Great little spot to listen to live music! My friend and I were there last Thursday for the "singer-songwriter" summit. It was enjoyable...except for the group talking so loud at the table next to us that it was difficult to hear the music. Oh well...we moved! read more

This bar is amazing! Great drinks, chill vibes, dog friendly, live music. The bartenders are friendly and down to earth and you're out of the immediate vicinity of both Union Square and the Tenderloin. Highly recommended. read more

I used to like this place until I saw the worst slam poet in history perform here, which was so bad it was almost entertaining -- like the movie Crossroads. It's nice and quiet, dark, and comfortable. I wish they served martinis -- I bet they would have nice ones. It's fun to go out for champagne here once in a blue moon. Does this place have coffee? I think it's weird when a place calls itself a cafe and doesn't serve coffee. read more

A nice little wine bar with somewhat comfortable seating and good atmosphere for chatting. It's great for conversation since they don't play the music too loud. Go here if you are with a group of friends and you all plan to do some catching up. Otherwise, you might find the place a tad boring. Unless you want to play pool. They got a table. I'm giving it 4 stars, even though I really want to give it 3.5 so this is me being generous. By the way, I'm not impressed by the art on the walls ("Artist Looking For Work" posters). I know it's supposed to be ironic, but I dunno, it's trying to hard to be Andy Warhol or something. Eh. read more

I came here on a Monday night (first Monday of the month) when it was Beatles Karaoke night and I had a blast! The night starts around 8pm where my friend's uncle plays the piano and his friend is on the drums. Anyone from the audience is encouraged to come on stage and sing their Beatles song of choice. It gets more crowded after 9pm when you might have to fight for the mic! I really enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and crowd. Most people live nearby the bar and are pretty chill. The bar itself is small but there is a loft area making it appear larger with the high ceilings. I am definitely coming back on Beatles night! read more

A trustworthy selection of coffee, beer and wine. A functional art gallery that features work by local artists (more hits than misses). Loads of natural light during the day and a comfy setting in the evening. The second floor seating is always nice, if not a bit warm on those odd hot days, but offers a great perspective of goings-on below. Free music. There is no other local venue in close proximity to Union Square/Tenderloin/Nob Hill/Polk Street that offers such a thing on a regular basis. And featuring music that doesn't always have a commercial zeal - a further unique element to the programming at Cafe Royale. So as the city's event spaces, cafes and bars continue their sad permutation into a shallow reflection of commercial and Manhattan-style successes, I am happy to have Cafe Royale around for the occasional drink and reminder of what a neighborhood spot is all about. read more

Hi! I've just been there about a half an hour ago. Nice & relaxing place. You can play pool. It has a nice view and a lot of space; easy going. I think it's a good place to start your evening; get a few drinnks, relax and... start whatever you want. Anyway; a good place :) read more

I was batting 0/2 on brunch ideas this weekend. Yesterday Cafe Ramind was unexpectedly closed, but we were saved by delicious breakfast burritos at Castillito. Today, the plan was Cafe Chanta, also unexpectedly closed. Fortunately Cafe Royale saved the day. The spot doesn't jump out at you, not a lot of signs, and it wasn't busy. In fact, it was slow enough where I even wondered if they were open. They indeed were, and over the course of a few hours I enjoyed a generous bowl of fruit and granola (yogurt is whole, nonfat milk was a fine substitute), toasted turkey cranberry sandwich, free wifi and plenty of outlets. Plenty of windows allow enabled good people/city watching, prices were very reasonable and the service friendly. Not a bad way to spend the first part of Sunday. There were a lot of postings for evening musical performances, and I'm definitely planning on a returning to check that out. P.S. - Guy helping me, the one talking about the half marathon, if you are reading this, thanks for the good eats, and like I was saying, do it. read more

Love The Royale. Jon and his team have done an absolutely awesome job at making this bar a great place to meet friends any night of the week. They constantly have events going on and whether you want to have a custom cocktail or just pint of beer, this is a great spot. I've been here on stand up comedy nights as well as jazz nights and both were a lot of fun. Keep up the good work Jon! I will come visit you soon! read more

This place is totes cute. It's the perfect spot for meeting a friend in "lower nob hill" ie tenderloin for a drink. We wandered around for about 20 minutes and stumbled into a whole lotta ghetto dive bars (and when I say ghetto dive - I actually mean scary gross). Then we found Cafe Royale. Had some nice live music when we were there, not too crowded and a mostly good looking and laid back crowd. Check it out if you're in the 'hood. read more

Cafe Royale is the perfect place if you want to have a glass of wine and get on the internet and disappear for an hour or two... I find this place absolutely comforting, which is convenient, since my bf lives almost next to it. We usually go during the week to play pool or sit on the window benches. Really great ambiance and never over-crowded, never an annoying crowd and they have a second level with additional seating...again, a good place to disappear. Plus they have free licorice, so that's always a bonus. read more

I probably never would have made it to Cafe Royale if they weren't such great supporters of oddball special events, but they are great hosts off the best oddball gatherings in San Francisco, such as Zombie Pub Crawls, Drunken Spelling Bees, and especially Opera On Tap. Look for them on Funcheap, there's always at least one goofy operation taking place there once a week. As a bar, I like that they're spacious, although it gets a little cramped by the bar itself, so it may take some time to get a drink, but they don't have the hipster-pretentious vibe that's eating away at a lot of the best Tenderloin bars. Check out their event list and look for a reason to check out Cafe Royale, I'm sure you'll find plenty. read more

I live very close to CR so I'd been walking past for a while and finally went in last night for a drink. I'm not a beer drinker, but the selection looked decent, and the wine list was varied which was nice. The atmosphere is cozy and creative. There is a pool table, bar seating, and cafe style booths. Most every night something is going on weather it's sushi, opera, karaoke, or jazz music. They have their calendar updated on their website, so definitely go check to see if anything that interests you is coming up! read more

Came here on their monday night comedy happy hour. decent crowd, you can usually find a place to sit. comedians were so so, not the ones you would find at cobbs or other places. at least they don't have the two drink minimum rule, but i guess it would not matter since their cocktails taste like cough syrup! and the CHERRY kind..ewww. how can you make a "watermelon soju" cocktail that contains soju, watermelon liquer, and lime juice taste so bad?! it wasn't properly shaken either since the bartender wanted to make as less noise as possible in order not to disturb the quietness of the room. so he was like half shaking it slowly and gently, which didn't help mix the ingredients well. i was definitely disappointed in their cocktails. it's a free event, but they ask for tips. the lady was standing right in front of us with the jar waiting for us to hand some moolahs over. i felt so pressured to give a lot, but then i realized it was in the dark and she wouldn't be able to see what i gave anyways. bad drinks..booo read more

Much thanks to Nick Palm for the comedy invite. This place was cool and had a great crowd for a Wednesday night. Pros: Nice stage for comedy Close to a parking garage BOMB WHISKEY SOURS Pretty chill place Balcony seating Pool table Cons: Balcony seating...for 9. 1 bartender. Just 1. You can't see the stage all that well from the balcony Great for a low key night. However I probably wouldn't be there on a Friday Night hang out. I think it's a perfect place for smaller intimate events like this comedy night. You don't notice the street noise at all and there are enough people walking around at night to make you feel generally safe. read more

Amazing music. Owner/bartender made me feel at home. Different genres for music. Coming back!!!

Exactly what the doctor ordered. Cool spot to ease into post pandemic drinking scene. Chill environment and awesome band!

Again, I struggle with how to give a place a half a star, so my three stars really means two-and-a-half stars (I will err on the high side). I'm examining the photos of Cafe Royale very carefully...however, the photographer miraculously failed to capture its natural ambiance (the cockroaches scaling the walls). It is a charming place, it even has live music and all (no cover). I think they might even serve food (but given my cockroach comment, I would steer clear). Geary and Post are teeming with cliche bars, this is not one of them, so you can feel comfortable if you want to relax and have a drink. However, they only serve beer and wine, so if you need a stiff one, you're outta luck. I'm not sure of the live music schedule, so it might be hit or miss. They also have a pool table for bar olympians. Back to the cockroach thing (and I hate to harp on this). My friend stepped on one on the floor (relax PETA). I recoiled in fear when I saw one crawling over his head on the wall. To give Cafe Royale the benefit of the doubt, we live in an old city with old buildings. It was a warm night last night, and all kinds o' crazies climb out when it's nice. I just have this thing about cockroaches... read more

This place is, by far, my favorite bar in San Francisco. It really is the place you go where everybody knows your naaaaaaame, and they really are always glad you came. And if they don't know your name, chances are they will next time. This is the place where you get reasonably priced, amazing cocktails that are served to you from experienced and genuinely kind bartenders. You will also most likely strike up conversations with the people next to you, who are always very nice. This place really attracts your friendly neighborhood bar patrons. They also have amazing events that are always free. I would recommend coming here to anyone. No matter what, you are bound to have a good time. read more

3.5 Have gone here twice already. Great house red wine though they never want to tell me the name of the bottle so I'm just going to pretend that it's a "blend" of all the leftover red wines poured into one bottle at the end of the night. I came here once for a Couchsurfing event. I noticed that the upstairs wasn't open that Wednesday. Then I came back on Saturday night and it was pretty chill until 11pm where folks then started to wander in and the upstairs was opened. Played some pool and had some fun. No annoying douche bag yuppies here =D read more

Ah Royale... How I have longed for a bar as cool as well appointed as you to show up in the neighborhood! I love your fine selection of booze, your nice old school refined decor, your friendly owners and delicious drinks. There's even some killer art in there every month. Keep it up you guys, love what you do here! read more

Decent Millenial version of a corner bar. Pool table. Friendly service. Spacious. I wouldn't go out of my way to return.

My favorite watering hole! Even my dog loves being there. Ask for Jon, the guy is hilarious.

I'd never heard of this place until someone I know was lined up to play music there. It turned out to be a easy walk from the 19 so that was a big plus in my book. It's a cool little place, comfy seating (though not much of it), a decadent red drop behind the stage and nice guys working the bar. The crowd was relaxed and the sound was good in that not too quiet, not too loud kind of way. Nothing terribly notable about Cafe Royale but it'll definitely be on my radar for a casual show or maybe an after work drink now. read more

Went for a Shakespeare in the Pub play. Great atmosphere! Actors really made use of the entire space, and there was a special menu for the event. Recommend visiting, particularly when the plays are running! read more

I love these guys. Period. For anyone who has known Cafe Royale over the years, you'll see how much the current 4 owners have done to the place, and the neighborhood. The community they have created over the past several years is amazing. All 4 owners bartend and they're all ridiculously nice, intelligent and low-key people. They're no-bulllshit kind of guys, which is what I love about them. If you come in and try to order a drink while talking on your cell phone, they may not attend to you right away, because it's rude to be on your cell phone while trying to talk face-to-face with another person. The Royale is an awesome, low-key neighborhood bar with a great pool table, talented bartenders, and always good music playing. Also, for anyone looking for a private event location, check them out. I hosted my wedding at the Royale last weekend. It was awesome. From the start the owners went above and beyond to make sure their involvement in my wedding reception was not the cause of any stress. They listened to my requests, moved tables around accordingly, helped get the caterers situated, and worked directly with my live music and DJ to make sure they had everything they needed. My fiance (now husband!) and I opted for an open bar until we reached a certain $$ amount. They came up to me regularly during the night with updates on what our guests were spending, which was really helpful. At the end of the night, even the bouncer offered to help me as I struggled getting the left over cake into a box. I cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work, and for helping to keep me sane during the planning process. ;) The Royale has always had a special place in my heart, and I am so happy we decided to host our wedding reception there. It was perfect. :) read more

I've always been a fan of this place. Great music, friendly service, laid back atmosphere. Well, the owners just completely redesigned the place, and now they have a full liquor license, and it's has just gotten better. Great Jazz, other music and still the friendly service. I recommend The Royale (new name) to anybody looking for some good music and a hip, swinging club. read more

I'm not too sure how I feel about this bar. I have ben here a few times since it is around the corner from my place and I walk by all the time. I have seen a few live band shows and interesting musicians and the only thing that really sticks out to me about Cafe Royale is that they serve champagne in a can. +1 star for location from my apt + 1 star for customer service -1star because table placement is not the greatest around the pool table (almost got hit) +1 star for the live music and interesting line up. read more

Very laid-back place. It's like hanging out at the home of a kid with really cool parents- - pool table, comfy couches, good lighting, great alcohol selection. (Try the Belgian ale Chimay.) My friend and I came here to study (at night, no less) and we sat there for hours drinking, trying to speak Turkish, and even chowing down on burgers from Pearl's down the street. I love my local watering hole! The neighborhood is perfectly fine, too, despite its "Tenderloin" tag. read more

I like this place, it has a European vibe--perhaps just in that the interior is ornate, unlike most American architectures, or that there's this funny upstairs that's kind of like a catwalk, except you can look out over the street. The beer's not awfully priced, in fact, downright cheap for SF ($4 for draft I think). It's also right next door to Kayo Books, one of the most eccentric bookstores in The City. This gets my vote for one of the best café/bars in SF, right up there with Coffee to the People, Momi Toby's and Caffe Greco. read more

Need to meet someone for a casual drink, but still want an intimate atmosphere? Cafe Royale. Love live music and seeing the work of local artists? Cafe Royale. Looking for snooty beers that actually back up their hype? Cafe Royale. Want to shoot pool while drinking such snooty beers? Cafe Royale. Do you only drink water, but want to go out with your alcohol-dependent buddies? Cafe Royale has a large jug of pour-it-yourself water waiting for you right next to some Twizzlers. When the middle of this bar isn't serving as an intimate live music venue, couches fill it with their allure of comfort and rest. The walls are lined with the work of local artists, which hang over tables and bench seating that invite you to conversation. More private tables are located in the opposite corner of the bar. Liquor is limited to sake and soju ONLY. Situated in the TenderNob, Cafe Royale is one of the most comfortable and reliable bars in SF. Folks who live in the area will find Cafe Royale to be a reliable, go-to bar for various kinds of occasions. read more

Came here recently for my birthday and had exactly what I wanted: a chilled out place to relax, drink and mess around with my friends. They have a pool table which was perfect seeing as how I brought a few of those ADD-ish people who don't like to just sit and chat. One of my friends said it was kinda like the best living room in the world. Wine is delicious and I've had nothing but excellent service. read more

Cafe Royale is neighborhood cafe/soft bar where I can just chill with a bunch of friends. They have pool table, sofas for a group of people and a nice little bar. It's kind of my own big living room outside of my apartment. What else you need while with friends? read more

For years, Cafe Royale has been a lovely place for me to lounge with friends, on the comfy red velvet couch, while drinking wine and soju cocktails. They've also got a small selection of nibbles, something I wish more laid back bars in San Francisco would offer. read more

Cool spot, and I'm glad it's still around. The first time I came here was a really long time ago when a good friend lived in the area, and she decided to take me out here. Cool vibe and non-pretentious, and convenient because she lived a couple of blocks away. Walked past it coincidentally today, and bookmarking it as hopefully a spot to visit again in the near future. read more

This place has the makings of a good cafe, but it's not a good night spot. I found the acts they featured to be boring and tired. I mean, the two girls with guitar bringing the accordion into the mix was cool, but the accordion novelty factor only gets you so far; there should be talent involved somewhere. They have lots of wine here, and some good beer, I'll give them that. But otherwise this place is a little lame. I did like the balcony seating area, but it was incredibly small and so any group of over 2 was SOL. read more

Cafe Royale, you are cool personified. Wine, beer, live music. So glad you are here! read more

I've got 3 words for you: SWEET. BABY. JESUS. These seemingly unrelated words may not mean a whole lot but when you put them together, you get an extremely sweet mixed soju drink that's sure to f*@k you up before you can say SWEET BABY JESUS. However, a word of caution- it's like drinking a melted grape Otter Pop with alcohol in it. Not the best choice for your first drink so 3 or 4 drinks into your night, give SWEET BABY JESUS a shot and be sure to tip your bartender because you'll be enjoying the rest of your night tipsy-style. Also, they have a pool table (cost to play: $0.75!) so that's an obvious plus! read more

Came here on a Friday night. We were looking for a place to relax and really stumbled upon Cafe Royale. The interior is pretty sweet with two over sized deep red couches serving as a focal point. Great date place or even an more intimate setting for a happy hour. Drinks are good and not too expensive. They make a lot of specialty drinks with soju & saki so prepare to get a little messed up. The bartender was friendly and laid back so pretty good service. read more

I love this place! The wine and beer selection is small, but good. It's called a cafe-but it's more a cafe in the European sense, and by that I don't mean that it's a sit down place, I mean that it is a place to drink and meet and mix and meet interesting people. The decor is cozy-big red cushiony couches in the middle and lots of little cafe tables to sit at. There is a little something for everyone-pool table, live music on some nights, theatre on others (I am a regular at SF Theater Pub: http://sftheaterpub.wordpress.com/) Les and Dan (the owners) are awesome! Tip for newbies: Don't try to order food when it's super busy or they will give you the evil eye! read more