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Welcome To Royal James Cafe
Royal James Cafe, nestled in the heart of Beaufort, NC, is a cozy dive bar and pool hall that prides itself on a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its exceptional burgers, particularly the double cheeseburger “all-the-way,” the cafe serves up delicious food with a side of friendly service. Guests rave about the ice-cold beers and the attentive staff, showcasing the perfect blend of a laid-back ambiance and thrilling culinary experiences. With a selection of local draft beers and tasty fries, Royal James Cafe is a must-visit destination for burger lovers and those seeking a true taste of Southern hospitality.
About
Royal James Cafe
Welcome to Royal James Cafe, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Beaufort, NC. Located at 117 Turner St, this café brings together a vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering food, promising an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Royal James Cafe is a must-visit destination for food lovers.
What sets Royal James Cafe apart is its commitment to serving homemade sauces, including the famed Cyannaise, which elevates each dish to a new level of flavor. As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm ambiance where friendly faces and a laid-back vibe embrace you. Part dive bar, part pool hall, the eclectic decor hints at the engaging experience that awaits.
The menu shines with their standout double cheeseburger, praised by patrons like Christina Osborne, whose enthusiastic remarks about the "all-the-way southern" version paired perfectly with crisp fries illustrate why this burger is a crowd favorite. The burger, juicy and satisfying, reflects the art of grilling perfected by Shane, the grill master, known for his friendly demeanor and culinary skill.
For those looking for great value, you cannot miss the opportunity to savor their affordable burgers, a pastime deeply cherished by locals. Ken Bennett highlights the “all the way” burger option, complete with a delicious chili sauce, onions, and mustard—truly a North Carolina staple. Plus, the fries are served fresh and hot, a perfect complement to your meal.
Royal James Cafe is not just about the food; it’s a gathering place. Patrons can enjoy a selection of draft beers including choices like Landshark and Red Oak, creating an ideal spot for relaxation after a day on the water. Adding to the charm, the place transforms in the evenings with live music, making each visit even more memorable.
With friendly service and a genuine sense of community, Royal James Cafe is where you can unwind with a cold drink, shoot some pool, and indulge in some of the best burgers in town. Whether you’re a dive bar aficionado or just in search of a satisfying meal, this cafe offers an authentic Beaufort experience that you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
If you find yourself in Beaufort, don’t miss out on the magic of Royal James Cafe. Grab a cheeseburger, enjoy the company, and soak in the lively atmosphere that makes this café a cherished local haunt.
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“ We were greeted warmly as soon as we walked in. The beer was ice cold and the double cheeseburger all-the-way southern with fries was fantastic! Shane was manning the grill and gave us a friendly wave when we told him that we enjoyed our meal. Our server was attentive and very sweet. We wish we could have returned later that night for live music, maybe next time. ”
“ So if you are in Beaufort NC anytime, you must do yourself a favor a grab a cheeseburger from this killer pool hall right in the heart of downtown Beaufort! They are so kind and always whipping up delicious food on the flat top! I recently took their raw patties with me on a quick trip to The Cabins at Cape Lookout National Seashore and wow can’t beat that burger and the salty air! ”
“ This is a rating for lunch time on a weekday in May. Place doesn't look like much, definitely a pool hall, probably a very different vibe at night. However absolutely one of the best burgers that I've had in a long time and the service was fantastic. Highly recommend for a lunch time burger. ”
“ The ultimate dive bar of all dive bars. Cash only, banging griddle, 5 pool tables, warn down floors, exposed construction.. DIVE BAR USA. Absolutely obsessed. Uncle and cousin brought us here under an extreme recommendation. Rolled in with a party of 7 coming off a day on the water. Absolutely epic, cheap eats and reasonable priced phenomenal food. O ya and it’s dog friendly! If I’m ever within an hour of here ILL BE BACK. ”
“ It’s a dive bar slash pool hall, so set your expectations for “atmosphere” properly. The barkeep doubles as the grill cook, and he was great. Friendly, outgoing, competent on the grill. Food is burgers and fries, and they are terrific. Get the double cheeseburger for 6 bucks, as the patties are small. Plenty of choices for toppings; their “all the way” only had chili sauce, onions, and mustard. Next time I’ll add coleslaw for the proper North Carolina version. Fries came from a bag, they were thin and cooked properly, then served piping hot. Decent draft selection but they were out of several local beers. Had the Red Oak, an NC Vienna lager, and one of our favorites. I’d eat here every week if I could. ”
“ Excellent local dive bar. Decent beer selection. Awesome cheeseburgers! Good local music. I've been back here twice since my first review. STILL EXCELLENT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND LOCAL DIVE BAR WITH AWESOME BURGERS! Stopped in again twice over the last weekend. Once again this place have proved itself to be the place to hang out for beers and amazing cheeseburgers (and pool if you like playing). Live music both nights we were there. ”
“ Service was great, atmosphere is awesome, I didn’t catch the bartenders name but she’s a German shepherd person so she gets bonus points. One of the best burgers I’ve ever had in my life. The “chili” isn’t a traditional chili but wow...just do yourself a favor and get it. Definitely coming back. ”
“ Local bar with cheap food and drinks. The burgers were great. They have homemade sauces that were tasty for the burgers. It was a little smokey air wise but overall good bar. ”