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    Royal James Cafe

    3.5 (61 reviews)
    InexpensivePool Halls, Cafes
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

    Royal James Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    ROYAL JAMES CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Divey
    Loud
    Outdoor seating

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    Hot dog with chili sauce and mustard
    John C.

    I was visiting Beaufort to get a hot dog in Carteret County and Yelp led me to Royal James Cafe. I parked a few blocks away to avoid the pay parking and enjoyed a short walk around town before the rain from Tropical Storm Debby picked up and I ducked into the Royal James Cafe. There was a good crowd around 2:30 as folks were sheltering from the storm playing pool. I ordered a hot dog, a cheeseburger, and a Miller Light and took a seat at the bar. As others have noted cash only and you pay when you're done. The guy behind the bar did everything: cashier, cook, bartender, server; so if he was busy everything slowed down a bit. It wasn't long before my food was slid in front of me. The burger was basic but good. The hot dog wasn't my favorite. Their chili sauce has a strong onion flavor and a spice level that wasn't appealing to me. I did appreciate that the dog was split down the middle and it looks like they use Brightleaf hot dogs. I'll also support a local wiener. All in all: just ok.

    That's chili?
    April A.

    Best burgers in Beaufort? Is this a joke? What part of NO cheese does your establishment not understand?! Twice I've ordered a burger, specifically without cheese, but guess what was on my MFIN burger. Yep, cheese!!! The burger I ordered was with chili, onions and mustard only. The chili looked and tasted exactly like ketchup (see pic). They're ALWAYS out of something. They quit buying bacon, and you're lucky if you can ever get lettuce or a tomato. I'll never eat at this pool hall/bar disguised as a burger joint ever again. I suggest you skip this dive and just order from Burger King, which they suck, too, but at least they have the proper ingredients to put on a burger. SMFH.

    Vikki M.

    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.

    Grilled cheese...
    Melanie R.

    Grilled cheese...the cheese was not even slightly melted. The restaurant did not have ice. Service was well.. I'm on vacation and want to be nice. I took a cautious bite, followed up by a swig of soda, then hightailed it to Mezcalitos . Seriously delicious!!

    Grill
    Discerning C.

    Fantastic value in a historic establishment. Great beers on tap and the food prices can't be beat; all while playing a game of pool and in a convenient location.

    a man playing a guitar
    Mer R.

    The historic Royal James Cafe is a local legend and a friendly dive. The open mic night was a blast with fun songs! They also have Wisconsin cheese curds which is tough to find outside the Midwest. A great place to grab a drink, a burger and just hang out. I always make a point to stop by when I'm in town. The menu updates and entertainment have definitely taken this place up a notch. Casper and Richard were especially welcoming!

    Pinball

    After eating at so many upscale restaurants in Beaufort, it was a breath of fresh air to eat casual burgers and play pool and pinball at Royal James. The two staff members were exceptionally welcoming to our 4 year old at 5:30 p.m. (before their rush/regulars). They gave him several free quarters to try the games, and even switched one of the TV's to cartoons without us asking. Their customer service was unmatched especially when we needed to manage a toddler who was tired and cranky after a day on the sun and water. The Double Cheeseburger, fries, and onion rings were all solid.

    Double cheeseburger and fries cheese curds
    Angela S.

    We were told to try the "hole in the wall" burger place while in Beaufort...it did not disappoint! The burgers literally melt in your mouth and the portion sizes were big.

    Historic Beaufort Dive

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    15 years ago

    Grumpy waitresses poor service but decent food for cheap. They'll murder you with the drink prices though so watch out!

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Shifty hole in the wall pool hall with bar food. Inexpensive food for an inexpensive price. Pet friendly patio.

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    9 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Pool hall with fresh burgers agreat combo! Not a dining extravaganza just pool with a cold brew and a great sandwich .

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Had the double cheeseburger - WOW! Great service and a really cool seaside vibe! Will definitely be back when in the area!!!

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    10 years ago

    Only deserves twoish- but get a greasy brown bag of cheeseburgers ATW and go fishing. Tastes like a unicorn.

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great burger for $2. Make sure to get it "all the way" (mustard, onions and Vic's famous chili)

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Reed's Coffee + Art + Framing

    Reed's Coffee + Art + Framing

    4.7
    (20 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    I was looking for some coffee on the way to the aquarium and found this shop with good reviews... I…read moresee why it's regarded so highly! My partner got the pumpkin jack while I opted for a warm drink: the maplewood latte. Our drinks came out quickly, and they're both really good. The pumpkin jack is DELICIOUS! Good balance of creaminess while still maintaining a solid coffee flavor. Our barista was super nice and the shop is cute! Spacious and some other stuff to check out!

    Stopped in for breakfast while visiting Beaufort and was a bit confused at first -- Yelp listed it…read moreas Reeds Coffee and Framing, while Google called it The Porch. Both were ranked #1 for breakfast, so I figured it was worth checking out. Even more confusing, the sign facing the street says The Porch, but the door sign says Reeds. When I asked about it, the friendly girl behind the counter said they go by both names. OK. Beautiful home like atmosphere with plenty of space to sit and a nice outdoor porch. Inside is super comfortable and you can chill on one of the couches or go traditional at a table with chairs. Order at the counter. There's no table service. Nice selection of latte, cappuccino, regular drip, tea and smoothies. No kitchen here either. For food it's just a limited choice of muffins, a cinnamon rolls, or Hot Oatmeal from a pre-measured paper cup of instant oats. Not really what I would call breakfast. Place your order and move to the side and wait for your coffee and muffins. Tried to stop by Sunday for coffee but they're closed on Sundays.

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    Only option for food
    Only option for food
    Coffee menu
    Coffee menu
    Inside

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    Inside

    Royal James Cafe - poolhalls - Updated July 2026

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