairs / privacy / true gender neutrality (if they're ever planning on updating) every time I'm there it smells gross, looks dirty, and if you need to drop a #2 you have to get in line for the only restroom with a toilet / privacy. *no cover. I know I listed this as a pro earlier, and I believe they pride themselves on never charging one, but perhaps on weekends even $5 a patron would solve a couple issues I've noticed. 1) gives incentives for people to stay (lots of in and outs) 2) might help offset costs of running / updating / hiring more talent. Perhaps in some cases a nice won't-turn-away-for-no-funds could be implemented, but I'd gladly pay :) *bartenders sometimes can be a little snobby. Not always and I can only imagine how many drunk idiots make work unbearable or less enjoyable, but even just a little more consistent friendliness would encourage me to buy and tip more generously *crowds are unpredictable. While that makes things fun and welcoming, I never know if I can get lost in a crowd on a weekend and just dance away without being center stage, because this places pull is so all over the map. *sometimes the talent shows cut into traditional nights I'm used to dancing to (like thursdays after 8pm) *and if Menagerie could improve one thing on this list of all I've mentioned, just one, and most importantly CHANGE THE MUSIC PLAYLIST/ REMIXES UP! I appreciate a place that makes use of its visuals / screen space, but I rather those be black or generic graphic motions if they had three to four updated music lists. My friend and I always go in here expecting to have a blast, only to be massively distracted by the same monotonous playlists. Switch it up, I'm begging you please! I hope to keep coming back and keeping the heart of LGBT friendly entertainment in riverside alive! read more

The Menagerie is a great local hot spot in downtown Riverside. They did some upgrades and added better seating for their drag shows. Recently went to Brunch and it was a blast!!!! Bryan the bartender is the best and always makes sure we are content. I love the long layout of the place, bar area can get packed but the patio is awesome. There is also a hidden gem from the 70's in there..a cigarette machine! Looking forward to many more fun times, and I love that the owner is present and mingling with patrons. read more

Had a good time tonight. Tony and D are always fun to be around. The new girl is fast and friendly. Not sure how They all put up with some of the Ignorance, Shit come on people you see everyone waiting in a line and your yelling from the side of the bar top. Are you that stupid? Get your fat ass up and move to the end of the line. Now need to pass out for I did Drink 2 much read more

I went to the drag show here one night after a couple of drink's at a local bar. I had a great time. The bouncers were friendly and kept things orderly. The bar area was pretty big and the bartenders accommodated us pretty well (I mean it was a drag show night so they were pretty busy). There was plenty of room to stand or walk to get where you need to go because not only do they have a seating area, bar area and dance floor but also two other areas near the back to hang out in. The thing I really liked about this place was the decorum. The disco ball, fog and neon lights made me really happy. The bar was really cool looking and the stage was set up nicely with one guy sitting in the middle of the bar shining a spotlight on it. I just felt like this is how a lot of bars should look, interesting and spacious. The drag show itself was alright, not the best, not the worst. The drag queens were loud and vivacious, as expected. Some people complain that the drinks are expensive here, and they definitely can be. However, they do make a very good Long Island iced tea, one of the best I have ever had. I will probably go back sometime when I feel like dancing in the local neighborhood. read more

Interesting story on how I found this place. I was new in town for awhile and was sitting in Lake Alice getting tired of paying a bunch for drinks and while I was outside smoking I glanced across the street and saw The Menagerie. I gulped down my drink and stumbled across the street.. not knowing what who or what A Menagerie was. I walked inside and didn't immediately notice that it was a gay bar. They had real cheap drinks (I think maybe $1 or $2 drafts and wells) so I got RIGHT hammered. I did notice that there were alot of boytoys walking around but that didn't bother me. I went outside to have a cigarette and had a drunken dwell moment, and it dawned on me... It is a gay bar! 5 years later I still come back, and have made lifelong friends there and I always have a good time. I even met a girl that I dated for awhile at the Menagerie so life isn't that bad. I do love to come in though and watch the so called "smart" straight guys come in to see if they can vulture up a girl that has come with her gay friends to let her guard down and not be bothered with hook ups.. a good laugh. I love this place! read more

INLAND EMPIRE GAY BAR TRIVIA! There's not much to be said about this place but here are a couple of winners I found out while there this past weekend. * There is a cool FABULAUS sign hanging over the stage. This story is unverified but cool sounding nonetheless: The previous owner, Ms. Lee, twice ordered the neon sign. Both times It came spelled incorrectly but wouldn't work. 3rd times a charm and the sign worked, the only problem was that it was spelled FABULAUS. Ms. Lee in all her glorious wisdom (I'm imaging her with a dirty martini in one hand and cigar in the other) said "f* it, we're keeping it!!!" and left it as is. * Convo with bartender, Me "this is my 1st time here", BT: "really?", Me: "yes, I'm from San Diego". BT: "Well....yeah....San Diego is nice....there aren't very many bars in the Inland Empire. This place is the equivalent of winning the gold medal at the Special Olympics"...Me: "Yeah, I totally agree". Bottom line: This place ranks #1 in a competition where there no such rank is possible. If you are thirsty for an alcoholic beverage and you are inside The Menagerie staring at the Fabulaus sign wondering WTF? then you are already a winner! read more

This place is the worst! Nazi bathroom gaurd kicked me out because I was about to pee myself and tried going into the men's where there was no line. He and the owner yelled at me in front of everyone while I tried to explain myself and I ended up peeing myself infront of everyone. It was the worst day of my life. I'm gna need therapy! And the owner didn't even care. Never coming here again! I'd give -40 stars if I could. read more

Admittedly this was my first time going to a gay bar, but as one of those filthy breeders that everyone keeps hating on, I had a great time. The music was the best I've seen so far in the IE, and they had a $5 Long Island special the night I was there. Ironically enough, I showed up with a gay friend but seemed to be getting a lot of attention at the bar. I'll have to come back again sometime and see if this a trend. read more

Indy is amazing! Came here for my birthday a few months ago and it was so fun. All the bartenders were incredibly kind and really made a good impression. Not much for dancing but the vibes were so good. Thankful! read more

So after nearly 6 months, I made yet another visit to this establishment with a Bay Area friend in tow. What's up with the overractive fog machine? I mean sure, it makes the added rear projection screens look great with the rays of light, but beyond it, that just seems to be an eye irritant. Decent drinks, not bad really. But I have yet to see a Bay Area institution utilize such visual effects; perhaps I'm just not in the know. oh well, as before, generally chill, and albeit cruisy that night, it's a fine place to chill with a good friend. read more

Just your average local gay club that has decent drinks a good clientele and kick back atomosphere serving up drag queens, kareoke, and nice folks to make you tipsy. Granted if you're not a regular or know sombody it may take a while to get a drink, but that's with every club/bar anywhere so be paitent and wave some money around and maybe that'll get you something faster. It's a small place and there are only three or four of them for all you. They also have some special events occasionaly, we saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch and of course the ever popular drag shows! read more

Let me preface this by saying that I love this place! I adore Tony the bartender and Tyler the bar back. I'm new to the area and they made me feel right at home. Karaoke Monday is my favorite night. The owner is lovely and very gracious. However, have to give the Menagerie 2 stars because of the Sunday bartender. I was there with a friend who's a long time customer and we had to wait 45 minutes to get a drink of which we never received. When I asked the bar back if we could order a drink I was told to get in line. It was busy but it wasn't slammed or anything. I don't think that's any way to treat a long time customer or the first timer who was sitting next to me. Our answer was to leave. I have never been treated in that manner there and honestly, it makes us hesitant to go back. That's sad. read more

Worst club experience from HERE to SF to Austin. Weak overpriced drinks, asshole bartender and the show was as a joke. Really? Dora the explorer in drag? That's not sexy! Not even cute. I was invited on stage to celebrate my birthday then ridiculed for not having my I.D. To prove it. What a joke! No class, zero appeal. There's plenty of fun to be had in Riverside. Don't waste your time at this lame joint. Sorry ladies, you try, the drag queens are really sweet, but the establishment prays on the youth. Don't waste your money here! read more

We sat at the same spot in the bar spending good money. My first bar tender was awesome, but they did shift change and the second bartender had the nerve to tell me, 'you know what?... you can wait' this is after helping 3 other parties, but us. The owner came by to ask why I'm rating them, I told him what had happened and instead of being for the customer, he said, 'you know what?.. you can rate whatever you want, cause I don't care'. I gave him a thumbs up and said, thank you sir for caring'.never coming here again. Ridiculous! read more

It has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and the people there are fun to hang out with. Their drag shows are their selling point, they're fun to watch. The only complaints I have is the decor. The inside of the bar looks old and in need of a remodel, especially in the smoking area. Their 805 tasted a little flat. And I don't know what's going on with their men's bathroom. The one toilet they have in their is exposed. I would not feel comfortable going "number two" there. read more

My first visit here and I must say; LOVED iT! I sneak out on occasion (Im married) to let off a little steam. I live here in Riverside and have heard about this place from a few of my "closet friends" who say there is an underground get together group. I went and quickly made friends. I asked around and was able to get access to a home party. I met a lot of cute guys and the evening went looooong. When I got home my wife didn't even know I had snuck out! Needless to say, I will be bare back again! Nice meeting Alex, Joseph and Armando :) read more

Went on 8/11/18 and the drinks were fine but when I asked for a cup of water for our DD, the bartender Steve said "we only sell bottled water, it's 2018." Imagine how you'd feel after buying drinks all night. read more

The owner Dave is amazing super friendly talkative and inviting. The drag shows kings and queens are fun the bartenders are also amazing D is by far my favorite and a total nice guy, Phillip is also amazing I guess the key word being AMAZING this place is just AMAZING affordable good drinks see you here!!! read more

Definitely agreed on the high number of straight people here. I guess the music must suck so badly at the nearby straight bars, that people there have no choice than to go to Menagerie. Other than that this is just your average medium-sized city gay bar. Music videos playing on the big screens in the club. People out smoking on the back patio. I find Menagerie a better alternative than VIP -- which seems trashy and not worth the cover charge. It's a large club with high ceilings and an expansive bar in the middle of the room. There's a huge misspelled neon sign you see on your way out of the bar that says "Fabulaus." Cracks me up every time. read more

Went last night! Loved the drag show and the drinks! Super fun place everyone is so friendly

Been here a couple of times. I can say I really like the intimacy of this place. The bartenders are always super nice and you can get just about any drink for $5 to $7, they are a bit light in alcohol for my taste. If your drinks were stronger I'd just give those 5 stars. I'm also so down for the $2 jello shots. The dance floor is kind of small but they got some good oldies playing most of the time. There are different events from drag to karaoke hosted depending on what day you come by. Free popcorn is a yes. Parking must be done in the street or in one of the parking structures. Remember parking free after 5pm. read more

I was catching up with a friend last night. Both of us UCLA and UCSC biochemistry freshly graduated/nerds not asking for trouble. I asked for two mai tai's to the bartender who exclaimed "ew!" Immediately after we sat down at the bar. I am also a server in the Bay Area and was confused why asking for a mai tai would be an "ew?" (Mentioned 2x before I brushed off the negative comment) At this bar. So I kind of brushed off the rude comment, and joked why "ew? Don't you love a tropical moment?" Which the bartender again said "ew?" That is so unappreciated , does this bar not want to sell drinks? That's fine . Totally will never recommend for any student coming home for winter break to riverside to attend this bar. It's kind of stupid for a bartender to judge a customer for ordering a mai tai? ‍ it's a common fun drink. It was empty so have fun getting that 10% with your bad skin . Acutane bb. (Bc he repeatedly wanted to be judgy and wasn't cute so bye) read more

I went to this place about two months ago as nd it was locked and completely empty of web everything. Ha it opened back up?

One of the only two gay bars in Riverside city that have stood the test of time. Do note if you're used to the LA gay clubs vibe then this probably isn't the place for you as it's more of a dive bar somewhat and is over 21 only, but you should absolutely give it a try. David the bar owner can usually be seen in the evenings and he's a delight and pleasure to talk to. The bartenders can sometimes get swamped over the weekends so be patient. The drinks however are reasonably priced and quite stiff, with different specials each day. Monday's karaoke is quite fun and relaxing with a low crowd unless someone is having a party. Karen the kj is a sweetheart, with a huge selection of songs that get updated every week. Thursday's are always a blast with RuPauls drag race contender Raven, and she usually has something fresh in her shows. Though it can get quite packed so if you'd like a comfortable seat be a bit early. Weekends often have a good crowd as well and I can't seem to recall but there is a live local bands playing night as well. There is a back patio that may not be very spacious but it offers a nice place to get fresh air. Or if fresh air is not your forte then to smoke and chat with your mates or to meet new people as everyone is generally friendly. Bathrooms could use a little more maintenance but are still in better condition than other bars I have seen. Be fair warned that drama, fights, and being a nuisance is not tolerated and you will most probably be asked to leave if you start making a scene or are too inebriated to function. read more

Called to ask some questions about the dancing hours and fees. The person over the phone was completely rude and just hung up on me whilst still speaking. I was there the last time I was visiting town because a friend recommended. and everyone was so so kind. Whoever this person was must be having a bad day but I hope they don't work there for long. My friends and I were just looking for a place to go party at and have fun. Crossing this off of our list for this rude male over the phone. read more

The drag shows here on Thursday night are absolutely fabulous! It is very crowded so I suggest you definitely go early if you want to either get a seat or be able to be upfront. Get your drinks early because the lines get crazy. It's just one of the best drag shows I've seen. I love this place The owner David St. Pierre is a treat.. read more

I just went here for my friend's 21st birthday. It was also my first gay bar experience, so I guess I don't have much to compare it to. Karaoke was fun and there were a bunch of older (40-65) men who were really cool and just hanging out, having a good time on the karaoke machine. The karaoke mistress (is that the term?) was also really nice. My friends and I had a great time talking to the older guys, but as the night wore on, the crowd got younger and more distant. Now, I'm 22, so you'd think it'd be easier to fit into this crowd, but it just seemed to get more and more unfriendly. I got hit on a few times (which was to be expected) and was happy that no one seemed pushy about anything. I just preferred the place earlier in the evening when it was less crowded and the crowd was more friendly. I'd probably go back (my buddy lives in Riverside and he seemed to enjoy himself), but it's not the sort of place that I'd go to alone. Then again, I don't really drink much, so I guess I wouldn't really go to a bar in the first place. read more

Love the drag show! Hilarious, entertaining, and such a fun Thursday night. I would totally go again. Because this was my first drag show, I didn't know it was drag etiquette to tip!! Bring loads of $1 bills and prepare for lots of laughter and fun! read more