"Doing My Best for Those I Love": How Riverside's Valentine's Scene Celebrates Community

At Mikey G's, love isn't just a February theme – it's literally written into their business model. "I'm doing my best, for those I love" reads the tagline at this Arlington Avenue coffee spot, and owner Mikey G means every word.

What started as a family business has grown into one of Riverside's most community-focused gathering spaces, where every Saturday feels like an event. This Saturday's Valentine's Market captures their approach perfectly – curated vendors selling thrift finds, florals, permanent jewelry, and chocolate-covered strawberries converge from 9 a.m. to noon at 6115 Arlington Ave.

For Valentine's week, they're embracing strawberry season with their signature "chocolate covered strawberry" cold brew topped with strawberry cold foam, alongside their popular strawberry matcha. "Mikey G's exists for those we love," they explain. "And if you're here, that includes you."

Love is Brewing All Over Town

Mikey G's isn't the only local spot embracing love themes this February. The coffee and treats scene across Riverside is getting romantic, each with their own sweet interpretation of the season.

The newest player in Riverside's coffee scene, Café Oro dos Aztecas, opens Friday, Feb. 13 with their soft launch featuring specialty coffee from Mexico. Owner Ricardo invites visitors to try their signature drink, "The Spear" – named for the obsidian spears used in Aztec culture, representing "a strong and balanced drink." The shop's mission of embracing Mexican coffee culture promises to add another layer to Riverside's growing coffee community.

Stray Dogs Coffee is taking a hands-on approach to Valentine's Day with a build-your-own flowers station, complete with a free drink with purchase. It's the kind of interactive experience that turns a coffee run into a creative moment.

Beyond the Bean

Love extends beyond coffee this Valentine's season. W. Wolfskill on Main Street is crafting special Valentine's-themed cocktails for the entire week, with plans for both bar and kitchen specials that promise to bring their unique vinyl-and-photobooth atmosphere to couples looking for something beyond the typical dinner date.

At Riverside Cookie Shoppe (6737 Brockton Ave.), February means the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookie takes center stage as their Cookie of the Month. Known for creative, over-the-top cookies, the shop continues to be a favorite local stop for students and young adults looking for something sweet, fun, and made right here in Riverside. This Valentine's cookie blends classic flavors with a playful twist that makes it perfect for sharing… or keeping all to yourself.

Bar Ni Modo at Farm House Collective is dropping a new menu this Friday, perfect timing for Valentine's week reservations at the Mexican-American craft cocktail spot.

For those seeking a more traditional romantic dinner, Mario's Place (3646 Mission Inn Ave.) offers classic Valentine's elegance. The iconic restaurant, established in 1981, is serving a three-course chef's menu on Saturday, Feb. 14 for $95 per person. With limited seating, reservations are essential – call (951) 684-7755.

Love Gets Active

Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean sitting still. The Refinery Pilates Studio (3674 Sunnyside Drive, Suite 100) is doing date night differently with an intimate evening of couples yoga on Friday, Feb. 13 from 6-8 p.m. For $99 per couple, the experience includes candlelight, wine, small bites, and permanent jewelry available for purchase.

Even early risers can get romantic with the Valentine's Run at 3663 Main St., Suite C on Feb. 14, starting at 6:30 a.m., runners enjoy strawberry lattes and agua frescas, plus discounts for participants. "Love is temporary – tamales are forever," they joke, but the real message is clear: "The real date is the food." Pink fits are encouraged, red fits respected, and no sign-up is required.

For those seeking self-care over romantic dinners, Blue Zones Riverside offers an evening of deep breathing yoga and DIY lip balm workshops on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Raincross District. Two sessions (4:30-6 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m.) invite friends to "fall in love with a day of self-care."

Even the Museum of Riverside is getting romantic, with Heritage House tours featuring romantic touches and a playful look at Victorian "vinegar valentines" – those anonymous, insulting postcards that recipients had to pay to read. Available through Feb. 15, the free tours require RSVPs and offer a uniquely Riverside take on love's complicated history.

Riverside's Valentine's scene proves that the best love stories happen when businesses genuinely care about their communities.