"Opened in 2002; closed in 2020 for three years This first iteration of this Philadelphia institution was beloved for its burger and being the kind of neighborhood bar that belonged to everyone, even if you didn’t live around the corner. After a three-year hiatus, Royal Tavern welcomed back regulars and introduced itself to new crab puff devotees in 2023. We’re relieved that the pub still feels unpretentious and warm, and that the food still hits that comfort food zone while always tasting better than whatever knock-off versions you’d make at home. Unless, of course, you’re whipping up burgers with smoked gouda, spicy chili mayo, and charred pickled long hots at 1am on a Thursday." - anne cruz
