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The Royal Grocer & Co.
Master Critic Review
The Royal Grocer & Co.
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
The Royal Grocer & Co. is a Bucktown neighborhood bar-restaurant with a big patio, brunch-leaning mains, and a flexible menu that works for casual business lunches as well as family outings. Locally sourced ingredients, a solid burger, and the option for private dining make it useful for both quick project syncs and small offsite meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Royal With Cheese Burger, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Patio-forward Bucktown spot with brunch-y mains, a strong burger, and private dining capabilities that translate well to informal business lunches.
Who should go: Teams wanting patio space or relaxed, family-friendly lunches.
When to visit: Late morning to early afternoon before happy hour crowds build.
What to order: Breakfast Burrito, Royal With Cheese Burger, Chilaquiles.
Insider tip: For meetings, reserve the patio or inquire about the private dining room to avoid TV noise from the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along nearby residential blocks and metered spots on main streets; generally easier mid-day but can be limited during peak dinner and weekend brunch hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and business-casual attire are both appropriate for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate — patio and daytime dining room are workable for conversation; bar area can be louder during games and happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes depending on weather and patio demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; brief delays during peak noon window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, veggie-focused brunch plates, and customizable items.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified; confirm with staff for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — a few naturally gluten-free options and bun substitutions on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime or patio dates — relaxed pacing and a comfortable setting; less ideal if you want a more intimate, low-noise evening vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for weekday lunches and early afternoons; reservations are helpful for large groups, patio seating, or peak weekend times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious patio, flexible menu, and a relaxed environment work well for families; busiest hours may feel crowded for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor/patio lunches, casual project check-ins, and mixed-group outings where brunch-leaning plates and a solid burger keep everyone covered.
Skip if: You need a quiet, formal boardroom-style meeting space or a highly upscale dining experience.