Arts Bar & Grill

Hole in the wall for a reason. $ 6 for the smallest Bloody Mary I’ve ever seen. Ordered potato chips, chicken strips, French Dip for myself, and an omelette for the lady. Potato chips took over 20 minutes. The when my French Dip came out the bottom bread was completely soggy and not enjoyable. Lady said the omelette was fine. Chicken tenders came out so late she had to bring them in a to go box. They had a large party that was keep them busy. But the level of neglect and the unpleasant food will keep me from coming back.

Amazing taco Tuesday. Not sure why they don’t advertise and found this by chance. The waitress are not to friendly but I don’t think they care. Seems like everyone knows everyone which makes this place not seem friendly and is really dark inside but the tacos are good!

Best tacos ever. Cheap & simple tacos. Small little dive bar with an older crowd but I still like it here.

Service was great. Our waitress was very attentive. I did not even have to ask for more coffee or napkins, she checked frequently and brought us what we needed.
Place was clean and neat! No complains!
I got pork chop, taste great but little dry, but for pork chop, I rather have it cooked than under cook.
My husband got steak and it was tender and tasty.
Fries were good!!! Must have!
They also have homemade potato chips and they were hot and yummy.
Oh, I also recommend their burgers!!!

I’ve been here more than a few times and for one simple reason, the traditional American food is delicious and filling. I love it. It’s one of those unique hole in the wall places that you’re lucky to find. The service is pretty good and the atmosphere of the whole place is relaxing. The dim lighting really adds to the old sports bar feel and it’s great.
I definitely recommend checking this place out.

I’m only writing this because the man is so pissed. I still can’t stop laughing about it. Get there at 930 for breakfast today. Took half an hour to get our food, and there were only 5 people there. Ok. No biggie. I got biscuits and gravy, the man got the chicken fried steak. He asked for over easy eggs, he got basically hard boiled. He got hash brown cakes with it, that you could have squeezed the grease out of. I had a bite and McDonald’s taste better. We each had 2 drinks as well, and our bill was $ 34. It seriously was awful. I can’t stop laughing because as soon as we left, the man goes «light a fucking cigarette. I need to get that taste out of my mouth immediately.» All in all, a winning Sunday.

Love this place! Just a classic bar and grill. Great Taco Tuesday and specials all week long. My favorites are their burgers and their stuffed avocado. Good beer and spirit selection too. It’s not fancy but it is reliable and the food is good. A neighborhood gem.

Comfort Food At It’s Finest, But With A Healthy Side of Attitude
SITREP
I’ve stopped by Art’s a few times while on training junkets in Riverside. You almost half expect Norm & Cliffy & Sam to shout out your name (at least if you’re identified as a regular) when you enter into this much revered local establishment.
THE SETUP
Most nights, to be honest, when I’m kicking around Riverside, I much prefer the active vibe at The Grind (gratutious plug: one of my alltime favorite coffee stops & music veneus) that is not that far away. However, there just are nights when I prefer alcohol over caffiene (or I happen upon an open night mike at The Grind and I’m JUST NOT FEELING the line-​up). So I head to Art’s.
LE MENU
If you want it, they practically have it: steaks, occasional meatloaf specials, mashed potatoes, burgers, a host of drink specials — anything with Vodka and/​or Whiskey is OUTSTANDING.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Mad props to the bartender who was dam friendly and an exceptional conversationalist. However, things turned to a different note when I sat down for dinner.
The servers — think Alice’s or any classic diner — were a bit grumpy pants on a couple of the nights I was there. I noticed that they engaged several other diners by name, who were obviously regulars & probably friends — given the knowledgeable back storys that were shared. And if anything puts me off is when there is a disparity in customer service metrics between «people you know» compared to «people you don’t know.»
To clarify the above, this in & of itself is not a deal-​breaker UNLESS it also translates into DELAYED service — when it’s taking 2 to 3 times as long to service YOUR needs as opposed to their friends. Such places just don’t get it — Minus 2 Stars
THE LOWDOWN
Great food & drinks & bartender. NOT so great dining service.