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Royal James Cafe

3.5 (61 reviews)
InexpensivePool Halls, Cafes
Open 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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Recommended Reviews - Royal James Cafe

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Reviews With Photos

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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13 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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Marmalade Cafe and Bakery

Marmalade Cafe and Bakery

4.6
(47 reviews)
2.4 mi
$$
Women-owned & operated
Large group friendly

Marmalade is located in Morehead City, NC (my new fav city). It is a busy cafe shop but luckily…read morethere was open seating available. The decor was so nice and although busy, they made sure to clear out tables and ensure everything was clean & tidy. This place is more of you order your food and find your own table. They will call out your name and you raise your hand, they will bring it to you. I ordered regular coffee and a bacon egg and cheese on a plain bagel. It was delicious! Staff were great and attentive. My food did take more than 20 minutes to make but once arrived, it was worth it. Found parking right up front. The bathroom was my fav. I know odd thing to note but it was something I HAD to note it lol will def return back to try out other things on their menu!

We are so glad this bakery is not close to home, it's too good!! We had breakfast plates and then…read moretook bakery items on the ferry with us. Their chocolate croissants are some of the best we have had anywhere, including France. Everything was so good we went back the next day to get a slice of cake and a mousse. Everything was so delicious. We were driving through Morehead to the Ocracoke Ferry and were very sad our timeline didn't align with their operating hours. You should absolutely try it out, you won't be disappointed!

Photos
Dirty Gringo
Multigrain bread toasted with turkey, smashed avocado with bacon and chipotle mayo.
Dirty Gringo Multigrain bread toasted with turkey, smashed avocado with bacon and chipotle mayo.
Crème brûlée French toast 
Brioche bread with pastry cream, caramelized sugar topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Crème brûlée French toast Brioche bread with pastry cream, caramelized sugar topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Marmalade Cafe and Bakery

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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.

Photos
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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