The Royal: Much More Than Just Bar Food

When you think "sports bar," you think of greasy wings, nachos and sliders, followed by copious amounts of cheap beer. Consequently, you might not think of this as up-scale, high-quality food that caters to every type of customer. But undoubtedly, The Royal in New York City's Union Square area is shattering that archaic impression of a sports bar, offering patrons an impressive menu, highlighting a plethora of gluten-free offerings.

It's not shocking that the food is top notch. Executive Chef Daniel Parilla, currently serving as Executive Sous Chef at Minetta Tavern, is at the helm. He created a menu of elevated American bar fare. It offers vegetarian and gluten-free options for both individuals and groups, with a trained staff that can accommodate most diners with food allergies and sensitivities.

As for the menu, The Royal's chicken wings are impressive. You can either order them the traditional way, or you can choose the grilled chicken wing option seasoned with lemon and rosemary (a gluten-free option). The chili is made in-house everyday with the freshest ingredients including black beans, kidney beans, pink beans, Spanish, Californian and Mexican spices and fresh herbs, perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.

This sports bar also doesn't serve an average burger either. The burger can be made gluten-free (sans bun) or served on a sesame seed roll. It uses high-quality Pat LaFrieda beef and comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, kosher dill pickles and Royal sauce, with a choice of salad or French fries. Another treat is the savory side of sautéed vegetables. During the fall, the Royal serves up carrots, Brussels sprouts and haricots verts.

The menu also caters to the die-hard sports fan who finds themselves frequenting the bar at noon for game days and offers a breakfast sandwich with farm eggs, bacon, American cheese, and garlic aioli, all on a sesame seed bun. The menu also boasts classic bar favorites like franks in a blanket, beef sliders and tuna tacos.

The Royal also boasts a DJ and a large dance floor, open on the weekend nights with special SLED lights as well as 45 LED televisions.

For a food lover who also loves their sports with a little something extra, The Royal is a must-try.