They changed the size of their burgers. I can't even call it a burger no more, it's more of a slider. You can change the price but don't change the size of the burger. It was my favorite spot for their burger but now I rather look somewhere else...
John Michael S.
Never had a meal at Royal tavern I didn't like! It's always great! Amazing staff! And like you just can't go Wrong!
Maryann
Great service, cute ambience, and great vegan cheesesteak!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Cheesesteak
Andrew L.
Royal Tavern use to my go to for a great burger pre-covid. It seems covid has shrunk their burgers and the price has increased with the shrinkage. On top of that, fries are not included. This is America. What is a burger without its partner in crime.
Leann H.
Updating my review since they re-opened since the pandemic (geez - took you long enough...we missed you!) Royal Tavern remains a delicious restaurant/bar that serves good food, good drinks, lots of vegan/veggie options, small plates, large plates, and just about something for everybody. Is the menu large? No. Is there always something delicious on there? Absolutely. My only problems with Royal Tavern are 1) it's really dark in there 2) it's small 3) it can get crowded/busy and they don't have the best way of handling a wait list and 4) they are being written up about in reviews/papers/etc. so the last 3 things make it even worse. Imagine a very small very dark bar with everybody trying to get in on a Friday night. I mean, good for them! I love this for them...just not for me. I just hope they don't become like other places where you can't just walk in and grab a good burger and a brew - but alas we might already be there. Long story short: Keep up the amazing work, Royal Tavern and everybody else...stay away so your girl can get a table! I'm hungry!
Eric Hinkley
First time back at this spot since they re-opened. Service was excellent and employees were friendlyA double cheeseburger w/fries, and a plain club soda cost me over $30 (pre-tax and tip) that's a bit crazy even in this day and age. When asked if I wanted fries with my $22 burger I didn't expect it to be an additional $6 charge... That said the food was good just felt it was overpriced for what it is.
Kevin Mogee
The vegan cheese steak is amazing. Also, definitely get the radish tartare. So damn good.Service was awesome.The atmosphere is great, but the bar is really loud. Really cool vibes, but a little tough for one on one conversation.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Cheesesteak, Vegan
Mike B.
Returned to try the vegan wings that a friend had raved about. I swear this is an 'emperor's new clothes' scenario because these were absolutely the worst vegan wings I've ever had. It wasn't like I had a 'just okay' meal - these were honestly pathetic and frankly embarrassing to serve. For $16, you get just more than a handful of hard shards that are fried to oblivion. They reminded me more of the little scraps you find at the bottom of a frier basket than a 'wing'. There's no 'meat' to them - they're more like very tiny, thin crispy chips. And I've rarely met a sauce or condiment I didn't like, but after trying all four of the dipping sauces, I discovered new levels of bland. None of them made me want to go back for a second dip. I guess I'm missing something with this new menu, but it breaks my heart that it's so far from what it used to be, and instead it's just pricey, small portioned and disappointing. I think this place will be a 'drinks only' joint for me unless the menu gets an overhaul.
Kimi J.
I've been back a few times and I have an important update: ROYAL TAVERN HAS THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH IN PHILLY Honestly, it might even be the best grilled cheese sandwich *in the world*
I was so excited when Royal reopened. It was my go to spot and I was there regularly for the burger. The burger tastes as it once did, however one patty is small and is dwarfed by the bun. Two patties, while still smaller than the original, is more substantial and you taste more than bread. Except it is $22 and does not come with fries. For a cool $28 you can get an undersized (but tasty) burger and fries.The food was good, the drinks were great, and staff is excellent. I just won’t be here as often, as the prices have gone from reasonable to ridiculous. Seriously, $28 for a burger and fries? Parc’s burger is less expensive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Sandra Rubinchik
The burger, duh. But the vegan gyro is also incredible?!
V. Ring
Was excited to check Royal Tavern out since they reopened but we were unfortunately really underwhelmed. Most disappointing was the size of the burger. $15-22 for a burger that’s a glorified slider. Fries NOT included. The burger was flavorful but tiny for the price! The fries were dry and tasted almost stale. The ambiance is nice but very dark, somewhat drafty, and pretty loud. I really hope they reconsider their menu and make it more affordable for what you’re getting.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Andrew Cipolla Jr
Stopped in because ‘caesergals’ on Instagram rated the Caeser salad here the best in the whole city; 10/10. After trying it, I would 100% agree. The piles of Parmesan cheese, the anchovies, the dressing and croutons are all perfectly balanced and delicious. I’ve already told other friends and coworkers who are now making plans to go try the salad this coming weekend. I might go back just for the salad again because I’ve been craving it the last few days.Salad aside, I was delightfully surprised by Royal Tavern. It has an elevated pub vibe, and is perfect for an intimate date or dinner with friends. They have a great selection of drinks, but the food menu is a little abbreviated. The beef round sandwich was delicious, as were the French friends and sausage and peppers dish. The espresso martini was AMAZING. I got a nightcap Sauvignon blanc and I was honestly blown away by how delicious it was.I’m sad to say I can’t remember our servers name because she was AMAZING. She gave great recommendations, she was prompt, she gave me a sample of a wine when I was torn between drinks, and she was hilarious! When I told her about coming in because of the review, she told us it’s her 4 year old daughter’s favorite dish and I was SOLD prior to even trying it.Thank you for the great experience! I will definitely be back and I’ll keep spreading the good word on the perfect Caeser salad!
They changed the size of their burgers. I can't even call it a burger no more, it's more of a slider. You can change the price but don't change the size of the burger. It was my favorite spot for their burger but now I rather look somewhere else...
Never had a meal at Royal tavern I didn't like! It's always great! Amazing staff! And like you just can't go Wrong!
Great service, cute ambience, and great vegan cheesesteak!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Cheesesteak
Royal Tavern use to my go to for a great burger pre-covid. It seems covid has shrunk their burgers and the price has increased with the shrinkage. On top of that, fries are not included. This is America. What is a burger without its partner in crime.
Updating my review since they re-opened since the pandemic (geez - took you long enough...we missed you!) Royal Tavern remains a delicious restaurant/bar that serves good food, good drinks, lots of vegan/veggie options, small plates, large plates, and just about something for everybody. Is the menu large? No. Is there always something delicious on there? Absolutely. My only problems with Royal Tavern are 1) it's really dark in there 2) it's small 3) it can get crowded/busy and they don't have the best way of handling a wait list and 4) they are being written up about in reviews/papers/etc. so the last 3 things make it even worse. Imagine a very small very dark bar with everybody trying to get in on a Friday night. I mean, good for them! I love this for them...just not for me. I just hope they don't become like other places where you can't just walk in and grab a good burger and a brew - but alas we might already be there. Long story short: Keep up the amazing work, Royal Tavern and everybody else...stay away so your girl can get a table! I'm hungry!
First time back at this spot since they re-opened. Service was excellent and employees were friendlyA double cheeseburger w/fries, and a plain club soda cost me over $30 (pre-tax and tip) that's a bit crazy even in this day and age. When asked if I wanted fries with my $22 burger I didn't expect it to be an additional $6 charge... That said the food was good just felt it was overpriced for what it is.
The vegan cheese steak is amazing. Also, definitely get the radish tartare. So damn good.Service was awesome.The atmosphere is great, but the bar is really loud. Really cool vibes, but a little tough for one on one conversation.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Cheesesteak, Vegan
Returned to try the vegan wings that a friend had raved about. I swear this is an 'emperor's new clothes' scenario because these were absolutely the worst vegan wings I've ever had. It wasn't like I had a 'just okay' meal - these were honestly pathetic and frankly embarrassing to serve. For $16, you get just more than a handful of hard shards that are fried to oblivion. They reminded me more of the little scraps you find at the bottom of a frier basket than a 'wing'. There's no 'meat' to them - they're more like very tiny, thin crispy chips. And I've rarely met a sauce or condiment I didn't like, but after trying all four of the dipping sauces, I discovered new levels of bland. None of them made me want to go back for a second dip. I guess I'm missing something with this new menu, but it breaks my heart that it's so far from what it used to be, and instead it's just pricey, small portioned and disappointing. I think this place will be a 'drinks only' joint for me unless the menu gets an overhaul.
I've been back a few times and I have an important update: ROYAL TAVERN HAS THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH IN PHILLY Honestly, it might even be the best grilled cheese sandwich *in the world*
They're back baby!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Great service. Pork and sauerkraut was
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Angus Burger
I was so excited when Royal reopened. It was my go to spot and I was there regularly for the burger. The burger tastes as it once did, however one patty is small and is dwarfed by the bun. Two patties, while still smaller than the original, is more substantial and you taste more than bread. Except it is $22 and does not come with fries. For a cool $28 you can get an undersized (but tasty) burger and fries.The food was good, the drinks were great, and staff is excellent. I just won’t be here as often, as the prices have gone from reasonable to ridiculous. Seriously, $28 for a burger and fries? Parc’s burger is less expensive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The burger, duh. But the vegan gyro is also incredible?!
Was excited to check Royal Tavern out since they reopened but we were unfortunately really underwhelmed. Most disappointing was the size of the burger. $15-22 for a burger that’s a glorified slider. Fries NOT included. The burger was flavorful but tiny for the price! The fries were dry and tasted almost stale. The ambiance is nice but very dark, somewhat drafty, and pretty loud. I really hope they reconsider their menu and make it more affordable for what you’re getting.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Stopped in because ‘caesergals’ on Instagram rated the Caeser salad here the best in the whole city; 10/10. After trying it, I would 100% agree. The piles of Parmesan cheese, the anchovies, the dressing and croutons are all perfectly balanced and delicious. I’ve already told other friends and coworkers who are now making plans to go try the salad this coming weekend. I might go back just for the salad again because I’ve been craving it the last few days.Salad aside, I was delightfully surprised by Royal Tavern. It has an elevated pub vibe, and is perfect for an intimate date or dinner with friends. They have a great selection of drinks, but the food menu is a little abbreviated. The beef round sandwich was delicious, as were the French friends and sausage and peppers dish. The espresso martini was AMAZING. I got a nightcap Sauvignon blanc and I was honestly blown away by how delicious it was.I’m sad to say I can’t remember our servers name because she was AMAZING. She gave great recommendations, she was prompt, she gave me a sample of a wine when I was torn between drinks, and she was hilarious! When I told her about coming in because of the review, she told us it’s her 4 year old daughter’s favorite dish and I was SOLD prior to even trying it.Thank you for the great experience! I will definitely be back and I’ll keep spreading the good word on the perfect Caeser salad!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5