Coffee Depot

Coffee Depot

Location: Downtown Riverside, on the Corner of Mission Inn Avenue, across from Spaghetti Factory

Type of Food: Coffee Shop

Price: $1.00-$5.00

Date Potential: Perfect for so many occasions

To my fellow readers:

If your tried of that expensive Starbucks coffee that doesn’t really taste all that great anyways, READ ON…..

I am going to attempt to take a break from the usual types of restaurants I blog about to introduce you to one of my favorite coffee shops, The Coffee Depot.

The Coffee Depot has two locations serving the Riverside area, the Riverside Plaza and Downtown Riverside, but personally I prefer the downtown location for the ambiance and décor. If you have been looking for the perfect coffee break, a great place to study, a more intimate coffee date location, and/or the perfect place to meet up with the girls/guys, Coffee Depot is ideal choice.

The ambiance of the Coffee Depot is what should be expected of all coffee shops: big comfy couches and chairs, too many tables and chairs too choose from, indoor and outdoor seating, local artists and their creations featured on all the walls, acoustic coffee shop jams, and complete with a very helpful staff. On most Saturday nights, Coffee Depot hosts an open-mic night, where locals can come and feature their music in front of a crowd.

It isn’t just the décor and ambiance that keeps me driving all the way to downtown Riverside for a cup of joe, the coffee is of the highest quality. Might I recommend the “moondoggie.” This, oh so perfect, mocha is a scrumptious blend of hazelnut, Ghirardelli white and milk chocolate, topped off with a fabulously light whipped cream.

Coffee Depot also offers a ton of juice and tea options, if coffee isn’t at the top of your list.

Did I mention that Coffee Depot also offers breakfast and lunch? Breakfast features many different crepes and bagels and lunch has a huge deli menu. Although I rave about the coffee, I have yet to try their food, as I really don’t go there hungry.

The Coffee Depot has my highest recommendation in the category of coffee and I encourage all of my readers to just drop by and see what all the fuss is about.

Shogun

Shogun
Teppan Steak, Fine Dining and Sushi

Location: 275 Teller Street, #130 Corona

Type of Food: Japanese

Date Potential: A great second date

Price: A huge range, it very much depends on the type of food and time of day

Website: www.restaurantshogun.com
Don’t let the location of Shogun Teppan and Sushi restaurant put you off for too long, as it did with me. Shogun is located off of McKinley South in the 24 Hour Fitness center, unfortunately not the greatest location, but still a must try.

I must note that their hours include a break in the middle of the day from 2-5pm. This was a surprise to me, as the day that I arrived I had to wait for them to open for dinner. This restaurant is much larger than most sushi restaurants and features a full service bar, sushi bar, and twelve Teppan grill tables.

I have to say that good sushi is hard to find in the Riverside area and this restaurant proves to be a diamond in the rough. From your first roll of sashimi you will notice the absolute freshness of the fish. This is very important when it comes to sushi as the quality of the fish can make or break any sushi joint. The rolls at Shogun are moderately larger than most rolls in comparable restaurants in the area. The presentation quality is superb as each roll, or order in general, is decorated with an array of sauces and decorative vegetables.

The atmosphere at Shogun is very contemporary. They feature a dark hardwood floor and lighting that suits the mood. I also noticed that they have a row of green bamboo plants, fitting the overall Asian theme of the restaurant.

I would suggest that this restaurant be strongly considered when planning either a lunch or dinner date, as the environment welcomes both. For lunch you could consider sitting at the sushi bar and for dinner the Teppan grill, although not great for a first date because some strangers may accompany you. The prices are also very reasonable. During happy hour, from 5-7pm Monday thru Friday, you can expect rolls under $5 and an assortment of appetizers starting at just $2. For a filet at the Teppan grill, the prices jump drastically; expect to pay around $25-30.

Overall this is a great restaurant and it comes highly recommended.

Citrus City Grille

Citrus City Grille
“Outrageous Dining and Cocktails”

Location: Riverside Plaza, Riverside
Dos Lagos Promenade, Corona

Type of
Food: American Fusion

Price: $11.00 – $40.00

Date
Potential: Expensive, yet probably impressive

Website: www.citruscitygrille.com

Upon entrance to Citrus City Grille I felt a very familiar vibe similar to that of California Pizza Kitchen. This restaurant features a sleek modern lounge with a full service bar as well as a classy dining area accompanied by an outdoor patio complete with fireplace and heaters. It is worthy to note that Citrus City Grille was voted “best restaurant” in Riverside for 2007.

Your meal at Citrus City Grille begins with a warm loaf of bread complimented by balsamic vinaigrette. Although this bread and dip proves tasty by most standards, I must say that it does not even compare to the bread at Macaroni Grill or Taps Brewery.

The menu features items such as the “Kobe beef” burger, fresh fish, and also filet. The bizarre thing is that some of these elegant dishes that would most likely be served with fresh vegetables or mashed potatoes come with French fries instead. This is of grave disappointment. When you have to pay $30 for a piece of salmon served with fries, the price trumps the quality of food.

The overall service of the restaurant is what is to be expected of a restaurant of this stature. They feature a friendly staff that constantly ensures your comfort and overall dining experience. I would rate this restaurant a good place to take an evening date, you can dress to impress and not feel out of place. Citrus City Grille has two great locations,
Riverside Plaza and Dos Lagos Promenade Shops, both perfect for a great night out. If a night out is not what you are looking for, Citrus City Grille’s ultra-chic lounge is perfect for an after dinner drink or two. I do have a bit of advice I am going to offer. Although great for a more expensive date, this is not the restaurant you want to take a group of friends. The prices are a little high relevant to the quality of food. Overall, this isn’t the highest restaurant on my list.