The sun breaks through the clouds, casting its gentle warmth over the city while the scent of flowers fills the air. Spring returns to Riverside in a riot of color and noise. It draws students in, exciting them with the possibilities of exploration. After all, a new quarter means new food places and antique stores to discover. Here, in downtown Riverside, is a delightful coffee shop and a perfect study space. This cafe is also dog-friendly, greeting your furry friend with open arms. Welcome to Stray Dogs Coffee.
When you first walk in, you are struck with how open and bright it is. Large windows line the left side of the shop, letting in sunlight. You walk further and step up to the counter to order. To the right of the register is a display case of mouth-watering pastries: apple coffee cakes, Japanese cheesecakes, custard croissants and so much more. The coffee and matcha options are even more tantalizing.
Each flavor and special sounds so good it can be difficult to decide. Stray Dogs even has non-caffeinated drinks such as lemonade and hot chocolate. It also offers ice cream and affogato as an option through the shop’s partnership with The Roosevelt Ice Cream. Thankfully, the baristas are very kind and open to providing recommendations based on your tastes.
Once you order, you can move into the shop proper. Tables are arranged next to the large windows with jars of flowers placed as centerpieces. Moving even further in, the tables transition into couches that line the back wall. Large, fluffy and comfortable, they’re perfect for groups of friends to sit and chat for hours. There is a small nook next to these couches. Within is a mirror with beautiful filigreed words inscripted, reading “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” The words on the mirror perfectly encapsulate the welcoming energy of the coffee shop.
Stray Dogs Coffee is owned and run by married couple Tyler and Jess. They showcase their Korean and Japanese heritage through the drinks and pastries they serve. The duo creates their syrups and cold foams in-house, with each month bringing in new recipes for customers to try.
The month of March finished off with the Honey Series. This series lets you choose either a latte or matcha flavored with honey and various types of cold foams: salted honey, pistachio or peaches & cream. Their specialty drinks are a little expensive at $8, but everything is homemade and carefully curated.
In addition, 10% of all the store’s profits go to supporting dog shelters and fostering organizations like Foster Army. I would say you are more than getting your money’s worth.Their drinks were as delicious as their names, and their pastries tasted as good as they looked.
Another One
Price: $8
Rating: 4.5/5
I had the delight of trying one of their lattes named “Another One.” I quickly found out how aptly the drink was named. It was so delicious I had to physically restrain myself from getting, well, another one. This specialty latte was a simple brown sugar cinnamon latte topped with a vanilla cold foam. The flavors were perfectly balanced and a joy to consume. Nothing was overpowered and every ingredient served to complement the next.
Custard Croissant
Price: $4
Rating: 5/5
After intense deliberation, I tried the Custard Croissant. This pastry had a fluffy, heart-shaped crust filled with rich custard and topped with a green grape, a raspberry and a blackberry. All these flavors melted into my mouth so delightfully. A solid 5/5 for this treat. I knew I had to come back as soon as possible to try every single flavor of coffee and pastry this shop offered.
Stray Dogs Coffee was a delightful find for the start of spring quarter. It should immediately be added to every student’s rotation of Riverside coffee shops and study spaces. From the warm light that filters through the large windows to the kind staff and delicious drinks, the environment of the shop lends itself to increased productivity. It ensures that any potential stress melts from your shoulders, allowing you to stay focused.
I could see myself and many other Highlanders cruising through their assignments because of the warmth that emanates from this cafe. As we enter spring quarter and the workload begins to get heavier, don’t forget Stray Dogs Coffee. The shop will wait for you everyday (except Sunday) from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. Let them draw you in with their irresistible concoctions and ease the burdens from your mind.
