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Palenque Kitchen - Riverside, Riverside, CA

Palenque Kitchen - Riverside

4.5
4.5
328 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Right in the midst of downtown Riverside, California, is Palenque Kitchen. It is said to have the best Mexican in downtown Riverside. The funky atmosphere features colored lighting, lounge areas and some Mexican art. The private dining area is also ideal to book your celebration or event. The hip and fun staff will help you choose from all the amazing dishes on offer.

Palenque Kitchen serves up authentic regional Mexican cuisine but with a modern twist. Start with one of handcrafted margaritas we offer or a beer if liquor is not your preference. Our Ceviche baja style is the perfect starter to share with the group. Fish tacos, carnitas and carne asada and El Patron our signature dish, are just feature some of the many amazing entree options. Top off your meal with our Palenque Cake or some authentic churros.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Mexican, Latin / Spanish, Mexican / Southwestern

  • Hours of operation

    Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:30 am Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (951) 888-2240

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Rolando Rubalcava

  • Private party facilities

    From 15-350 guests capacity, private dining rooms available, two patios and separate atmospheres, custom menus and banquet menus, on site banquet coordinator, we can cater to most requests, Palenque Kitchen amazing decor transport you to Mexico and makes your experience unforgettable delight

  • Neighborhood

    Riverside

  • Cross street

    University Ave

  • Parking details

    Park on the building's structure on Market St. between University Ave. and Mission Inn Ave.

  • Entertainment

    Live music, hispanic art, special events.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 328 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Inland Empire

    Innovative

  • Inland Empire

    Hot spot

  • Inland Empire

    Mexican

  1. Lola

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palenque Restaurant ambiance was energetic and the staff was very friendly. The food was delicious and tasted authentic plus The drinks were made to perfection!

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  2. Yessi

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tasty food, not to expensive, the vibes are great with definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a fun brunch with friends, the place is very nice, i prefer the outdoor for brunch, but there is an additional lounge for added space

    Is this helpful?

  4. Susyv

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Server was rude, chilaquiles sauce tasted like it was out of a can.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and delicious food. Would definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  6. SaraV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great time at Palenque!Love the drinks,food,service and atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My boyfriend and I went for lunch this past Sunday! AND CHEFS KISS! Food & Drinks were delicious definitely will be coming back

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  8. WIFEY951

    Las Vegas

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Food was not tasty, mimosas were pre-made and weren't good. I don't understand why I couldn't prepare my own if I am paying for bottomless. Waitress seemed like she didn't want to be there. Too pricey and not worth it.

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  9. John

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience5
    Food was great, I gave service a 3, our waiter was very nice and all I just wish he was more attentive, didn’t really check up on us, waited for a refill on drinks for like 20 mins

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kobefan

    Palm Springs

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved it here. We were seated promptly, music/vibe was nice, food was delicious, server was awesome (Apollo) and atmosphere was great! Thanks Palenque, we’ll def be back!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is delicious, service is outstanding and ambiance has a good vibe. Only thing that can be a problem for most because their drinks are so good, is that there is only one bathroom. Other than that it’s delicious and would go back!

    Is this helpful?

  12. REDG

    Central Coast

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Everything was good, but the only thing that ruined my night was that I had to wait for 30 min with other patrons for the single restroom🤦🏻‍♀️

    Is this helpful?

  13. StephanieC

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Brunch with the family. Great food. Party vibe for sure. Loud music for the kids

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks where delicious. Will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Araceli

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was amazing and the bartenders drinks were on point they were delicious. Palomas and Roman cokes😋

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  16. BrendaW

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and drinks. Our waiter Jose was very friendly!

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  17. JuanS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is the SPOT! 10 out of 10! YES YES YES. What ever the occasion I recommend here! Staff and management run a tight ship and you can feel it. Food was amazing the drinks were delicious! And staff was on point. You won’t be disappointed.

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  18. ThatGuyWiththeThing

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    The highlight of the night was the drinks. Although it was a flight of margaritas, they were nicely portioned. Their tequila is perfect. The food was ok, I wouldn't call it authentic but their own spin on Mexican cuisine. No kids menu. This place is designed for a couples night out. What I did not like was they added the tip without telling me, then the screen shows another 3, 5 or 10% when you sign for your bill.

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  19. Awesomeness

    Orange County

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Heard this place was popular. Just want to experience what the hyoe was about. We love the french toast the best!

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  20. Mimi27

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Menudo taste like if it’s from can not authentic Mexican

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  21. MayraM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and amazing service all thanks to Alejandra she gave the best service, very attentive and fast service

    Is this helpful?

  22. VictoriaC

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place .. coming again for sure . We wanna try the night club next .

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  23. DoloresG

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent but the music was VERY LOUD and our reservations were for 7pm. Could barely have a conversation

    1 person found this helpful

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Get the molcajete

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service

    1 person found this helpful

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    The Music is too loud.

    1 person found this helpful

  27. maralc

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time here, but definitely will eat here again when visiting the area. Great service, delicious food and good ambience We had chicken taquitos,shrimp fajitas And a combo of steak and shrimp fajitas All delicious and fresh

    1 person found this helpful

  28. VictorH

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, the queso birria and fajitas were what we got. Would probably do those again.

    Is this helpful?

  29. KimberlyH

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I was hesitant to go here due to mixed reviews, but after our dinner there, I would definitely return. The margarita sampler was delicious and the enchiladas were very good also. Maybe a little high on price, but that is everything/everywhere at this point in time. Service was excellent and our server was attentive & professional.

    1 person found this helpful

  30. ElliottL

    Palm Springs

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything was good, but, be careful if you have the habanero shrimp. It’s really hot. Only complaint I have is there is only one single person restroom for the entire restaurant. Waiting inline with 7 people ahead of you to use the only restroom is a turnoff for me.

    1 person found this helpful

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food and service !

    Is this helpful?

  32. James

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food and service in Riverside! All food is fresh with an impeccable bar.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience1
    Very overrated and overwhelming experience. Yes they are busy but a 20 mins wait for the bathroom. Drinks were on the sour side, not a nice balance. Food was bland and very over priced. Wait staff was very busy and it was nice seeing the manager pitch in. They were working hard, for mediocre drinks and food. Our fajitas were the worst we have ever had. Beans tasted like los rositas canned, and rice a roni boxes Spanish rice. The chorizo was tasty and so was the corn appetizer, but it was clearly canned corn for $14!!!! Not the experience we desired and a bill not worth what we received.

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  34. Sandra

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Our waiter was wonderful! Our table tho was where the line for the bathroom was. So we always had someone standing at our table and in the way of our servers. Other than that drinks were good and so was the food.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Steffi

    Orange County

    87 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    87 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The food was alright but service was great. The ambiance is also great.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Gina

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Very disappointed with the service and the food. Place was not busy and plenty of staff. Service was slow and food was cold. Waiter checked up on us once.

    Is this helpful?

  37. GeoCha1

    Orange County

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Overall everything was great but price a bit high

    Is this helpful?

  38. GaryD

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    First time eating there. Food was good except the rice and beans were not hot!

    Is this helpful?

  39. zanya

    Orange County

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    This place was not what I expected at all. I went for brunch and was surprised to see they only gave you 5 options to order for breakfast. My husband ordered the menudo and it was extra greasy. I ordered the chilaquiles verde and it wasn’t anything special. The service was luke warm. Our server completely ignored us after we ordered. There was only 4 more parties and each had their own server. I wanted to try out this place I did and sadly will not go again.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great place, but only one shared restroom.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Palenque Kitchen - Riverside does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates. Palenque Kitchen - Riverside also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (951) 888-2240.

Palenque Kitchen - Riverside is rated 4.5 stars by 328 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
Google Map for Palenque Kitchen - Riverside

3737 Main Street, Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92501

Additional information

  • Cross street

    University Ave

  • Neighborhood

    Riverside

  • Hours of operation

    Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:30 am Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Mexican, Latin / Spanish, Mexican / Southwestern

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Park on the building's structure on Market St. between University Ave. and Mission Inn Ave.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Rolando Rubalcava

  • Entertainment

    Live music, hispanic art, special events.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (951) 888-2240

  • Private party facilities

    From 15-350 guests capacity, private dining rooms available, two patios and separate atmospheres, custom menus and banquet menus, on site banquet coordinator, we can cater to most requests, Palenque Kitchen amazing decor transport you to Mexico and makes your experience unforgettable delight

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