Sorry to be the one to suck out all your glory Royal Room BUT I have given you 2 chances to come correct and it was an Epic Fail! First time was Spring 2013, heard about you from a friend that said I might like the "atmosphere" meaning all the single ladies say heeeyyy. So my best friend and I who are in the customer service industry went to check out the R.R and ordered food. Food wasn't hard to screw up since I was craving a grilled cheese and bacon and my friend got a "gardenburger" since she doesn't eat cow. My sandwich and fries were fine hers came out a steaming hot Hamburger! I caught it in time before she bit into it. I told the waitress what happened and she took off to go find the "gardenburger" that she gave to the wrong person and said she'd be right back. She brings "that" burger back to our table and then attempts to take the hamburger to the table that ordered it....UH NO YOU DON'T! Anyone who has common sense much less a food handlers card knows you don't switch people's food. Maybe if we were all friends at the same table no biggie but come on now where's your head? We stopped her from that bad mistake and my friend waited another 15 minutes for the right order. I spoke to the owner/manager and she said the girl was new and she'd talk to her, comp'd my friend a drink. Okay so that's #1 Went back summer 2013 at about 10:30p to see who was playing. Grabbed a seat in the bar, get waitresses attention after about 5 min's of seeing her run around and the first thing out of her mouth was "Hi they're about to send me home but I can take your order real quick". Ok you're excited to go home...great,..awesome for you but not a very professional think to say to the customer. That should have been a clue right there. I was a little hungry so I ordered a hummus platter which normally comes with I don't know hummus, pita and some sides like cucumber, tomatoes and kalamata olives. What I got was 1 piece of pita sliced into 7 triangles and less than 1/2 cup of hummus oh and 3 olives all for....a whopping $8!! WTH? the drink my friend ordered was $7 but $8 for nothing? I asked the waitress if anything was missing like some green and red veggies and she said "no". I asked to speak to the manager, I got sent to the bar and the bartender points at a lady and says she's front of the house. I go to speak to that gal and told her what was wrong with the platter and she just shrugged her shoulders and said "ok, what do you want me to do"? I tell ya if took everyone muscle in my body to keep my mouth from tearing her a new one. Rude rude rude...all the way around, worst service ever! I will never go back unless I find out it's under new ownership I don't care what band is playing there's too many other establishments with real customer service. Oh and we walked the heck out, didn't eat your lame food or drink your non-delivered drink. Good luck Y'all will need it! read more

I wish I could give five stars for music and one or two stars for the service. The waitress was incredibly rude and refused to let us have more than one tab at our cocktail table. She lIterally rolled her eyes at me and walked away while I was mid sentence. When she came back, I just said I wouldn't be ordering from her. One of the bartenders was really attentive and nice but her counterpart was also pretty short with other customers, I noticed. Real shame. I'll come back for music but I'll just have my pre-show cocktail at home, thanks. read more

Came here to see a show a couple weekends ago. Roses: Show was fantastic! (Arthur Migliazza and Carole J. Bufford) Bartender was top-notch. Very friendly, great drinks, excellent service. Ambiance was nice (a little cold) but comfortable. Thorns: Was never told I needed a dinner reservation to have a table. Otherwise I would have made one. I was one of the first to purchase tickets (at full price) and was left to eating my dinner in the bar area with restricted viewing, lots of chatter and noise, and a high-school jazz band coming in and out throughout the second half of the show, blocking my view and causing tons of chaos. Terribly disorganized and not well managed. Bar seats should definitely be cheaper than dining room seats. And website needs to be MUCH more clear on reservations. I heard several other guests complaining about the same thing that night. Oh, and it's understaffed. (I also watched several people come in and grab a drink at the bar without paying a cover. They started asking people what show was going on and carried on a conversation over the music). read more

I stumbled upon here with my cousin one very cold winter evening. We were attracted by some caroling that was happening inside! The place was extremely packed, but we got to stand by the bar. I ordered an IPA and my cousin ordered a drink that was very strong, but had a delicious honey flavor to it. The bartender seemed very busy, but was nice to us! We got a little hungry, so we ordered a plate of pita and hummus. The waitress brought out our order and the pita was nice and warm. The hummus was high quality and the cucumbers were a nice fresh element to the whole. We spent about 2 hours here hanging out while the place was cheerily singing along with the professional carolers! In the end, great drinks, good food, and fun people. What more can you ask for? read more

Cozy, live music, awesome. So happy places like this keep popping up in Columbia city!

This past Saturday night, they were doing a West African Jazz night (for the first time) and I have to say it was pretty amazing. Very talented band and a very chile and relaxed crowed. Oh it was free to get in. How cool is that?! The bar tender who helped me looked very upset and mean for some reason. I don't think its personal but she should have try to just relax or drink some cold water. I don't get it. She made us some good drinks tho...but she still gets a ONE star... Hard to find parking...I will go back for sure read more

"lost" my reservation on my daughters birthday dinner and performance. They put grandparents, my wife, other daughter and I at a table where you couldn't see the stage. Poorly managed. Just seemed like they are winging it. Pretty disappointing birthday celebration. Food is so so and beverages expensive for the area. read more

To the reviewer who said this won't blow you away, it blew me away. And I don't even live in the neighborhood. (Though now I kind of wish I did...) Beautiful place, very fun atmosphere, amazing music, warm service, delicious yam chips, perfect rye-based cocktails, and the best key lime pie I've ever had. The entrees are only okay, not the best ever--so if you want to, get a couple of apps, drinks, and dessert and donate the money you saved to the fabulous musicians. read more

Perhaps the best place to have a cocktail and hear live music in all of Seattle. The bar pours strong drinks, the waitresses are full of beans, and whoever books the musical performances is a person of genius. On any given night you could see a world class jazz saxophonist, an up-and-coming local piano player, a Brazilian percussion combo, a Latvian vocal ensemble... The list is infinite, and always interesting. If you're not there at this very minute, I hope you're on your way. read more

I have been going to shows at Royal room for the past several years and unfortunately I found the environment last night to be extremely unwelcoming and sterile. The show was very well attended so there were not enough seats for everyone which I didn't view as a problem at all. However, at one point my friends and I were standing in the bar area watching the show and one of the servers asked us to move because of the customers sitting at the bar behind us. There was literally nowhere else to stand! Then a young couple decided to dance to one of the tunes and another employee asked them to stop because they were blocking other seated patrons. If you are going to sell more tickets than seats then you have to expect that some people are going to have to stand, and since when is dancing at a concert a crime? By the end of the night I felt so cautious and uncomfortable I could barely enjoy myself. I was extremely disappointed. read more

You gotta check out the Royal Room if you haven't so far. No cover (although they do suggest donations to the musicians), a beautiful room that has good acoustics as well as ambiance and of course there is music every night. I live in the neighbor hood and will often head down to the "RoRo" with no idea of who will be playing and i am time and time again impressed with the caliber of music and musicians that perform at the Royal Room. read more

Argh! I love this place for music, but the food is overpriced and not very good. I suppose it makes sense; if you draw people in with the music, the food can be mediocre. But we're in Seattle, and we can do better. We can! read more

Note: this review is only about brunch and not about any evening fun which I have yet to experience. I am all for giving new businesses some time to get in the groove so this is just a preliminary review to help give the Royal Room some constructive feedback to get the ball rolling. So, If you are looking for a smooth and super satisfying brunch experience, maybe try back in a few months. But, If you are just looking to support a new business in Columbia City, I would recommend giving them your time. We came in this morning and immediately we were totally confused as to what we were supposed to do. The "desk" is all the way in the back and the wait-staff saw us but didn't come over. Eventually we walked to the back and they told us to sit anywhere. Some guidance on seating would be helpful, especially if the staff is busy and can't give us the score in person. Just a sign that says "seat yourself" or "please wait to be seated" would do the trick. We picked a table and settled in (the table was empty - no silverware, no plates, no cups...) And then we waited. We watched as another waiter greeted a large group at the door, arranged a table for them, seated them, set their table, brought them menus, and got them coffee and water. Meanwhile, no one came to our table for several minutes. Then everyone came! We had 3 or 4 different people try to bring us coffee all at once within the space of 1 minute. I had no idea which one "our' wait person actually was. Eventually, we got our menus and silverware, but no spoons came with our coffees so we had to stir with forks. About 5-10 minutes later, we ordered, but because no one told us the specials I had to get up, walk across the room and read them on the blackboard. (nitpicky detail: If they hadn't been written in cursive, we might have been able to read them from the table). When the food came, my friend's salmon scramble was cold as were my chicken sausages. We had to ask separately for ketchup and salt and pepper which was fine except that we saw other tables that were pre-set with ketchup, Tabasco, Cholula, salt and pepper so it feels like we should not have had to ask. We sent the salmon scramble back and our waitress was great about that. I had ordered the breakfast enchiladas with poached eggs. The presentation was good but the food was really bland. Nothing seemed to be seasoned at all. The black beans had no flavor and surprisingly neither did the salsa. About halfway through brunch, the restaurant got really really chilly and we nearly put our coats on. I asked about it and our waitress shrugged. The temp might have suddenly dipped outside but still, a breakfast joint should not be freezing cold. Overall, it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. It is clearly a business trying to find its footing and rhythm. I will return because they deserve at least 1-2 more shots. I hope they find their way because the space is great and we have needed another good brunch spot since Verve closed. read more

Nice to listen to music while having dinner but $10 for a simple caesar salad is too much.

I've been here a couple of times now and really enjoy this place. The wait staff is very friendly and the music is always great. The food is nothing spectacular but definitely worth the prices. I'm sure I'll be back! read more

Their ice cream sandwich is amazing, but that's about where it ends. Food at any time of day is lackluster. Brunch very average if not denny's quality. Dinner is average. Service is not so great. The servers are always nice, but seem overwhelmed and confused. I almost feel bad for them when I go there. More training is probably what is needed, or more experienced staff. Sound quality seems great, I've randomly seen a few shows by accident and thought it sounded nice. read more

Hands down - this place is great. They have an amazing sound system. Their stage is perfectly placed so everyone can see the main event. The food is yummy. And the booze are top shelf. Service is fab and heartfelt. Plus the owners GIVE BACK to their local community. We have become regulars of Silvia O'Stayformore's Queen's Brunch on the second Saturday of every month. It is great to see a small business open their doors to the GLBTQ community in their neighborhood. Love this place and we think it is awesome! read more

We wanted live music, and this place was pretty close and my brother knew the singer and the cover was free, so we gave it a try. It's an attractive bar and restaurant with a very nice stage and some room in front to dance. A nice, comfortable, inviting neighborhood kind of place. The act that night was a 60+ year old blues band, and while they were very good, the audience was skewed towards their age demographic. I am not a blues fan, and I felt very young at 39 years old. So it wasn't my thing, but if you were into the band, this would be a great venue. PS The cover isn't exactly free - they ask for donations that go to the band. F&B revenue goes to the venue. read more

Another "hood" spot for me in Columbia City. I love this place for the wide variety of free music and delicious grub!!

What a fun atmosphere!!! My husband and I went after dinner for drinks and dessert. It was perfect. The music was spectacular and the drinks and pie were delicious! read more

We came for their big Fat Tuesday celebration. This was our first time and we really loved the venue. The music was greatl!! My only complaint was the "blackened catfish" that I ordered was very mushy and way over spiced, the beans were flavorless and the greens were uncooked and flavorless. My gf ordered a bucket of clams and they were excellent along with a basket of very tasty french fries and we had some great cocktails! We will certainly visit again, but next time I'll skip the catfish. read more

Came for live music. Good strong drinks, even good non-alcoholic drinks for my wife who is preggy pregs. Not a bad seat in the house either.

TACO TUESDAY!!! Taco Tuesday has arrived at The Royal Room. $10 for 3 tacos (pork, chicken, fish). They are so delicious. Great price. Great food. Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Get yourself down there on Tuesdays. read more

Great atmosphere and stage. The music has been fun and exciting every time. Sound is good and there are a variety of cozy seating options. Only thing I can't recommend is the food. It was ok and edible bar food, but after multiple tries, a few people I know agree that it's not great. Cheezball served with Ritz crackers. Potato Skins were more like overly-cheezed baked potato, served in a plastic mesh appetizer basket with greasy paper that rips when you try to cut (which is necessary because they're too big to eat with your hands). Sour cream in a disposable paper ramekin. I think the burgers are decent and the yam chips are tasty. Eat at your own risk, but don't let that stop you from checking out this impressive music venue! read more

This was the first place I went to (or rather, my cousin took me to) during my visit to Seattle last week. I didn't actually order anything there, but I definitely enjoyed the open mic, which had a unique theme to it, and the overall atmosphere and acoustics of the place. As soon as I saw the first act open up (for me, anyway), I knew my trip would turn out to be a very fun one... read more

The drinks are so-so and wine selection nothing special, but the music is great and inexpensive, which is all I really care about.

Local Jazz Great and musicians' mecca creator, Wayne Horvitz, invites us: foodies who love great music and a truly warm, relaxing, indeed COZY evening, to enjoy fabulous mudic at lowest possible cover charges AND delicious homey comfort food (beef stew with dumplings, catfish with rice +beans+collards, Mac& Cheese), as well as creative (kale salad with lentils+pepitas+chèvre+pimento w/tahini dressing) and even some vegan (butter lettuce wraps w/tofu+brown rice+water chestnut+humus, etc.) yummy fare, including THE BEST DEAL FRENCH FRIES in Seattle!!!! I love this place, and Wayne for creating it: for music, for musicians, for us lucky Seattleites, more and more each time I take the well appointed time to visit, relax and enjoy life at the Royal Room... read more

Had a good time at the Royal Room, music, food, and service were all better than expected. However sitting on duck tape covered chairs was a bit much. Upon getting out of the car my pants were stuck to the seat. My girl and I both had duck tape glue all across the back of our pants. Guess the RR should receive a cleaning bill. Watch where you sit. read more

I adore the Royal Room! ive seen some of the finest live music anywhere in a relaxed and intimate setting. The food is great and so is the music. Unlike other jazz clubs, it isn't over the top and it's priced right. I've visited the Royal Room at least three other times and I am looking forward to Mardi Gras tonight! read more

Horrible experience. 1. I emailed three times to reserve a table and did not receive any confirmation that my table is reserved and I am not going to be standing during the show I bought the tickets for. After my third email they finally replied, phew. 2. We arrived 10 min early and the table we got was too small for five people, it could only fit three people the maximum. We had to ask to move us somewhere else that we looked and found Ughhh...do you even count how many people are comiing at all? 3. The waitress was acting like she was not interested to serve us. She looked tired and not enthusiastic about her job at all. She asked couple times if we want to order a drink, non of us wanted to drink alcoholic beverages at that time, no thank you, can you consider our answer the first time or second? 4. We were hungry and wanted to enjoy our meal during the show. Nope, horrible food, taste and smell. I don't recommend to order any meal in this place. We ordered chips and salsa, fries, verge and chicken tacos, pork with rice and beans. Everything was bad. We were hungry so just had fries and chips and salsa. We were company of five and all the food was left in our plates plus $13-16 backs for a plate plus $16 gratuity automatically added to the bill plus $8 taxes, doesn't worth it. $110 in the trash. Finally we had to ask couple times to take away that horrible food from our table, so we don't smell it yuck I enjoyed the show only in this place and they take advantage of it that people will anyways go there for the music. Not me anymore!!!!! read more

I hit the Royal at least once a month for the music more than anything else. What they got right - stage and sound is some of the best in the city. Not sure why the acoustics look like it would be brutal but it works and works well. Good range of booze and beers. Prices are solid. They have a give what you can for music on certain nights and have been blown away by how good some of the shows have been. That said I have seen a few below average stuff there too. Food wise and service on the floor wise is really hit and miss. I personally think you pay way too much for the food you get there. Quality is reasonable but not brilliant - no excuses in that part of town there is fresh everything nearby between the CC Public Market, Bobs, Mutual Fish, CC Bakery. That said I go to it as a music venue and for that it gets a solid 4 stars. If the food and service was better this would be 5. If this was purely food and service it would be 3 stars. read more

Outstanding club with great music! I love the space, with really nice layout and aesthetic.They even have good food (you don't get that at most music venues), the burger was great. The only problem is that they're rude to yuppies. So Bellevue folks probably won't like this scene. read more

This venue provides music FIVE nights a week...no cover...donations to fairly compensate the musicians. It's a beautiful venue....great bar....company....menu...and service. Big shout out to Laura for taking such great care of us tonight. Mac n cheese yummers! Mussels n frites were delish! I tipped that bowl up and drank every last drip of that herby, buttery, southern, broth! I love Columbia City! read more

I live within walking distance of The Royal Room and tonight a friend and I decided to have a cocktail there. I was pretty excited to take in the place. Upon arriving we were engaging with the host, sorting out the details as there was a band playing this eve. I was hoping to have a drink at the bar and experience the place. The host was very unclear in his communications around if we could simply have a drink and then leave without paying a cover for the band. I asked him to clarify and he did, but then he dropped the ball so to speak and shouted NO. I have been in the service industry for years and was surprised at this persons lack of problem solving and also grace in doing so. It is unlikely that I will return based on this. It truly was a simple conversation which could have left us simply happy in being turned away. read more

Wonderful place. Always great music. Service is amazing. They keep the prices very low and it's up to you how much you want to pay for the music ( there is an envelope for tip placed on the table ) . The royal room is a place where you want to go back again and again. read more

Great place! Really relaxed atmosphere and the staff is fantastic! Music Venue 7 days a week in the heart of CC! Love it.

Not sure what happened to this place. First couple times I went here the food was pretty good, the drinks were strong and the service was decent. Now, the food is awful and overpriced, the drinks never come and the service sucks. I'm not talking about, "oh, my burger is a little over cooked". More like, "my $13 burger taste like cardboard, the bun seems like it was fished out of the trash can, the fries were cold and rubbery, the $12 salad was brown and nasty, the drinks never came until we asked politely for them from another server." They both ended up bringing us our drink orders several minutes later. We politely complained about the food and asked for a comp, the server said she would have to ask the manager on duty, there was no manager on duty, so she never came back to our table. I went up to the register to find out if we were going to be comped and she said the manager said we ate some of the salad so she can't comp it, but they did offer to buy us another beer. We said no thanks for the beer, the server asked if I wanted a refill on my lemonade. I said sure. We got our bill and they charged me full price for the refill, charged us for the double drinks and didn't comp anything. I told the server that I was under the impression that I would at least get a free refill of Kool-Aid lemonade since we didn't take the free beer. The server said, "oh, I'm sorry you think that's what I meant". WHAT A B*%#%! We loved coming here for music and dinner, but with food and service this bad, why would we stay for the music? Also, the waitress had horrible body odor. NOT WORTH GOING HERE! THERE IS BETTER FOOD, MUSIC AND SERVICE ANYWHERE ELSE IN SEATTLE! read more

We LOVED this place. After getting turned away from the place we really wanted to eat at, we ended up here. Boy are we glad we did. The thing I love the best is that they can make me a Negroni. You would be surprised at how many bars lack Campari. The happy hour food was delightful and the service was spot on. The yam chips and crack dip were ordered twice! You should definitely try it. There was also plenty of seating and a sense of privacy at our table even though it was pretty full. Great happy hour! read more

beautiful place with great sound system, high ceilings, lots of windows, comfortable table and chairs. this place should quickly become the #1 hot spot to see live music. good food and beer selection and it feels like home. i highly suggest this place for seeing great live music in an awesome, comfortable setting. read more