Royal Cafe

811 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

Address:	811 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA
Phone:	+1 510-525-6066
Site:	royalcafealbany.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	7AM–2PM 7AM–2PM 7AM–2PM 7AM–2PM 7AM–2PM 8AM–2PM 8AM–2PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 22

A Private User

Ive been going to the Royal Cafe for so many years that I still think of it as Mamas Royal Cafe! The decor, mentioned by other reviewers, is definitely a selling point - the old toasters and posters are a great counterpoint to the openness of the bilevel space lit from daylight through plate glass windows. During the hottest part of the day, the western sun is mediated through white blinds. There are booths and an old-fashioned counter to sit at, as well as tables and chairs, and it is usually a bustling place. As you come in the front door, the counter is on your left and there is a banquette where you can sit to wait if there arent any seats when you come in, with lots of alternative newspapers and flyers showcasing local events and shops. The food is the main thing, though - its good and its consistent. The pancakes are wonderful, as are the omelets, and they have scones with lemon curd which are famous outside the Bay Area. The thing I like the most is that anyone can find something they like here and substitutions arent a problem.

Tommy Verica

Friendly attentive staff on top of the food being excellent. I got lucky and stumbled on this place on a very rainy day while driving through to visit a friend and loved the breakfast. Great omelettes, wonderful toast, and the potatoes were the real thing cooked to perfection. Had a good shot of espresso to start the whole meal off. If I lived anywhere near the Bay area I would live in this place for breakfast. Dont let the on-line image of the decor put you off, it is not obnoxious, it has mostly wooden tables, chairs and booths well used.

Brandy Esparza

This cozy place has fun, nostalgic decor and a good selection of breakfast dishes, as well as some lunch plates. They are usually busy, moderately priced, and have great staff and service. Their scrambles are great, my Dad loves their pancakes ( several kinds), and they have a decent bloody Mary ( I hot sauced mine a little). If its rush time or a weekend there can be a wait, but if youre an early bird no big deal. The vintage decorations are fun to explore and theres also counter seats available.

William Atherton

Appears to be a standard 50s diner but this place exceeds expectation. Got a regular burger (The Royal). This did not taste like a regular burger. A high quality bun, arugula instead of iceberg, a little something that Im pretty sure is just the standard seasoning and this burger fits its name. Tack on great service, a clean restaurant, and a pretty decent mocha and Ill definitely be returning. Overall I would take half a star off with the fries being nothing notable, but I had to round up.

Simon Molloy

I previously gave this place 5 stars, however, after todays attempt to get some breakfast, I can only give it 1. I ordered eggs Benedict and after over half an hour waiting in the not busy restaurant, I received eggs which were disgustingly partially raw with egg whites completely uncooked, I ordered poached medium. After such a long wait and a busy day ahead of me, I had to leave without eating. So, Im now late and hungry. If a breakfast restaurant cant cook an egg........?

A Private User

I seriously love this place. The staff is amazing, efficient and extremely friendly! One of the waitresses even apologized that we always ended up with her. Not that anyone could mind, since shes so sweet. Their fresh made cinnamon current scones served with fresh lemon curd are absolutely amazing, as well. Half the time I go in, I have a dilemma of either getting a scone or a full breakfast. Good thing theyll package the scone to go for you! Also, love their coffee.

Jorge

This is our first and last time here, food is allright, nothing special about it but the prices, wow this place is very expensive and the portions are VERY small, even "ihop" gives you bigger portions. Any other places you expect to pay 25 to 30 bucks for 2 persons tax included and you leave with a full belly, also if your party is 6 persons or over there is an automatic 18% tip "surcharge"

aykesha29

I just left here my first time and my last. I sat at the counter a guy sat next to me after I ordered. He received his food before mines I waited for about 3 min after he was eating no big deal right. Wrong I received my food after waiting about 20 min it was almost cold & to top it off no one even checked on me yet the guy next to me was asked if he was ok.

J.J. Howard

Really nice people, nice place to watch the world go by. As a former barista and trainer thereof, I cringe a little every time I watch them pull shots though...guys, seriously, you need to dose properly and tamp, and watch your espresso flow so you dont overextract. And a lot of other things too. Hit me up if you want some lessons.

Kathryn L

Notes: Busy on the weekends Private lot (free) and street parking Casual attire Welcoming and friendly staff Credit card accepted Most popular item scone with lemon curd House made items: Green salsa, smoked bacon, and smoked salmon. Fresh squeezed OJ

Liliane Chow

A breakfast and brunch place. Ordered egg Benedict and scrambles and scone. none of them are very impressive. Decorations are old scene, but overly done it so the whole place looks like a dilapidated place. Nice staffs but food is just OK.

Colin Murphy

Very good breakfast, but over priced, even at Bay Area rates. I had a very nice Denver Omelette with a muffin and black coffee and ended up paying 21 bucks after tip. Would happily come back if someone else was buying.

leanne kinnard

Great service, reasonably priced, dog friendly. Owner could not be nicer or more accommodating. Delicious homemade scones, smoked salmon and bacon, green chile wake up salsa to die for. You will not be disappointed

Ellen Warner

Very good scrambled eggs and home fried potatoes. Sounds easy, but its not! Great high quality bread options too, including scones, muffins, etc. and good plentiful coffee. Very friendly service.

andrew motley

Best place for breakfast. House made bacon free range eggs ,great coffee and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Also huge waffles with fresh fruit. Last time I went there. For a bonus. Bob Marley

Glen Goddard

Wow, I havent been impressed like this for a long time. Food was great!♤♡◇♧ Chicken and waffle, Italian scramble, maple bacon, banana coconut pancakes. Wow. Service was also over the top.

Monica Karanja

Extremely delicious, couldnt have made it better, even if I tried and Im a terrific cook. Lemon scone/curd..... to die for. Thanks much! Keep it up and have a terrific 2017!

Charlie Dill

My brother had the delightful greek omelette, I loved my fresh-made scone with lemon curd. Great coffee! I enjoyed the service and funky retro decor as well. Check it out!

Diana S

Its original. I always like places with their own funky vibe. The lemon curd scone is a must try. My breakfast was good. The service was good. Its worth going to.

Benjamin Caldwell

Love everything here. Tried bene on fire. Fried chicken and waffle. Stuffed pancakes. Homemade bacon and sausage.

Ashley Blaylock

Best breakfast place in town and they let you bring your dog. They set up a table outside and they are awesome!

Artie Cortez

small place for breakfast. may take a while to get a table if more than 2. green table side salsa is great.