Today marks the much-anticipated return of Royal Tavern after a 43-month hiatus, kicking off with a soft reopening at 4 p.m.

During the pandemic, owners Stephen Simons and David Frank concentrated on their other establishments better suited for takeout, such as Triangle Tavern and Cantina Los Caballitos. This focus delayed the revival of Royal Tavern, as explained by Benson.

The tavern had undergone a renovation just before the pandemic hit. Since then, it has seen the addition of new features like extra bench seating in the dining area and decorative elements of ornate wood and stained glass. However, the classic layout, including the 12-seat bar, has been preserved.

The signature burger of Royal Tavern, a longstanding favorite and much-missed item since the tavern’s closure, is making a comeback without any changes. It features a beef patty topped with smoked gouda, chili mayo, caramelized onions, pickled long hots, bacon, all on a sesame seeded bun, accompanied by fries with malt vinegar mayo.

A grand opening is planned for early December, and the introduction of weekend brunch hours is set for the new year. For today’s opening and in the future, guests can look forward to the same intimate neighborhood atmosphere, as noted by Benson. He emphasized that the tavern will not accept reservations, ensuring it remains accessible to locals.