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Backstreet Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Backstreet Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"The roast beef is hot and tender and the bread is super..." In 6 reviews -
"...bread is a nice match with the pastrami and some au jus." In 4 reviews -
"Their baked beans are tasty and their veggies are always..." In 3 reviews
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Neal W.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
My girlfriend took me to Backstreet for lunch after I came over from school. She was telling me how great it is and that her dad has been coming here since he was a little kid. I was really hungry so I just wanted to get there and eat! After a short drive we arrived and saw this tiny little building that looked a lot like a house and almost no parking out front. We drove around the corner to park and walked back. We entered through a garden and patio area. The patio looked really nice with lots of shade and plants all around. There were about 10 or 12 people there already eating but it was still pretty quiet. It seemed like everyone was enjoying a nice, relaxing lunch.
Once we got inside we waited in a short line to place our order. I was getting hungrier and hungrier because every sandwich I saw on the way in looked absolutely delicious. I couldn't wait! We looked over the menu which was elegantly simple. You choose your bread, your meat, and any sauces and cheese. The makings of a perfect sandwich!
When I got to order my sandwich I was asked what kind of bread, if I wanted any mayo or mustard and then what meat and cheese I wanted. I ordered the pastrami on sourdough with Swiss cheese and mayo and spicy mustard. The cook put a ton of pastrami on my sandwich. I'm talking a big handful and then some! It looked amazing. After he put the pastrami on the sandwich he took a little cup of the au jus sauce and poured it on top of the pastrami. When he put the cheese on he dunked each slice in the same au jus before putting it on the sandwich. After that you get to choose between cole slaw, potato salad, beans, and chips for a side. After you pay they have a veggie bar with carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and other sandwich items you can help yourself to.
Finally we found a table and I took my first bite. It was amazing! This could be the best pastrami sandwich I have ever had. It was fantastic. The meat was juicy and succulent. The bread was soft and had soaked up the extra au jus. By far one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. I can't wait to go back and have another. They had servers that promptly took your tray and plates when they were empty. The service was fantastic! It was a great lunch and we took our time to enjoy it. It was a great experience and a great meal. Will definitely be going back very soon! -
Review from Annette T.
Riverside, CA
4/16/2012
My husband and I went on a Saturday a few weeks ago and they told us they were remodeling and to come back in a couple of weeks.
Well, I tried going back last Saturday and they were again closed. I guess they're not open on Saturdays at all.
Why did you NOT tell me this on that Saturday a few weeks ago?
The hours are too limited. Not all of us can come between 11 - 2 M-F.
It might be good, but I may never know. -
Review from Aydin L.
Riverside, CA
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very simple but tasty sandwiches and deserts, amazing outdoor seating with flowers, veins, trees (etc) and friendly staff.
But frankly - the outdoor seating (so that I can bring my dog) is the main reasons why I would return. FYI: If your bringing your dog make sure to sit in the smaller (left) section outside. You usually order inside, but if they see u with a dog they'll come outside to take your order. -
Review from William C.
Riverside, CA
5/21/2012
Love this place and it's workers.
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Review from Louise B.
Riverside, CA
5/24/2012
OK Im going to give you the REAL low down on the backstreet and explain to people why this is my favorite, and only place I eat sandwiches. To those that did not enjoy their backstreet experience, it's because you did one of two things wrong; you either ordered the wrong thing, OR you ordered the right thing and told them to skip the butter or the mayo or the other delicious unhealthy fixings. If you're worried about calories then don't expect an amazing sandwich. Let them make it how they've been doing it for over 45 years! You must get butter, mayo, and cheese on your sandwich, MUST. It's what makes them so good. They don't put veggies or any typical toppings on your sandwich, it's very old school, but they more than compensate with the amount of meat they put on it. The meats are sliced daily and cooked through out the day. It's the freshest stuff you can get. Everything is made on site except for the bread(they used to bake their own bread back in the day though). MY FAVORITE SANDWICH is the HOUSE SPECIAL! OMG it's amazing. It's pastrami and roast beef with swiss cheese, cheese dipped in the magic sauce, on my personal favorite bread, the sheepherders, but it usually comes on sourdough, then lots of au ju sauce on the sandwich...I also personally like it with deli mustard as well. Then you get a choice of a side. I love the beans. Why? because they are sweet and made fresh everyday. Yes, the sandwich will cost you, but please trust me, IT'S WORTH IT. Now those of you that go in here and order a tuna sandwich or a turkey dry, POO on you. That's why you didn't like this place. There's just something about the butter, mayo, deli mustard, and swiss cheese combo that works. Forget lettuce and tomato, they will tell you "No lettuce for you" if you ask and point you down the line. Just embrace the backstreet way and you wont be disappointed.
One more suggestion: THE TURKEY SANDWICH ON SQUAW!
get turkey, butter, mayo, cheese, and let him sprinkle the seasoning salt on it! That's the best part on the turkey sandwich, the delicious salt. Order it just like this and you'll be amazed.
About the business:
Hours are Monday- Friday 11-3 NOT 11-2
Parking is on the street, or across the street in the other lot
They deliver for a small fee, awesome.
Dogs are welcome
SEATING: they have 2 indoor areas. The main building and they also own a small house next door for parities and when it's raining/cold outside. They have 2 beautiful outdoor patios that are packed on the warm days so there's plenty of seating for large parties.
If you're a vegetarian, they have salads as well not just sandwiches.
They've been in town since the 60s, they know what they're doing so just trust these guys. It's a family owned restaurant and the owners will go out of their way for you. You tell them you don't like something they'll take it back and remake it for you. I love this place and have been coming here since I was kid. I've had birthdays here, graduation lunches, etc. and never been disappointed. I hope people found this useful and also have a great experience at my favorite restaurant. -
Review from Matt E.
Riverside, CA
5/11/2012
The ambiance of this place, combined with it's great tasting food is what really makes this place a local gem. The outdoor seating is elegant and simple and the staff here truly serve from the heart. Kristine was very much a big part of the great experience I had there, she was very attentive, polite and genuinely showed happiness for her establishment. This being my first time I ordered a roast beef sandwich on squaw bread, it was piled high with a generous portion of roast beef topped with what I think was swiss cheese and covered in a nice Au Jus sauce. GREAT! The potato salad was a great side portion and with the unlimited veggie cart all for $11 I left full and with a few bucks to spare. Tried the banana cream pie and it is to die for;) seriously.. Can't wait to go back!
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Review from Eric S.
Riverside, CA
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Place has been here for awhile. I've been coming here since high school. Hole in the wall place. Great sandwiches, awesome baked beans, amazing banana cream pie. I could go there just for the pie. Love this place. A little pricey but well worth it and the atmosphere is nice. Well shaded al fresco cafe. Not good hours.
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Review from Ann Y.
Irvine, CA
1/6/2012
It is like a hidden treasure in Riverside. Riverside isn't known for their cute or great restaurants, but I am proud to say that we have Backstreet! On a nice summer day, it is so relaxing to just sit in the back patio and enjoy a great sandwich. I love the fact that all there foods seem so fresh and homemade. When you order a sandwich, you also get to help yourself to their mini salad bar. Their potato salad and pasta salads are yuuuummmy.
The only CON I can find is that their hours are so limited. I always have to check online before making a trip there. -
Review from Bee C.
Riverside, CA
4/2/2012
The worst $13 dollars ever spent. Bread was hard and sandwhich needed something like.... Flavor. Only good thing about this place is the setting. Plants everywhere
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Review from Bonnie P.
Riverside, CA
2/26/2012
You have to know it's here or you would never eat here...so FIND it. You stand in line, they make your sandwich, you swing around to the cold bar..get your salad,etc and go outside and sit at a beautifully shaded table in a garden. Invite all your friends - there is plenty of room...just a delightful place to dine with GOOD sandwiches!
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Review from luke h.
Riverside, CA
12/22/2011
Really cool concept, awesome atmosphere, good service, on the pricey side, OK food. I've been here twice now so that means something. In my first visit I was so mesmerized by the uniqueness of the place I would have given it a 4 star rating, but unfortunately my second visit was not as good.
The second visit was....COLD. Unfortunately this spot has a really small inside with only 3 or 4 tables with the rest of the seating outside on a tree covered patio. Me and my wife nearly froze to death as we scarfed down our sandwiches. As for the taste they were mediocre... a ton of meat with two slices of dry bread.
Tips: I would recommend the french dip. And be assured that the line moves relatively fast during rush hour. -
Review from Francesca L.
Colorado Springs, CO
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dry and bland, atmosphere was dated. I had a roast beef on an onion roll. The beef was dry, the cheese was dry, the bread was dry. Yuck.
The people were nice, but it wasn't enough.
I guess this place has some kind of nostalgic feeling for many locals, but if you are just driving by in the area, I'd skip it. Plus parking is odd and it's difficult to find.
(it's behind the car repair garage and parking is accross the street in the shopping center) -
Review from Robert G.
Riverside, CA
3/2/2012
Great sandwitches here...but pretty exspensive for what you get. I like to go here once in a while.
Try the turkey with cranberry. -
Review from Lea T.
Fullerton, CA
3/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Atmosphere:
Is it a nice warm Southern California day? Do you want to sit outside and eat a sandwich in the garden next to a fountain? This could be the place for you. This family owned business is casual and comfortable. It is only open on Monday - Friday for lunch, and they close the restaurant during the early part of the year (January) each year to go on family vacation. Now, there is very limited indoor seating, so if it is raining, it isn't nearly as nice. But, it never rains in Southern California, right? Parking is a bit of a challenge - many people park in adjacent parking lots which are for other businesses. The other businesses frown upon this.
Service:
The restaurant is a cafeteria-like place. You wait in line, order, and your sandwich is made right before you while you wait. The salad bar is self service, and you seat yourself at a table. Better get that plate off the tray quickly though - the staff will be around to take your tray, provide a straw if you are like me and forget to get one with your drink, and box up your meal at the end. Despite the cafeteria style, the service is usually excellent. I have been here frequently, and I can only think of a very few instances where we needed to find someone who wasn't readily available.
Food:
Hear me out. At any other restaurant, I would never order what I do here. I am not crazy about roast beef sandwiches - I prefer roasted chicken. I loathe mayonnaise - if I can't use oil and vinegar, I eat my sandwiches dry. I don't even put butter on my pancakes or waffles - so I certainly do not put it on my sandwiches. If I were to read a review like this about a sandwich that was simply squaw bread, roast beef, au jus, cheese, mayo and butter, I would not be interested. But, I promise you, it is amazing. If you don't believe me, go with someone else, let them order the real deal, and take a bite of their sandwich. I always order roast beef on squaw and let them put both butter and mayonnaise on my sandwiches now. It sounds disgusting, I know. I would never order this anywhere else. But, it tastes fabulous.
The menu is limited, and if you are vegetarian, this is probably not the best place for you. The sandwiches are expensive - for sandwich + drink, you will pay $12 for lunch. Nevertheless, this is always a top choice for me for lunch. I will drive out of my way to eat here. -
Review from LAUREN J.
Riverside, CA
8/1/2011
I'm not really sure how this place got so many stars. I ordered a turkey on sour dough toast and i was a bit disappointed to hear the sandwich maker say "no toast". I can deal with that. I was once again disappointed when the guy standing next to the first sandwich guy slathered my bread with butter. I can deal with that too. When my sandwich was finished I was very disappointed that my $10 sandwich was nothing more than cold bread, turkey, a slice of cheese, mayo and butter. No lettuce, tomato, onion or any of the other things you expect to find on a $10 sandwich. The patio area is very nice and I can see why people enjoy eating out there but that's the only thing this place has going for it.
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Review from Rhett S.
Santa Ana, CA
12/4/2011
Great Sandwich. Freshest Squaw bread I've ever had!
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Review from Meena N.
11/22/2010
Let me tell you about this lovely place. First of all, the people that work there- AWESOME. Everyone is so nice and super DUPER friendly. It's amazing how friendly they are, they make you feel like you're friends. The area is great too, with a covered dining area that makes you feel like you're in secret garden with a fountain and other cutesy garden-things. It's like you're eating at a patio of a fancy shmancy hotel with all the garden tables and green everywhere. Truly a green oasis in the middle of Rivershit...i mean, Riverside. =)
Best of all, let me tell you about the sandwiches! Sandwiches how they are supposed to be made- or...how they used to be made.. just meat and bread. You have your choice of delicious bread and a few meats but the best part of the place is their unlimited salad bar. I pretty much load my plate up to the brim with these yummies. My favorite is their Cucumber Salad...and I HATE cucumbers but they make it in a way where I eat at least 10 cucumbers worth...of cucumber salad.. if that makes sense.
The price is an issue because a sandwich can run up 12 dollars and it does seem quite a lot for just meat and 2 pieces of bread. So I'm not able to come here EVERY day like I want to, but it's quite a treat every once in a while, especially if you load up on the pasta and veggies they have and eat 1/2 a sandwich and save the rest for later. Still, I give 5 stars because it's a tasty oasis amidst a desert of chain restaurants and/or restaurants with ugly decor. -
Review from Tyler I.
Riverside, CA
6/28/2011
Classic Riverside lunch spot. There isn't anything that's not great at Backstreet. The only way to not like the food or atmosphere is if you're an idiot.
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Review from Richard M.
Riverside, CA
Updated - 9/25/2009
Thought I'd give it a try again, so I met the sandwich nut (girlfriend) and we went to Backstreet. This time I had a turkey and swiss, same dry, unimaginative sandwich. But the g/f gets a beef dip. That thing was stacked high with roast beef, and dipped in au jus. I could see the glimmer in her eyes as she watched the guy behind the counter pile that meat and then splash it with drippings.
We get our trays, grab some greens from the salad bar and head to a table. The g/f never looked up again. The beef dip was devoured. She had a look on her face of complete satisfaction. The next words out of her mouth were, I think that was the best french dip I've ever had. So Backstreet gets 4 stars for the dip.
As usual everyone was really friendly, and the service was great.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2009
I just don't get it, this place is almost a landmark in Riverside. Yes it is quaint, situated in a… Read more »
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Review from bruce r.
Riverside, CA
10/20/2011
The food is good, but what gives this place ambiance is the atmosphere. It's a place of charm with overgrown plants and trees that has been around for a hundred years. The bricks are sufficiently worn and discolored and the artsy, country antique decor is fitting for the area. You could never achieve the mood of this place without having nature work it's magic for 50 plus years. When you walk into the patio area, it is essentially a walk back into time. It is a very comfortable and relaxed place to have lunch. The food, mostly sandwiches, are good and well portioned. The quality of the food is very good and there are very few sandwich deli restaurant that will equal or surpass it's quality.
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Review from Leland R.
Provo, UT
2/11/2009
The Pastrami Sandwich is very good. It is not your usual pastrami, and that is why I like it. Very mild. The Sheepherder's bread is a nice match with the pastrami and some au jus. I love to get the potato salad with mine.
The Tarts are an amazing way to end a great meal. They are homemade (Really. They make them right there. Ask them sometime, they are excited that they make their own) from scratch and are so good! They may look small, but you will wish you had shared it when you are finished. I love the Chocolate Tart. It has freshly made chocolate pudding (Not just jello out of a box. From scratch!), a perfect crust, and a tower of just-whipped whipped cream on top.
The ambiance of Back Street is quite charming. It is what they call a "Garden Patio Restaurant" which is quite fitting since you sit on a patio that is a nice garden. Tricky. I love to sit outside next to the fountain on nice days. It is a very peaceful setting and every time I eat there I feel like I have been let in on some secret.
It is expensive, but not so much that it doesn't seem worth it. Just be ready to spend $9.88 on a sandwich (plus all the sides!), $4.40 on a tart, and $2.19 for a drink.
The choices are limited, but that is why they can do them all so well. I would rather have this approach than a Chili's type Menu/book where you have an absurd amount to choose from, but all are done poorly. -
Review from Josiah K.
Riverside, CA
9/19/2011
One of the best restaurants in Riverside!
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Review from Stephanie N.
Davis, CA
12/21/2008
Meh. My boyfriend's family LOVES this place but I wasn't impressed.
They don't have many vegetarian options so I chose a cheese sandwich, thinking I'd get a sandwich with a slice or 2 of cheese and a bunch of veggies. Instead, I was handed a pile of cheese with a couple of pieces of bread on either end. Along with my heart-attack sandwich I got some baked beans, pasta salad, and "world famous" banana cream pie. Nothing was very impressive, it all seemed a little prepackaged to me.
The restaurant does have a nice outdoor seating area though, and I'm sure I'll be taken there again next time we visit. I think I'll try a salad next time. -
Review from C. H.
Mira Loma, CA
6/23/2011
One of the best places to eat in Riverside for food, service, and atmosphere.
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Review from ryan c.
Riverside, CA
4/26/2010
This place is a riverside gem. Very good sandwiches and great sides. for the people who rated this less because it does not offer enough vegetarian choices. well all I can say is, then don't go to a sandwich shop, or better yet eat meat (nah just joshing). the place is great to sit out and enjoy lunch even when it is really hot because they turn the misters on. On the cons, it is a bit pricey for what it is, they need to come way down on the price. Go to Phood on main for better food, wider choice, great atmosphere and great food.
the pros are they must put crack onth eturkey sandwich because you yearn for it later!
this is a gem of riverside that only a select few know about, it is so god they are not even open all year round, and only do lunch for most of the year and dinner during the summer. -
Review from Rose L.
Orange County, CA
3/7/2011
Wow what you're really paying for is for the scenery/enviornment. The sandwich I ordered was a big disappointment :(. The turkey didn't have any flavor at all and their sourdough was like wonder bread on a bad day. I think the biggest issue I had was lack of flavor with everything except my drink, thank goodness they didn't make that! I would have to agree with Dennis D's review with this one. Unless you want a high school cashier calling you sweetie and paying way to much for a mediocre sandwich I can't recommend this.
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Review from X O.
Riverside, CA
10/11/2007
I've been coming here for lunch for the past 7 years. I can always count on quick service - you line up to order but the line moves pretty quickly. I believe this place has been owned and operated by the same family for a very long time and has a loyal following - including me.
The guy who makes the sandwiches is a grump. You gotta know what you want to order before you get to him. The ladies are super sweet. I do admit the sandwiches are a little bit expensive. What I do is get the vegie plate for $3 and get the banana cream pie. You get all the fixin' but the sandwich, which isn't all the great anyways. But the patio is quaint and relaxing. -
Review from Jean S.
Riverside, CA
7/21/2011
Amazing sandwiches! I love the atmosphere of this place. I can think of few places I would rather sit outside and have lunch at on a nice day in riverside. The only downside is that it can be a bit expensive and parking is a nightmare
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Review from h l.
Riverside, CA
8/12/2009
I dream of the Turkey Sandwich on Squaw Bread. They ask if you want butter on your sandwich, which I just don't think sounds right so I always decline. You can eat whatever you want off of the salad bar and choose a side (I always get the Baked Beans), and I have always been a happy camper. It is a very, very popular lunch spot in Riverside and a little pricey but their homemade pies are worth it.
It is a charming old house with mostly outdoor garden seating and everyone is always friendly. -
Review from Cruz O.
Mountlake Terrace, WA
10/3/2009
I don't really know how to explain it, but I love the turkey sandwich. Squaw bread, butter, mayo, turkey, paprika. It's a magical kind of simplicity. And the turkey is roasted there on site, so technically yeah, you could make it yourself, but where can you find fresh sliced on-site cooked deli meat?
The sides are uninspired, but who cares? Go for the fresh ingredients and the homemade desserts. If you're looking a froo-froo (sp?) sandwich, go to Simple Simon's. Not that I dislike them, I actually like them a lot, but the appeal is different. -
Review from Katie A.
Riverside, CA
6/16/2011
This place is absolutely adorable! I love coming here, even when its hot they manage to keep you cool with their misters ;) The setting is lovely with the plants, fountain and garden decor. I always order a diet coke and the ham on squaw. Their chocolate cream pie is also delicious ;) You also get to fill up your plate with delicious sides, pasta salad, potato salad and cucumbers. A + + + Love it!!
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Review from Judy Y.
Sacramento, CA
8/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was in the 909 for a dentist appointment and b/c the dentist is a friend of the family, we stopped by to Backstreet restaurant for lunch. This place is so cute! There is indoor seating and outdoor seating. There is also this "salad" bar with all-you-can eat side dishes like pickles, pasta salad, carrots, peppers, etc which I thoroughtly enjoyed. I got the roast beef sandwich which wasn't that good to me, but my mom had the pastrami sandwich which was really good! They provide generous portions of meat which is lovely and the service here is great! I might come here again to try their other sandwiches.
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Review from chad c.
Riverside, CA
5/15/2011
This restaurant is outstanding! The food is very good and always fresh. Their french dipped sandwiches are one of the best I've ever had. It has lots of outdoor seating in sort of a quiet park-like environment. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
It is a bit pricey (about $12 for a sandwich, side, veggies, and a drink) and the lines get extremely long during the peak lunch hour. Other than that, it's a great place that's worth checking out. -
Review from Rebecca G.
Riverside, CA
5/2/2011
I just got back... so stuffed! I love the fact that they offer butter as a spread (I would never do it, but it reminds me of my grandma)! And the pickle bar is great! But my favorite part is the atmosphere. Sitting on the shaded patio on a hot day is so relaxing. I wish my patio looked like theirs! Oh well, guess I'll just need to go more often!
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Review from Dennis D.
Ontario, CA
7/8/2010
For what you pay, I don't think the sandwich here is worth it; especially when the bread they serve isn't baked within the premises and the meats are pre-sliced. The buffet style side-bar is a poor excuse to charge so much for a sandwich. Moreover, the atmosphere feels a little snooty; filled with people who are trying to persuade themselves that they are getting a good deal. Lastly, this place is almost like the "Who's who" spot in Riverside...come on people, you're not in West LA.
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Review from Katherine O.
Anaheim, CA
11/11/2010
3.5 stars. I'll admit that the food is really really good, but I have a hard time paying $12 for a sandwich... even if it is big enough that I can split it in between two meals, if I load up on the pasta. If the weather is nice, it's really a great place to go for lunch and sit outside. If it is too hot, they have misters and if it is too cold, they have that second room with a little fireplace.
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Review from Summer B.
Riverside, CA
8/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
I heard many good things about Backstreet, and they were all right! I loved the sandwich I got, the turkey. But most of all I loved the Banana Cream Pie the best. Very, very good!
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Review from Arym Y.
San Diego, CA
7/15/2010
I lived in Riverside from ages 6-22 and I never heard of this place until a former co-worker took me there for lunch. It is a hidden gem. The food is delicious! Their sandwiches are fresh and filling, and their banana cream pie is to die for! The staff is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is wonderful! How can you not love sitting in a garden-like setting and enjoying an amazing meal? I love this place!
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Review from Bill R.
Riverside, CA
1/6/2011
Very good food - high quality - but it is really expensive for what you get.
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Review from shay w.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2010
One of my all time favorites!!! It is however a sandwich with no frills and sometimes less IS more. Turkey on rye w/both mayo and butter (the secret ingredient to make bread moist) with cheese and a little paprika. That's about all that comes on that sando, however there is a veggie bar that has theee best cucumbers soaked in vinegar and onions, beets that taste like heaven, tons of different pickles, pasta salad etc..
