Cafe Royale

Corner of Post and Leavenworth

415 441 4099

Nestled at the corner of Post & Leavenworth Cafe Royale strikes quite the pose. This place simply exudes cool understated chic. Part cafe part bar Royale doubles as a nightspot on Friday and Saturday with in house DJs playing House & Beats respectively (9pm to 2am, no cover.)

The main attraction here is the space and what a space it is. Royale's eclectic interior blends a Western saloon feel with a SOHO style cafe giving the eye lots to contemplate as you sip your java. Rich burgundy tones assist as well in calming the soul from the chaos outside.

Feel like stretching out? Then be sure to check out the crescent moon shaped sofa in plush velvet. Royale offers booth seating, spots at the bar and an upstairs balcony where one can seek refuge with a paramour. The message here is relax. Take five, flip through magazines found on the gun metal gray racks at the back, or just lounge while listening to jazz or bossa nova piped in over the sound system. There's also a pool table for those slightly more active types plus a current exhibition of photographs by Conrado Velasco, a regular whose studio is just a stone's throw away. Aspiring models take note.

Along with spiritual nourishment Royale offers the other more traditional kind in the form of baguette sandwiches, calzones, quiche not to mention the standard muffin/croissant fare. With a dozen beers, 6 on draft including Guinness, Boddington's, and Hefeweizen one never goes thirsty. Wine including port are also available for those more refined customers. Service is friendly and courteous. For fun try and spot the photo that has one of the staff in it.

Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 10am-Midnight, Fri./Sat. 9am-2am, Sun. 9am-Midnight.

Ivan Carvalho

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