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The Royal Falconer

3.5 star rating
based on 42 reviews

Categories: British, Pubs  [Edit]

4281 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92516
(951) 684-4281
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Dinner, Late Night
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Wed, Fri, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No

42 reviews for The Royal Falconer

Review Highlights   

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"Some of the best fish and chips I've ever had." (in 14 reviews)
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"Absolutely spot on Shepard's pie, with ground sirloin marinated in Guinness." (in 6 reviews)
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"The shepperd's pie was perrrffeecct." (in 7 reviews)
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Photo of Polly W.

 

1

6

Polly W.

Temecula, CA

4 star rating
9/11/2009

A co-worker suggested the Royal Falconer for lunch one day. She said they had great fish and chips. Walking into a room of mahogany and dark green I felt like I walked into a pub I experienced in Manchester, England. We sat at a tall bar table and the very friendly waitress greeted us with menus. We knew going in we were going to have the fish and chips - so our ordering was fast and easy. Without going into too much detail, our lunch was fantastic! Yes, as the other reviewers stated, it is a little pricey - but I felt it was worth the $14 for my two large pieces of lightly beer battered cod, bright green peas, large mound of crispy french fries, drink and tip! I've go to a chain restaurant and paid that for a lunch size chef salad and drink walking away hungry there! So, no it isn't cheap for lunch, but definitely filling and delicious. I've been back twice and had the fish sandwich, and the halibut and chips - all were very good!!

I haven't experienced it, but they advertised live music on the weekend.

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Photo of Rachel D.

 

7

24

Rachel D.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
8/8/2009

I actually really like the Falconer. I don't go there very often, but I always have a good time. The drinks are well-made and the food is pretty good.

I'm a fan of the Irish Nachos.

The staff is friendly and the jukebox is well-stocked.

Once again, no surprise here in Riverside, it's a bit of a college/bro bar.

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Photo of Eileen C.

Elite '09

178

197

Eileen C.

Hacienda Heights, CA

1 star rating
2/3/2009

Am I the only one that noticed the distinctive smell of stale beer and chlorinated sewage water in this place?!

I've heard many things about the Royal Falconer (both good and bad) and after viewing Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares "Fenwick Arms", I'm always game for some rustic British pub fare. Fried fish holds a special love in my heart, this place was definitely bookmarked "To Try".

We snagged prime parking, walked in and was immediately greeted by a noxious, offensive stink! I genuinely thought I could brave it through, after all we were already seated and the server had promptly provided us menus. How rude would it be for us to just walk out! After a few minutes, the unmistakable stomach lurch of nausea set in and I had to get the heck out. Just sitting there was torturous, eating a Cod Sandwich (which looked really good, by the way!) was unimaginable.

I wonder if they offer take out.

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6

20

howard n.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

4 star rating
9/3/2009

I LIKE THIS PLACE! But let me say first that I'm very bias. It is a hole in the wall bar with decent food. A british pub not meant to impress anyone with its decor or even smell. Is just a down and dirty place to drink, snack, and enjoy yourself- pure and simple. I met my new girlfriend there very recently and I am having very fond memories of this place. Alcohol is so good!!!!!

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Elite '09

230

1033

Nick T.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
4/14/2009

I actually had a few good times here. It wasnt bad and the people that I came here with were cool so thats a big plus.

Pretty good sized bar and the food was decent. Guinness on draft baby.

Lotta college types and locals.

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4

30

Joshua C.

Glendale, CA

3 star rating
2/5/2009

Do you live in Riverside?

Do you like douchebags, tools and their related ilk?

If so, The Falconer is the place for you Thursday through Saturday! That's right - come here near the weekends to get your fill of jacked up pickup trucks, knee high black socks, flat-brimmed hats (sometimes backwards!), racism and severely latent homosexuality!

The other nights of the week, however, when it's not teeming with more tools than Bob Vila's garage, The Falconer is a decent place to have a pint and relax. Sure, maybe it smells more like the stuff they clean the glasses in more than the average bar but hey, this is Riverside, you're lucky there's a roof and toilets.

I went here somewhat often when I was in college. We lived within walking distance and were able to stumble home on a somewhat frequent basis. Points for there being a Carl's Jr. closeby, as well. Nothing helps a case of the drunks like a six dollar burger. At least it did when I still ate things like six dollar burgers.

You'll want to go to Carl's Jr. for a bite because the prices for the pub grub here are pretty astronomical for the area. As I recall (and feel free to correct me) there wasn't a fish and chips option for less than $12 on the menu. That's pretty outrageous for the area. Think about it...where is that fish coming from?

It's not all bad though - the decor on the inside really is lovely and the one time that I had some trouble with the credit card machine (they had charged me for someone else's drinks on a hectic night) I called and it was fixed the very next day. So those were perks. Plus I recall the drinks being relatively cheap, which is always a plus.

So, avoid the weekends and you should be fine.

Side note: no actual Brits here. In fact, if they were to show up, they probably be told by the patrons to go back to "England town" and then asked if they REALLY drove on the wrong side of the road.

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125

149

K P.

Chino Hills, CA

4 star rating
10/11/2008

I had to go out to Riverside (ick!) to handle some business, and around lunch time I was starving.  I did not, however, wish to join the huge crowd in Carl's Jr.  I spotted the Royal Falconer and thought "Why not?"  
The place is (in my opinion) perfectly decorated.  Heavy wood furniture, darker setting, a BEAUTIFUL ceiling.  And the menu is just as interesting.  Authentic English pub food, a full bar, and a few other eclectic choices.  
Right off the bat, service was attentive and FAST.  I ordered the Tandoori Chicken, which was very nice.  Maybe not the most authentic Tandoori Chicken ever...but it was so tender and juicy.  I can't emphasize that enough.  The raita wasn't too shabby either.  The server told me that the fish and chips are really good, and they have Guinness on tap, so I definitely plan to bring my bf sometime!

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Photo of Doug R.

 

54

71

Doug R.

San Bruno, CA

2 star rating
12/8/2008

I liked the decor and the atmosphere but honestly I've been to much better pubs.

I haven't tried the food but the pints seemed to be $6 and up which I felt was a bit on the pricier side. Also, I forget which beer I ordered but it was rather sour tasting so I got it replaced with a pint of Stella Artois.

I don't know, I came expecting more from reading these reviews but I've been to places with much better beer, cheaper prices, and just overall better. I can't comment on the food though, I didn't have any.

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Photo of Jerry K.

 

11

79

Jerry K.

Chino, CA

3 star rating
4/12/2009

This place was ok.  The drinks weren't all that strong, but the fish and chips I was pleasantly surprised.  The bigger portion was very big and fresh.  Green peas on the  side actually make the meal even better. It neutralize some of the grease from the fried batter.

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Elite '09

29

84

Christy L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/2/2007

You know, Riverside gets a pretty bad rap..... sometimes with good reason.  Yea there's scummy parts, people used to call it "wiggerside" (ohhhhhhhhh thuggy white boys) and the Zodiac killer stalked a girl at RCC, but there's definitely a few delicious gems in the city.  The Royal Falconer happens to be one of those.

Some of the best fish and chips I've ever had.  The beer selection is pretty sweet and the service is good.  The jukebox has its ups and downs, but definitely a lot of ups.

I've had nothing but good times here, and it definitely helps that the Falconer is a bike ride away from my sisters house. Killer!

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0

94

Steve D.

Redlands, CA

2 star rating
7/21/2008

How do you ruin a so-so restaurant?  Open a second one!

Having been to their original Redlands location a number of times, I was admittedly curious to check this one out but didn't get around to it until recently.  We went in on a Sunday night for a pint and something to eat with friends.  Typical pub in a box decor - nice enough and the big booths are great for a bunch of friends - IF you can get a beer, food etc.  

Now the service in Redlands varied from decent to poor but this place set a new record for awful.  My beer was forgotten - TWICE.  I wasn't alone and ended up walking to the bar to inquire on missing drinks, food etc. for others.  THE FOOD TOOK FOREVER!.  I don't have real high expectations for a place like this but when the service is so bad it notably detracts from an otherwise fun time - it's pretty bad.

I had the Shepherd's pie - not served in a dish as I remember  but a tin foil tray - and it was one of the worst ones I've had.  Fries were good though.

Prices, as others noted, were too high - I'm not a cheap bastard but its got to make sense.

Live music was awesome that night though!!

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0

11

Rigo B.

Murrieta, CA

2 star rating
8/28/2008

I really like the old-world pub feel of the place, even if it is a pub-in-a-box kind of setup, and the staff there were pretty friendly. I have no idea about what looks like a haphazard collection of art on the wall, there doesn't seem to be a cohesive theme.

The food was decent enough but I really don't care for the price. The lunch menu, which I had expected to be more affordable than their dinner menu has nothing under $9.00, which is where their sandwiches start at.

I'm not a drinker, but I'd be afraid to see what a typical bar tab would be like. I want to like the place, but i feel the cost is prohibitive to a student budget like mine, and my funds be better spent elsewhere.

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Photo of Loren B.

 

1

11

Loren B.

San Bernardino, CA

3 star rating
4/17/2009

Blue cheese hamburger or the chicken club sandwich are tops. Fast service even when busy. Large booths will sit many wide butts.  $1.50 per hour metered parking on weekdays before 5 or 6

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0

24

R R.

Redlands, CA

1 star rating
8/10/2009

My least favorite bar in Redlands by far.

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Elite '09

84

116

Wayne W.

Highland, CA

5 star rating
1/9/2006 1 photo

The Royal Falconer has been a fixture in Redlands for a number of years;  and seems to be set to become one in Downtown Riverside as well - from any indication of visits by me and my wife.  The place boasts the same owner - and was the same owner of the late Pig's Ear Pub in San Bernardino.  A British import, the owner (Richard Faulkner) knows his stuff.  Simply put - this British-style pub is a wonderful find.  It's a few blocks from most of Downtown Riverside's pedestrian traffic near the Mission Inn District and City Hall, but it's located close enough to Riverside's civic centers and court houses to be more than visible to the public.  The decor and decorations - dark heavy woods, panelling and authentic art - are substantial and inviting.  

The two big highlights of The Royal Falconer's Riverside Locale, as with its one in Redlands, are the food and the beers.  First the food.  My wife is ADDICTED to their fish and chips.  She says they are the best she's ever had and I must say I tend to agree.  It comes in two versions: cod and halibut.  We've only tried the less-expensive cod, but its still better than any we've had.  The secret is that the fish is never frozen!  I myself am rather fond of their Curry Chicken - its mouth watering just spicy enough so as not to detract from its taste.  They also feature more traditional English fare like Bangers and Mash and Shepherd's Pie (each of which we've tried and enjoyed.)

And then there are the beers... Mmmmmmmmm!  They have about a dozen on tap (including the traditional Guinness, my favorite - Smithwick's, and my wife's all time favorite- the Belgian Stella Artois) and another two dozen in bottles; with everything from tastes ranging from mild to adventurous.  They also boast a fairly impressive full bar for a traditional British pub

The employees are all helpful and friendly, and always willing to make suggestions.  The only detracting part is that they can sometimes tend to be understaffed during busy times of the day, and the service lags a bit then - but its never been rediculously poor.

All in all - the place is highly recommended as a place to go and relax over a pint of Ale and some good British-themed food.  Its pretty family friendly as well.  A great place to enjoy lunch or dinner.

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Photo of Krystal M.

 

0

11

Krystal M.

Corona, CA

4 star rating
2/18/2008

Love this place. Good beer, good atmosphere, can get a little rowdy and packed at times (like friday/saturday nights), but its still great. sometimes bands play which is cool and the food i've had is pretty good.

only things that bother me is... 1. the beer & food is a little overpriced and 2. they need a sidewalk patio for drinking & smoking like mario's place has...

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Elite '09

23

183

Katy W.

Fremont, CA

3 star rating
10/19/2006

First of all, I have to admit that I was dragged to the Royal Falconer by my Anglophile friends and I still enjoyed it.  The food was good, the service was very friendly (of course we were a party of 10, 20-something women) and they carry so many types of ales and ciders, I couldn't help but be impressed.

The karaoke crowd was just the right amount of rowdy for a Friday night that I found it highly amusing to sit back and watch. Their seating setup is great for groups, but it became a little difficult to talk once karaoke started up. I also wished it was a tiny bit lighter in there, but I suppose that would ruin its authentic "pub" feel.

Oh yea, their bread pudding is quite yummy!

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Photo of Bruce M.

 

0

5

Bruce M.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
4/25/2009

I've had my share of meals at British and Irish pubs and I must say that the Falconer can go toe to toe with the best of them.  The Fish and Chips and Shepherd's Pie were phenomenal.  Also, they have appetizers like Scotch eggs that are a rarity at other pubs.  The atmosphere is authentic and the beers, ales and stouts are nice and cold.  I definitely will be back!

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0

9

james b.

Riverside, CA

5 star rating
8/8/2009

Great place great atmosphere

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Photo of Natasha K.

 

0

16

Natasha K.

Riverside, CA

5 star rating
1/3/2009

Wonderful! A little piece of Britain in the Inland Empire. Order a Guinness and some fish and chips! (Check out the one in Redlands, too!)

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Photo of Christine C.

Elite '09

23

95

Christine C.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
3/2/2008

This is a great bar hangout in Riverside to lounge around and have some food and drinks with friends. It has a great atmosphere and great drinks. They usually play good music, and the karaoke is fun.

Food is good, but not the best imo (comparing it to other britsh/irish pubs I've been to). Service has always been friendly and this is probably the only bar type place I'd recommend to friends in Riverside.

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9

108

Jon B.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
11/14/2008

99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer, take one down and pass it around, 98 bottles of beer on the wall!!! Thats the vibe this place gives off, in a good way!!! When I think of a British pubs I think of The Royal Falconer!!! This is what a pub is supposed to look like, heavy wood decor and nautical themed!!! I used to live around the corner from this place and my buddy and I would walk here for lunch and beer!!! The fish n chips are pretty damn good!!! The beer selection is pretty good also, Harp, Guiness, Boddingtons! If you go in the afternoon this place is full of older British men reading the paper and drinking beers like water down a drain!!! At night this place can get really crowded with bros and bro hoes but what do you expect..... its Riverside!!!! So I suggest hitting this place in the afternoon for some fish n chips and beer!!!

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Elite '09

348

682

mel r.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/13/2006

One of my favorite bars to frequent. A shame I discovered it only a year prior to my moving.

Absolutely spot on Shepard's pie, with ground sirloin marinated in Guinness. excuse me while i wipe up the drool. BLT's were a tasty delight as well as the huge garden salads. yum

They have a good selection of beer, albeit, no Carlsburg. What the hell is it with so called Irish/British bars not having this damn beer on tap! Any who I slide off subject. The bar is always hoping with a mix of older patrons as well as a butt load of college kids. They even have darts!

The decor is very reminiscent of my London trip, felt like I was home again(in London) Loads of pictures on the walls, tables, booths and sofas. It's the bee's knees!

sigh...I miss that bar

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Photo of Julian S.

 

15

64

Julian S.

Hanover, NH

5 star rating
10/4/2008

Who would've known? The best Fish 'n Chips in the nation are in... Riverside? No kidding, this British pub with its excellent selection of beer on tap not only has that pub feel true to its name, but some of the best Indian food of any British pub to date. Pricey, but for some of the best eats and beer in Riverside, it's worth dishing out the cash.

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6

58

Jonathan K.

Riverside, CA

3 star rating
2/5/2008

Went on a Monday night, and although there were very few people around to make a great judgment, it all looked pretty great.  It's the dive bar you've been looking to call home.

But $6 for a pint of Stella Artois?  Seriously?

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3

74

Brendan S.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
11/13/2008

I came here for lunch when I had jury duty at the courthouse down the street. I don't drink, so I can't comment on the beer. Very good fish and chips and a good place to read a book while you wait to send someone up the river.

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0

6

Mary K.

Riverside, CA

2 star rating
2/8/2009

The first word that comes to mind is OVERPRICED.  The beer list is fine, but the cheapest beer is $6 and it adds up fast.  The food is basic pub food that often isn't very good (stale burger buns--I would avoid the burgers), but the fish and chips is pretty good.

Usually though you leave with a $30 tab, and it certainly isn't worth that.

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2

17

mike S.

Salt Lake City, UT

4 star rating
12/9/2008

Great beer and food.  At least the food that I tried.  My coworkers and I stopped in 3 times in the week we were in town.  Each time I ordered they seemed to be out of it, especially curry.   But good food would have just been a bonus because does it really get any better than a good pub with real beer.  Stella, Bass, New Castle and of course Guinness.  Mmmmmm

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8

kevin a.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
6/8/2009

I went in on a friday to the Falconer around 7pm and ordered the Shepperd's pie and my fiancee ordered the clam chowder and shrimp special.  The shepperd's pie was perrrffeecct. The gravy on it was excellent and when it came out it looked better than the picture in the menu! The clam chowder was very  tasty and  you can tell it was home made, the bread bowl was soft and fresh out of the oven. The shrimp was like whatever, other than that the drinks are good as usual. We just ate it up at the bar and bartender is very attentive and polite. The ONLY reason why i didn't put 5 stars is becuase it's kind of pricey.  Other than that its worth to eat dinner there and stay for some drinks.

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Photo of Bernadette E.

Elite '09

156

294

Bernadette E.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/25/2007

ah yes... the good 'ol falconer!! this is one of my favorite bars in riverside!!

with lots of sitting room and a great jukebox, the falconer is the place to be for social gatherings...  a popular song often requested on the jukebox is "sweeeet caroline, BAH BAH BAH!!" good times i tell ya :)

i always see someone i know here!! i've spent some memorable nights here during the orange blossom festival... you will be missed!!! :(

get some fried talons!! they're so awesome... in fact all the food i've ever tried here is freakin awesome!! :)

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Elite '09

46

477

Vanessa H.

Claremont, CA

3 star rating
4/16/2008

Great for large groups. There huge wooden booths contain room for to large tables or there's a couch area with lots of chairs, too.  Fish and chips tasted light and fresh and crispy, fries meh.  But the "Irish nachos" surprisingly good.  Tin-stamped ceiling, dark wood, darts game. Good stuff.

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2

15

Jesse G.

CA

5 star rating
3/7/2007

Wayne W. is spot on about the Falconer's decor and decorations so I won't get in to that.  The food here is absolutely amazing.  Although a bit pricey, the fish and chips and Shepard's pie here are the best I have ever had.  I really enjoy that they have such a large selection of local micro brews on tap and that the bartenders aren't afraid to recommend one to you.

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18

114

Ryan B.

Riverside, CA

3 star rating
4/24/2008

This place is not too bad, not my type of place to hang out but the appetizers and the beer are good. This place has that old world pub feel so if you like that woody kinda feel to your bar, this is the place for you.

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Elite '09

16

141

Tom h.

CA

3 star rating
5/28/2007

Decent place, good selection of beers, but the service sucks. Nothing special about this place, but a fun pub nonetheless.

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Photo of Vegas M.

 

27

202

Vegas M.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
6/4/2007

Where can you find me on a Friday night? Here of course! The Falconer serves up a good food, a huge selection of beers, and a super relaxed environment. Not ever plagued with loud bumping music or club goers I prefer its laid back feel, classic Queen and Pink Floyd raging from the Juke Box, and a place where ever body knows my name. Modest drink prices accompany the usual late night appetizers such as fried zucchini, chicken strips, and french fries but before 10pm they boast a traditional British menu of bangers and mash, shepherds pie, and fish and chips. They also have real American tradition's such as hamburgers, sandwhices, and ribs. Conveniently located near downtown yet far enough off the beaten path to avoid traffic and drunk college goers. Always a favorite of mine!

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3

6

John B.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
5/22/2008

my second favorite place in riverside, but probably a better choice for larger groups and if you just wanted to relax. good, cheap beer with waiter service. it should be noted that the cutest girl i've seen at a bar in riverside was spotted here, but i can see if that was a fluke. karaoke was a pleasant surprise.

also, if it matters to you, this place is bright as hell on the inside. i'm not too into it, but it definitely makes things more lighthearted than most bars/pubs.

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1

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R. M.

Scarborough, ON

Canada

3 star rating
11/19/2007

This place might be one of the few decent pubs in the area, but c'mon, people! 6+$ for a beer?! And while they may be British beers, it's an average selection at best. They do have great fish and chips, and pretty good food otherwise, but this is an expensive place for students. Other downsides: the jukebox is loud, the lights are unusually bright, and the service can be spotty. Overall, atmosphere is ok and you can almost always find a giant table for you and 7 of your closest friends, but me and my 7 friends always end up with empty wallets and a mild sense of dissapointment.

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10

37

Peter T.

Yorba Linda, CA

4 star rating
1/28/2008

One of the best bars in Riverside.  Karaoke Thursdays are a definite must for anyone looking for a lively, yet laid back type of bar.  Variety of Beers on Tap is pretty good.  It's slightly off the main pedestrian area in Downtown, but it is worth a gander for anyone looking for a good bar experience.

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1

13

Jimbo J.

Riverside, CA

4 star rating
7/4/2007

Lived in Riverside my whole life....have never been here until recently.... now one of my favorite places to grab a drink when I'm in the area.u will see someone you know here...it's a definite..loud, dark, great prices, great beer and great mixes on the drinks...haven't tried the food, but will be doing so on my next trip....

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506

joseluis a.

Miami, FL

3 star rating
11/6/2007

i sorta have mixed feelings about this place. yes i was there on a monday night so that might explain why it was so quiet and bright. cant comment on the food cause i didnt eat. i had some boddingstons and scotch. the service was kinda weird. i dont know if the bartender/waiter (and a few at the bar) was being serious with us, kidding or that if it was his british humor (he didnt sound british - at least) or that he had never seen a group of 5 guys from miami. i dont know, thats just the impression that i got by the way he talked to us. could be the scotch talkin here...prices are fair but i just didnt get the vibe of this place. the interiors are nice though ... dark woods, high ceilings ... a fair three stars review.

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