Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro

Simple Simon’s is a true downtown Riverside staple. I’ve been a few times now and it’s always consistent. This last visit I went with the Italian grinder and their pasta salad. The sandwich was solid, packed with flavor and exactly what you want from a classic deli spot. But what surprised me was the pasta salad. The texture of the pasta was just right, the sauce and seasoning were balanced, and even the temperature was spot on. I rarely rave about something as simple as pasta salad, but this one deserves it. If you’re in downtown Riverside and want a dependable sandwich shop that delivers every time, this is definitely a must try.

Ordered: 2 eggs with ham and sourdough & Triple berry challah French Toast. You know a place is good when there is a line before they open. The food was delicious, great portions and so flavorful. The French Toast just melts in your mouth. Surprising the toasted sourdough was yummy. We didn't get to order any breads and pastries, so we'll definitely come back. Update: next day we were in the area and went back for lunch. We ordered 5 sandwiches and they forgot to make 2 of our sandwiches. Upsetting because 1st we were starving and 2nd watching everyone get served their lunch and still waiting. Waved someone down and they said it would be right out. Waited more had to flag down a staff member again, they only brought one and tried to take our table number away and we were like, "wait! We're still missing one sandwich." Ugh!

I spent the day in downtown and my chat gpt recommended this bakery for brunch. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it in time for the breakfast menu (ends at 11am) as intended, but wanted to try it regardless based on the reviews. When we walked in, we must have looked confused because there was a young man sweeping the floor that was very specific about where we need to stand in line, as he pointed with his broom to mark the spot. A bit odd! It’s somewhat of a small location and it wasn’t as clean as we hoped it would be. It wasn’t too hectic behind the counter, yet nobody really took the time to acknowledged us. We ordered the grilled chicken sandwich and the Cobb salad - both were underwhelming. It took quite sometimes for the order to come out and it was just … okay. Portions are a little small for the pricing. The salad had an excess of ingredients, straying away from a classic Cobb, so it didn’t really have the taste I was expecting. Glad we tried it, but not sure I would recommend.

The food was delicious and very fresh! The portions were great and a really good price. We had the chocolate ganache croissant, roast beef sandwich with fresh fruit, chicken tarragon salad sandwich with pasta salad, and a fruit tart. The staff were sweet, friendly, and very accommodating!

Delicious breakfast at Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro in downtown Riverside! We were really impressed with the food, loved how the winter omelet has the apple, pecans, and grilled onions, was a unique combination not often seen. The breakfast croissant club was also great, the sausage in it tasted so fresh and yummy. We enjoyed the bear claw, as well as the iced mocha and iced chai tea latte. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Dog friendly outdoor seating. Recommend!