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    Royal James Cafe

    3.5 (61 reviews)
    InexpensivePool Halls, Cafes
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Royal James Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    ROYAL JAMES CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Divey
    Live music
    Good for groups

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    Reviews With Photos

    Hot dog with chili sauce and mustard
    John C.

    I was visiting Beaufort to get a hot dog in Carteret County and Yelp led me to Royal James Cafe. I parked a few blocks away to avoid the pay parking and enjoyed a short walk around town before the rain from Tropical Storm Debby picked up and I ducked into the Royal James Cafe. There was a good crowd around 2:30 as folks were sheltering from the storm playing pool. I ordered a hot dog, a cheeseburger, and a Miller Light and took a seat at the bar. As others have noted cash only and you pay when you're done. The guy behind the bar did everything: cashier, cook, bartender, server; so if he was busy everything slowed down a bit. It wasn't long before my food was slid in front of me. The burger was basic but good. The hot dog wasn't my favorite. Their chili sauce has a strong onion flavor and a spice level that wasn't appealing to me. I did appreciate that the dog was split down the middle and it looks like they use Brightleaf hot dogs. I'll also support a local wiener. All in all: just ok.

    That's chili?
    April A.

    Best burgers in Beaufort? Is this a joke? What part of NO cheese does your establishment not understand?! Twice I've ordered a burger, specifically without cheese, but guess what was on my MFIN burger. Yep, cheese!!! The burger I ordered was with chili, onions and mustard only. The chili looked and tasted exactly like ketchup (see pic). They're ALWAYS out of something. They quit buying bacon, and you're lucky if you can ever get lettuce or a tomato. I'll never eat at this pool hall/bar disguised as a burger joint ever again. I suggest you skip this dive and just order from Burger King, which they suck, too, but at least they have the proper ingredients to put on a burger. SMFH.

    Vikki M.

    This is a rating for lunch time on a weekday in May. Place doesn't look like much, definitely a pool hall, probably a very different vibe at night. However absolutely one of the best burgers that I've had in a long time and the service was fantastic. Highly recommend for a lunch time burger.

    Grilled cheese...
    Melanie R.

    Grilled cheese...the cheese was not even slightly melted. The restaurant did not have ice. Service was well.. I'm on vacation and want to be nice. I took a cautious bite, followed up by a swig of soda, then hightailed it to Mezcalitos . Seriously delicious!!

    Grill
    Discerning C.

    Fantastic value in a historic establishment. Great beers on tap and the food prices can't be beat; all while playing a game of pool and in a convenient location.

    a man playing a guitar
    Mer R.

    The historic Royal James Cafe is a local legend and a friendly dive. The open mic night was a blast with fun songs! They also have Wisconsin cheese curds which is tough to find outside the Midwest. A great place to grab a drink, a burger and just hang out. I always make a point to stop by when I'm in town. The menu updates and entertainment have definitely taken this place up a notch. Casper and Richard were especially welcoming!

    Pinball

    After eating at so many upscale restaurants in Beaufort, it was a breath of fresh air to eat casual burgers and play pool and pinball at Royal James. The two staff members were exceptionally welcoming to our 4 year old at 5:30 p.m. (before their rush/regulars). They gave him several free quarters to try the games, and even switched one of the TV's to cartoons without us asking. Their customer service was unmatched especially when we needed to manage a toddler who was tired and cranky after a day on the sun and water. The Double Cheeseburger, fries, and onion rings were all solid.

    Double cheeseburger and fries cheese curds
    Angela S.

    We were told to try the "hole in the wall" burger place while in Beaufort...it did not disappoint! The burgers literally melt in your mouth and the portion sizes were big.

    Historic Beaufort Dive

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    3 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

    A few Pool tables and a bartender, mostly for people that play pool. Just a simple hamburger at the bar. Nothing fancy.

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Carlos will steal your money. Count your change. I used to enjoy the dive bar, until he graduated from fry cook to bartender

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Two things were good. The beer & the pool cues. It's a dive bar! Dirty table & balls; crappy felt. Needs a good "pressure wash"!

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    16 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Great little dive bar. Those all always the best. Great hamburgers. The band was a little loud for conversation

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    9 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    18 years ago

    Funky place. Got the Shrimp and it was pretty good. Would hit it up again for inexpensive fare while in Beaufort.

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    Reed's Coffee + Art + Framing - Find me a better view with coffee!

    Reed's Coffee + Art + Framing

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    I was looking for some coffee on the way to the aquarium and found this shop with good reviews... I…read moresee why it's regarded so highly! My partner got the pumpkin jack while I opted for a warm drink: the maplewood latte. Our drinks came out quickly, and they're both really good. The pumpkin jack is DELICIOUS! Good balance of creaminess while still maintaining a solid coffee flavor. Our barista was super nice and the shop is cute! Spacious and some other stuff to check out!

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    Inside

    Royal James Cafe - poolhalls - Updated May 2026

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