Reviews of The Royal (Restaurant)

Terry Sidhu

Average everything the night I visited..

Attila Szamoskozi

Service

Ivan DeLisle

Food was fine, decent beer selection. Music selection was weirdly all over the map and loud and there were not many people for a Friday night. Seems like they are not sure what kind of a place they want to be .

Jack Bradley

Great showcase of eclectic, live entertainment.

It's about the journey

Cool place to stop for a drink and some food. They had a live DJ on the patio which made for a great vibe and the food was delicious. They also allowed Dogs on the patio.

Cam Brown

Good beer and good music!

Pat Savate

Fun time service could be a bit better

JJ Arsenault

Friendly management, amazing ambience, variety of community building events, overall what an epic hangout hub. I can't wait for this to place to be fully operating again post-pandemic.

Dan Tait

Amazing venue, great to see the space getting a much needed new life!!! The sound and staff were perfect, looking forward to the next show!

manmohan virk

Great little spot for live music!

Justin Robinson (Xemoka)

Saw a performance by Baby Jay here last night. It was a nice chill venue to check out some live music.

D. Sal

We really enjoyed The Royal! I can't wait to get into the rest of their delicious menu options next time I'm in Nelson. Great beer, lovely staff, and a sweet place to see a show too.

Kassidy Impens

My boyfriend and I came in and have never been, the server was small with red hair and she was amazing! So kind, knowledgable and quick! She was packed on the patio but totally killed it!! We ordered fries with our drink and the gravy was literally the best gravy we've ever had! 10\10 would recommend!!!

Oliver Morgan

Such a unique place. With its very high ceiling, large stage, big dance floor, great food, live music most nights of the week, it's pretty hard to beat this place. There's always something fun happening there.

Derek Bosch

Nice old bar updated to Kootenay cool.

Wyatt Miller-Unser

Fantastic spot for drinks and live music - the whole team at the Royal did an amazing job with the update, the place is super clean and bright, sound is great throughout the space and they've been doing an awesome job of bringing in a huge variety of local music. Great beer selection with fair prices and regulary changing options, and a nice simple food/appy menu with an effort to source local ingredients! Old school video games in one corner, a proper pool table, some different corner booths to relax with friends, proper stage/dancefloor, great use of this awesome heritage building. Really positive place to spend a night, you can feel how much the new owners care about it and how happy all the staff are, everyone i've met here has been having a great time, really cannot recommend it enough, 10/10!

Chris Reid

Home for live music in Nelson. Not overly special, the fare is decent. The bands coming through are usually pretty strong, worth checking out for live music.

Mlle Jess et Monat Monat

Nice

Sean Ryan

Sat on the Patio. Great food. Dog friendly. Great service. Would come back!

Bunny Brooks

Awsome place great people awsome manager and gotta try the dirty Karla ????????????????????good food great people love it

Melodie Champagne

Great patio for some evening sun. I had the maple chicken burger and it was the best crispy chicken sandwich I've ever had! The drink was also amazing! The California Sour was the perfect patio sipper. Not too sweet not too sour, just perfect. Staff was friendly. Good to see that this restaurant follows the new covid restrictions.

Amanda & Ewan Forrest

Had the Grilled Cheese, best I ever had or it is the result of a year of lame home cooking! I will make the 5 hr trip to hike and have this GC again. Oh and the pickles were great too...

Chris Smith

Greasy food, gross service, tacky atmosphere. I Hope this place doesn't make it through the pandemic.

Alyssa Bauer

Loved it!! Great atmosphere, friendly staff!! The cauliflower bites were killer!! Margi's were rad, will definitely stop in again next time I am through Nelson.

alek k

(Translated) Very good restaurant! The bar is so beautiful, the decoration a big wow! The barmaids advice great for the meal and drink. Very cool place (Original) Très bon resto! Le bar est tellement beau, la décoration un gros wow! Les barmaids conseils super bien pour le repas et drink. Très cool comme endroit

Sehaj Kaur

Truly gourmet food. The Burger they have looked a bit unique with the toppings but man...it was sooooo good! Wife's zuchinni spaghetti dish was very flavorful. Great beer selecrion. Super friendly service from Mark. Would definitely return here again! Highly recommended.

E Stew

We went in for the $10 happy hour dinner special. I ended up getting the donair and a cocktail and my friend got a burger and beer. We were blown away by the quality of the food. The donair was one of the best I've had anywhere - which says a lot. I asked about it and was told that they make the donair meat from scratch from ground beef, lamb, and spices. It was nice and spicy. So flavourful I could have eaten another one even though I was full - it was THAT good. The burger that we ordered was the Peanut Butter Burger - which sounds kind of strange until you try it. They must use an unsweetened type because it's not sweet. Just a tiny bit peanutty. It adds a totally different dimension to the burger making the flavor of the beef really pop. The meat was cooked just right - still tender and juicy without being undercooked. The lettuce and tomato were fresh and crisp. The cook went out of his way to make my son a child size salad which is what he wanted. They were very friendly and accommodating. We got to watch a father-son duo play guitar and sing on stage while we ate. They were very good. All in all it was a fabulous experience. I can't believe we had such a nice dinner AND drinks for $20 plus taxes! We will be going there more often. The place could use a bit of sprucing up...but it adds to it's character. I'm sure that is on the agenda in the near future.

Terry Peck

Fun dive bar, got live music most nights

Chris Wooldridge

Here on business, so I stopped In for dinner. If you like “el furniture warehouse” in Whistler, you’ll love this place. Made my rounds here and it’s the best value in Nelson with no compromise. It’s central, Atmosphere is chill, service is on the ball and it’s evident they care. Their beer selection has something for everyone and the food is next level. I had the bao bomb and the crushable burger. Both were made with fresh ingredients. Wish I was here for the weekend. Coming back for sure!

Maddie Storvold

If you love beer, cocktails, live music, and great food - you have to check out The Royal. It's right on Baker St, in the heart of the action in downtown Nelson. The have a huge selection of local & craft beers, and really delicious, unique foods for great prices. I always get the black bean veggie burger with added feta AND cheddar cheese. SO GOOD. It's the only place in town with the sound system and tech to REALLY enjoy live music. Always a great lineup of local and touring artists. On top of music, there's also paint nights and movie nights. A true community hub!

Michael Carpenter

Stuff doesn't chnow hove to get rid of angry people

Kiri Donesley

Since the new chef the food has improved dramatically! New decor is a great improvement.

Drew MacPherson

Awesome pub, good food great bartender!

Ben

This place got a nice reno. Nice and bright, old school video games and a nicely designed and executed interior. Excellent beers on tap, owners are clearly aiming at a quality menu and drink selection. Over the years this place has seen some really good shows. I sense that the new management is looking to make the place a desirable venu again. I'm looking forward to it.

Kyle Sokoloski

Great place for local bands and live music. Nice old building and outdoor patio too.

Holly L

I came for a show on Saturday night and it was awesome! Wide selection of beers from some of the best breweries in BC, with a focus on local and craft. Large patio, excellent service and a great menu. GO EAT SOME CHICKEN!!!

kanwar dhillon

Food was terrible, and the beer was flat, there was unclean glasses and dishware, too many people high on drugs, obvious drug culture and my girlfriend didn't feel her drink was safe when left unattended. I would not recommend this establishment for any type of night out.

Carla Souza

Food deserves 6 out of 5 stars

E K

I LOVE THE ROYAL! Only good vibes over on Baker Street - pumping patio, delicious food, awesome space and the best tap list in town with a focus on craft. How are you supposed to pick between Twin Sails, Dageraad, Steel and Oak and Backcountry?! 10/10 would highly recommend!

Andrew Pfeffer

Great live music

Steve Chivers aka Chibby

This place is revamped with good owners. The happy hour prices are some of the best in town… Best chicken in town by far and the Caesar is fantastic. Great veggie options too. I love it.

Jeffrey Horton

My heart goes out to the folks who took on the resurrection of the Royal. In these difficult times, inside a bar is just not where most people want to be. This was the first time that I have been to a live music event since Covid, and I must say that the Royal did a great job, given the circumstances. Sign in sheets for contact tracing won't help to prevent infections, but as a reminder it is excellent (which can help with prevention). The tables are positioned far apart and cannot be moved, there are separate entrances and exits, and bathroom doors stay open. There is also a fairly large outdoor patio area. The food looked okay, I had fries with parmesan cheese and rosemary and it was big enough to share. There are good BC wine choices and I really like that. The staff was attentive and efficient. The sound was better than the previous incarnation, but the sound person was also working on the floor. All in all a positive experience delivered as professionally as possible.

Kyle Martin

Looks fantastic inside, great event options and easy to settle into.

Jordan Bonal

An amazing venue. I wish that I would have taken some pictures. There is a nice big stage and plenty of open room for sitting down. I went on a night with live music, but you could watch comedy here too I'm sure. I'm excited to go back

Paul Rodgers

Great look good prices basic pubfare needs themes and flavour

Courtney Enns

Dine in

Laurence “Ham” Hanlon

Swell venue!!! And the staff is really nice!!

Lex Nelson

Awesome place. Great owners. Superb layout.

Nick Carere

Amazing atmosphere. Amazing staff. Amazing food. Amazing drinks.

Allan Felix

Well it is always interesting, and the food is fantastic!! Guaranteed to meet new ppl! Really good. Great friendly staff ????

Marko Macar

Awesome beer list, great food, live music and amazing staff! Best place to socialize whatever the occasion...

Zach Burleson

Some of the best rotating taps in town. Unpretentious vibes. We go here regularly for pints. Usually end up eating a chicken burger.

Sojourn Anisesoleil

Total overhaul. Classy and casual.

J Whitey

Great place to have beer with friends, clean covid free, nice setting on baker!

michael stasica

Its decent usually not to busy

Kim M

Groovy

Iain Munro

Food is amazing. Depp Fried Brie - Amazing Pork Belly - Amazing Deep Fried Spicy Seitan Burger - Amazing Managed to get to speak with the Head Chef who is originally from Manchester, UK, is doing things different to anywhere else in Nelson. You have to try his food.

No Names

Great ambience, and a fun place with a good energy about it.

Ewan Forrest

Donairs! Yay donairs for $5.75! That price is not all the time but during "happy hour" which I'm trying to remember when it is... around 5pm to 7pm... it might've been till 8pm... not sure, my memory is not holding this particular MB (megabrain) file.. At any rate, their donairs are frikkin good and totally east-end Vancouver price affordable. Every evening they're available. They make falafel, I think wraps, and burgers for, I think, all same price as donairs. I DO know that it's $10 for a pint o' beer and donair or falafel thingie or burger. For Nelson, it's almost unheard of to find a place to eat that's affordable, and satisfyingly filling for most folks. Aaaaand, I personally like the Paint Live events the Royal hosts on occasion, I'm told that they are now hosting Paint Live paintin' party every month! That's great, especially since it'll be just after "welfare day" when unemployed people have the money for it. But... now I'm moving away to Vancouver for an 18 month graphic design diploma course so I'll permanently miss these now, except for tomorrow, friday, march 23rd... that will be my last one. Topic will be night sky with either moon or "Death Star". I've missed more sessions than I was able to attend, mostly due to having been held at the broke part of the month (by one week before welfare day, most people on assistance are flat broke) or it wasn't posted anywhere albeit posted online, Facebook and their own webpage, "paintlive.ca". This is a great idea: they supply each participant a canvas, a paper plate with blobs of acrylic paint colors (blk, wht, red, blue, yellow), sm, med, lrg paintbrushes, and good DJ music that energizes the scene... and to each a big beer! Lol ... Not... u buy ur own drinks. that's my own beer-centric wish.... lololol! Goes from 7 till 9pm, and one of their guys stands on the stage and paints while we follow (he suggests to use ur own style while just using his directions as a general guideline - subject matter is always a simple one with room to add or flourish. The last one I wish I didn't miss it (broke) it was northern lights and a fox on a hill. The wavy colors I would've had fun emulating and "trippefying". I wish to thank Royal on Baker for hosting these original creative fun events, and the two "Paint Live" guys, who, looks to me, to have a bit of an overhead supplying all what's needed for 30-some folks to exercise artistic expression. Youse have provided me a much needed boost to my otherwise underfed inspiration. I hope others get similarly psyched and intuit! And.... Royal is the only place I know of around here where one can play pool. (Some might disagree, but I loved it upon first landing in Nelson -2007- how we could smoke while shootin' pool in an enclosed room, especially wintertime! And, there's just something about a beer on the side, a smoke hanging from lips, and eyes squinting and measuring the logistics of the angles of the game of pool.) There. Stick a fork in me, I'm done!

Jamie Merkel

Dinner

Emily Kidner

Really attentive and friendly people. Hope this place does well

Marisei Levert

Delicious food and nice staff!

Gus van Haaren

This place has a great menu, great atmosphere and above all a great staff and management!!

Russell Morrison

Best place, always an exciting event on

Barbara Williams

Love how they are still playing weekly movies! Incredible vibe and atmosphere. Burgers are a must try????

daniela lepe

Concert was great. Good atmosphere

Grant P

It's the tops!

Mel Joy

(Translated) Hipster bar. (Original) Hipster bar.

Kyle Chambers

The Royal is back! Amazing new food menu, bright, vibrant space, and probably the best tap list I have seen in the Kootenays. Went for a show and was blown away by the sound quality. Stoked to have this place back on the map.

Brad Gaulin

Brown ale and the Nashville spicy chicken with sweet potato fries and apple coleslaw. their amazing chicken was pleasantly hot but layered baked on flavouring with an Asian chili sauce that's crisped has so many layers of flavour that it was awesome. Service was friendly and just the right level of attention

Obi Wan

Incredible staff, especially Karla (with a K). Smart, witty, sexy, she's the whole package. Friendly atmosphere with great music. My favorite bar in town by far!

Valerie Boivin

Very cool place to hang out. The food is really tasty and the bar is super nice, love the decor. We were there for a hip hop night, beats were really good.

Danielle Phelan

What a great venue! Good pub food and great service.

Bill Lander

Best food in nelson.

Tim Cormick

Awesome fried chicken, amazing service.

Lady Vagitron

Nice people, great food, cool atmosphere.

Nick Soden

Tasty drinks live music. What's with the face masks

Dan Barletta

Great service and beer selection! Spicy fried chicken and waffles is phenomenal!

jim f

Super yummy, great dj! ????

Allan Piercy

Good service! Tasty food, often live music

Tristan Gagnon

Awesome beer selection. And such a great space for just hanging out or watching live music. Definitely must if visiting Nelson! Coolest place in the Koots :)

Mark OConnor

Great service, great atmosphere

Nolan V

Fantastic food, great service.

Jordan Knott

Great beverage choices however the menu was a bit on light side could use use a few more items. Maybe some better bar stools. Still a great place to go and i will return.

David Reid

Hands down our favorite place to sit and eat in Nelson! Patio seating is right on baker, the royal burger is not to be passed up! Speed of service varies... But it's never been bad.

JAMie

Meh

Lysh Labrum

Go for the beer but stay for the food. Love putting bacon and cheese on the vegan burgers haha

Matt Sumner

Live music, pool tables. Great food and drink specials. $4 dollar beers. Food is nothing special

Jose Qadir

Live music, nostalgic with mainly local crowds. Pool table.

heather dyball

It's better than when dale owend it

MIKE DONALDSON

Nice atmosphere. Open space, good stage

J T

Food was tasty! Beer cold!

Andrew McLean

Staff was amazing and friendly, food was great. The atmosphere inviting. Nelson support this establishment, a must to visit if in town.

Natasha McAvoy

Kids can come before 8pm. Lots of space and old school video games. Great selection of BC craft beer. Friendly staff

Chelsey Popoff

Great food, service and music!

fred malahoff

Best bar we went to in Nelson. Don’t know anything about the old owner but the new owner are an awesome young couple who are obsessed with beer. Perfect. Staff and service was great too. Went three nights in a row while we were in town.

T D

Good food. Cool vibe

Jerel Hight

MY favorite little dive bar. They should really have more metal shows though.

Camara Cassin

So glad the Royal is back in Nellie! Good food, nice live music, friendly staff. Long live Bob Ross videos!

Ruth Fleming

Loud, Good drinks

Sophia Feliciello

Amazing food, great place for drinks, excellent all around. Love this place and the owners are doing everything right. Highly recommended!!

Grant Bracken

The ambiance is legit when you're allowed inside.. but the food is kinda rough and pricey

Jason Morrow

Wonderful menu and so many draught beer choices

Jessica Wood

Great live music. Incredible service and delicious food.

Trenton Breeze

cheap drinks, decent food, good for large groups

Nick Cowie

Great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, delicious food with a wide selection, awesome music from touring bands to local talent. Rock on !

Zak Grant-Reid

Love this place and Tony's creativity in the kitchen knows no bounds

Julia Veith

The place was incredible! Very lovely mee ting one of the new owners Marc! He was very nice and knowledgeable! The food was very delicious and they have a lot of vegetarian options. They are very happy to assist with any food restrictions vegan, GF, lacto..... we have had the baked brie, fries and olives. Great performance, ambiance and presentation. I will be back and post pictures. 100% recommend!!!!

myfukinarmhurts

Pretty meh food. I ordered the Cesar and they literally mixed vodka with clamato juice. Won't be going back here. Good ambience for live music I suppose

Lynnda Smith

Great food, atmosphere and service...nothing needs to be said more. Thank you for a lovely evening ???? cheers!!!

J Fieldler

Really good food and music.

Ron Forest-Smith

After hearing all about The Royal during the pandemic, we were finally able to get to Nelson and Check it out. The pictures do not do it justice. This place is huge. Lots of seating, including a tiered seating area facing the stage. We tried a couple items on the menu, the fried chicken, probably one of the best I have ever had with a subtle but very tasty spice to it, the smash burger, aptly named because it was piled so high with goodness I had to smash it down (recommended method of handling it by the way) to take a bite. We also shared a plate of the pork and date dumplings. I can't describe to you how good these were. It was a new taste (after 65 years who knew there were new tastes left?) and one I would go back for again and again. The rotating beer tap full of BC sourced product along with the BC sourced wine list makes this a positive buy local spot to eat and imbibe. Sadly, we arrived a day late for the live act that played Saturday night but from what we over heard from some of the patrons, they don't cheap out on live bands. Huge stage to play on as well which is a big plus for musicians looking for a venue, and with the amount of seating available likely a good paying gig. Staff were excellent, and very friendly to a couple of senior tourists! First place we'll hit when we get back to Nelson!! The down side, way too hot outside for patio lovers while we were there, but I won't hold the Royal responsible for that!

Nicole Coetzee

The renos, and new ownership, make The Royal the new hot spot in Nelson. It's great!

Chris Green

Had an amazing time dancing with DJ Fido!! Love this place and will be back next time we’re in Nelson

Pavel Abraham

The ambiance, food, service, and prices were stellar! The pork belly was cooked perfectly and the sangria was delicious. Loved the whole experience!

Connie Lambrecht

AUSSUM PLACE GOOD FOOD GREAT MUSIC LIVE BANDS I RECOMMEND THIS AS THE TOP PLACE FOR ( A LIVE MUSIC VENUE IN NELSON B.C)

Marnee Buckles

Almost always a wide array of amazing live music and amazing customer service from the General Manager and Staff.

Alex “Eclectic” Maclean

Staff are great Atmosphere is decent Some of the shows are pretty good Do be advised that Burgers and the like do not come with fries You know, like every other established placed since the dawn of burger and fries. Food quality is certainly okay, but you will be paying extra for anything else making this one of the most expensive places on the strip

Amanda K

Food and service was great! Appetizers and beer were a great deal during happy hour!

stephanie chevalier

By far the best bar in Nelson. Great spot for live music, quality craft beer taps and pool/games. Super friendly staff and management. A must visit!

Liam Jensen

High quality small bites, good beer, good music and friendly staff

S Mckay

This place has changed hands so many times... I love what the current owners/management have done with the place! Funky decor, GREAT food, staff who are very good at their jobs, fun lively atmosphere! Well done!

shamim p

Cool bar. Live music.

Mandy Mcleod

Went there about a year and a half ago, wasn’t too impressed. Just came back and so good! Fries are some super crispy homemade ones, crushable burger was delicious! Dunno what changed but super good.

Moon Roots

Great entertainment

Patricia Young

Meal type

Sergiy Chekulayev

Good bar for sure. Friendly people and staff

Johannes Jorgensen

Always a good time. Great service, good peeps.