I stopped by The Royal American on Sunday night while I was visiting Charleston, and I'll be honest...by that point in the evening, I was a little tipsy. That said, I remember having an absolute blast. The bartenders were super friendly, welcoming, and stayed on top of everything even though the place was busy. I just ordered vodka sodas, so I can't really comment on the cocktail menu, but my drinks were exactly what I expected every time. I didn't try any of the food, so I can't speak to that, but if you know me, you know I'm a sucker for a good photo booth. They had one, and I definitely used it more than once. It was such a fun addition to an already great night. Between the friendly staff, fun atmosphere, and the photo booth, this ended up being one of my favorite bars I visited in Charleston. I'd absolutely go back the next time I'm in town. read more

Great place and great vibe. The employees here are super nice. The food and drinks here are super good and priced well. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options, and they often have live music. read more

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The Royal American has plenty of outdoor seating in the front and back which is great for groups. The inside is divy cozy with a classic eclectic bar vibe. Plenty of seats around the bar, with a few booths and tables. I was pleasantly surprised to see vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. No servers on staff so we ordered at the bar. Bartenders were friendly and helpful. I got the cauliflower buffalo wings and ceasar side salad and my hubby got the caprese panini with fries. Both were very tasty. My cauliflower wing were crispy with just the right amount of tangy spicy sauce. The salad was slightly over dressed, but still good. The caprese panini was melty cheesy with fresh tomatoes and basil. Thin cut fries were crispy. Restroom was clean with the classic customer writing all over the walls and stalls. Made for some interesting reading. Lol read more

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Cool place . Great vibes service is always good. Food always hits the spot. Definitely recommend for a nice relaxing drink and quick lunch

I used to go here quite a bit but haven't been in a while. We went as a group of friends on a Saturday night and they charged a $10 cover per person which is pretty ridiculous for a dive bar. Drinks are still fairly cheap but it's a dive bar.. they should be cheap since you're getting a small plastic cup and rail liquor. They had a live band inside but it was extremely loud even sitting outside. If you're gonna pay a cover you might as well go somewhere else. read more

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I really enjoyed the Royal American. It had been a while since I've been in and last time we sat outside on the patio, so it was interesting to look around inside. This is like one of the hidden gems in Charleston where the food is really good, and you can relax on the patio. I was happy to see that they not only had vegan options, but they also had nonalcoholic beer. We ordered at the bar and picked it up when our notification went off. read more

My favorite bar in town if I'm looking to have food as well. There's a massive porch you can smoke on if you like while drinking and eating, reminds me of a bygone era of freedom. The food is always so good, the patty melt and chicken sandwhich are my go toos. read more

The Royal American - Chicken sandwhich with cheese and bacon. - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

I think the only way to describe The Royal American is a dive bar but upscale? I stopped in to get a burger and fries. Burger was very stereotypical smash burger style but really good, the fries were shoestring which I love, nice and crispy, with large flakes of salt which is soooo perfect. Burger wasn't greasy and had real cheddar cheese and some pickles too. Super well executed. Bad tender who took my order was friendly and the burger came out fast. They do a bunch of live music, have outdoor seating, etc. it's just really good food, dive bar atmosphere, prices were typical for Charleston. Good mix! Oh and free parking! Always welcome in this town where I assume any meal will cost me $5-40 extra for parking. J.Ja read more

Royal was my first stop for the dukes hot tomato summer residency in Charleston! Tomato sandwiches are my thinnnggggg. And this one hit the spot. It was amazing! Perfect amount of mayo and salt and pepper, the tomato's were juicy and ripe. I was so happy eating it! I also love sitting outside here it felt so nice to eat a juicy tomato sandwich on a summer day while looking at the ravenel bridge. Royal never disappoints me with their food! They may be a bar but their food is quality. I will be back next week to try the tomato salad and tomato cupcakes! read more

The Royal American - Heirloom tomato sandwich - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Fun place, drinls priced decent. Tbey occasionally have a cover when tbey have a band

We went to several bars around Charleston and Folly Beach. And the Royal American in Charleston and the Bounty Bar in Folly Beach, both owned by the same people, were absolutely the very best by far. Best prices, best food, best bartenders, best drinks, best atmosphere, everything by very far. If we return to the area, these will be absolutely the only 2 bars that we go to. read more

This place is a pretty gritty dive bar and music venue. Could definitely use a bit of a cleanup and new furniture. Food is decent, pretty basic. Chicken cutlet sandwich was well cooked and tasty. Potato skins were burnt. Caesar salad was very normal. Definitely wouldn't come here for a gourmet dinner, but drink prices are very reasonable. Overall it's a fine place to come hang, but personally I feel like Charleston has so much better to offer! read more

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Definitely an old dive type place. I'm a fan of the house made cinnamon whiskey. Pairing it with Ginger Ale was a good choice. Old decor to look at, inside & outside seating. Nice back area outside, seasonal dependent. read more

The Royal American - House made cinnamon whiskey w/ ginger ale - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This was my second visit to Royal American, and I'm officially a fan. Any place in Charleston with a parking lot gets extra brownie points from me. I stopped in for a quick late night dinner and ordered the Pharmacy Burger & Fries with one of the bartenders. Wow... I'm still eating my way around Charleston, but this was one of the best burgers I've had in the area. The bun was perfectly toasted on both sides. The pickles?! I could have eaten an entire jar. The sweetness of the hamburger relish balanced perfectly with the saltiness of the cheese and the patty. I think you get it...I loved this burger. My only complaint? The fries weren't hot. They were still good, just very lukewarm (borderline cold). Also, I fully recognize this is a bar, but I'd love to see them expand their non-alcoholic options a bit. If you're thinking about going with friends to hang out or have a laid back dinner, I highly recommend it. read more

Dive bar vibes with live music will always be a hit with me. First time at royal American to see our friends band and cannot wait to come back. Appreciated how much outdoor space there was (front and back). As someone who went to college in upstate NY, also felt so at home seeing a Genny sign and being able to order a Genesee. So much respect! read more

The Royal American - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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Yupp. Delicious. Fair priced. Fast. No nonsense, and always have great bands on the weekends. If you haven't been here yet you are doing everything wrong. The Sandwich Boiz approve 100% read more

Grungy spot that seems to be a watering hole for many near downtown - went in for a beer Saturday evening and it was packed all the way around - food menu looks plentiful, although I did not eat. Good vibes & service is great - I recommend read more

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Went here for lunch. Service was good, ate outside on the patio, but they only have a couple beers on tap. Food was fine, but I think the Bounty location out on Folly is better. Glad that we went, but not sure when I'll be back. read more

Finally came to this spot not on a weekend and when it wasn't super crowded. We ordered from the bar and found a booth to sit at and enjoy our Guinness. We enjoyed the sweet potato fries, dry rub chicken wings and wedge salad. Definitely has that dive bar feel and chill place that has indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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One of the best bars I've ever been to in the world. There's a magic at royal that exists. They always book incredible bands, and the stage next to the bar is legendary. Strong drinks, great punch, and the house cinnamon whiskey are all the best. The food is cheap and surprisingly delicious read more

Went here with my girlfriend while on vacation. They made last call at 1:20 which was weird. We were going to just close out and leave. Bartender asked if we would like to get one more at 1:40. We said sure. At 1:45 the fat guy with a beard told us to get the F out. We said ok we will finish and get going, waiting on our UBER. He grabbed our drinks and threw them in the trash. Got in my girlfriend's face and told us to leave. Needless to say we won't ever be back. Wonderful start to our vacation. I would give 0 stars if this app let me. read more

If you want the worst burger in Charleston come here! On the other hand if you want great bar service also come here. This spot is my favorite for its quick service and proper staffing. Even on the busiest nights they get your order quickly. It's also a nice lunch spot in a casual day or stop in for late night food when nothing else is open. I did have an unpleasant experience- I came late one night and the burger I got was pretty unpleasant- it had a handful of shredded cheddar that clearly wasn't melted and had been thrown on at the last minute because someone forgot to do it. I will say the fries were good and the portion was HUGE!! Typically their food is yummy though I think this was just bad timing. I had a mussel banh mi special as well as the magic wings on other occasions and they were good. read more

My first visit, wonderful joint! Took my dog and as we were preparing to leave got a pup cup, HANDS DOWN THE BEST PUP CUP IN THE LOW COUNTRY! Drinks and apps were excellent as well. read more

Everything here is perfection. It's the best dive bar in all of Charleston. Great food. Love the specials. Staff is awesome.

I absolutely LOVE The Royal American! Cold beer, hearty burgers, fries, and those fire + ice pickles. OMGAH There is indoor and outdoor seating. It is a loud spot so get ready to project your voice as you chit chat. Staff have always been super chill and nice. Love taking people here and it is my go to late night spot. They have a few specials on the board too under "staff meal" Top Go Tos Appetizer: Disco Fries! Sandwiches: The Royal American Burger The Pharmacy Burger Patty Melt Lance's Way read more

We shared a buffalo chicken wrap that was very good. Added fries & Mac & cheese, which were also good. The atmosphere is the classic grunge / dive bar which was perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Bartender was engaging, helpful and friendly. read more

The Royal American is a BAR by every definition of the word. The drinks are strong and affordable. The bartenders are pretty good and accommodating but not hospitable because this is a BAR! The bathrooms smell like whatever someone did before you walked in, the walls are covered in dope graffiti and funny notes because this is a BAR! If you are in Charleston, and looking to have a rowdy night watching football, a what did we do last night Saturday, or a burger that's too damn good to come out of that kitchen type of a meal PULL UP! THIS IS A BAR! read more

Just more details in case they're helpful! Great patio during the warmer months - lots of big tables for groups. The food comes out quickly which is always nice. Their parking lots is pretty small but lots of parking across the street. Just pay attention to signs as there are some towing areas. read more

So, our first time here. This is really a step (maybe a half step) above a dive bar. BUT, the food is GOOD. Very little seating indoors and it's loud, so next time I would go back when I could sit outside, I'd probably like that better. We shared a pharmacy burger and the potato skins, both were so good, so it's definitely worth the trip. Next time, outside. read more

The Royal American - Pharmacy burger - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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May 12, 2022 We came here looking for a great cheese steak and we're not disappointed. They really made a great one. The meal was perfect as were their fries. It's a great dive bar. Safe and everyone is friendly. read more

Love this place! Yes it's a dive but bartenders are on point. Food is so good! The potato skins are ginormous and I got a chicken sandwich... no bun and they served it on a salad for me! Disco fries... looked amazing. Fun start to our Saturday! read more

Nostalgic place specially when the train passing by, reminds you on some old movies or something and that blended with good friendly bartenders! read more

My absolute favorite dive bar! Cheap beer, crappy, mismatched furniture, shitty (but clean) bathrooms and great atmosphere! What's not to love? read more

The Royal American - Awesome bathroom! - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

This place is a dive and a perfect destination spot for the Loco Moco! Saw the Loco Moco on the menu on Yelp and decided to try it out. My friend got the Patty Melt and fries. Loco Moco should be an American favorite. I don't understand how it has not caught on outside of Hawaii. I came here with a friend. She ordered the Patty Melt and said she enjoyed it. I will come here again as it is the only place to get a Loco Moco. It reminds me of my youth back in Hawaii and I also love a dive bar. read more

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This is my favorite bar in Charleston. It's divey but not dirty. I love the inside and outside seating options. The cozy booths inside are nice, more private tables out back and social high tables in the front provide ample seating for whatever your looking for. Their prices are more than fair for drinks and they have a good bar menu. I personally love their disco fries. It's all simple, order at the bar, get a pager and walk up to grab your food when its ready. I never feel out of place here, unless you come in some fancy duds and designer clothes then maybe. The environment is friendly, casual and chill. No games except for a dart board on the far side of the bar on the porch. A bonus, they always have different events going on, from concerts to vintage markets. Pet friendly. They have a very small parking lot but across the street there is a large lot, just be careful crossing the street. read more

Maybe I'm just disappointed because of the experience, but this place is something else! We saw the menu online and decided it sounded good. We get here and completely confused if we are supposed to be seated or seat ourselves after being directed to the bar. I ask, and they tell me we have to order at the bar and sit anywhere...ok. After waiting at least 40 minutes waiting for our buzzer to go off to go get our food at the bar (they told us it would buzz, but it completely went off) and the food was sitting there. My muffuletta looked huge, but it was all bread that tasted very stale and the meat and cheese was grilled (I've never had it grilled). Since the bread wasn't edible, I told off the grilled meat and olive salad to eat, but it just wasn't good. The fire and ice pickles it came with are delicious! My husband got the special fried chicken sandwich, which he liked a lot. Would never go back. I'm sure getting help at places was a factor, but not sure I can blame just that. read more

Looking to get out for the night? This place has a super cool vibe. They have local bands come play and host different events throughout the year! They have good food and good drinks. Sometimes we just order a side of fries to munch on while a band plays and sip on their very delicious rum punch. read more

The Royal American - Sounds of Blackfox playing - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Royal American isn't just for good live music and $5 mini pitchers, the food is pretty good too. I heard the wings were good, so I thought I'd give them a shot. Asked what sauce they came with and was told I wouldn't need it. Interesting. When they arrived, they had lime wedges mixed in, double interesting. What in the southwest tex mex had I just stumbled into. I'm a huge fan of dry rub, so how they were cooked didn't deter me. After spritzing with a few limes, I dug in. They were delicious! Very interesting and different than any wing I had before, but I'm pretty basic (old bday dry rub, buffalo sauce to dip). They had great flavor and paired great with my pitcher of high life. If you're in the area, check them out. If your lucky, there will be a kickball team there to challenge in flip cup read more

The Royal American - American Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

Home to probably one of the most disgusting bathrooms in Charleston, but if you're looking to meet a potential one-night stand from Tinder in a dark and dismal setting, this could be your saving grace. Lots of room, comfy couches, a Photo Booth drunk Tik Tok girls think is awesome, and Guinness on tap. Not a bad place, just make sure you bring a condom. read more

I've eaten and had drinks here before going to shows downtown. Great service and good food.