"Royale’s backyard is one of the most pleasant places to hang out in the East Village on a hot summer day. But the dive (which serves an abnormally good burger) is more than just a place where you can drink beer outside. The inside is functionally the neighborhood’s living room—a non-corny Cheers-esque spot where the bartenders know everything about their regulars' lives. Come in during the week, and you’ll be one of them soon enough." - bryan kim, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah