Royal Cafe

I know my entry last week was going crazy over the rain that happened and for some reason this rain which washed over the East Bay has given it a different feeling. The feeling of autumn and coldness. . . it's also the feeling of those romantic/romantic-comedy movies. It's this whimsical feeling, cold weather seems to draw people a little more closer to one another. I hope for a romantic comedy to happen in my life. . . kind of, it's not bad to fantasize. There are plenty of other things to fantasize about like hot chocolate and Netflix. . . oh my goodness!! Since there was this big thing about 'Netflix and Chill', it is time for 'Netflix and Get Cozy' or 'Netflix and Warm-up'. Cold weather calls for something warm, fried chicken and mac 'n' cheese. Hahaha!!

On my search for the best chicken and waffles in the East Bay I heard about Royal Cafe serving their own version of this Southern-breakfast classic. Went here on a Saturday morning around 10 and it was busy. My friend Kira and I waited about 7-10 minutes for a table which we were seated in this cul-de-sac-corner area. It felt a little crowded because there was another table behind us about a yard and another table parallel about a couple of feet. Packed, yet cozy. Kira ordered a BLT sandwich and I ordered chicken and waffles.

It felt like forever till our dishes came out, even though Kira and I had a very interesting conversation about our pasts which, as always, a great way to know a little more about someone. Then after a while I thought it was taking a while because they were frying the chicken as it was ordered and it looked pleasing when it came. The waffles looked exactly like the one's from Roscoe's but I cannot judge a waffle by its exterior appeal. The waffle itself tasted as the generic waffle you can get at a usual diner. I was taken back when I noticed the chicken was boneless, score!!! Just kidding no score, the chicken wasn't flavorful; there was this overwhelming taste of Tabasco. The chicken was tender but it wasn't enjoyable because the Tabasco lingered.  

As for Kira's BLT she stated the bacon was stiff and chewy (not in a good way), the lettuce and tomatoes were fresh, and the bread was the best part of it. Together as a sandwich it was not even close to the price it charged. In other words it wasn't a sandwich which stood out.

Our server was prompt and friendly; nothing much else to say about service in all. Royal Cafe is a local breakfast place which many enjoy from what I observed from the people at the cafe. 
Living in the Pinole, Richmond, El Sobrante, El Cerrito, and Albany area I can say it will be quite a journey this upcoming year. As my search continues to look for standout restaurants in these areas I hope I can learn more and have it standout with the rest of the East Bay area.

PARKING: Street parking and they do have a small parking lot right in front of the location




Royal Cafe - 811 San Pablo Road, Albany, CA
Value - 2/5 Food - 2.5/5
Service - 4/5  
Atmosphere - 4/5 
OVERALL - 3/5