There is a corner in downtown Riverside where the glow of Edison bulbs and the clink of ice in rocks glasses basically shout, “you’re not going anywhere for a while.”
That corner is The State, a casual American spot and whiskey bar that’s quietly turned into one of Main Street’s most talked‑about hangouts with its comfort‑food menu, weekend brunch, and serious cocktail game. 🥃
The Riverside Comfort‑Food Bar Turning First‑Timers Into Instant Regulars
When The State opened its Riverside location at 3800 Main Street, it arrived with a simple promise: good American comfort food, small‑batch whiskey, and craft cocktails in a laid‑back room where you could actually hear your friends talk.
The concept traces back to a group of Southern California friends who pooled their life savings to create a dream spot on State Street in Redlands, a story that gives this downtown Riverside outpost a true locals‑built soul and makes it feel more like a neighborhood staple than another faceless chain.
What began as just another American restaurant with a bar has evolved into a repeat‑visit magnet thanks to dishes people tell their friends about by name: bacon wrapped dates, Drunken Pig Burger, pork chops with sweet‑heat glaze, and short rib tacos have all become part of the unofficial “you have to try this” checklist.
Pair those plates with craft cocktails and a serious small‑batch whiskey selection highlighted across The State’s cocktail and spirits lineup, and you get the kind of place that anchors a whole night out in downtown Riverside. 🍸
Riverside’s vibrant Main Street district has blossomed into an urban playground of bars, restaurants, and historic architecture, and The State slides right into that mix as the spot where people meet before or after exploring the Mission Inn and surrounding downtown attractions.
It’s become the de facto answer to the question, “Where should we go that has great burgers, legit cocktails, and a fun atmosphere?” — the kind of answer that spreads quickly through group chats and weekend plans.
The charm also comes from its timing.
With brunch on weekends and long daily hours listed on their brunch and happy hour page, The State easily morphs from late‑morning mimosa hangout to evening whiskey bar without skipping a beat, making it ideal for everything from pre‑concert bites to lingering date nights.
For travelers chasing great food across the country, it hits that sweet spot you read about in city guides to food‑forward destinations — except here, the hero is a pork chop instead of a tasting menu. 😋
If you’re the type who plans trips around great meals, The State is exactly the kind of hidden‑in‑plain‑sight local favorite you’d expect to see highlighted in a dining‑obsessed travel guide.
Food Highlights
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Bacon Wrapped Dates: This is the move if you’re the person who always insists on “just one starter for the table.” Sweet, sticky dates arrive bundled in crisp bacon, creating that smoky, caramelized bite that disappears almost as soon as it hits the table and pairs beautifully with a strong whiskey or a bright cocktail.
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Drunken Pig Burger: The name alone just begs you to order it. This decadent, juicy burger layers rich toppings and bold flavors into a tower that feels like a celebration of indulgence, especially when you’re leaning fully into the “cheat day in Riverside” mood. 🍔
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State Burger / State Cheeseburger: For purists, this is the reliable classic. Guests rave about perfectly cooked patties, melty cheese, and simple but dialed‑in toppings, making it the kind of burger that anchors a night out — especially with a cold beer or a whiskey sour nearby.
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Pork Chop: This is the sleeper hit that often steals the show from the burgers. The thick, juicy chop arrives glazed in a sweet‑meets‑spicy sauce with comforting sides like mashed potatoes and vegetables, offering the kind of hearty plate that makes you slow down and savor every bite. 🥩
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Short Rib Tacos: When you want something bold but not too heavy, these tacos are the play. Rich, tender short rib tucked into tortillas with all the right toppings creates a bite that sits right between bar snack and full meal, especially if you’re sharing a few plates across the table. 🌮
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Shrimp Tacos: For a lighter‑leaning option that still feels fun, the shrimp tacos deliver. With plump, flavorful shrimp and bright toppings, they bring a coastal, breezy energy to the table, perfect for pairing with a citrusy cocktail and pretending you’re on vacation even if you’re just out after work. 🦐
Atmosphere
The vibe at The State Riverside is casual, comfortable, and effortlessly social – all exposed brick, warm lighting, and a buzz that feels like everyone decided tonight was the night to actually catch up in person.
It’s the kind of place where date nights, friend meet‑ups, and birthday dinners all feel equally at home, thanks to a roomy dining area and a bar that’s built for lingering.
From late‑morning brunch to late‑night whiskey, the space shifts smoothly with the day, making it a natural hub in the middle of downtown’s energy.
If your perfect evening includes comfort food, clever cocktails, and the feeling that you just “found your spot” in a new city, The State checks all the boxes. ✨
Bottom Line
The State Riverside hooks people with comfort‑food favorites, a strong craft cocktail and whiskey lineup, an easygoing downtown atmosphere, long, flexible hours for brunch and dinner, and dishes like bacon wrapped dates, burgers, pork chops, and tacos that turn one casual visit into a standing tradition.
Address:
3800 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501
📞 +1 951-728-3330
🕔 Open daily, Mon–Thu, Sun 11 AM–10 PM; Fri 11 AM–12 AM; Sat 10 AM–12 AM