The Royale

The Royale Restaurant Review:

Passions run deep at The Royale, whether the topic is politics, boxing or classic cocktails. Owner Steve Smith (the one in the hat) capitalized on the classic cocktail trend early on, and the drinks named for the city’s wards and neighborhoods are perennially popular. The bar also presents a fine supporting cast of craft beers, from local up-and-comers as well as national brands. The food menu is compact but still broad enough to pair with the drinks. Vegetarians have it made, whether they opt for the top-shelf grilled cheese, decked out with tomatoes and pesto, a bowl of hearty chili, the respectable meat-less burger or the Moroccan “beef” wrap with turmeric couscous, hummus, dried apricots, mint relish and feta. For meat-lovers, there’s a burger with à la carte toppings like ham, artichokes or horseradish, brisket tacos or a club sandwich with jerk-marinated chicken. Try the dessert “cakewich” topped with Irish cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce.