Thornton Alberg
We were visiting the area and someone picked this place ratings looked good and the decor is nice but it all went south from there. We showed up in stages but the bartender must have been having a bad day he would get one drink order at a time is what my peeps told me, I thought they were joking. We ordered 2 Bloody Marys and one didn’t taste like it had any alcohol in it so we mixed the 2 together. The food came out real slow and kind of haphazardly. I will say the hummus was good. The menu is American and Indian so I was excited. Some people’s burgers were way over done and after the food all came out, I was informed they were all out of Dahl Makhani Which was disappointing. So I asked for Chana masala and after a while they came and told me that they were out of that too, so I settled for a black and blue burger with tots. My burger came and thankfully it wasn’t overdone and it came with fries. Now the last 2 at the table are still waiting for their burgers none too happy. As I finish my Bloody Mary I notice a 1 1/2 inch crack in my glass which I take up to the bartender and let him know, he didn’t say anything. Now in the meantime 2 people at the table are saying the chicken Caesar wrap they ordered didn’t taste right and opened it up to find what looked like curried chicken chunks that were rinsed off inside the wrap. A while later I order to Kona’s for my friend and I, a while later he comes over to tell me they are out of Kona, so I order 2 different beers, and as I am getting down to the end of my beer there’s a shard of glass. I take this up to the bars and tell the guy and show him letting him know I think I swallowed a piece and they better check the dishwasher or something. He throws the shard of glass in the garbage and walks away. The kicker 3 of us had bad stomach aches the next day. I don’t know what’s going on but I would avoid this place
… moreJackie Zuniga
My Bestie and I came for Bingo night. We had no clue we would be coming to a comedy show as well. Aman the owner is very welcoming and a very funny man. I had the samosas, and my bestie had butter chicken. We both really loved our food, the atmosphere and most of all the laughs. We will definitely be back for more bingo, entertainment and the yummy food.
… moreMaddison David
super kind staff and amazing service !!! the best paneer i’ve had locally!! grilled and flavorful !! my husband got the chicken tikka masala and that was amazing as well!!! we ate until we about popped !!
… moreJamie Vorce
The Royal Bar & Grill is such a welcoming spot — great food, great drinks, and even better people. The staff is always friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere feels like a true hometown hangout where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. The menu has solid options for any mood, and everything comes out fresh and flavorful. Whether you’re stopping in for dinner, grabbing a drink with friends, or just looking for a comfortable place to unwind, the Royal never disappoints. Highly recommend!
… moreGrant Furman
I haven’t tried the food so I can’t give an accurate rating. I haven’t spent much time here so I can’t give an accurate rating on service. As far as the atmosphere, it seems like they are still struggling with thier identity amongst the community and regulars? There are some great ideas being tried and the environment is ever changing? I live within a 1/4 mile from the Royal and it’s not my favorite bar, and it should be! There is just something missing? I give 3 stars across the board because they have potential.
… moreTaylor Halstead
This place has changed ownership and that’s the good news. If you are looking for some great soul food then you have found it. I was very impressed by the quality of the food as well as the portion size. The place is not a big place and it’s not a fancy place, but don’t let that stop you from eating here.
… moreRoman Schauer
If you are looking for Nick’s Soul Food, then you’ve found his new place. The well-known food truck proprietor who used to park at Two Towns near Corvallis, has moved his Southern fare into this Albany bar.
**Photos aren’t great because we started digging in before I thought to take them!**
I’m a 20-year transplant from Nick’s hometown in Alabama and his food is as close you will get to real Southern soul food anywhere nearby. This is not the upscaled type of Southern restaurant you’ll find in PDX. Nope, this is much more like the real thing.
We’ve had two meals here so far. First time was take out and we got a po’ boy. If you are looking for authentic po’ boy sandwiches then go for the soft-shell crab one. It’s like a Southern version of a sushi spider roll. Nick makes his with real Maryland blue crab, not the smaller Asian crabs. It’s perfectly breaded and seasoned on an authentic soft roll.
The second time we stopped by on a Wednesday night. Our party of four ordered oyster shooters (yum!), deep fried deviled eggs (decadent), shrimp and grits (real unpeeling shrimp), red beans and rice, a fried catfish po’ boy, and the daily special deep fried pork chop plate with braised collard greens and cheese grits.
The high points were definitely the oysters, catfish and (surprisingly) the pork chop, which was sweet, cooked perfectly and an unexpected treat.
Down the road it would be great to see more Southern classics, especially for sides. I’m thinking cornbread, butter beans, fried okra, black-eyed peas, squash casserole, etc. Since we visited only a few days after they opened I suspect they were still getting used to the new kitchen and space.
I gave the atmosphere a knock because the large windows made the place pretty chilly on the cold, stormy night when we visited. But we’re looking forward to coming back as this new restaurant continues its transformation from local bar to family-friendly, unpretentious eatery. Nick’s friendly service is an added bonus.
… moreLarry Nelson
Great place! Very inviting! The bartender Samantha served us quality drinks and great conversation. Real authentic Indian food served here, along with the traditional American food, all served to perfection. Great cook! Great atmosphere. Will recommend to anyone.
… moreCrystal Mohamed
They have a variety of items on the menu, we had the Butter chicken and the Dal Makhani, it was EXCEPTIONAL. Ambiance is nice and chill and the service is Amazing. Definitely will be coming back to try different things.
… moreElizabeth Baer
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this bar also offers Indian food. I have been here three or four times, and the food has been great every time.
The staff/bartenders are friendly and welcoming.
I would recommend this place.
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