The Menagerie

3581 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA

Address:	3581 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
Phone:	+1 951-788-8000
Site:	club-menagerie.com
Rating:	3.5
Working:	4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM 4PM–2AM

Location

Photos 73

Reviews 28

Ignacio Falkowski

This is an acceptable bar through most of the week. The Monday night karaoke is great, as are the drag shows and live musical performances theyve started having. However, I strongly recommend steering clear of it on Friday and Saturday nights. At these times, it is completely overrun by neighboring bars overflow of random straight people, many of whom are quite rude and pushy. Pushy in a very literal sense. On my last Friday night here, I was talking to a friend by the bar. I got shoved towards the bar by a stream of people, including the bouncer. I tried to brace myself with one hand against the bar, to politely keep myself from tumbling into the other people there. This wasnt good enough, as I still ended up bumping shoulders with some dude who was there with his wife (ugh). He then got all pissy, as if Id just goosed him or something, and shoved me back (double ugh). Straight people at a gay bar--fine. Hundreds of straight people at a gay bar--whatever. Hundreds of straight people, who often get weird & defensive about their heterosexuality--too much. I kinda feel bad complaining about this, as its not really the bars fault. Although it does have plenty of other shortcomings. There is no happy hour, and the drinks are overpriced. Although there is apparently a DJ, it seems there is just one default playlist; you are almost guaranteed to hear that "Im Sexy and I Know It" song anytime you go. And of course, some of the bouncers are jerks. But the bartenders are generally pleasant and doing their best. The location is great, in lovely and increasingly lively downtown Riverside (though this is both a blessing and a curse). And I cant help but have affection for it--it is after all one of only two gay bars in town. I just wish it were better. And I swear (this time I mean it for real!), I will never ever go there on a Friday or Saturday again. You probably dont want to either.

Justin Kenward

This gay bar is much more low key then the VIP. I like it because it’s not trying to be a trendy gay bar. There’s music and a dance floor. But if your like me and aren’t much in to dancing there’s a back room that opens up to a patio. The music volume is much lower in the area. Making it a good place to talk to friends. Though even in the back you’ll need to speak loudly. Oh yah, there’s a short to no line and no cover charge. Even on Friday night. There are things I don’t like. If you want a drink, you need to stand in a line at one of two cash registers. My friend and I got a seat at the bar and for well over 30 min the bartender kept saying, “I’ll be right with you guys.” I think it was about 45 min until we realized that if we wherever going to get a drink, we would have to stand in line. The other thing I didn’t like was the fact that the bartenders didn’t want to give drink recommendations and where kind of rude. Other then that, it’s an okay gay bar with no cover charge. Key word being “no cover charge!”

Ismael Picazo

The sign initially attracted me because it said it was a unique bar. It wasnt until I stepped inside did I realize it was a gay bar. I decided to sit down for a drink since I was already there. Lots of lights, techno music and open air inside the bar, felt pretty gay. The people seemed nice enough and the bartender called me baby, which I thought was adorable. Overall, a nice place to have a few drinks.

Verónica Orozco

No le daría ni una estrella ..... muy mala atención no nos dejaron entrar por no traer identificación del estado ... presentamos nuestro pasaporte. ..somos turistas.

Johnny Bryan

Went last night with 4 other people and for some reason we all ended up sick today and no we werent hungover I showed up late and didnt drink much to have been hungover but yeah idk if something was put into our drinks or what but we all woke up sick vomiting and upset stomach all day and seems like we all caught a cold as well

Miles Warrior

Spent the weekend in Riverside. With a town that only has 2 gay bars The Menagerie was a blast. Loved the music, mix of 90s dance and modern jams.Bartenders were friendly, worked fast, and poured a decent drink. David the owner was really nice gay ..May you keep The Managerie open another 34 years Thanks.

Melissa Armstrong

I wouldnt call this place a gay bar, its more of a gay club. Music is loud, there is a dance floor, and there is an outdoor area for socializing and smoking. This place is more like the club scene and VIP is more like the bar scene. Bad part is, it does sometimes get hot and stuffy inside.

Trouva Dore

Monday night karaoke is good. I bet is crazy crowded on weekends... small dance floor... you have to go to "the front" of the bar to order your drink... bartender was nice enough.... Im used to bar mates making an effort to make you feel welcome and comfortable, no the case at this bar

Alejandro Parra

The bad service starts from the beginning.... the security guy at front door are a badass.... the guys at the bar are very unfriendly and the place smell bad. I really dont want come here again.

Flip Rulez

Bartenders were super nice and kind, it was my first time going last Saturday and I had so much fun! Ill be going again with my friends this Saturday :) bring more people along too.

Red Guy

This is a great club!!! Always a fun night out with the girls!!! The best part is the DJ on Wednesdays.... Hes the best in downtown Riverside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eren Shaw

This was my fav bar to go to no cover and ok music but lately my friends and I have been getting into it with alot of dumb straight guys id rather go to 340

Sergio Casia

Un lugar muy divertido. Para la jente latina

Allie Underwood

Somewhere you have to check out if you are In Downtown Riverside. Cool little spot with good drinks and good music.

Brandon Wooten

I love to unwind from a stressful week at work and get all sweaty with some hot hunks. This place is the best.

Javira Johnson

Good place to meet people and the drinks are good and reasonably priced!! The popcorn is excellent as well!!

john gonzales

The bartender was very nice. And the music was great. Especially in sou d quality would be here again

A Private User

Its expensive and the bartenders are rude. Mirrors on the walls are ALL cracked, it was hot and smelly