VIP Nightclub & Restaurant — Restaurant in Riverside

I have been attending VIP since 2007 and boy has it been fun. As time has progressed, the quality has really gone down hill too. From 2007-2017 ...many days I went strictly to just shoot pool and EAT! Their food was delicious, even if it was turkey, Muenster sandwiches with amazing fries and such - they were amazing. The shows were super upbeat: why? Because the songs the performers picked were fun and upbeat, or funny. From 2017 and on, I have tried going back and back again hoping it'll pick up, but every single show is a mix of slow R&B songs, slow songs etc. They are never: 1. Anything current 2. Anything upbeat and fun - it is Old old R&B songs back to back from 90% of the show. It is genuinely hard to get hyped and turned up for the rest of the night when the show is such old song downer. I'll go back - the best days were upbeat hip hop, pop, stand up comedy type acts and now, gone. The menu has changed 100% and it is not good. Asada tacos, with Pico de Gallo? 😔 Can we have cilantro, onion, and salsa since they list them on menu as STREET TACOS? Street tacos aren't tortilla, asada and Pico de Gallo guys, a quick Google search would confirm. Only boneless wings, just overall, their menu and food quality has crashed bad. The place has SO much potential. I'll say this though- the staff are AMAZING, THE BEST ever. They are kind, sharp, and happy, professional people. The drinks aren't bad in price and good- but the 1. FOOD quality and menu items 2. The show (😔😔😔) is not it. Unless the acts focus on upbeat and KNOWN songs to engage the audience like they used to. I spoke to a performer 2 months ago and he said, "sweetie, I'll be honest, we don't get paid enough to give a shi about this show, so y'all get whatever we know from years ago" and IT SHOWS. The songs and acts are old and unknown songs 😔💔💔 Anyway, I love VIP and their staff, hopefully the menu and show sees room for improvement, it used to be...

I was first introduced to this Nightclub/Restaurant several years ago, and it has remained a safe haven for lgbtq+ & friends to enjoy themselves over the years. Last Sunday, I had the urge to go, and I enjoyed myself as always.

I haven't ever ordered any drink for more than $15 before last Sunday. On a whim, I asked the exquisitely talented and charming bartender, Chad, what he would recommend as I hadn't ever had a martini before. I had a notion for Hennessey and knew I could throw caution to the wind and trust his judgment, as friends have also vetted his kindness, talent, and attention to detail. My first Martini was beyond worth the wait, and I truly took my time savoring every aspect of it. Chad was also exceptionally courteous and well-mannered, in addition to intriguing and furthermore in tune when I asked what he thought might be a fun altercation to the recipe, and he had an excellent idea.

I had a desire for my second Martini tonight and had the feeling for a more open recommendation (which exceeded any potential expectation). Chad recommended another excellent choice with a very thoughtful consideration of my request for caffeine, opting for a healthier choice than perhaps a sugary bomb canned drink. Bless him and this business. 🙏🏻

I'm extremely excited for my 3rd fascinating Martini, concocted by VIP's genius...

We were sat in a table in the patio area and after 20 minutes we still weren’t asked for our order so we decided to leave. After a quick thought we decided to just get drinks and the rude waiter shamed us for not being decided. He went on to comment on every drink we were ordering and specifically my drink was bashed the most... which I understand if my request is weird to you but why do you think I care what you think? Just get the drinks. That took another 20 minutes as the waiter and the bartender just flirted with each other the whole time. We had our drinks and decided to close out. I asked if we can pay for our drinks individually and the cashier made a face so I just agreed to pay for them all on my card. I don’t know why it was such an issue since the whole place was empty. No more than 20 customers max were there. If you don’t like your job, don’t come in. That attitude isn’t fair to us no matter how cool you think you are. It was...