The Menagerie

📍 Gay bars in Riverside

6.0

The Menagerie in Riverside offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere, particularly as the night progresses, with an energetic crowd and engaging ambiance. Known for its affordable pricing and creative cocktails—like standout mai tais and fruity specialties—the bar delivers solid drink quality without the steep LA-area markup.

While the friendly service from staff like bartender Jose enhances the experience, occasional inconsistencies in security interactions and billing practices have drawn criticism. The venue thrives on its warm vibe and signature drinks, making it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, budget-conscious night out.

Features and services of The Menagerie

Service options

  • Outdoor seating

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Karaoke
  • Live music
  • Live performances

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Dancing
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Seating

Amenities

  • Toilet

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Parking

  • Free multi-storey car park
  • Free of charge street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Paid street parking

The Menagerie is in position 2 out of 2 in gay bars in Riverside

Customer Reviews

★★★★★
★★★★★

The Menagerie has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on over 168 reviews on Google

Bianca Merab

I went into this bar for the first time a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was pretty empty when I went in, but it definitely gets more packed as the night goes on. The drinks are delicious, I particularly like the white gummi bear (?) and the mai tai's. The prices are pretty good compared to any prices in LA or near there. The vibes are nice, and the atmosphere is energetic.

Bianca Merab ☆ 4/5
Sarah Romero

I went here for the first time last night and got two adios drinks for my friend and I. I was charged $27.25, I wrote $0.00 on the receipt because I gave a $20 cash tip instead. Those were the only two drinks I ordered before I left, NOTHING ELSE, yet I have two separate pending charges of $6.50 and $5.00 on top of the $27.25 AND the $20 cash tip? Seems really shady. I won't be coming here again. Also that's fraud. Check your balances after coming to this place.

Sarah Romero ☆ 1/5
Nicholas Paz

Place was great a couple of years ago. I don’t know who’s in charge of the hiring process now but the new "security" is absolutely horrible. Some people snuck in a drink that was being passed around. We were handed it (didnt drink it of course and tried passing it off) but security saw it in my hand and decided to kick me out. Tried to tell them the situation but instead of listening they said they didn’t want my business and that they make enough money already without our group. Never been treated so poorly by any other club. If you wanna have a fun time don’t come here.

Nicholas Paz ☆ 1/5
Richard Crow's

There's a short guy that works for you guys. Don't know if he's security but was highly rude to me even though I wasn't in the wrong. I still apologize and was continuously rude and disrespectful for no reason giving me attitude because the woman's wrestling took so long my friends had to use the men's restroom. And I try to apologize and explain to him why they were in there and kept telling me keep it moving and was very disrespectful to me and my friends he was a short Mexican guy who wanted to be very aggressive and with attitude for no reason whatsoever and it didn't even need that. Thinking twice of going back here now. Hopefully they get better employees because having disrespectful employees like that is going to run people out of your guys's bar and not want to come back. I understand for being upset for my friends having to use a men's restroom but it didn't need that attitude and disrespect that he gave me for no reason even though I was apologizing and being kind and nice to him

Richard Crow's ☆ 1/5
Lexiandle Radianta

I love it here, everyone is so friendly! I feel so at home and comfortable here. It feels like heaven. Jelly made me the BEST non-alcoholic cherry lemonade I have ever tasted. It’s so tart and sour, I love it! 😍☺️ This is my first time here but I will definitely be coming back again ☺️☺️☺️

Lexiandle Radianta ☆ 5/5
Abe

So they kicked us out even though someone else had tripped one of our friends and they thought it was our fault? We were literally pissed off cause he didn't even give us a chance to explain. Fire that guy asap cause he sucks at his job if all he's good at is profiling. Literally made the night much worse apart from it being crowded, the shoving and the long lines for the girls restroom. People don't know how to act and it seems neither does security. Would definitely recommend but just be wary of security and other people.

Abe ☆ 1/5
Donovan Suerte

I love the atmosphere but I must say JOSE, the bartender is so sweet and very professional. He serves good drinks and they taste yummy!!! Wish the music choice would change a little but otherwise then that I enjoy coming here !!!! My favorite bartender to get a drink from!! I recommend coming down to see him and taste the yummy drinks he makes !

Donovan Suerte ☆ 5/5
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Information about The Menagerie

Address

The Menagerie is located at 3581 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, United States

Phone

The phone number of The Menagerie is +1 951-788-8000

Website

The website of The Menagerie is: menagerieriverside.com

Business Hours

Monday: 16:00–02:00
Tuesday: 16:00–02:00
Wednesday: 16:00–02:00
Thursday: 16:00–02:00
Friday: 16:00–02:00
Saturday: 16:00–02:00
Sunday: 16:00–02:00

Contact The Menagerie

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