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OMG! There are so many good things to say about Simple Simon's!
I recently made my first debut visit there and I simply fell in love.
It all started out as an innocent craving for ciabatta sandwiches, which led me to one of the best bakery EVER! Not only was the turkey ciabatta flawless and extremely delicious with the indulgence of the buttery bread at each bite, the beef and barley soup tasted as if grandma had made it, so homey and comforting.
I also managed to try a piece of what is called the "princess cake" and I sure felt like a princess with the thick and creamy whipped topping and the perfect moist raspberry yellow cake.
It was indeed one of the best lunches I have ever had. Simple Simons made me really happy for that one long day.
3.75* dropping a quarter star and I'll tell you why
So I returned to Riverside for 2 reasons to go on my nostalgia tour ( and to meet fellow yelper Erin B. Yup my first yelp rendezvous! Fittingly we set the stage at Simple Simon's, the BEST Sandwich shop in RIVERSIDE, which means it's NOT Jammin Bread.
An hour before my friend and I had decided to hike the "C" by UCR (in the cold rain no doubt) to help justify the massive calories we would be consuming, while Erin did the smart thing and napped.
Text:
Me: I don't look like anything in my photo
Erin: It's ok I don't look like my profile pic either (big silver dog), but there are no other short chunky proud lesbian here
Me: Haha. OK!!! see you soon.
Anyway cute silver canine or empowered overweight female, I couldn't have been more excited to meet either!
Disappointingly for me and fortunately for her, she was neither of those thing... just a pretty brunette with angelic wavy brown hair in a black sweater and green scarf. I know...but she does need to function in society, fall in love etc. could be hard otherwise you know...
We momentarily all toyed with the idea of ordering something new, but of course we all ordered our usuals since infancy: Erin (Tuna plate with a side of potato salad and vegetable), Me (Vegetarian Salad w fruit), Friend (Bostonian w fruit and fresh squeezed orange juice), but we paid with CARD, yes plastic! I couldn't believe it, they don't only take green backs anymore, wow progress.
Happy happy happy everyone was except me...but trust me if your sandwich was falling apart because the sourdough had big holes in it like Swiss cheese and there so much dill dressing it was ejecting itself out of the porous bread holes all over your hand, you'd be ad too...So there I was making a BIG SLOPPY mess in front of a fellow Yelper with my two goals: getting the food in my mouth and not incurring any bystanding casualties. I used every napkin on the table, even Erin's used napkin it was so ridiculous.
Otherwise the Bostonian was a marvel to behold as usual, Tuna plate potato salad made Erin happy, and the fruit was fresh.
Lunch was beyond pleasant and yah for YELP for bringing Erin and I together, perhaps not for the good of the world or a certain sandwich shop owners in Riverside, but definitely good for us.
Sadly, the time eventually came when dear Erin had to depart and run off to other prior engagements
So there my friend and I were, completely finished with both halves of our sandwiches and fruit side, which if you know SS are big halves! Erin was a more reasonable eater and only ate about 15%, maybe 20% of her food.
Me: Dude I can't believe that's all Erin ate.
Friend: I know! I'd be going to my next meal if I were her, I just can't believe she doesn't have another meal waiting for her at home.
Me: And she's full!
Us eyeing her food that she had some properly put her napkins over
Friend: Well, I have no shame! (as he reaches over for a carrot slice)
And before we knew it the napkins were off and we were just tearing into her food, haha. We of course drew the line at her half eaten tuna salad but not before polishing off all her carrot slices, sourdough bread slice, and tasting her potato salad. Well I had to try the potato salad! Erin just loves it so much, I just had to see what's so great. I had a couple cube of potatoes but I'm sure I would have loved it more if I would have gone all out and ate the bacon and cheddar cheese chunks, But she's right. it's light on the mayonnaise :)
The off we were to explore the Mission Inn and find dessert.
Simple Simon's vs. Jammin' Bread- Looking for a good vegetarian sandwich?
I wish I could tell you I'm…
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I definitely enjoyed the lamb sandwich here. Mine was made on fresh sourdough with the works all inside!
Great desserts also.
I feel that seating was bit crowded but the enjoyment from my sandwich helped me to forget the slight discomfort!
Check this place out! And try their potato salad as a side!
This place really reminds me of a SF brunch joint. In the middle of Riverside? weird...
I had the spinach omelet with tomatoes, basil, and bacon. It was perfectly cooked, and they were nice enough to substitute the potatoes and toast for fruit and cottage cheese (cottage cheese is my crack)
I also had a chai, which good... but I definitely had my hopes up for something outstanding.
I work down the street from this location have for over 9 years now I can say that they are consistently EXCELLENT in quality of food and presentation from the baked goods to their delicious sandwiches... what is the conundrum I find myself in is that the service some times SUCKS!! and it's not necessarily the counter staff it comes from the owners but as some one mentioned they are not here for a social gathering. That being said customer service is STILL customer service.
The breakfast is outstanding, Home made Jam is the BOMB. I LOVE their omelets and my daughter gets the French Toast with the home made Applewood Sausage. If you need to order a cake please do so without any doubt that everyone will thoroughly enjoy your selection. For the holidays I order Apple Pie from them the crust is to "die-for" and also the Marscapone tarts with Raspberry. Going on a picnic? before heading out of town stop by pick up their sandwiches and pasta salad and you are good to go!
Lunch time can be a bear here due to the conventions that are in town and the local clientele but it is most emphatically worth it. Can be considered pricey but in this case you definitely get what you pay for as far as quality of food.
Respectfully Reviewed
In Riverside its very hard to find a place that isn't a huge franchise and that also is accommodating of a vegan/ vegetarian diet. Not so at Simple Simon's. Although I am not exclusively vegan that's my favorite sandwich on their menu. The blends of taste and textures in that one is incredible. So why the mediocre rating?
Well, having stated that the faire is great I will say do not even try to get in and out for lunch unless you have a very generous amount of time. The place is that popular. The lines are out the door. If you happen to go mid afternoon you'll have no trouble.
The prices are also a bit steep. Good quality but still a bit steep so I reserve this one for an every once in a very great while when I am treating myself. There are other treats besides sandwiches that I reward myself with more often so I don't often make this venture. Still its a nice to place to have on reserve when I just need a really good sandwich.
I still think Mark is WAY too moody - but I gotta add the 4th star for the quality and taste of the food! The desserts are to die for. The menu is diverse. Its all good. There is not 1 thing on their chalkboards that I would not order!! i stick to my favorites most of the time - tuna plate, turkey/bacon croissant, DELI-FREAKIN-POTATO-SALAD!! Again, I must discuss! BACON, chunks of cheddar cheese and the perfect amount of mayo (not to creamy!). The collage kids that work here are always friendly - even when the line is out the door! Lunch time is CRAZY BUSY so call ahead if your in a time crunch and GET A COOKIE!
There are so many qualities about this restaurant that make it so charming!! Located next to the… Read more »
Sandwiches here are great! Nice and fresh ingredients. The line can get crazy and thank goodness there is a lot of seating outside.
The bakery goods are great as well. Food can take awhile to come out, but worth it.
wow!
I am surprised this place does not have 5 stars. I know the owners, and no, they are not the friendliest people in the world, but in their defense they are running a business, not a social gathering! They can be curt at times, but mainly because they are working hard to make sure the food goes out quickly. How many places do you actually see the owners runnung around, sweating, and working just as hard as the college students running the place?
These people take their food seriously and I respect that. Besides anyone who has ever worked in the food service industry knows that everyone is a whiny bitch when It comes to their food. If I were the owner i wouldn't put up with it either. They know what they are selling is like crack. youll go back for more :D
I grew up in Riverside, and i admit there is really nothing to go back there for except to visit my parents and pay a visit to Simple Simons. They have the most amazing food prepared with fresh ingredients and freshly baked bread on premises. amazing! Those who claim that the food is sub-par, probably would have a better experience at quizznos, or subway. seriously.
where else can you get the quality freshness and authenticity of these home made recipes?!
my top favorites include the ciabatta bread, potato soup, bread pudding is THE BEST i have ever had, pasta salad, and the citrus asparagus. Amazing.
What attracts me to Simple Simon's is the area and the old building. It sits across the main walkway that connects the Mission Inn Hotel and some other artsy shops in the area. We're kinda starved for attractive architecture in the IE.
Now for the food, its a decent sandwich shop with some good baked goods. I've had lunch and breakfast and they fulfill your cravings. I like sitting outside in the main street courtyard watching the peep's go by, but this isn't the first place I think about when looking for lunch.
I die for the pasta salad! It's a party in my mouth and I love it.
In all seriousness, Simple Simon's is great. I've been going there for a few years now, and just discovered that there is a back patio with seating- I can't be the only person who was unaware of this- just hang a right past the soda machine and go down the hallway- it will change your life.
I've been fortunate enough to miss the lunch rush most of the time- however, when the joint is jumpin' - the joint is jumpin' and it can get PACKED. If you are there when it is busy, have a friend grab a table because they go fast.
Pasta salad was a pasta salad... nothing special, sorry! I got the croissant club with turkey. Croissant was too hard and overall the sandwich was kind of tasteless. How is it possible a bacon-lettuce-tomato-turkey croissant sandwich be bland??! Oy vey.
So my sandwich was just alright but the pastrami sandwich looked pretty good, and their desserts! My oh my! If I weren't so full, I would have been all over those! Oh Simple Simon, why do you have so many goodies to offer? Next time I'll be back to taste some of your sweet goodness. :)
You have to try the Olive bread. Love it. If you're there and you see their carrot cake, buy it.
The Sandwiches are all good, bread is wonderful and the desserts, well, they speak for themselves. If there is a convention going on at the convention center the line will be out the door. They're closed on sunday's and they also close down in the summer for a few weeks and also during Christmas so if you're going to go, call ahead to make sure they're open. I have never had a problem with the service. The patrons are the rude ones. You might have to fight for a table when its crowded but there is usually patio seating.
I'm a local mom/professional in the area. The food is great, love the location and the outdoor seating. I was a huge fan until I got to "know" the owners a little bit. This place tolerates children but they are NOT KID FRIENDLY. I have also come to find out that the owners are pretty stingy. For example, if I got something for myself and wanted an extra plate for my toddler daughter, it was a NO. When I asked if they were going to offer any options for kids, the lady owner said point blank and unapologetically and with no further explanation "probably not". I was not impressed. That is the main reason I do not feel good about supporting their business even though I do love their food. Thanks for reading my review and if there are other mom supporters out there, I'd love to hear your experiences. Oh, they don't take cards either which is inconvenient.
This is just a fabulous sandwich shop! Great variety of sandwiches, soups and desserts. I loved the taste of my hot focaccia sandwich, pasta salad and black bean soup!! They were phenomenal. The focaccia bread was fresh and flavorful, and the choice of ingredients in the sandwich just perfect.
I have another favorite sandwich shop in Claremont, Full of Life bakery. But Simple Simon's wins extra stars for ambiance - Looks classic for a sandwich place.
Simple Simon's was very busy when we got there for lunch. But we found a great booth with glass windows that overlook the main street.
This was my first visit. A friend in Riverside brought me here, saying that it was her favorite lunch place in Claremont. I would go back here repeatedly, if it were not for the 30 mile distance between Claremont and Riverside!!
I thought the price was just right for the gourmet sandwiches and ambiance!!
Wow do I miss this place...On my list of places to eat on my trip back to Riverside next week. I can't believe people have had issues with this place. The food is amazing...I always opt for the Vegan sandwich, soooo yummy and yes I do normally eat meat, I'm not really a vegan it's just delicious!!! Their desserts look amazing but I'm always too full to order any. Yes the owner can be a bit short and doesn't have much of a personality but he has never been rude to me like some people claim. I have gone there for years and now living in Washington I can say it is still my favorite sandwich shop in 2 states.
I went to school around here for 4 years and never once did I visit Simple Simon's. Only after graduating did I try this place out. This sandwich shop is in the middle of downtown Riverside. The sandwiches are large and also a little pricey.
side note: Thank God I am out of Riverside!! WOO HOO!
I go to Simple Simon's anytime I'm awake before the rush. Their breakfast is great! I usually get 2 poached eggs and their famous chicken apple sausage, which comes with fruit, home fries and toast and then buy a slice of their excellent boysenberry pie. This coupled with some coffees feeds both myself and a male friend of mine quite adequately to split, which is a good thing because all that costs us around 18 bucks. 18 bucks is a bit much to spend on what would otherwise be a breakfast for one, let me tell you, but their chicken apple sausage is way worth it.
I've gotten to a point though where I just order the sausage by the pound and make it at home myself. Their sausage is $8 per lb and they will sell it to you raw for you to cook.
Their pies are around $14 which is standard, they're very very good. Very delicious served room temperature with cool whip as they do in-restaurant.
I don't much care for the order at the counter atmosphere because by the time I'm done fixing my coffee how I like it my order's up and I haven't picked a seat yet (good fast service though!) and not to mention you get your jokers milling around in the line going "what do i want oh i dont know lemme see!" move out of the way kids yer holding up the line for the regulars.
Also, I would highly recommend the sandwich they have for lunch that features their chicken apple sausage. It's phenomenal.
Definitely not a place you want to go to if you're in a terrible rush though. Phone ahead when in doubt!
After many recent disappointing trips to Simple Simon's, today, it will finally end.
The owners husband has recently ruined many of our past visits with his rude behavior and unwillingness to give simple things like butter, jam, or a cup for ice water, today his antics took the cake.
My boyfriend went in to buy me some milk, the man said it would be one dollar, my boyfriend apologized saying "I don't have any cash I will have to use my card", the man responded (and I kid you not) "well then it doesn't make much sense for me to do business with you does it?"
My boyfriend said "excuse me?"
"it costs more money for me to run the transaction that the sale is worth"
I know right!!!! Your kidddddding me right?!
My boyfriend responded that he just spent 30 dollars on breakfast and could take his business elsewhere if he liked, the man responded "oh....okay Ill do it for you", like it was a favor or something.
Obviously this is a man who only worries about money, not his customers. This has to be the rudest thing I have ever heard. He lost 2 very good customers today. We will NEVER go back.
I have always been pleased with Simple Simons in terms of food. Yummy sandwiches and desserts. I… Read more »
I had the lamb sandwich here.
It was... average. The decor was alright, the service was simple, and the food was overpriced.
I might come back here for the novelty factory, but no special trips out here for me.
After being told we had a good 2 hour lunch break from Jury Duty, I quickly jumped up to head outside to take the opportunity to explore my favorite part of Downtown Riverside during the regular joe-schmo day. In looking for a place to eat I decided to surpass the pizzas and Chinese food and walk into something a little more delectable.
I decided to give Simple Simon's a shot. Upon opening the door, a line was already formed. Being close to noon the lunch hour must be popular. The workers behind the counter have that hip, young, vibe to them; sorta the artsy appearance of that college student trying to make ends meet. The location itself is kind of classice, original wood and class counters inviting you to their baked dishes.
Be ready to order your dish because you don't want to be the person holding up an entire line because you couldn't decide which type of bread you wanted (those were the ladies IN FRONT of me).
I ordered a Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast Speciality Sandwhich right off the paper menu because I am far too blind to read the menu above my head. After you place your order, you give them your name, and they call it out when it's ready. The meals are made fresh so as soon as your order is taken, it's passed to someone to make it.
My sandwich was large and you can order 1/2 size (I didn't know this at the time, even though I did read the menu prior to ordering).
It's an expensive flavor. Sandwich + fruit + drink = $11. What makes it more disappointing is that although I was full and could not finish the second half of my sandwich, I was not satisfied. The chicken was dry, the pesto sauce was oily that I watched it ooze off the chicken and drip onto the plate. My dish got so messy that I had to eat it with a fork. I've have a chicken pesto sandwich before, and this one by far does not satisy me.
Nice area, great outdoor seating on a not so hot day, great portions, and fresh seasonal fruit sliced in mouth sized portions, I just wish my sandwich did not suck so much.
I can't believe I haven't yelped this place yet! I love love LOVE the veggie on sourdough here. SO good. I crave it fairly often. Although that is the only sandwich I've gotten on the menu in the many many times I've been here, I hear that the pastrami is good too. But I can't get myself to order anything but the vegetarian! :)
I would caution against the potato salad - calling it bland is being nice. But the pasta salad is yummy and the fresh fruits are actually fresh!
Also, there's a strawberry cake that is very tasty.
Fast service is always a plus, right? And when the weather is nice, taking your sandwich and eating it outside in the courtyard with all the beautiful Mission-style architecture around is an experience you'll really enjoy.
I lunched at Simple Simon's at least wkly back in the '80s. It's every bit as good now.
This is one of those places that you really want to re-visit each time you're back in your home town.
This place is great! A bit ion the expensive side but still worth it. Located next to the Mission Inn, and in a great building. Lots of choices and Veg. options. A Riverside, must try.
I had Simple Simon's for the first time two weeks ago and have been craving it since. It's a great place to eat if you're near the Mission Inn or even in Riverside. It's kind of a bummer they're not open after 5pm but if you can make it for breakfast or lunch, you won't be let down. Their menu is very vegan and vegetarian friendly as well.
At the least, stop in and give it a chance, I'm sure either the bakery or the deli will have something you'll want to try.
Fresh, healthy, hippy servers, super yummy bread, and fast service! I love their homemade whole wheat bread wit a chicken salad.
Good sandwiches, great pasta salad, amazing pastries. The place gets crowded so bring a friend and snatch a table. Or go sit outside. There's a patio in the back, but there has been construction kicking up dust out there lately. The food is always fresh and healthy. Kinda pricey for meat and cheese between bread and a lack of customer service, but its got a nice atmosphere and its definitely tasty enough to be worth visiting repeatedly.
I've only been here for brunch. Maybe after i have one of their supposed great sandwiches, I'll bump it up to 4 stars.
The brunch was good, and nice selection of sweets.
I will always withhold at least one star because they use paper plates and plastic cups!!
Yes, they do use real platter plates and coffee mugs, but for water they give out plastic cups, the toast comes on a paper plate, and i saw to-go coffee in styrofoam cups!
It bothers me that Riverside is still 20 yrs behind when it comes to environmentalism
Kind of pricey but the food is fresh. Fresh squeezed orange juice is always nice with breakfast and their berry pie is honestly the best pie I have ever had in my life. The location is nice too, right next to the Mission Inn.
OMG OMG OMG... everytime i eat here, i always take a bite of my food and shut my eyes for exactly two seconds and say OH MY GAAAAAAAWD. See when i was introduced to Simple Simon's, I was still a naive and foolish foolish girl. i had no sense of direction, my mind was constantly absent, and i just didn't know better. Then I had a taste of Simple Simon's curry turkey sandwich on rye bread with fruit on the side. OMG it was like biting into divinity. It was like the doors of heaven just op...ok i lied it wasn't that freaken tasty but it was BOMB ass HELL and their gazpacho there ain't half bad. The cutest part about it is it's in old ass downtown Riverside and you can have yourself a nice lil lunch outside complete with the birds singin and the bums sleepin. Sounds like a plan!!
While I was doing "My Time" @ UCR, I stumbled upon this small sandwich shop that made the greatest sandwiches ever. EVERYTHING is made fresh and from scratch. The sandwiches are decent sized with plenty of filling and they give you generous portions for the sides. Be aware of the lunch hr rush...the line goes out the door across the courtyard.
If you ever wake up early enough, give the breakfast a try too. I suggest having the chicken-apple sausages.
Simple Simon's is walking distance from my work. You would think it would be a quick bite...but the line is OUTRAGEOUS. And rightfully so, the sandwiches are great. The price isn't so bad if you get the whole sandwich (I learned my lesson when I ordered a half and realized for a dollar more I could have gotten a whole yummy sandwich!!!)
All their ingredients are super fresh, it's a nice clean restaurant, and I've never had problems with the staff. I would eat here everyday if I wasn't too lazy to walk across the street in the Riverside heat.
Food was okay. It's good cafe food.
But I always came here for the sweets. Their cakes were delicious, and somehow I always bought one, for no special occasion, just being a total glutton.
Service was not great though. The people there are a bit snobby, shall we say.
More than 10 years after leaving Riverside for OC, Simple Simon's still has one awesome sandwich. Fresh bread, quality ingredients, and tasty combinations still make for gastrointestinal happiness. This past weekend I ordered up one of my old favorites (Genoa salami on sourdough, w/pesto) and it was just as good as I remembered it. To quote Joker-face herself (Rachel Ray), "Yum-O!" Even though I don't stop in for lunch as often as I used to, I'd still recommend this place for a good sandwich. Personally, I think it's worth the drive from the OC to the IE. But that's just me...
I know what you're thinking. Great sandwiches? In Riverside?! Is this even possible?!
Trust me, if…
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If you want a good sandwich in Riverside, try Simple Simon.
But stop changing the menu!!! damnit. Everytime I got a new favorite, they removed it and added a new one. lol figures. But overall, tasty sandwiches. And not dry. I hate dry sandwiches.
I have eaten here twice already. Its a short walk from my office, but not so pleasant in the Riverside heat...what a work out! Anyway, the pastrami sandwich (toasted and with swiss) is probably one of the best I have tried. The slices aren't too thin nor thick, not too salty, and not too chewy...just perfect. The sourdough bread was pretty good as well. I also recommend The Hat in Brea or Tommy Pastrami.
I have heard from other yelpers that the roasted lamb sandwiches are really good too. I must try it next time. Over all, I though this place was really good, minus 1 star for the crazzzy line. Good thing I don't have an hour only lunch : )
Located across the Main Street Pedestrian Mall from the historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside, Simple Simon's has been a fixture for over 23 years; offering a variety of delicious sandwiches, home-made artisan breads and a selection of pastries and other bakery goods good and sweet enough to make you reach for the insulin.
Their breakfasts are also delish; though their breakfast menu IS a tad limited. Still and all, their chicken-apple sausage is wonderful...and their Winter Omelletes with sauteed apples, walnuts, onions and gorgonzola cheese is a Simon's staple.
The best time to go is either in the morning for breakfast, around 11am just before the downtown Riverside lunch rush crowd arrives, or after 1pm after said crowd dies down.
The place's location is also wonderful...with deceptively roomy indoor seating (for the small looking front facade) as well as plenty of umbrella-covered outdoor dining. They even serve beer and wine! (though only drinkable inside). Enjoying a sandwich or omelette outside while the Misson Inn and the Main Street Pedestrian Mall is all decked out for the holidays is truly a fun experience.
I'd give it 5 stars - but they're closed on Sundays; a prime tourist-strolling-shopping day. So 4 stars for Simple Simon's! Give it a try! :)
Quite possibly one of the best American deli sandwiches places in Socal. Keep in mind, best American deli sandwich. I didn't say best sandwich because I don't think there could ever be such a distinction with infinite number of sandwich styles available from all different cultures.
Fresh bread, fresh meat that's not frozen like Subway's, fresh veggies (again not frozen), and importantly, sliced expertly.
The side dishes, like the potato salad, are so-so. I would definitely order a side but it's not slap-yo-mama good but it's decent.
I've been eating Simple Simons since the mid 80's and I have still not found a suitable replacement. Not just fresh bread, but GOOD bread, is at the heart of a good sandwich and this is what Simple Simons churns out every morning.
The holy grail of eats would be their ham, cheese, and dill stuffed croissant, but these are usually sold out by 11ish. I don't even think they're listed on the menu anymore, just have to know to ask for it. A great alternative especially if you're hungry would be the Bostonian a layered beast of ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and russian dressing all layered between its own "crispy crusted soft on the inside" roll measuring a good 16 square inches. The potato salad is mustardy and not drowning in mayo, the pasta salad is great too made with a good olive oil.
After lunch take an exploratory wander through the Mission Inn, the side entrance is just across the pedestrian mall from Simple Simons.
Very good food. One of my favorite places to take people who are visiting Riverside. Never had anything I didn't like here.
Riverside, CA
Category: Bakeries
Riverside, CA
Category: Bakeries
Riverside, CA
Category: Bakeries
Riverside, CA
Category: Diners
Riverside, CA
Category: Delis
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