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Favorite Breakfast Spots – Riverside County

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During breakfast this morning with my wife and oldest son, I decided to start the year off with a new feature: Favorites.

Not scientific. Not based on polls. Just completely subjective rankings of places / things I (or we) like.

The first category is breakfast:

  1. Cowgirl Cafe, Norco – Friendly service. Best “scrambled” omelet. Good hashbrowns. Drinks come in mason jars.
  2. Brandon’s Diner, Riverside (Magnolia) – Love the small, hole-in-the-wall diner feel. Great pancakes with warm syrup. Good omelets and hash browns.
  3. Corky’s Kitchen, Corona – Open 24 hours. Big menu. Big servings.

Think there’s a better breakfast spot in Riverside County? Leave a comment and make your argument.

Tio’s Tacos – Riverside, CA

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Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

I have lived in Riverside for a long time and I love Mexican food, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to try Tio’s Tacos in Riverside.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

This place is a trip. It is filled with original works of art that are made up of “things that have been utilized, and in this country considered useless, then discarded”.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

If you haven’t been here, you should give it a try and spend some time wandering through the art-filled compound.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

I didn’t take pictures of everything. There is much more to see.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

About the artist…

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

We sat in one of the outside dining areas. No matter where you sit, there is plenty to look at.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

Plenty of birds, too.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

Our bill was very reasonable. About $30 for three of us. Although we ordered water bottles, Tio’s also offers flavored margaritas and beer.

Chips and salsa…

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

Chorizo and egg burrito…

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

Carne asada burrito…

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

Carne asada tacos (they usually come with onions and cilantro)…

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

When you visit Tio’s Tacos, make sure you look up and down while walking through the gardens. The art is everywhere.

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA
Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

Tio’s Tacos is hard to miss, but here’s the address just in case:

3948 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside,CA 92501
www.tiostacos1.com

Tio's Tacos in Riverside, CA

The Habit Burger Grill on Tyler in Riverside

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The Habit Burger Grill on Tyler in the City of Riverside, California has been open for just about a year, but it has recently become one of my family’s favorite places to eat.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

If it weren’t for my oldest son, I might not have tried it. A few months ago, after a long day of water polo, my son wanted a Habit burger. Unfortunately, it was closed by the time we arrived. I promised him another trip.

The next time we visited, I ordered something too… I was hooked.

The Habit offers more than just burgers, as you can see from the menu:

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

The food is prepared to order, and I have never seen it wait under a heating lamp to be served. As soon as the food is ready, the buzzer goes off.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

Since becoming a fan, we have eaten at a bunch of different Habit locations, including Riverside Plaza in the City of Riverside, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Chino and Pleasanton.

The Habit on Tyler was closed due to a power outage, so hello Riverside Plaza.

A photo posted by Ole (@riversideandbeyond) on

We have only had good experiences, but The Habit on Tyler in Riverside is my favorite. One of the reasons is because of the people who work here:

Along with French fries and sweet potato fries, The Habit also has onion rings. They are awesome.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

My wife usually alternates between the Chicken Club or the Santa Barbara Cobb salad.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

Our kids all get burgers.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

I get burgers too, but mine usually arrive in a bowl without a bun. I really like the burgers here even without a bun. The burgers are charbroiled and seasoned, and the bacon always seems to be fresh.

The Habit on Tyler in Riverside

The first time I tried The Habit was a few years ago in Lake Forest, California. I was not a fan. It must have been an off day, because fast forward to today and The Habit is one of my new favorite places.

The Habit Burger Grill
3510 Tyler St, Ste 100
Riverside, California

Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Riverside Plaza is Now Open

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Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Although I have only eaten at Korean BBQ restaurants a few times, I have been anxiously waiting for the new Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Riverside Plaza to open.

We showed up for opening day last Friday, but management wasn’t able to open the restaurant for lunch due to a power outage.

We went back today.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

There is another Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Chino Hills, but we have never eaten there. Since this was our first time, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. The manager and servers were very helpful, and steered us toward the all-you-can-eat lunch special.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

If you have never eaten at a Korean BBQ restaurant or have only eaten at a quick serve restaurant in the mall, you might wonder what this silver thing is for. I’ll get back to that.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

The all-you-can-eat lunch special allows you to order four meats at one time. We chose the Angus Beef Brisket, Marinated Boneless Beef, Curry Chicken and Fire Cheese Chicken.

If the meat looks raw, you are correct.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

All of the meat is brought to your table uncooked.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Don’t eat the raw meat.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Cook it. At your table. That silver thing in the middle of your table is your own personal grill.

If you’re not sure how to cook something, just ask the servers for assistance. They will even switch out the grill when it gets too charred.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Here are a few of the finished products.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Since it was all-you-can-eat, we asked for more meat (actually, “I” am the one who asked since my wife was done). This time we added Sliced Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Red Pork Belly, Assorted Vegetables & Mushrooms and some more Angus Beef Brisket.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ - Riverside

This is a nice place and you will definitely not go hungry.

Wang Cho Korean BBQ
3639 Riverside Plaza Dr.
Riverside, CA
www.wangchobbq.com

Templo Del Sol in Riverside – AMAZING Carnitas and Tacos Al Pastor

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My first restaurant post of the New Year is about one of my favorite places to get tacos… Templo Del Sol in Riverside.

I opened with almost the same sentence when I wrote about Josie’s Tacos in 2014. Why? Because when Josie’s closed, the recipe for my favorite tacos al pastor transferred over to Templo Del Sol.

Templo Del Sol Outside

Templo Del Sol Outside

Templo Del Sol Inside

Josie’s Tacos and Templo Del Sol shared common ownership…

josies-tacos-owner-sign

… so the person who made the al pastor (delicious, marinated pork) at Josie’s is now here.

This makes me very happy because the al pastor is AMAZING.

Templo Del Sol Al Pastor Tacos

Unfortunately, al pastor isn’t always available, which I learned on a recent trip. However, after they found out how much I liked it, they made some for me for my next visit. I love small restaurants.

Templo Del Sol Al Pastor Tacos

After trying the al pastor at Josie’s for the first time, I never ordered anything else. When the al pastor wasn’t available here, I was forced to try something different. That is when I learned that Templo Del Sol also makes AMAZING carnitas.

Seriously, Templo Del Sol makes the best al pastor and carnitas I have ever tried.

Templo Del Sol Carnitas Taco

Although I’m focusing on the al pastor and carnitas, Templo Del Sol has much more to offer.  Here are a few more items we have tried:

Fried Burrito:

Templo Del Sol Fried Burrito

Chorizo and Eggs:

Templo Del Sol Chorizo and Eggs

Carne Asada Enchiladas (another of my favorites):

Templo Del Sol Enchiladas

Chicken Taquitos with plenty of meat:

Templo Del Sol Taquitos

Templo Del Sol Chicken Taquito

Chips and salsa:

Templo Del Sol Chips and Salsa

If you like Mexican food, this place is definitely worth a try. PLEASE order the al pastor so they will have to make it all the time.

Templo Del Sol
1365 University Ave.
Riverside, CA
www.templodelsolrestaurant.com

Wang Cho Korean BBQ Coming Soon to Riverside Plaza

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** Update: Wang Cho Korean BBQ in Riverside Plaza is open. **

I saw this recently at Riverside Plaza:

Wang Cho Riverside Plaza

According to its website, Wang Cho Korean BBQ is scheduled to open later this month. Judging from the menu, I am absolutely going to give this place a try.

If you’re looking for a job, check out the job fair:

Wang Cho Riverside

Wang Cho Korean BBQ
3639 Riverside Plaza Dr.
Riverside, CA
(where Killarney’s used to be)
www.wangchobbq.com

Taco Tuesday: Miguel’s Jr., Riverside

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I stopped by Miguel’s Jr. in the Galleria at Tyler yesterday for lunch. I have been eating here more often lately, so some of the following pictures are from prior visits.

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Although we have been fans of Miguel’s for many years, I was not a big fan of Miguel’s Jr. until recently. Now, I am hooked on the Carne Asada Street Tacos.

The street tacos are like the Tacos Al Carbon on the menu at Miguel’s, but for some reason I like them much more here. I think it is because they are wrapped up after they are prepared, which allows the tortillas to soften and the tacos to stay hot.

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The street tacos come with onions and cilantro, but I get them plain and add hot sauce instead.

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The hard shelled tacos are also like the ones served at Miguel’s, although they don’t seem to be as full. This is a shredded beef taco.

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Out of all of the Mexican food restaurants I frequent, I think I like the refried beans at Miguel’s and Miguel’s Jr. the best.

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Although chips are included with your meal at Miguel’s, you have to pay for them at Miguel’s Jr.

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I have been to a few other Miguel’s Jr. locations, but the one in the Tyler Mall is my favorite. I would like to visit the original location on 6th St. in Corona someday.

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If you would like to find a Miguel’s Jr. near you, visit the company’s website at www.miguelsjr.com.

Miguel’s Jr.
In the Galleria at Tyler
Riverside

First Day at Famous Dave’s Riverside

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The first time I ate at Famous Dave’s, I was hooked. I could hardly contain my excitement when I found out that a location was going to open in the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside.

Famous Dave's - Riverside

I don’t normally attend friends and family events when a new restaurant opens, but there was no way I was going to miss this. Thank you to Famous Dave’s Riverside for the invitation.

** This location is closed. The first location we ever visited in Rancho Cucamonga is still there.

Famous Dave's Riverside Invitation

The first thing I noticed about this Famous Dave’s, is that it doesn’t look like any of the other locations I have visited. I’ll call it modern rustic, because there is a still a lot of wood, but it is definitely more upscale. No checkered tablecloths here.

Famous Dave's Riverside

If you have never eaten at Famous Dave’s, definitely make sure you receive the sauce tour so you can find out which sauce is your favorite. My favorite is the Devil’s Spit, while my wife likes the Georgia Mustard.

Famous Dave's Riverside

In addition to the more upscale interior, this Famous Dave’s also has a nicer presentation. I’m used to Famous Dave’s serving food on platters with checkered paper. Not here.

Famous Dave's Riverside

After our salads, we had Dave’s Sampler Platter – Southside Rib Tips, Chicken Tenders, Sweetwater Catfish Fingers, Onion Strings and Traditional Wings. We were encouraged to order this so the kitchen could get used to making everything, but it was way more than we could eat if we wanted to save room for our lunch.

Famous Dave's Riverside

Famous Dave’s is all about the barbecue. This is a St. Louis Rib-N-Meat combo with a Hot Link Sausage. The ribs normally come with Dave’s original Rich & Sassy sauce, but my wife orders them naked (no sauce) so she can add the Georgia Mustard sauce instead. I stole the Hot Link.

Famous Dave's Riverside

The ribs were big, tender and flavorful, and deserved to have a close-up.

Famous Dave's Riverside

Texas Beef Brisket. This is what keeps me coming back to Famous Dave’s.

Famous Dave's Riverside

The brisket was so tender, that I could break it apart with my fork. I have never visited Famous Dave’s without getting the brisket, and I’m pretty sure that I never will.

Famous Dave's Riverside

Famous Dave’s opens to the public on Tuesday, September 2nd. If you attend the grand opening, I just might see you there.

Famous Dave’s Riverside
3775 Tyler St. (at the Tyler mall by the AMC Theatres)
Riverside, CA

Famous Dave’s Riverside – Coming Soon?

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Update 08/30/14: Click here for a preview of Famous Dave’s Riverside.

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Could it be true? My favorite barbecue restaurant is coming to Riverside?

Famous Dave’s Riverside… I like the sound of that.

If this sign is any indication, it appears that I will be visiting the Tyler Mall more frequently than ever before:

Famous Dave's Riverside

The sign is in between Robbins Brothers and Yard House:

Famous Dave's Riverside

Although there are currently no doors or windows where this sign is located, there appears to be a vacant spot behind that little sign (according to a map on the Galleria at Tyler’s website):

Famous Dave's Riverside

If you’re not familiar with Famous Dave’s, read our post about the Rancho Cucamonga location (Famous Dave’s – Rancho Cucamonga) or visit www.famousdaves.com.

I am looking forward to my favorite brisket being so close to home.

Famous Dave's Brisket

Famous Dave’s Riverside
3775 Tyler St. # 1B
Riverside, CA

Wingstop on Riverwalk – Riverside, CA

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I was never a big fan of chicken wings until I visited Wingstop for the first time. I’ve tried wings at a bunch of places, including the place with a winged buffalo, but Wingstop is superior.

Wingstop on Riverwalk in Riverside - Great Wings

I’ve been to a few Wingstop franchises, and my favorite is the Wingstop on Riverwalk in Riverside. I like the people who work here, the food is consistently good, and there is a nice seating area with a fountain outside.

Wingstop on Riverwalk in Riverside - Nice patio area

My personal favorites are the Louisiana Rub and Garlic Parmesan classic (bone-in) wings. Other flavors are Atomic (the hottest), Mango Habanero, Cajun, Original Hot, Mild, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian and Teriyaki.

I think the spicy Louisiana Rub is more Cajun than the Cajun flavor, and I love the dry rub instead of the sauce.

Louisiana Rub:

Wingstop - Louisiana Rub

Garlic Parmesan:
Wingstop Garlic Parmesan - My second favorite wings anywhere

Mild:
Wingstop mild wings - tasty without too much heat

If you don’t like bone-in chicken wings, you can also get boneless wings, which are actually more like chicken nuggets or strips. Unlike the bone-in wings, the boneless wings are breaded.

Wingstop - Boneless Wings

Wingstop also serves boneless wing sandwiches, like these Hickory Smoked BBQ gliders. Some Wingstop locations, like the one on Katella in Orange, have expanded menus that include items such as mozzarella sticks and grilled sandwiches.

Wingstop Glider Sandwich

I don’t eat bread anymore, but my family says that the fresh baked rolls are pretty good.

Wingstop fresh baked rolls

The Riverwalk location doesn’t have a huge seating area, but there have been very few instances when we weren’t able to find a table.

Wingstop on Riverwalk - Three TVs (don't bang your head on the lamps)

If you’re a chicken wing lover, or even if you’re not, you might want to give Wingstop a try.

Wingstop
4290 Riverwalk Parkway #300
Riverside, CA
www.wingstop.com