When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Royal Grocer & Co.
Why The Royal Grocer & Co. is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Royal Grocer & Co. is a welcoming family-friendly bar and restaurant located in the heart of Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Known for its blend of historical charm and contemporary dining, this spot offers a spacious, dog-friendly patio and comfortable indoor seating with a lively bar area. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring vegetable-focused dishes alongside select meat and fish options such as fried Green Circle chicken, salt marsh lamb, and Spanish mackerel. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative culinary styles, making it a great place for groups, families, or casual meet-ups. Conveniently situated within a 15-minute walk from the Damen/Milwaukee and Western/Milwaukee Blue Line stations and close to the Kennedy Expressway, The Royal Grocer & Co. is easily accessible. The venue also supports the local craft beer scene, offering brews from renowned Chicago breweries like Pipeworks, Half Acre, and Revolution. With a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and options for private dining or events, it is an ideal gathering place for friends and family to enjoy quality food and drinks in a comfortable setting.
Here's what people think of The Royal Grocer & Co.
As of recent, The Royal Grocer & Co. holds a 4.5-star rating based on 311 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Royal Grocer & Co. highlight the excellent service and accommodating atmosphere, especially for families with children, making it a convenient choice for guests visiting with toddlers. Positive feedback often mentions the quality of the food, especially the happy hour burgers and wings, as well as the enjoyable selection of local craft beers. Reviewers appreciate the restaurant's inviting vibe, dog-friendly patio, and its balance of vegetable-forward cuisine with well-prepared meat dishes. On the other hand, some negative reviews have touched on occasional issues with wait times or the restaurant being busy during peak hours, which might affect the overall dining experience. However, these remarks are generally outweighed by the positive comments praising the food's creativity and the welcoming service team. Overall, the reviews reflect a well-loved neighborhood spot that combines great food, local brews, and a comfortable, family-friendly environment that keeps patrons coming back.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Curtis Maafoh
Royal grocer is an average typical neighborhood spot. There wasn’t too much that stood out. Might try it again more so for the cocktails but otherwise no frills here
Luiz Gabeira
Stumbled upon this and the happy hour was top notch. I got the smash burger and it was fire. Cant wait to come back when it’s nicer weather to chill on the cozy patio.
Lielli Dollah
My husband & I have been frequenting for over a year now. The staff is usually on the rude side, unwelcoming & extremely not attentive. Upon walking in each visit they seem reluctant to seat us based on the kitchen closing an hour before closing time. We know this! You see us often. We come in for a night cap a couple times a week. As far the food goes & cocktails go, it’s been inconsistent for the past year. Food is usually on the salty side & the portions are less than generous given the price points. At times I’ve ordered a cocktail that clearly wasn’t what I ordered, but was told it was after I pointed out the mistake. Tonight I feel the need to leave this review as we stopped in for a night cap. Again with the unwelcoming attitude! Instead of- Hello! Welcome! it was the usual- our kitchen is closed. We took seats at a table. The bartender/server was completely unprofessional when taking our drink order. She slouched up against the banquette where I was sitting. I found that to be completely off putting. Came back with our drinks. He ordered a beer & I ordered a Purple Haze. I couldn’t drink my cocktail as it was poorly made. Obviously it was missing ingredients. We sat there for 45 minutes. Not one time did she come back to the table to check to see if we needed anything. My husband had to get up from the table to ask for our check. We want to love this place it’s a half a block away from our home. Bummed out!
Valeria Stoilova
My family and I have been coming to the Royal Grocer since we moved in the neighborhood in 2018. The staff has always been very kind to us and our children. The food and cocktails are always good, and the brunch is amazing. We will keep coming back and support our local restaurant.
Maureen Cunningham
Could not recommend this place more. From brunch, to happy hour, to dinner the food is always on point and the service is top notch. Staff is 100/10!
How to reach The Royal Grocer & Co.
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Why The Royal Grocer & Co. may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Royal Grocer & Co. with your friends? The Royal Grocer & Co. offers an inviting and comfortable atmosphere perfect for a group gathering. Whether it's a weekend brunch or an evening hangout, this Bucktown gem in Chicago provides a welcoming vibe that feels like relaxing on a friend's spacious apartment deck, complete with string lights and vintage decor. This setting encourages easy conversation and shared moments, offering enough space indoors and a pleasant outdoor patio for warm days. The venue is also family and pet-friendly, making it accessible for groups with different needs. The staff is attentive and accommodating, helping your group feel well cared for, even if you bring along toddlers. With a strong 4.5-star rating from over 300 reviews, it’s clear that many guests appreciate its consistent quality and friendly environment, giving you confidence that your group will have a pleasing experience. In short, The Royal Grocer & Co. combines great ambiance with genuine hospitality, creating a perfect backdrop to catch up, celebrate, or simply enjoy a night out together.
What activities can you enjoy at The Royal Grocer & Co. that make it ideal for a group meetup? The main activity here is, naturally, enjoying a diverse and thoughtfully prepared menu with your friends or family. The Royal Grocer & Co. offers a range of dishes with a particular highlight on their Greek-inspired menu items, such as the chunky pork gyros topped with housemade tzatziki, crispy zucchini chips paired with buttery skordalia, and other fresh, flavorful offerings. This culinary variety makes it easy to cater to varied palates within a group, ensuring everyone finds something to savor. Alongside the food, the venue’s indoor and outdoor seating arrangements support both intimate gatherings and larger groups. The outdoor patio especially becomes a lively, casual space during warmer months, perfect for extended conversations accompanied by good food and drinks. Additionally, the venue serves alcohol including happy hour specials like burgers and wings, enhancing the social aspect of meetups. For groups that include kids or pets, its family- and pet-friendly policies eliminate common barriers for hosting gatherings. Altogether, sharing delicious and locally sourced food, enjoying comfortable seating, and partaking in the vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere are the key activities that make The Royal Grocer & Co. an excellent choice for your next meetup.
Why is the food at The Royal Grocer & Co. a strong reason to choose this spot for a friends or family gathering? The menu integrates fresh, locally produced ingredients that guests consistently praise for their quality and authenticity. The standout Greek dishes inject a unique flavor profile that adds a special touch to your group’s dining experience, setting it apart from typical burger-and-wings joints. Items like their pork gyros with tangy tzatziki create a savory, memorable meal that people look forward to sharing. Though some reviewers noted that certain dishes like burgers and fries may not be the highlight, the overall culinary experience is saved by the freshness and taste of the food served. For groups seeking a blend of comfort food with Mediterranean flair, The Royal Grocer & Co. strikes a satisfying balance. Brunch offerings are also highly recommended, giving your group a vibrant start to the day with sophisticated yet approachable options. As quality food is often the centerpiece of successful gatherings, The Royal Grocer & Co.’s menu helps ensure your group’s time together is deliciously memorable.
What makes the atmosphere at The Royal Grocer & Co. conducive for group socializing? The interior décor features warm string lights and vintage artworks that create a cozy yet stylish setting, encouraging relaxation and lengthy conversations. The indoor bar area provides a more intimate vibe for smaller groups or those seeking a quieter experience. In contrast, the outdoor patio opens up to a bright and airy space, allowing larger groups to enjoy fresh air and a lively environment. This mix of settings makes the venue flexible for different group dynamics and preferences. The casual yet thoughtfully designed space attracts a varied clientele including families, local residents, and pet owners, enhancing the social dynamic by fostering friendliness and inclusivity. This welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for any group—whether longtime friends or mixed family gatherings—to unwind, connect, and build meaningful memories.
How does The Royal Grocer & Co. accommodate groups with specific needs, like families or people with mobility concerns? This venue is notably family-friendly, often praised for its accommodating approach to guests who bring toddlers or young children. Staff members are experienced in managing groups of all sizes and can efficiently cater to the needs of families, ensuring that your experience remains smooth and enjoyable. Accessibility is another important feature: The Royal Grocer & Co. offers wheelchair accessibility, making it possible for guests with mobility challenges to feel comfortable and included in your gathering. The outdoor seating area also provides a spacious, safe environment for kids to move around and pets to accompany their owners comfortably. In addition, the menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options, accommodating dietary restrictions within your party without compromising on flavor. These thoughtful amenities and services demonstrate the venue’s commitment to inclusivity, making it an excellent choice for diverse groups.
When can you visit The Royal Grocer & Co. to host your friends or family, and how does its location benefit group meetups? The restaurant is open most days with a schedule that includes evening hours from Tuesday to Friday and extended weekend hours for brunch and dinner. On Saturdays and Sundays, you and your group can enjoy meals starting in the morning, which is perfect for brunch meetups or leisurely lunches. This flexibility in opening times helps accommodate various plans and time preferences for group gatherings. Located at 2118 N Damen Ave in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, The Royal Grocer & Co. benefits from being centrally positioned with good public transit connections and accessibility by car. This makes it convenient for friends and family coming from different parts of the city. Furthermore, reserving a table is possible, which alleviates stress for large groups planning ahead. The combination of strategic location and accommodating hours ensures your meetup runs smoothly from arrival to departure.
What makes the staff and service at The Royal Grocer & Co. a plus for group gatherings? The staff at The Royal Grocer & Co. are known for their efficient and helpful approach, even if their demeanor can sometimes be described as curt. For groups, this efficiency translates into prompt service without long waits, facilitating a fluid dining experience. The team knows how to handle the needs of families with children and groups who may want to customize their orders or request special accommodations. This attentiveness, combined with skilled teamwork, helps maintain a pleasant pace and atmosphere even during busy periods. Moreover, the staff’s familiarity with the local clientele means they can offer useful recommendations, particularly about their standout Greek dishes or seasonal specials. This knowledge adds to the quality of your group’s visit by enhancing your dining choices and overall satisfaction.
What venue amenities at The Royal Grocer & Co. enhance the meetup experience? Several thoughtful amenities make this establishment ideal for hosting gatherings. Outdoor seating is a highlight, providing a refreshing alternative to indoor dining and perfect for socializing in warm months. The venue is pet friendly, allowing guests to bring their dogs along, which is an appreciated perk for groups that are animal lovers. The presence of gluten-free and vegetarian menu options caters to diverse dietary needs, making it easier for everyone to find suitable dishes without hassle. Wheelchair accessibility underscores the restaurant’s inclusiveness for guests with mobility challenges. Being reservable means your group can secure space beforehand, removing uncertainty and allowing you to focus on the occasion. Lastly, the location is central and well connected, which eases logistics for groups traveling from different parts of the city. These combined amenities contribute to a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free group meetup experience.
Why should you choose The Royal Grocer & Co. over other local options for your next friends or family gathering? The Royal Grocer & Co. strikes a unique balance between friendly, laid-back ambiance and a menu that offers beyond-standard fare, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and some flavorful Greek dishes that add zest and variety. Its family and pet-friendly policies, accessibility features, and accommodating staff make it a comfortable choice for diverse groups. While it may not top every critic’s list for burgers, the overall positive reputation and 4.5-star rating from hundreds of reviews suggest consistent satisfaction among patrons. The combination of pleasant indoor and outdoor spaces, strong community vibe, and flexible hours further enhance its appeal. Whether you plan a casual brunch, an evening dinner, or a weekend get-together, this venue provides a welcoming and enjoyable environment that encourages connection, relaxation, and good times among friends and family.