Royal James Cafe - Beaufort, NC

Attraction: Royal James Cafe
Location: 117 Turner St, Beaufort, NC 28516
Industry: Restaurant
Website: Facebook Page

Nearly eight decades into its storied run, the Royal James Cafe stands as more than just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Beaufort history where authenticity trumps polish every single time.

This pool hall and burger joint has been serving Carteret County for 79 years, earning its reputation as the oldest continually operating business in Beaufort’s historic district.

Known simply as “The James” to locals, this unassuming spot draws everyone from salty fishermen to curious tourists, all united by their love for genuinely great burgers and the kind of no-frills atmosphere you just don’t find anymore.

The magic happens behind a quiet exterior that gives no hint of the treasure within. Step inside and you’ll discover a fairly large restaurant plus a separate pool hall filled with roughly half a dozen antique Brunswick pool tables.

What used to be a drug store with a soda fountain counter is now the bar, creating an authentic slice of Americana that feels frozen in time in the very best way.

Legendary Burgers & Classic Eats

The Famous “All the Way” Burger: You absolutely must try ordering a burger “All the Way” with their famous secret chili sauce, mustard, and onions. The chili sauce is a unique mix of ketchup, mustard, hot sauce and some secret ingredients you’ll never know, and it transforms a simple burger into something truly special. The burgers are hand-patted from 90% lean, fresh ground beef and cooked to perfection on a well-seasoned griddle that’s been feeding hungry folks for generations.

Double Cheeseburgers That Deliver: The double cheeseburger consistently gets rave reviews from visitors who can’t believe how satisfying and flavorful these seemingly simple burgers can be. One longtime customer returned after 20 years and found “The double cheeseburger all the way is still just as delicious as it used to be” – that’s the kind of consistency that builds legends. You’ll notice they don’t offer lettuce as a topping, but with options like mustard, ketchup, mayo, onions, relish, tomato, and bacon, you won’t miss it.

Hot Dogs & Specialty Items: The hot dogs here earn their own devoted following, especially when topped with that signature chili sauce. Beyond burgers, you’ll find classic pub fare including fried shrimp baskets, clam strips, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and various sandwiches like roast beef and turkey melts.

Crispy Fries Worth Sharing: The fries are legendary enough that reviews mention “one order is enough, trust me” because the portions are generous and the quality is consistently excellent. Hot, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, they’re the ideal companion to any burger.

Authentic Dive Bar Atmosphere

Retro Charm That’s Genuine: The retro ’50s Formica, wood, and neon décor creates an authentic charm that feels lived-in rather than manufactured. This isn’t some designer’s interpretation of a dive bar—it’s the real deal, complete with worn floors and exposed construction that tells the story of decades of satisfied customers.

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Discover More

Pool Hall Entertainment: The pool hall features roughly half a dozen antique Brunswick pool tables that provide entertainment alongside your meal. There’s also a world-class jukebox to set the soundtrack for your visit, whether you’re there during a quiet afternoon or a lively evening.

Live Music Weekends: The cafe features live music on weekends, adding to the local hangout vibe that makes this place special. The music ranges from rock to more mellow tunes, depending on who’s playing.

Other Considerations

Cash-Only Pricing That’s Unbeatable: It’s cash only, with an ATM available on site, but the prices more than make up for any inconvenience. Customers regularly mention deals like “For four of us: 3 cheeseburgers, 1 rueben, 1 fry, two beers, 2 teas was $28!” Some visitors report feeding “a family of 6 for $40” including games of pool, making this one of the best values in coastal North Carolina.

Local Institution Status: The cafe has been highlighted in Garden & Gun’s “Guide to the South’s Best Burgers”, as well as Southern Living, Our State, and the Atlanta Constitution-Journal, proving that sometimes the best spots are hiding in plain sight. Despite all the accolades, it maintains its unpretentious character.

Pet-Friendly Outdoor Seating: Dogs are welcome at one of two pet-friendly outdoor tables, making it a great stop during downtown Beaufort walks with your four-legged friends.

Perfect Timing for Your Visit: Many visitors recommend going for lunch to ensure you get the full menu selection, as they buy ingredients fresh for each day and once they run out, items become unavailable. The cafe operates with hours from 11 AM to 10 PM most days, and until 11 PM on weekends.

Royal James Cafe
📍 117 Turner St, Beaufort, NC 28516