Royal Tavern

When my partner and I want to go out to eat, but not bother with the formalities of a fancy restaurant, we immediately think of the Royal Tavern. A relaxed bar vibe, a jukebox stocked with past and present indie favorites, and good food keep us coming back. And thanks to the smoking ban, this popular and often cramped bar is immensely more enjoyable.

The Royal Tavern, an unassuming bar amongst the row houses on Passyunk Avenue in Bella Vista, is brought to you by the same people who own the Khyber. The Khyber feels like a dirty bar, and is good for live music and a drink. The Royal Tavern feels like a neighborhood bar, and is good for food and a drink.

A menu of basics (nachos, salads, burgers, pizza) is supported by a list of specials scrawled on a chalk board above the tall bar tables across from the mirror-backed, dark wood bar. There are also vegan and vegetarian offerings on the menu, and a weekend brunch menu.

My favorite menu item is the vegan sloppy joe. Vegan beef with a satisfyingly spicy tomato sauce is piled high on a brioche bun and served with a side of coleslaw. I recommend a side of onion rings if they have them on special; the accompanying garlic mayo dipping sauce is addictive.

My partner’s favorite menu item is the Tempeh club with vegan bacon, tempeh, lettuce, tomato, basil, and aioli on Texas Toast. This sandwich is huge, and difficult to get in the mouth even with a firm squashing.

I have tried the mac and cheese (of course), and I can’t say that I recommend it. This side dish is creamy (not cheesy) and bland.

Other menu items have been tried, but the sloppy joe and tempeh club are our perennial favorites to chew on while slinging back drinks to wash the work week away.

Royal Tavern,
937 E. Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-389-6694
Mon-Fri, 11:30am-2am; Sat-Sun, 10am-2am; kitchen open ‘til 1am